Las Vegas, Baby!
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We have adult children with varied interests who live on opposite sides of the country. Where should we vacation in November? We decided on Las Vegas!
Las Vegas is a city that dazzles with its lights, entertainment, and, most importantly for food lovers, its incredible dining scene. For those of us navigating a gluten-free lifestyle, finding safe and delicious options can sometimes feel like a gamble. But fear not—Vegas has a jackpot of gluten-free-friendly restaurants that deliver bold flavors and unforgettable experiences. In addition to the food scene there is a wealth of other activities such as golf, nature activities and of course, gambling. In order to make it Celiac friendly for my son, we chose to stay at a time share property just off the strip. This afforded us each a bedroom, bathroom and a common kitchen where we could prepare food. Be sure to read my Pre-Trip Planning Guide to learn my tricks before we go
On my recent trip, I explored six standout spots: Scarpetta, Ferraro’s, Safta, Amalfi, Lotus of Siam, and Tekka Bar. Here’s how this gluten-free journey unfolded, complete with tasty discoveries and pro tips for fellow travelers.
Preparation:
I did research ahead of time as to restaurants that were Celiac safe using Find Me GF as well as reaching out to friends and family. I found a local FB group for personal restaurant recommendations as well.
We stayed at the Marriott Grand Chateau. It was perfectly located in the middle of the strip, just ½ block off the main thoroughfare. Our first order of business when we arrived was to go to Costco. This was perfect because our unit was not ready for us yet. We picked up lots of GF snacks, everything we needed for breakfasts and lunches, and lots of bottled water. It is very dry in Vegas. It is the desert after all! We now had a perfect home base with lots of GF goodies!
Activities:
There is so much to do in and around Las Vegas that there was no way to do it all in one trip. I made a list of ideas and floated them to the group. We quickly decided that we were not interested in any day trips farther than 1-2 hours from our home base.
The Hoover Dam and Lake Mead were on our list, as was Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire State Park, kayaking down the Colorado River to Emerald Cove, horseback riding, skeet shooting, and golf. Of course, along the Vegas Strip there is so much to see as well. I had been before so I wanted to be sure to show everyone the LINQ promenade where there is a zipline as well as the High Roller observation wheel, the Bellagio with it’s fountains and Christmas decorations, the Venetian with its gondola rides and shops, the Caesar’s with the Forum shops and statues, Paris, New York/New York, and the Sphere! This is just the daytime activities! At night the strip comes alive with amazing shows, concerts and more. There is also downtown Vegas known today as the Fremont Street Experience. I have yet to make it here, but the best zipline is supposed to be here as well as a great light show every evening, live music, restaurants and more.
Even on our abridged list, there was no way we would get to everything. Highlights of our activities included horseback riding through Red Rock Canyon with Cowboy Trail Rides, a scenic drive and hike through Red Rock Canyon and golf at the Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort. For the drive and hike through Red Rock Canyon, you pay an entrance fee for the park, be sure to stop at the educational center and then you can do the scenic drive on your own, or download the “Shaka app” for an entertaining and informative driving tour, pointing out all the things to see and best hikes. You could easily spend a whole day in Red Rock Canyon, or a half day as we did. Paiute Golf Resort is designed by Pete Dye and has 3 courses. Our group played the Wolf course which is the newest of the three. It had a beautiful desert layout which was in perfect condition. It was challenging but fair. We did not make it to the Hoover Dam as they were doing major renovations.
Dining:
Dining in Las Vegas is legendary and we found that most places were well acquainted with Celiac as well as gluten/dairy sensitivities. Having said that, I did lots of research in advance and had a list of about 30 restaurants to choose from that were tried and true based on what I learned. I relied primarily on the Facebook group “Gluten Free Las Vegas” as well as Find Me GF. The week we were there was the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. As soon as we realized this, we started making reservations to ensure that we had good GF options in case it got very busy in town. The truth was that there are SO many restaurants, it was never an issue. I will provide a short description of each place we actually ate at as well as my list of places we did not make it to this trip! Something to look forward to for our next trip!
Restaurants where we ate:
Scarpetta - Located in The Cosmopolitan, Scarpetta is a haven for Italian food lovers, and its gluten-free offerings didn’t disappoint. The restaurant boasts a dedicated gluten-free menu, which immediately put me at ease. I opted for the yellowtail crudo to start followed by the branzino. My son with Celiac had the risotto, though they also have GF pasta. The staff was knowledgeable about cross-contamination, and the view of the Bellagio Fountains from my table added a touch of Vegas magic to the meal.The meal and the service were both spectacular and we all left feeling satisfied and symptom-free.
Safta 1964 - a limited-run residency by Chef Alon Shaya at Wynn Las Vegas, was a highlight of my trip. This Mediterranean-inspired eatery offers gluten-free options that feel both indulgent and fresh. I had the hummus with lamb (brought with a bouquet of fresh veggies to dip instead of pita) to start followed by the salmon. It was all incredibly flavorful. The menu clearly marks gluten-free items, and the staff was happy to accommodate my questions. The vibrant, retro vibe of the space, paired with dishes like pomegranate-braised lamb shank (gluten-free and amazing according to my son), made this a must-visit. Note that it’s only around until the end of 2025, so catch it while you can!
Amalfi - Amalfi by Bobby Flay, located at Caesars Palace, brings the Amalfi Coast to Vegas with a focus on seafood and bold flavors. They offer the freshest of fish and gluten-free pasta, which I paired with a light lemon and garlic sauce—simple, fresh, and perfectly executed. The staff was attentive, confirming that my dish was prepared safely. Dessert was a treat too; the gluten-free cake was moist and decadent, a rare find in a city full of flour-heavy sweets. Amalfi’s bright, airy atmosphere and coastal charm made it a delightful stop on my gluten-free tour.
Lotus of Siam - A short drive from the Strip, Lotus of Siam is a legendary spot for Thai cuisine, and it’s a gluten-free paradise if you know what to ask for. Many Thai dishes are naturally gluten-free, and the staff was well-versed in guiding me. The key here is to avoid soy sauce (which often contains wheat) and stick to dishes with tamari or no sauce at all. The bold spices and fresh ingredients made this a standout meal, and it’s well worth the trip off the beaten path.
Ferraro’s - Ferraro’s Ristorante, a beloved local gem just off the Strip, promises authentic Italian cuisine. This turned out to be a favorite of all our guests so we actually ate here twice! The owner reportedly has gluten sensitivities and all the staff we encountered were extremely helpful in navigating our dietary restrictions. Since we ate here twice, we were able to sample many of the items on their menu. Each time, we left feeling completely full, happy and symptom free! Standouts included the Crudo di Coda Ricciola, Ferraro Salad, Paleo Pasta (an almond flour base which was phenomenal), the Branzino and the Pollo Limone. Don’t miss the almond cookies before you leave! They are gluten and dairy free and DELICIOUS!
Tekka Bar - Tucked inside The Cosmopolitan, Tekka Bar: Handroll & Sake is a hidden gem for gluten-free sushi lovers. Their hand rolls are made fresh to order, and with tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) available. I went for the spicy tuna and yellowtail rolls—crisp, flavorful, and perfectly portioned. The intimate counter seating adds a fun, interactive vibe, and pairing it with sake made it a light yet satisfying meal. It’s a great option for a quick bite between Vegas adventures.
Restaurants for next trip:
Sushi Roku
Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
Sweet Sin LV - GF macarons
The Mayfair Supper Club
Amalfi by Bobby Flay
In-&-Out Burger
Koi Restaurant: Japanese - limited GF menu
RPM Italian
Julian Serrano Tapas
Bouchon at the Venetian
Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House
Casa Playa
Le Thai - in downtown vegas , great reviews
3 little chicks - naturally GF fried chicken sandwiches (ask for GF bun) - owner is GF
Senza Bakery
Allegro in the Wynn - GF NOT marked on menu, but has GF penne and bread
Yellowtail at Bellagio
Giordano’s for GF pizza and pasta
Good Pie Pizza has Detroit Style pizza
Urth Caffe
RA Sushi Bar - has separate GF menu and GF tamari
Wicked Spoon - head chef Mathew has Celiac, only buffet in town that is safe
Lazy Joe’s Fish & Chips
Via Brasil Steakhouse
Galpao Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse - GF options marked on buffet
Naxos Taverna
Anima by EDO in the Gramercy - has a full 8-10 course GF tasting menu
Buddy V’s
Egg Slut in the Cosmopolitin for breakfast
Las Vegas proved to be a gluten-free paradise with the right planning. From Scarpetta’s upscale Italian to Lotus of Siam’s fiery Thai, each restaurant brought something unique to the table. My advice? Call ahead to confirm gluten-free options and mention any sensitivities—most places are happy to accommodate. Whether you’re after fine dining or a casual bite, Vegas has you covered. So pack your stretchy pants and dive into this gluten-free adventure—Sin City’s culinary scene is ready to roll the dice for you!
Have you tried any of these spots? Let me know your favorite gluten-free finds in Vegas!