Nordstrom Cafe

My non-Celiac child wanted a snack while we were out walking through the mall and Nordstrom. We decided to stop in here after seeing the display of pastries, and the cashier asked if we’d like to see a menu. I looked at the time and saw it was nearing lunch, and I still needed to stop at two more places. I asked, unhopeful, if they had any options that were gluten free and safe for a Celiac, and she said yes—anything with a cross next to it.

I also have a mast cell condition which is often triggered by histamines or histamine-liberating foods, so that’s often more limiting than gluten (at least in Seattle). But with my new meds, I substituted spinach (a major trigger for me) for carrots, and got the 6oz petite steak with potatoes (which are a nightshade and can be problematic for other MCAS sufferers, but if I limit potatoes to once, maybe twice a week spaced out, I’m fine).

Anyhow, both our meals were delicious and I’m happy to report I had neither a mast cell reaction nor a murderously painful gluten reaction! Plus, it’s probably the least expensive place I, personally (with all my health issues), can eat safely at.

If you’re okay with a limited, albeit fair-priced (says the Seattleite, mind you) menu of safe meal options, this was great for us and I’d recommend. My meal was cooked to perfection and they took the “gluten allergy—gluten contact allergy: Celiac Disease” (verbatim what I ask servers to relay to the chef) note seriously; and even changed the towel the expediter used to wipe the edges of my plate off as to not risk cross-contamination.

I greatly appreciated the care, attention to detail, and the expertise of the chef, cooks, and overall food handlers as well.

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• 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

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

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

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for keto
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good with other allergies

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

— Somewhat

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?

— Good

Glutened!!! Ordered the gluten free pasta for my child. They gave us gluten noodles. This is obvious because now she is getting violently ill. Unforgivable.

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

— Not at all

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

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

— Poor

I was so impressed with the upstairs cafe. The waitresses were all super knowledgeable about gluten and they double and triple checked our order to make sure they knew who needed gluten free food. They had brown rice pasta for my daughter and she was so happy.

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

— Somewhat

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

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

— Excellent

Lovely place, but I was sick after my salad (I’m a very sensitive Celiac). They also advised me the gf pasta is boiled with the regular pasta

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

— Not at all

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

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

— Average

My friend and I were looking for a quiet place to have lunch near Columbus Circle and they did a great job. Several nice appetizers were labeled GF on the menu, and most of the pasta dishes could be made GF.

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

— Very

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

GF items are marked with a cross. GF pasta and flatbreads available. Ask to speak to the chef and they will help you out! They are very knowledgeable and cautious when seriousness is communicated. No dedicated fryer so watch out for crispy add ons.

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

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 Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Offers outdoor seating

I had the crab, mango, and arugula salad. It usually comes with a toasted baguette, but obviously that was left off. The kitchen is visible to the dining room, and I could hear the waiter report to the chef and the chef report to the rest of the crew that they needed to take celiac precautions. They all switched gloves and use clean utensils. Apparently their previous manager was celiac so they all seemed to be on the same page. The salad was extremely delicious!

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

— Somewhat

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

Margarita Pizza was delicious and waiter/Gabe took extra care. Made pizza in oven to avoid cross contamination!

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

— Very

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