Gluten Free Restaurants in Pensacola, Florida
One of the best experiences traveling is when favorite things collide. The East Hill community in Pensacola, Florida, is special because it is nestled near downtown but is also a short distance to the Emerald Coast beaches. You can go one direction to the Perdido Key beaches or the other direction to the Pensacola Beaches. Additionally, it’s a great location for vacationing because it’s near fun things to do and some of the best gluten free dining. Since our whole family eats gluten free, this is a requirement when we travel. We seek out good food! As a result, I have a few recommendations for your next stay in Pensacola. Don’t stop reading if the prospect of eating gluten free doesn’t interest you. These establishments have amazing menus and delicious food for everyone.
On one of our frequent morning walks from the East Hill House, we stumbled upon Jitterbug Beverage Company. We did a double take to tell that it’s a coffee shop, and walking the other direction made us aware of the other vendor in the suite selling record albums. It’s a nice connection to the Jitterbug name. To our surprise, we found the best gluten free treats we’ve eaten in the Pensacola area. Fresh out of the oven, the staff was restocking the pastry cabinet with warm blueberry muffins. I would bet that most people couldn’t tell they had used gluten free flour to bake them they were so good! Because we’re from the south, cornbread always sparks an interest. We loved how they topped it with honey in the baking process – it was beyond yummy! This kitschy beverage shop serves up wine in the evenings and even half price bottles on Wednesdays. What’s not to love about that! Sunday brunch is kicked up a notch with their southern menu featuring a twist on grits with pimento cheese, blueberry maple (gluten free) pancakes or a Spanish Tortilla smothered in chimichurri aioli. It is a great place to hang out with friends any time of the day, and it’s a pleasant walk from the house. If there are people who eat gluten in your group, J’s Bakery is right next door, and it’s known for being the best bakery in town.
South Market Restaurant & Bar recently moved to a new location that offers views of Pensacola Bay off the patio. The menu boasts many marked gluten free options that don’t require tweaks to how they always make the dish. That means you don’t lose any flavor and have choices that aren’t limited to salads. Among the dishes we love are Seafood Mac and Cheese, Fish Tacos, and Oysters. It’s hard to find restaurants that offer gluten free pasta and a total bonus to find it served up the cheesy-seafood way they do! If it’s Taco Tuesday, and that’s what you’re in the mood for, their fish tacos are arguably the best around! Getting a good sampling of the oysters is made more affordable on Wednesday nights when they offer them $10 for a half dozen. My personal favorite is the Rockefeller with a tasty blend of spinach, smoked bacon, and parmesan cheese. I wouldn’t be surprised if you ordered another half dozen. There are so many other delicious sounding items on the menu that keep us going back each time we’re in town.
Pensacola has some age-old establishments, and one of those happens to be among the best places to eat seafood according to the locals. Inside Maria’s Fresh Seafood Market on E Cervantes Street, you will find the Olde East Hill Grill which has an extensive lunch and dinner menu. You will find Po-boys, oysters, shrimp and grits (their cheese grits are some of the best!), and fish and shrimp cooked a variety of ways. We loved the blackened grilled shrimp! The grill would be an easy walk from the East Hill House.
If you’re looking for a healthy treat, stop by the juice bar, The Daily Squeeze Juice Bar & Café, in the East Hill Plaza about a block from the house. They have a variety of stocked, freshly squeezed juices in their cooler or custom order a smoothie at the bar. Either one is a healthy, refreshing way to add to your nutrition for the day. This fun mural is a good photo op and is on the left side of the building. This is a quiet place to sit down and read or work for a while when you’re visiting.
If you’re looking for pizza in a unique location, you should plan a stop at O’zone Pizza Pub Pensacola has some age-old establishments, and one of those happens to be among the best places to eat seafood according to the locals. Inside Maria’s Fresh Seafood Market on E Cervantes Street, you will find the Olde East Hill Grill which has an extensive lunch and dinner menu. You will find Po-boys, oysters, shrimp and grits (their cheese grits are some of the best!), and fish and shrimp cooked a variety of ways. We loved the blackened grilled shrimp! The grill would be an easy walk from the East Hill House.
One of our favorite after dinner activities is to walk across to Lamonte Gelato on the first floor of the Old Sacred Heart Hospital. It’s an authentic Italian gelateria in an historic spot in East Hill. Offering both vegan and dairy free options, sample a few before making your selection. If it’s coffee you’re after, their espresso bar won’t disappoint. This shop has a fun environment that is very lively. Take a board game and stay a while.
We hope you enjoy your visit in Pensacola. Definitely explore the East Hill neighborhood because you never know which hidden gems you might stumble across. Some of the best gluten free restaurants are here!