Eating out when you have dietary restrictions can be a source of stress. Fortunately, more restaurants are adding gluten-free pasta to their menus. If gluten-free is your style, out of necessity or preference, read on to learn about four local eateries with excellent gluten-free pasta options.
Before ordering, keep in mind that there is often a nominal surcharge for gluten-free alternatives. Also, most restaurants pre-cook standard pasta so they can serve it relatively quickly. Gluten-free pasta is more often prepared as it’s ordered, which might take additional time.
Rino’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
This neighborhood restaurant has an extensive menu of pizza, pasta, sandwiches, wraps and wings. I’ve ordered gluten-free pasta from Rino’s before, but this time I tried it as takeout. I opted for the sausage and peppers (without the cheese), a standard offering on the menu, paired with gluten-free penne. I got a generous portion with a small side salad. I even had enough leftovers for lunch!
Rino’s gluten-free pasta is offered for an additional $2 charge. With many choices to consider, I like the pasta fresco with extra-virgin olive oil, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella and garden fresh basil. Or you may be tempted by the fettucine primavera, which comes with fresh veggies served in a butter garlic sauce. You can add chicken or shrimp but, sadly, you will want to avoid the meatballs because they are made with breadcrumbs.
Rino’s even offers a gluten-free pizza. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, the restaurant features several tasty salads such as caprese, Caesar and antipasto. 327 E. Lancaster Ave., Exton, (610) 363-0515 or (610) 363-0516
Stella Blu
I had never been to Stella Blu before, but I was eager to try it when I learned that the restaurant could accommodate gluten-free requests. For my starter, I selected a house salad with romaine and iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, chickpeas and red wine vinaigrette (I passed on the croutons).
I then ordered the chicken piccata with a lemon caper sauce. I was thrilled to find out I could have it with gluten-free spaghetti (for an additional $2). The entree was absolutely delicious—the lemon sauce was divine! The restaurant carries both penne and spaghetti gluten-free pastas. In my experience, it is rare to get more than one option.
Some of the other tempting pasta entrees include angel hair pasta with jumbo lump crabmeat, asparagus, grape tomatoes and garlic in an olive oil lemon white wine sauce. Or, try the seafood and bucatini pasta featuring sautéed onion, shrimp, lobster meat, tomato, fresh basil and seafood basil broth. The cozy restaurant provided attentive, friendly service. 101 Ford St., Conshohocken, (610) 825-7060
Limoncello
Did you know? Limoncello offers a gluten-free penne pasta that can be used in many of its pasta dishes. I opted for one of my favorites, penne alla vodka with pancetta and sweet peas in a vodka rosé sauce. Topped with some freshly grated parmesan, the dish transported me to heaven.
Other pasta options include fusilli rustico bolognese, which includes ragù of tomato and ground beef topped with shaved ricotta salata, and Limoncello’s interpretation of the classic lasagna, with ground beef, fresh spinach, mozzarella, ricotta cheese and tomato sauce.
In addition to pasta, Limoncello offers salads and pizzas as well as a kids’ menu. Both locations offer outdoor seating. Happier Hour is 4–6:30, Monday through Friday. The service is excellent, too! 9 N. Walnut St., West Chester, (610) 436-6230; 499 E. Uwchlan Ave., Chester Springs, (610) 524-3112
Maggiano’s Little Italy
For a restaurant chain with locations across the country, Maggiano’s provides personalized, high-quality service. When I placed my order for shrimp fra diavolo with hand-cut fettuccine, pan-seared shrimp, garlic, tomatoes and diavolo sauce, I requested gluten-free pasta. I also asked for it to be dairy free, and the waiter said that he’d talk to the chef. The chef even came out to speak to me about my restrictions. He explained that he’d be able to easily accommodate my request.
This was a wonderful dish. I was excited to get spaghetti this time—in the past I’d tried the dish with penne. Other delectable choices include shrimp scampi with tomatoes, garlic and lemon butter with aglio olio. Also, you can’t go wrong with a classic like pasta with marinara or meat sauce. 205 Mall Blvd., King of Prussia, (610) 992-3333
What’s your favorite local spot for gluten-free pasta? Share your recommendations in the comments!
- Photos: Diane Cooney
