When I heard there was a new pizza restaurant serving gluten-free pizza in Union Square, I knew it was only a matter of days before I went in and checked it out for myself. And then, when I saw pictures of pizza topped with french fries and other unique foods, I quickly made my reservation. Introducing Ribalta’s Pizza Restaurant located just South of Union Square, a necessary addition to New York City…
Yes the restaurant is known for their pizza and classic Italian dishes, but it is also known for their salads and delicious antipasti. To start, I recommend ordering the seafood salad of shrimp, octopus, and squid in a lemon dressing. The antipasti are small, so definitely order a few. This seafood mix was great! If you’re in the mood for just one kind of fish, the baby octopus, octopus carpaccio, and sautéed shrimp are excellent options, as well. I love meatballs, but it is rare that I can order them at a restaurant given the frequent use of breadcrumbs in the recipe. At Ribalta, the meatballs are gluten free when you ask for no bread! If you’re in the mood for some greens, the avocado salad with spinach and orange slices is light and delicious, and the roasted brussels sprouts are another great way to pack in your greens and protein.
Now to the pizza! Not only is gluten-free pizza crust offered, but GF pizzas are prepared and cooked entirely separate from the gluten-filled pizzas! On the menu, GF is noted next to each pizza that the restaurant recommends ordering gluten free. As you will see, not all pizzas are noted ‘GF.’ This is due to the pizza containing toppings that are subject to cross contamination. If cross contamination isn’t a concern for you, then all pizzas can be made with the GF crust! My friend and I ordered the Americano with no cheese because I am dairy free. Topped with hotdog bites and french fries, this is the most popular pizza at Ribalta and I understand why. Unique, FILLING, and just flat out awesome. My gluten-eating friend commented that she never would have known that the crust is gluten free!
Ribalta has a second location in Atlanta, which is great to hear as we start our NOBREAD Atlanta series! Delicious gluten-free pizza and the flexibility to choose your own toppings; I recommend checking out Ribalta’s Pizza Restaurant ASAP!