CAVA

CAVA stands out for its customizable Mediterranean bowls and salads, offering plenty of naturally gluten-free ingredients—think fresh veggies, grilled meats, hummus, and rice. While it's not a dedicated gluten-free facility (so there's always that nagging cross-contact concern), multiple locations have staff who've been trained to help celiac diners: changing gloves, using fresh ingredients, and having a single team member walk an order through from start to finish. Some managers even have gluten allergies themselves, which means you can sometimes feel genuinely looked after—if you speak up about your needs. Still, this is a fast-casual chain with shared prep spaces, so while many celiacs have had good experiences, there's always a bit of calculated risk (and, honestly, a little anxiety) involved. If you're craving big flavor and are comfortable advocating for yourself, CAVA can be a bright spot on the gluten-free landscape.