Gluten-Free Los Angeles: Osteria Mozza | April, Anti-Gluten Activist

Article courtesy of: April Peveteaux, GIMB

Well I’m feeling great today, people. Other than my prosecco headache, that is. But still, no gluten’ing after chowing down in a super popular, super fancy restaurant that I’d assumed was off-limits makes me very, very, happy. Very. I am sad that the photos I have from last night’s amazoids dinner are not so hot. So I will cheat and use some from the website. Like that first one. That’s nice, right?

Osteria Mozza is one of those places everyone talks about wistfully, but I always cursed because, Italian. I don’t know how I didn’t get the memo that they were super gluten-free and other allergen friendly, but now that I know I can tell you where my big celebration dinners in LA will be. Right up in that oxtail ragu, is where. This oxtail ragu with gluten-free garganelli pasta—

Oh hells, that was good. Much better than the picture. And then there was dinner of the naturally gluten-free grilled yellowtail with some kind of chickpea situation that was OFF THE HOOK. Yes, I did describe chickpeas all street like.

We dug into it so quickly, this was the only photo I got of that deliciousness –

I know, we’re hogs.

And dessert was gelato, of course.

It was dark in there, guys. And a professional photographer I am not.

While everything from the punch di giorno to the gluten-free amuse bouchewere impeccable, there’s another reason I’m so in love with Osteria Mozza as a gluten-free diner, and lover of all things yum: These people know how to take care of the celiac.

When I made the reservation I put in the notes that I was gluten-free and celiac. When I arrived at the restaurant, the hostess confirmed that I was celiac, which should not have surprised me since there is a sign right on top of the reservation table that asks everyone to alert their server to any food allergies. Nice. After being seated, not only did our waitress know about my gluten situation, but the guy bringing around the bread did as well. As did theamuse bouche server, as did anyone who came within 2 feet of our table. This is me—happy.

The waitress also confirmed what I had heard, which was all gluten-free pasta is prepared separately and there is no danger of cross-contamination. Additionally, most of their main dishes (non-pasta) are naturally gluten-free, as are the side dishes, antipasti and salads. The only off-limits foods for me were the stuffed pastas and a lot of the desserts. This. Is. Heaven.

Mario Batali has been fantastic with his restaurants in New York as far asaccommodating the gluten-free, and as a partner in Osteria Mozza (along with the amazing Nancy Silverton and Joseph Bastianich) he clearly gets how to make a celiac diner happy. Yes, this is a pricey meal, and yes it’s a special occasion place. But I have yet to have been treated better, and with such consideration at any other fancy restaurants since my diagnosis, so I will be back. Oh, I will be back.