Risotteria - a Gluten Free Restaurant in New York City

Risotteria is a fantastic gluten-free restaurant and resource in New York City. The food is so good, and so affordable, it is frequented by many people without celiac disease or other forms of gluten intolerance. Some of their dishes are available in varieties that also contain gluten, but most things are naturally gluten free. As the name suggests Risotteria's specialty is risotto, a creamy Italian rice dish.

Risotteria serves over 35 different risotto dishes, and about half of them are, in addition to being gluten-free, also vegetarian. Prices range from $8 - $15, and one almost always has leftovers to bring home - the portions at Risotteria are huge!

Risotteria's accommodation of those with celiac disease and other gluten intolerances doesn't stop there. They offer gluten free beer, breadsticks (which are hands down the best gluten free bread product I've had), pizza and panini as well as salads with entirely gluten-free ingredients and dressing. On Tuesday nights Risotteria offers gluten free pasta (It's made from rice) that is indistinguishable from more traditional pasta and is cooked in a properly Italian al dente way. Sometimes gluten free meatballs and sausages are even available.

New York City's Risoteria also has an excellent selection of desserts including a gluten free lemon cheesecake (although it is $7 a slice) and the best chocolate chip cookies I've ever had. Risotteria does a booming takeout and business (I wish I lived in the neighborhood) and also has a small counter for purchasing their specialty gluten-free items - such as bread sticks, bread mix, pasta and desserts.

Risotteria is small with a fairly casual dining atmosphere, and it's almost always absolutely packed. Those wanting to be sure of a table should go earlier (say at 6pm) as opposed to at the more traditional New York City dining time of 8pm. While there is a bench outside, there is nowhere to really wait in the restaurant - something one should definitely take heed of in the winter months. Similarly, those dining should expect not to linger too long after completing their gluten-free meals.

New York City's Risotteria has gotten extensive media coverage for it's great food and excellent accommodation of those with special needs diets. Time Out New York, The Village Voice, New York Magazine and the Food Network, among others have all covered the phenomena that is Risotteria. It is one of the few places I, as someone with celiac disease, can eat out and before sure of a safe, healthy, excellent meal and be joined by a non-celiac who won't even notice the difference in food price or quality.

Risotteria is located at 270 Bleecker Street in New York City and is open 7 days noon - 11pm.