Lona's Lil Eats

22 recent ratings
$$ • Restaurant
Reported to have a gluten-free menu
Safety Rating
19 ratings

As rated by the community

2199 California Ave
St. Louis, MO 63104
Collections
In 6 Public Collections

Most Recent Reviews


Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


If you ask me what I want to get for lunch, Lona's is always the answer. Amazing food. All of the food is gluten free except for wheat wraps, dumplings, and desserts. Portions are very generous. The hill tribe soup is worth trying if it's in season.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings
  • Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for dairy-free
  • Good for dinner
  • Good for kids
  • Good for lunch
  • Good for takeout
  • Good selection of healthy options
  • Good vegan options
  • Good vegetarian options
  • Good with other allergies
  • Offers online ordering
  • Offers outdoor seating
Updated 3 weeks ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Lona’s is one of the few places I can eat and NEVER worry about getting glutened. Their menu is thoroughly marked for allergens and dietary restrictions, and they also only offer two things on their menu that are not gluten free. They have next to no cross-contamination risks in the kitchen and are very well-educated on allergens. The food is also SO incredible, and it’s supported locally-owned family business. Cannot recommend enough if you want tasty food and a safe, stress-free dining out experience

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings
  • Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
  • Dedicated gluten-free fryer
  • Other dedicated kitchen equipment (oven, toaster, pots, pans, utensils, etc.)
  • Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
  • Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for dinner
  • Good for lunch
  • Good for takeout
  • Good selection of healthy options
  • Good vegan options
  • Good vegetarian options
  • Good with other allergies
  • Offers delivery
  • Offers outdoor seating
Updated 1 month ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


We found this place through find me gf and

it was amazing. the cashier was extremely knowledgeable of the very few gluten or contaminated items. my little is allergic to dairy and eggs and could also eat most things. I had the spring rolls and the turkey rice paper wrap and it was delicious!

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 1 month ago read full review

This establishment is NOT a dedicated gluten-free facility and may not be safe for those with celiac disease. Please contact the establishment directly to inquire about safety precautions.

Gluten-Free Features

  • Gluten-Free Menu

Categories

  • Allergy Friendly
  • Dairy-Free Friendly
  • Delivery
  • Dinner
  • Healthy
  • Keto Friendly
  • Kid Friendly
  • Lunch
  • Online Ordering
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Restaurant
  • Takeout
  • Vegan Friendly

Photos


Thai chicken wrap with stir-fried veggies (baby bok choy) on the side
Add a photo View all photos

More Reviews


Overall Rating

Review


I am a loyal LLE customer! I have loved this place since moving to Compton Heights. The food is yummy and now that I have celiac disease, I am overjoyed to know most of my choices are good.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 4 months ago read full review

Gluten Intolerant

Overall Rating

Review


Reasonable prices for the amount you get. Not blown away by the flavor of the food, but would return. Funky cafe vibe with equally funky, kind staff. Almost everything can be gluten-free and the whole staff seemed well versed with the concept.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings
  • Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
  • Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for dairy-free
  • Good for dinner
  • Good for kids
  • Good for lunch
  • Good for takeout
  • Good selection of healthy options
  • Good vegetarian options
  • Good with other allergies
  • Offers online ordering
Updated 4 months ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


The restaurant was very full! The menu doesn't have gf items listed so I asked and the manager said everything on the menu is gluten free except beer, cookies and egg rolls. It was delicious. We'll see yet whether I have a reaction..

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 7 months ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


One of my favorite places to eat in STL. Today they assured me they still very much use GF soy sauce. I have also tested leftovers from there in the past couple months with my Nima and it detected no gluten. Everything is always so flavorful and delicious. Highly recommend!

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 7 months ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Ordered online, options to mark celiac. Staff was friendly. We tried veggie spring rolls and the veggie sampler. Spicy eggplant was my favorite. So far no reactions. Very tasty, excellent flavor

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 8 months ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Celiac and ordered take out lunch for my staff. Selected Celiac Disease for my order. Nothing was marked and 30 minutes later I had full blown gluten reaction. Will not eat from this restaurant again.

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Below Average

Updated 9 months ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Used to LOVE eating here. I found out last visit that they use regular soy sauce so there’s wheat in almost everything- including every single protein. I had a sad dinner of sautéed bokchoy and rice noodles. They haven’t updated their menu- many things are marked gf that are not. Make sure you ask the manager if you plan on eating here. SUPER FRUSTRATING

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 10 months ago read full review

Gluten Intolerant

Overall Rating

Review


Lona’s is my FAVORITE restaurant in St. Louis. Everything is so flavorful, fresh and delicious. My go to order is the big Thai chicken wrap with rice paper, and a side of glass noodles. If I don’t get that, I get a plate with the glass noodles, grilled steak, and lona q or peanut sauce. Everything I’ve ever gotten here has been amazing, there’s quite a few gf options. It’s great if you’re df too! The staff is knowledgeable, friendly and provides excellent service every time. :)

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings
  • Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
  • Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked
  • Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for dairy-free
  • Good for kids
  • Good for lunch
  • Good for takeout
  • Good selection of healthy options
  • Good with other allergies
  • Offers online ordering
  • Offers outdoor seating
Updated 1 year ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Great options and very clear menu labeling

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Had a great dinner here—I also ordered lunch for the next day, knowing I was heading for the airport and wouldn’t have time to get something safe. For dinner, I had the Thai chicken wrap. The cashier helped me pick out a beef bowl for lunch, explaining that the rice paper would get tough if refrigerated overnight. I didn’t love the texture of the cold rice (probably should have picked the glass noodles) but the steak, salad, and viniagrette were great as was the spicy cucumber side dish.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings
  • Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for dairy-free
  • Good for dinner
  • Good for keto
  • Good for kids
  • Good for lunch
  • Good for takeout
  • Good selection of healthy options
  • Good vegan options
  • Good vegetarian options
  • Good with other allergies
  • Offers online ordering
  • Offers outdoor seating
Updated 1 year ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


I absolutely love this place. The food is amazing. The service is so awesome. The wait time is reasonable and the prices are good! I am not from STL but I have come here every visit and it’s the only place I can’t wait to come back for. I wish they had one in Florida! Gotta try it. GF options are almost the whole menu!

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Probably the single best place to eat gluten free in St Louis. Very knowledgeable staff, so many gluten free options, celiac safe. Would strongly recommend

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings
  • Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
  • Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


This local cafe is almost all GF except a couple of labeled items. Delicious rice wraps the Thai one was excellent! No reactions.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Most of the menu is GF and clearly marked. Food was tasty and staff knowledgeable about preventing cross contamination.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings
  • Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Below Average

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


This place is amazing! Employees very knowledgeable, so many options, they have cider, never got sick! If I lived in the neighborhood I would be here all the time! They should really think about franchising!!

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings
  • Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
  • Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
  • Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Gluten Intolerant

Overall Rating

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 2 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


SO GOOD. Almost everything on the menu is GF, it was so exciting to order! Very affordable, great portions. Delicious.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 2 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Many delicious gluten free options, and vegan/vegetarian choices too! They also offer to exchange gloves to prevent any possible cross contamination for gluten.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 2 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Menu is super easy to navigate. Everything was clearly labeled and mostly gluten free.

Ordered takeout and it was a breeze. Food was delicious and I didn’t get sick. Great option for if you want something that feels healthy and fresh.

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 2 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Amazing vibe and super good food. Staff was unbelievable, accommodating and helped our group with all of their orders.

I got the rice wrap Smokey chicken wrap and loved it!

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 2 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


This. Place. Rocks! Celiac safe. Super knowledgeable. Staff is terrific and very helpful. Delightful little neighborhood restaurant. Casual. Good portion sizes. So much flavor! Lots of spice and meat, but options for the vegetarian in our family too. We walked in and said we had never been here before, and they walked us through it. First question from the host was whether anyone had any food allergies. There are not enough stars for this place!! Most places are struggling with staff during the pandemic. If that’s true here, we couldn’t tell. ❤

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 2 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


When you walk in, and the manager asks, “Does anyone here have any food allergies?” you know it’s going to be a safe experience. When they ask for details about what you can/can’t eat and even go to the extent of asking if any of us experience cilantro as “soapy,” we felt so loved and cared for! (My youngest does experience that soapy taste of cilantro.) Everything is so good, and we could eat almost everything!!! Wow! We loved getting to eat all kinds of authentic Chinese food made by an award-winning chef from China. The front house manager went above and beyond to make sure we were well cared for, and he even shared a great story about the awards the chef was nominated for three years in a row! Do yourself a favor—Don’t miss this place!

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for dairy-free
  • Good for lunch
  • Good for takeout
  • Good selection of healthy options
  • Good vegan options
  • Good with other allergies
  • Offers outdoor seating
Updated 2 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Really an outstanding place that is very accommodating to gluten free. Love their rice paper wraps and spring rolls. All of their sauces are safe too. It's hard to find safe Asian food, but this place nails it everytime I go. Great place to support!

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 2 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


I got the vegan stir fry with chicken and glass noodles. It was absolutely delicious

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for lunch
  • Good for takeout
  • Good selection of healthy options
  • Good vegan options
  • Offers online ordering
  • Offers outdoor seating
Updated 2 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Staff were knowledgeable and extremely helpful. You can tell they care about allergies and accommodating their customers’ dietary needs. The rice paper wrap with steak, stir fried noodles, and vinaigrette was delicious. The spicy eggplant was amazing. There are only a couple of gluten containing items in the menu, so cross contamination was not a concern for me.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings
  • Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
  • Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for dairy-free
  • Good for lunch
  • Good for takeout
  • Good selection of healthy options
  • Good vegan options
  • Good with other allergies
  • Offers online ordering
Updated 3 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


online orders and curbside pickup only right now bc of COVID, was great and easy bc the menu is labeled (vast majority is gf) and the online ordering of each item has a option for gluten allergy to select! i got the seasonal soup and Vietnamese spring rolls, very good and no issues!

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for takeout
  • Good with other allergies
  • Offers online ordering
Updated 3 years ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Really tasty and unique! Loved the huge spring rolls and had a tasty beef soup... most of the menu is GF and I felt safe.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 4 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


They were knowledgeable, almost the entire menu is gf, and when we ordered one gluten item for a guest, they double checked with us do we knew that my partner (who has celiac) shouldn't eat it.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 4 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Wonderful selection with all allergies listed, food was amazing and service was fast and friendly!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 4 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 4 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Amazing meal. Most of the menu is gluten free, and the cashier made suggestions on what to order. I was visiting from out of town but would definitely eat here as often as I could. I got the sampler “5 Star” platter with spicy noodles, peanut sauce and spicy sauce, and eggplant as a side.

Updated 4 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Quick, safe and very large portions what more could you want? Will be back.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


All sauces and meats are gf, so you can order everything off the menu except flour wraps and dumplings. It's rare to find an Asian restaurant that is so celiac friendly. I've been many times and have never gotten sick.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


I don’t understand all the great reviews. I went and mentioned gluten free and basically said they use regular soy sauce So if you want 100% gluten free you can only choose from tofu or shrimp and can only have plain rice. I showed him how on the menu there is no symbol that shows the spicy glass noodles have gluten and he said but it’s already mixed with soy sauce... so I think they actually have a very poor understanding of how to label gluten on their menus and falsely advertise

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


This place is really good, and very Friendly. Lots of gluten free options, definitely with the visit.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


The staff are friendly & helpful, and the food is delicious! The gentleman taking our order walked us thru the menu for each of our separate allergies (kids #1 has a pistachio/cashew allergy, #2 allergic to dairy, I am celiac). He was very patient & gave us great recommendations. The entire restaurant is dairy & tree nut free & the only gluten is in the flour tortilla, dumplings & a few individually wrapped desserts. We will definitely be back on our next trip thru STL.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


This is my frequent place in St. Louis area. I go here 2 times or more a month, and the food, service, and GF implementation with their food is consistent and thorough. I cannot say enough about the pleasing use of spices and sauces. Never gotten sick and I'm confident I never will. I'm celiac BTW.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


It was a relief to be in a restaurant that understood. Lots of gluten free options, including sauces. DELICIOUS!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Like others have said everything except the dumplings and flour tortillas are gluten free. Staff was helpful in helping me order and told kitchen staff about my condition to have them take extra precautions (although not really needed). I got a rice paper wrap and the spicy eggplant both were great!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 6 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Everything is gluten free except the flour tortillas (not used frequently) and dumplings. The Lona-Q is amazing.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 7 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Wonderful place for anyone with celiac. Everything except the dumplings are gf. Proteins, sauces, sides, etc are all safe. Wait can be long but it's worth it.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 8 years ago read full review

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