Gluten-Free Restaurants and Dining Guide — Holland, Michigan

My Experience

On a recent visit to Holland, Michigan, I found it to be an excellent destination for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. The town offers a mix of fully dedicated gluten-free spots and restaurants that handle gluten-free requests carefully. Familiar chain options are also available for low-stress meals.

What stood out was how knowledgeable many staff members were about celiac needs. Servers often asked whether an order was for “celiac” and took extra precautions when preparing those meals. As a popular tourist town, Holland seems to have adapted well to visitors with dietary restrictions, which made dining out noticeably easier and less stressful.

Beyond food, Holland has a charming downtown with unique shops and boutiques, pretty lakeside views, and pleasant parks. Windmill Island Gardens and local Dutch heritage sites are worth exploring on a future trip. Overall, Holland offers welcoming service and a variety of gluten-free options, so you can enjoy both great food and local attractions without undue worry.

Dedicated Gluten-Free Dining in Holland, MI

Holland is home to a fully gluten-free bakery: Bliss Bakery and Cafe. They specialize in baked goods, breads, and pastries made in a dedicated, celiac-safe environment.

Gluten-Free Breakfast Options

• Bliss Bakery and Cafe (102 South River Avenue, Holland, MI) — A 100% dedicated, celiac-safe bakery in downtown offering gluten-free, grain-free, and sugar-free breads, bagels, donuts, and more. Check hours before you go; they are typically closed Sunday and Monday.
• Anna’s House (12450 Felch Street, Holland, MI) — A favorite for breakfast with a separate allergy kitchen and careful handling of gluten-free orders. Meals are served separately with allergy markers.
• Lemonjello’s Coffee (61 9th St, Holland, MI) — A downtown coffee shop with gluten-free muffins, cookies, and packaged snacks. Staff will clean equipment when informed of dietary needs.
• Bowerman’s Blueberry Farm (15793 James Street, Holland, MI) — In the farm store you’ll find gluten-free donuts from Kind Crumbs and some pre-thawed gluten-free items in a dedicated display case.

Gluten-Free Lunch and Dinner Options

• Crust 54 (45 E. 8th Street, Holland, MI) — Although pizzas are prepared in a shared kitchen, staff use a separate oven, utensils, and gloves for gluten-free orders and mark celiac orders for extra care. Portions are large and the gluten-free pizza is solid.
• Mezkla (64 W 8th St, Holland, MI) — Specializes in tacos and Mexican street food. Many items are naturally gluten-free and chips are made offsite. Despite clear guidance from staff, I experienced cross-contact issues on my visit, so caution is advised.
• Mizu Sushi (99 East 8th Street, Holland, MI) — Holland’s primary sushi spot with many gluten-free items clearly marked and gluten-free soy sauce available on request.
• Poquito (90 West 8th Street, Holland, MI) — A tapas-style restaurant with many naturally gluten-free small plates suitable for sharing.
• Salt and Pepper Pub (11539 E Lakewood Blvd, Holland, MI) — Offers a separate gluten-free menu including salads, steak, balsamic chicken, and several burgers. Fries are not gluten-free, but mashed potatoes and some chips are marked gluten-free.
• Hops on 84 East (84 East 8th Street, Holland, MI) — Publishes a gluten-free menu with salads, tacos, burgers, and pizza along with various drinks.
• Waverly Stone Gastropub (20 W 8th St, Holland, MI) — Offers gluten-free buns, cocktails, cider, gluten-free pasta, and other options. Menu labeling is limited, so confirm choices with your server.
• Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant (216 Van Raalte Ave., Holland, MI) — Waterfront dining with gluten-free items noted on the menu, including gluten-free buns and cauliflower crust pizza. Fries are in a shared fryer but mashed potatoes are available as a side. They also offer a gluten-free espresso crème brûlée.

Gluten-Free Dessert Options

• Bliss Bakery and Cafe (102 South River Ave, Holland, MI) — A wide variety of gluten-free desserts, including cupcakes and cookies, all made in a dedicated facility.
• Le Bon Macaron (186 S. River Ave, Holland, MI) — Macarons are naturally gluten-free, though some flavors may contain gluten. Staff recommend alerting them about celiac needs so they can select macarons with clean gloves or paper to reduce cross-contact.
• Peachwave Yogurt (6 W 8th Street, Holland, MI) — Many frozen yogurt flavors are marked gluten-free. Ask for toppings from staff to limit cross-contact.
• Captain Sundae (365 Douglas Avenue or 247 W. 40th St., Holland, MI) — Offers gluten-free soft serve and will clean equipment and take precautions for dietary needs when requested.
• Whit’s Frozen Custard (206 S River Ave, Holland, MI) — Lists gluten-free options and offers gluten-free cones.
• Kilwins (62 East 8th Street, Holland, MI) — Sells ice cream with gluten-free flavors and will use a fresh tub and clean scoop on request; chocolates and fudge are made on shared lines.

Gluten-Free Dining in the Surrounding Area

Holland’s location makes it easy to visit nearby towns with more gluten-free choices. Grand Rapids (about 30 miles) and Saugatuck-Douglas (about 15 miles) offer additional options, including two fully gluten-free spots in Grand Rapids:

• Papa Chops Eatery (2222 28th St., Grand Rapids, MI) — A 100% gluten-free restaurant with a wide menu that includes pizza, burgers, sandwiches, fried foods, and salads.
• Rise Authentic Baking Co. (1220 W Fulton Street, Grand Rapids, MI) — A 100% gluten-free, allergen-friendly bakery where everything is vegan and free from many common allergens.

Chain Restaurants in the Area

If you prefer familiar chains, Holland and its surroundings have several that offer gluten-free options, including:

• Chick-fil-A
• Chipotle
• Five Guys

Holland, Michigan Traveler’s Tips

• Downtown: Many gluten-free friendly restaurants are in Holland’s downtown shopping area, which has ample parking and is pleasant to explore on foot.
• Check the Hours: Several restaurants and shops close on Sundays and Mondays and many downtown stores close around 5:30 p.m. Plan for lunch if you want time to dine and shop.
• Farmer’s Market: Holland’s Farmer’s Market runs Wednesdays and Saturdays from mid-May through mid-December and is a great spot for fresh produce.
• Beaches: Holland State Park is one of the most accessible beaches and tends to be a preferred spot. Free public access areas can be small and crowded; some beaches require uphill walks out, so plan accordingly.

Gluten-Free Recipes You’ll Love!

While you’re here, consider trying some popular gluten-free recipes recommended by locals and visitors: