Going Gluten-Free On Cape Cod

The gluten-free trend in contemporary cooking is sweeping every corner of the country, even old Cape Cod. Advocates believe that cutting down or cutting out gluten will improve overall health by cutting carbs, which helps prevent an excess of sugar buildup in the bloodstream. But for some people, living gluten free is a medical necessity. Celiac Disease sufferers risk internal damage if they consume gluten.

Unfortunately, for people who must totally avoid gluten, there is only one certifiably, 100 percent gluten free (GF) establishment on Cape Cod, Idgy’s Gluten Free Dining in South Yarmouth. But many other eateries make efforts to cater to both the gluten-free-by-choice and Celiac Disease sufferers. For diners in the latter category, it is best to inquire as to the possible degree of cross-contamination.

Here are some good bets for the gluten-free:

Idgy’s Gluten Free Dining, 23S Whites Path, South Yarmouth

Featuring homemade, 100 percent gluten-free breads, baked goods and entrees, Idgy’s is the only place on Cape Cod where you can eat a bread pudding and not consume a ton of gluten with it.
Don’t miss: GF cranberry-orange bread, cinnamon rolls, paninis

Scottish Bakehouse, 977 State Road, Vineyard Haven

Although many items on the Bakehouse’s main menu contain gluten, they’ve hired a special GF baker to whip up a variety of products that are available every day on a separate menu.
Don’t miss: GF tamari stir fry, millet apple cinnamon bread, GF brownies

Chatham Fish and Lobster, Cornfield Marketplace, 1291 Main St. Route 28 Chatham

A seafood market cherished by GF diners and fish-lovers alike, this restaurant features gluten-free fried seafood served soon after coming ashore.
Don’t miss: Seafood tacos

Guapos Tortilla Shack, Staples Plaza, Orleans

All of your southwestern needs, from fajitas to chili to a burro bowl can be made gluten free at Guapos. Ask for their dedicated GF menu.
Don’t miss: Guapos Fajitas

Clancy’s Restaurant, 8 Upper County Road, Dennis Port

A famed seafood establishment with its own GF menu, Clancy’s features what may be the only GF lobster roll on the Cape – stuffed, of course, with fresh Cape lobster.
Don’t miss: GF lobster roll, GF chocolate chip cookie ice cream sundae

Wicked Fire Kissed Pizza, 680 Falmouth Road, Mashpee

Wicked Pizza offers a full range of GF pies cooked in a 700-degree stone hearth oven, as well as a host of other menu items. They keep their GF products as separate as possible from the glutinous ones, use a 200-year-old strain of yeast from Italy, and have unique topping combinations.
Don’t miss: Crispy eggplant pizza, Bolognese fusilli

Hearth ‘n Kettle, locations in Hyannis, South Yarmouth and Orleans

Traditional American fare and seafood is what this local chain specializes in. They have many dedicated GF options clearly marked on their breakfast, lunch and dinner menus.
Don’t miss: Lemon-blueberry oatmeal pancakes, Southwestern veggie burger

Here are some other establishments known for their gluten-free offerings, listed by area:

British Beer Company, 46 MA-6A, Sandwich, 263 Grand Ave, Falmouth, 412 Main St, Hyannis

White Lion Baking Company, 439 Nathan Ellis Hwy #1, Mashpee

Beth’s Bakery & Café, 16 Sunrise Ln, Sandwich

Palio Pizza, 435 Main St, Hyannis

BZ’s Pizzeria and Mexican, 682 Main St, Dennis Port

Not Your Average Joe’s, 793 Iyannough Rd, Hyannis

Bass River Burrito & Fish Co., 231 MA-28, West Dennis

Green Lotus Café, 349 Main St, Hyannis

Sunbird Café, 85 Route 6A, Orleans

Rock Harbor Grill, 18 Old Colony Way, Orleans