An ideal beach day on Long Beach Island (LBI) includes relaxing in the sun, enjoying the ocean breeze, and of course, grabbing a tasty meal afterward. But for those of us with celiac disease, finding safe and delicious gluten-free options can be a bit of a challenge, especially when it comes to dinner.
It can feel like gluten-free choices are limited on the island with many restaurants focusing on seafood and bread-heavy dishes. But don’t worry—There are definitely places where you can enjoy a great meal without the stress. After my celiac diagnosis in September of 2024, I was curious as to where I would be able to eat on LBI this upcoming summer. So, I’ve done my research and made some visits, and I’ve rounded up the top 10 gluten-free spots on LBI (plus bonus spots!) that offer delicious and safe options for anyone who is gluten-free or has celiac disease. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a more relaxed dining experience, these spots have something for everyone.
⭐My 10 Favorites (in no particular order)
Wally's
If you’re heading to Surf City, do not miss Wally’s, which is located just over the bridge and is hands-down the best spot for anyone who is gluten-free, or living with celiac disease. Wally’s isn’t just “gluten friendly”—They’ve gone above and beyond with a full gluten-free menu (yes, front AND back!) covering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even dessert.
Now, if you have celiac disease like me, I already know what you’re thinking… Is this too good to be true? What about cross-contamination?
Drumroll please—Wally’s is the real deal. While not a dedicated GF facility, Wally’s has a completely separate cook station and fryer just for gluten-free orders. No shared surfaces. No cross-contact. Just safe, delicious food.
From fluffy French toast and flavor-packed burgers, to warm, melt-in-your-mouth donuts, Wally’s is a-gluten free dream come true. Whether you’re soaking up the summer on LBI or making the trip from out of town, it’s 100% worth it.
Restaurant Information:
Address: 712 Long Beach Blvd, Surf City, NJ 08008
Business Months: Year-Round
Click here to see the menu
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Parker's Garage
Located in Beach Haven, Parker’s Garage is truly a gluten-free paradise. They go above and beyond for gluten-free options, offering a dedicated gluten-free fryer—a rare and wonderful find for those with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Even better, word has it that their gluten-free crab cakes are a must-try. Whether you’re looking for a safe and satisfying meal or just want to indulge without worry, Parker’s Garage is a standout spot you won’t want to miss!
Restaurant Information:
Address: 116 Northwest Ave, Beach Haven, NJ 08008
Business Months: Seasonal
Click here to see the menu
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Black Whale
If you’re looking for a classy dinner after a long day on the beach, Black Whale is definitely a spot to check out. While I haven’t had the chance to dine there yet, I’m excited to visit this summer to explore their gluten-free options. They offer a dedicated allergy menu, and from what I’ve heard, many of their dishes are already gluten-free! Although I can’t personally vouch for their Celiac safety practices just yet, it’s so encouraging to know that there’s another restaurant on the island that’s mindful of gluten-free diners. It’s always a win to have more safe and delicious options on LBI!
Restaurant Information:
Address: 100 N Pennsylvania Ave, Beach Haven, NJ 08008
Business Months: Seasonal
Click here to see the menu
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Queen City Kitchen
Although I haven’t had the chance to visit yet, Queen City Marina & Kitchen in Beach Haven is high on my list—and after seeing their extensive gluten-free options, I know I’ll be making the trip many times this summer. Their menu is packed with gluten free choices like lobster corn chowder, bowls, steak skewers, and even gluten-free pizza—and honestly, I want to try it all!
They’ll be serving breakfast and lunch during the summer months, and on Fridays, they turn things up with live music and a taco truck—what more could you want? Whether you’re gluten-free or dining with a group, Queen City Marina & Kitchen offers something for everyone, plus immaculate beachy vibes. If you’re GF, this spot is absolutely one you need to check out!
Restaurant Information:
Address: 525 2nd St, Beach Haven, NJ 08008
Business Months: Seasonal
Click here to see the menu
Jersey Girl Grill
Jersey Girl Grill is truly a gluten-free gem on LBI. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with an impressive variety of gluten-free options at every meal. You’ll find gluten-free wraps, rolls, and house-made corn nacho chips on the menu—and they even offer a gluten-free breakfast pizza, which sounds delicious!
For dinner, they continue to shine with dishes like gluten-free chicken al pastor, chicken capri, fresh salads, bowls, and so much more. What makes Jersey Girl Grill even more special is the heart behind their gluten-free efforts: the owner is personally knowledgeable about Celiac disease, inspired by a close friend who struggled to find safe meals and often became sick after dining out. Her experience motivated her to create a menu that’s not only gluten-free but also Celiac-safe.
Places like this are rare, and I am so grateful for Jersey Girl Grill’s dedication to making sure gluten-free people have a safe, welcoming place to enjoy a meal. It’s truly a must-visit spot when you’re on the island!
Restaurant Information:
Address: 1101 Long Beach Blvd, Long Beach, NJ 08008
Business Months: Seasonal
Click here to see the menu
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Dio's
Next up on my list and just a short distance from Wally’s is Dio’s Café, an absolute hidden gem for the gluten-free community. Before my celiac diagnosis, one of my favorite beach traditions was grabbing a Wawa sandwich to take with me. Losing that simple pleasure was tough—until I found Dio’s.
Let me put it this way… If you’re gluten-free, Dio’s should be your new Wawa.
They offer seriously amazing sandwiches that are perfect for grabbing on the go or enjoying at one of their indoor tables. And if you’re still hitting up bagel shops on the island for one of those sad, frozen GF bagels in plastic wrap, I promise you… You’re missing out.
Dio’s breakfast sandwiches are next level—delicious, satisfying, and most importantly, safe. They have an entirely separate prep area just for gluten-free orders, so cross-contamination isn’t a concern.
I’ve been to Dio’s several times since my diagnosis, and I can honestly say the staff is the kindest you’ll meet. They genuinely care about doing things right, and it shows. The owner even has celiac disease in their family, so they truly get it.
Even if you’re not GF or don’t have celiac disease, Dio’s is still a must-visit spot on the island. But, for my fellow gluten free people? This place will be your new obsession.
Restaurant Information:
Address: 512 Long Beach Blvd, Surf City, NJ 08008
Business Months: May – November
Click here to see the menu
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Skipper Dipper
Skipper Dipper in LBI is a must-visit spot—especially if you’re gluten-free and craving something sweet!
I went a few times before my celiac diagnosis, and it was amazing! Be ready for a bit of a wait though. There’s almost always a line (and for good reason).
What’s really exciting is that they offer a nice selection of gluten-free options, including GF sugar cones and GF wafer cones. How cool is that?!
That said, I haven’t been back since my diagnosis, so I can’t personally vouch for their celiac safety practices. However, the reviews I’ve seen are really encouraging and it sounds like they are allergy aware. In my experience, places that offer gluten-free flavors and cones are usually well-informed and happy to accommodate if you explain your needs.
If you decide to go, definitely ask questions and advocate for yourself—But this spot looks promising for a sweet summer treat!
Restaurant Information:
Address: 9305 Long Beach Blvd, Long Beach, NJ 08008
Business Months: May – September
Click here to see the menu
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Ship Bottom Ice Cream
Just like Skipper Dipper, there are other fantastic gluten-free ice cream spots on LBI—and one of them is Ship Bottom Ice Cream! They offer a wide variety of gluten-free options, and their ice cream is absolutely delicious. I had the chance to visit before my Celiac diagnosis, and it was such a wonderful experience that I can’t wait to go back and explore their gluten-free selections. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat after a beach day or a fun dessert stop with friends, Ship Bottom Ice Cream is definitely worth a visit!
Restaurant Information:
Address: 1801 Long Beach Blvd, Ship Bottom, NJ 08008
Business Months: Seasonal
Click here to see the menu
Surfside Coffee House
Although I’ve never personally visited Surfside Coffee House, the rave reviews have me incredibly excited to try it. One of the owners has celiac disease, so they’ve gone above and beyond to ensure a safe experience for gluten-free customers, including a dedicated toaster for gluten-free items. They offer a delicious range of gluten-free options — bagels, sandwiches, muffins, and even donuts! It’s rare to find a spot with such a variety of choices that are truly safe for us who are GF. How amazing is that?
Quick bites are a common trend on LBI, but this place truly stands out, especially when you consider the care they put into providing a safe, dedicated space for gluten-free foods. With thoughtful precautions and an impressive menu, Surfside Coffee House is not just a stop for a quick meal—It’s a must-visit for anyone looking for a reliable, safe, and delicious breakfast on the island. I’m excited to make it my go-to spot this summer, and without a doubt, it absolutely deserves a place in my Top 10 Gluten-Free Places to Eat in LBI.
Restaurant Information:
Address: 1901 Long Beach Blvd, Surf City, NJ 08008
Business Months: Seasonal
Click here to see the menu
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Baked on the Beach
Baked on the Beach is one of my favorite spots for a sweet treat! They offer an amazing variety of cupcakes, cookies, brownies, muffins, and more. Before my diagnosis, I was obsessed with their cinnamon roll (unfortunately not GF)—But it’s seriously next-level delicious.
Now, I’m so grateful they have gluten-free options that are just as tasty. I even asked about their baking practices, and they assured me there’s no cross-contamination, which is such a relief.
One of my favorite things? Their muffin flavor rotates regularly, so there’s always something new to try—which keeps me coming back! Everything is super high-quality, and you can tell they really care about what they make. Truly something for everyone here!
Restaurant Information:
Address: 2101 Long Beach Blvd Surf City, NJ 08008
Business Months: Year-Round
Click here to see the menu
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✨Bonus Spots!
Burger 25
If you’re in the mood for a delicious burger, Burger 25 is a solid choice. While their gluten-free options are a bit limited, they do offer GF buns and lettuce wraps—perfect for keeping it simple.
A heads-up for my fellow celiacs… The fries are cooked in a shared fryer, so unfortunately, those are off-limits. But if you’re just looking for a quick, satisfying burger, this spot delivers.
They also serve breakfast sandwiches, and you can ask for those on a GF bun as an option as well.
I’ve only been to Burger 25 back when I was eating gluten, and it was so good. These days, my GF friends can still enjoy a solid meal here, especially if you’re not super sensitive. But for strict celiacs like myself, this one is a personal choice. If you’re comfortable with the setup, it can definitely hit the spot.
Restaurant Information:
Address: 1915 Long Beach Blvd, Ship Bottom, NJ 08008
Business Months: Year-round
Click here to see the menu
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Fusaro Pizza
If you’re gluten-free and heading to the LBI area this summer, you have to check out Fusaro Pizza in Manahawkin!
While it’s not a dedicated gluten-free facility, Fusaro’s takes celiac precautions seriously. The staff is knowledgeable, careful, and makes every effort to ensure your meal is safe. I’ve had their gluten-free pizza, and let me tell you—It’s incredible.
You know that sad, cardboard-like frozen pizza that most places pass off as gluten-free? Yeah… This is the complete opposite. Fusaro’s GF crust is delicious, fresh, and completely crave-worthy.
I believe the pizza is the only gluten-free item on the menu, but the good news? You can customize it however you like There are tons of topping options to make it your own. If you’re gluten-free, this place will blow your mind.
Restaurant Information:
Address: 31 N Main St, Manahawkin, NJ 08050
Business Months: Year-round
Click here to see the menu
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The Local
The Local is known for its wild drinks and mouth-watering deli sandwiches. If you’re not gluten-free, I highly recommend checking it out.
For my gluten-free friends, it’s still worth a stop—especially if you’re looking for a quick and safe sweet treat. They carry a variety of goodies from local bakeries, all individually packaged to prevent cross-contamination. I’ve tried the mint Oreo cookie, the brookie, and the Fruity Pebbles rice crispy—and every single one was delicious.
Some of their drinks and pre-made sandwiches are gluten-free too, but I’d recommend double-checking with the staff just to be safe!
Restaurant Information:
Address: 604 Central Ave, Ship Bottom, NJ 08008
Business Months: Year-round
Click here to see the menu
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Playa Bowls
Located in both Surf City and Beach Haven, Playa Bowls is an absolute must-visit. Not only are their bowls delicious, but they are also super allergy-friendly, which makes them a go-to spot for anyone with dietary restrictions. They even offer gluten-free granola, which doesn’t taste any different from the regular one.
After a long, hot day in the sun, nothing hits the spot quite like one of their refreshing açaí bowls. I’m especially obsessed with the Nutella Bowl. It’s packed with açaí, gluten-free granola, Nutella, coconut flakes, bananas, and strawberries. Pure heaven.
With a huge variety of options to choose from, Playa Bowls makes it easy (and exciting!) to find something you’ll love. Definitely a summer staple.
Restaurant Information:
Address:
- Beach Haven: 806 N. Bay Ave, Beach Haven, NJ 08008
- Surf City: 518 Long Beach Blvd, Surf City, NJ 08008
Business Months: Seasonal
Click here to see the menu
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Dolce Liberta (Manahawkin)
While this Italian gem isn’t technically on LBI, it’s only about 10 minutes from the bridge, and 100% worth the short drive. If you’re craving a classy, upscale dinner with a ton of gluten-free options, this is your spot.
I’ve been there multiple times and have tried the mozzarella sticks, calamari, and the gluten-free penne vodka with chicken… and let me tell you, no notes. Everything is absolutely delicious. Honestly, the fact that they offer these GF options at all is incredible, and I’m beyond grateful.
While it’s not a dedicated gluten-free facility, the staff is always knowledgeable and incredibly attentive. The servers take the time to understand your dietary needs and go out of their way to make sure your meal is safe and celiac-friendly.
This place checks every box: Great food, great service, and real peace of mind.
Restaurant Information:
Address: 100 McKinley Ave, Manahawkin, NJ 08050
Business Months: Open Year Round, Closed on Mondays.
Click here to see the menu
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While it’s clear that finding gluten-free options on Long Beach Island can be a real challenge—especially when it comes to dinner—I’m grateful for the few places that make it possible. It’s not always easy to find restaurants that are truly celiac-friendly, and there are times when it feels like the island is lacking in safe options. That said, these top 10 spots have given me the chance to enjoy a meal out without the constant worry. While I wish there were more restaurants offering gluten-free choices, I’m thankful for the ones that do, and I can only hope that, in time, more places will follow suit.
Hi! My name is Katie Kline —I’m 23 years old and currently pursuing my Master’s degree in School Counseling at The College of New Jersey, where I also earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. In September 2024, I was diagnosed with celiac disease, which completely transformed the way I live. Like many, I turned to social media for support, inspiration, and ideas — and that’s when I decided to start sharing my own journey. From navigating a new lifestyle to discovering the best gluten-free spots around New Jersey, I’m here to help others going through similar changes. Whether you’re gluten-free or just curious, I hope you enjoyed this article — and if you did, I’d love for you to check out my socials and follow along!
You can find me on both Instagram and TikTok @glutenfreewithkt
