Best Gluten Free Italian in Oklahoma City

Johnny Carino’s has long been a comfort spot for Italian cravings, and the big headline here is their dedicated gluten-free facility status—something that instantly puts celiac diners at ease. The kitchen uses separate utensils, pots, and prep areas for every dish, meaning those worries about stray crumbs or mixed noodles can finally take a back seat. There’s a solid lineup of pastas and even gluten-free pizza, so you’re not stuck with salad while everyone else tucks into hearty entrees. Sure, the menu isn’t endless and some folks wish for more variety (and maybe a little bread on the side), but honestly, isn’t it a relief to eat Italian without that nervous double-checking?

Patrono brings a warm sense of possibility to gluten-free Italian dining in OKC—even if, like me, you sometimes brace for disappointment at "regular" restaurants. While it's not a dedicated gluten-free kitchen, the staff here consistently demonstrate real care: servers are well-versed in celiac safety, dishes are clearly marked, and they'll talk through every detail without batting an eye. The house gluten-free bread is legendary (seriously, you might want to hug your server), and nearly any pasta can be made GF. Still, because everything's prepared in a shared space, there's always that tiny background hum of cross-contact risk, but for many in our community who weigh those odds carefully, Patrono feels like a rare and genuinely welcoming treat.

The Loaded Bowl is a vegan comfort food haven with a surprisingly broad gluten-free selection—think mac & cheese, loaded bowls, and even decadent cookies—all clearly marked on their menu. While the kitchen isn't dedicated gluten-free, they do offer a dedicated fryer and staff seem well-versed in allergy protocols, which is a breath of fresh air in Oklahoma City. Many celiacs report safe experiences and attentive service, though there's always that background hum of caution since it's not a 100% GF facility. Honestly, if you’re used to playing the gluten-free guessing game, this spot feels like a place where you can finally relax (well, almost) and just enjoy your meal—just make sure to ask questions about cross-contact if you're super sensitive.