Louisa's Pizza World

Louisa’s Pizza World in Reading, Ma is now offering gluten-free pizza crust! This crust is also free of dairy, soy and nuts (contains eggs) and is made in a dedicated gluten-free facility.

On our visit we tried the plain cheese pizza . It was terrific!  Keep in mind that the crust is available only in the small, or personal size, which is about 7 inches. We were happy to learn that employees use a dedicated gluten-free tray for this pizza and staff training was included before implementing the pizza on their menu.

Also on the menu were plenty of salads (naturally gluten-free, or modifiable) and Ken’s Dressing packets, displaying ingredient lists.  There is no dedicated fryer, but they will bake French fries in the oven for you!

Delivery available. Closed Sunday.

Another place to go for amazing gluten-free Chinese in Massachusetts!  Oye’s Restaurant & Bar  is located in Reading and serves Chinese and Japanese cuisine.  Their gluten-free menu includes over 35 choices!

On our visit we tried the Crispy Chicken Roll which contained flavorful chicken and vegetables surrounded by a crispy tofu wrap.  Also enjoyed were the General Gau’s Chicken (contains corn starch), which had just the right amount of heat, and the Pork Fried Rice.

All of the gluten-free items are prepared in a separate, designated gluten-free area of the kitchen.

Open 7 days a week. Stop by to see  live jazz musicians every Friday evening!

Toppings are available for $1.00

If you have any room left after the pizza ,walk a few feet over to Gregory’s ice cream stand and treat yourself to an  ice cream or slush   !

 Ice cream stand open during summer season only.

Halibut Entree

Ristorante Pavarotti , located in downtown Reading, MA, serves up authentic Italian dishes in a casually elegant atmosphere.  The Italian born and trained owner, Massimo Fiume, is able to accomodate customers with food restrictions as each plate is made to order. On our visit, we were told that gluten-free pasta is available with sufficient notice (24-48 hours).  Sadly, we did not call in advance, but we were still treated to a delicious meal.  I chose the Chicken Alla Marsala which was prepared without dredging in flour before sauteeing.  A side of roasted potatoes replaced the glutinous pasta and proved to be a fine substitution!  The other dish was also well prepared. It was the gluten and dairy-free Halibut Tropeano.  A fresh, buttery tasting (but it really was dairy-free!) piece of halibut was sauteed with asparagus, pearl onions, cherry tomatoes and a white wine sauce.  Speaking of wine, an extensive variety is available nightly.

Also on Main street in downtown Reading is the Venetian Moon Restaurant.  This restaurant gives you another good reason for not having to travel into the North End to find satisfying Italian dishes.  Although well known for their incredible martini bar, they also have flavorful, made to order entrees that, in most cases,  can be altered to be allergen friendly.  There is not a gluten-free menu but our thorough server was knowledgerable about my needs.  She even suggested some potato vodka martinis that would be a safe choice.  I did not indulge in a martini, but rather in a scrumptuous Chicken Saltimbocca that was served with perfectly cooked broccoli to replace the pasta.  I look forward to another visit!

Swiss Bakers, located at the train depot in Reading, bakes gluten-free bread on site.  They offer a white bread and a cinnamon bread. Tapioca, rice and cornstarch are used for the flours and evaporated cane juice is used as a sweetener. The bread does contain egg and dairy. You can buy it off the shelf like I did or, to ensure that there is enough in stock, order in advance.  They cost just over $6 per loaf.  The loaves are on the smaller side so if you have more than one celiac in your household keep this in mind. We bought an extra loaf of the cinnamon bread and it made an excellent french toast the next morning for breakfast.   Also offered are macaroons which are gluten-free and do not contain any nut flavorings (contain egg whites). 

Swiss Bakers loaf of white bread