Red Lobster Gluten Free Menu 2024

Fortunately, the Red Lobster gluten free menu offers tons of delicious options for anyone who needs to avoid gluten. But there are still some things to keep in mind when choosing their GF options from their menu.

A red lobster restaurant with a sign in front of it. — Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Most of the seafood items on their menu are naturally gluten free. However, when dining at Red Lobster, I recommend informing your server about your dietary restrictions so you can get firsthand information in case there is a risk of cross-contamination.

It’s also important to remember that some items may be marked gluten-free, but cross-contamination is possible due to the shared preparation environment in their kitchens.

If you’re interested to learn all there is to the Red Lobster gluten free menu, keep reading this article. I’ll share all their current GF items and answer your most frequently asked questions.

History of Red Lobster

Red Lobster was founded in 1968 when Bill Darden and Charley Woodsby opened the first Red Lobster in Lakeland, Florida.

Their mission was to bring affordable, high-quality seafood to the masses. They wanted to break the myth that seafood was only for the affluent and special occasions. The concept was a hit, and Red Lobster started expanding rapidly.

By the 1970s, the restaurant had become a national phenomenon, reaching the northern states and even Canada. In 1970 General Mills acquired Red Lobster, further fuelled its expansion, and introduced the iconic "Popcorn Shrimp" in 1974.

Today, Red Lobster has over 700 locations worldwide, including countries such as China, Japan, Thailand, Turkey, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.

Two lobsters on a plate with lemon and dill. — Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Is Red Lobster Gluten Free?

While not all items on the Red Lobster menu are gluten-free, they do offer a variety of dishes that are suitable for those avoiding gluten.

Red Lobster is committed to providing a variety of options for all its customers, including those with dietary restrictions. They have made it a point to include gluten-free options on their menu which makes it easier for you to dine out without worrying about your dietary needs.

In the next section, I’ll share all the gluten-free options at Red Lobster but it’s important to note that there is still a risk of cross-contamination.

They state on their official website that it’s best to call and inquire about specific items before visiting the restaurant, and that’s what I highly recommend you do!

Simply call them at 1-800-LOBSTER (800-562-7837), Monday through Friday (10:00 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET), or send them an email. They mention requiring at least 3 days to investigate any inquiry.

Current Red Lobster Gluten Free Menu (2024)

Seaside Starters

Signature Shrimp Cocktail

Sides & Additions

Baked Potato
Coleslaw
French Fries
Fresh Broccoli
Grilled Squash - seasonal
Home-Style Mashed Potatoes
Maine Lobster Tail Add-On
Maine Lobster Tail Add-On - Wood-Grilled
Oranges
Snow Crab Legs - Upgrade
Tomato Caprese Salad - Plate

Shrimp & Classic Combinations

CYO Combo - Garlic Shrimp Scampi
CYO Combo - Steamed Snow Crab Legs
Shrimp Scampi - Shrimp Your Way

Crab

Includes fixed sides, and dipping sauces
North Pacific King Crab Legs
Snow Crab Legs

Lobster & Signature Combinations

Live Maine Lobster - Steamed
Wood-Grilled Lobster, Shrimp and Salmon

Fish

Broiled Wild-Caught Flounder Dinner

Today’s Fresh Fish

Blackened Preparation
Broiled Preparation
Fresh Sole - Dinner
Fresh Sole - Lunch
Gulf Snapper
Gulf Snapper-Lunch
Halibut - Dinner
Halibut - Lunch
Lake Whitefish - Dinner
Lake Whitefish - Lunch
Ono/Wahoo - Dinner
Ono/Wahoo - Lunch
Opah - Dinner
Opah - Lunch
Pacific Snapper - Dinner
Pacific Snapper - Lunch
Perch - Dinner
Perch - Lunch
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow Trout - Half
Rainbow Trout - Lunch
Red Rockfish - Dinner
Red Rockfish - Lunch
Salmon
Salmon - Half
Salmon - Lunch
Tilapia
Tilapia - Half
Tuna
Tuna - Lunch

Lighthouse Selections

Lighthouse Snow Crab Legs

Dressings & Sauces

100% Pure Melted Butter
Add Butter to Baked Potato
Add Sour Cream to Baked Potato
Blue Cheese Dressing
Caesar Dressing
Cocktail Sauce
French Dressing
Honey Mustard Dressing
Ketchup
Marinara Sauce
Mayonnaise
Mustard
Pico de Gallo
Pina Colada Sauce
Ranch Dressing
Tartar Sauce
Thousand Island Dressing

Quick Catches

Shrimp Scampi - Shrimp and Wood-Grilled Chicken

Create Your Own Lunch

CYO Lunch - Broiled Bay Scallops
CYO Lunch - Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Lunch Classics

Blackened Farm-Raised Catfish Lunch
Broiled Wild-Caught Flounder Lunch
Garlic Shrimp Scampi Lunch

Sweet Treats

New York-Style Cheesecake with Strawberries

Regional Items

Blackened Canadian Walleye Lunch
Broiled Canadian Walleye Lunch
Broiled Walleye Dinner
Buffalo Chicken Wings
Oysters on the Half Shell, Full Dozen

Kids’ Menu

Broiled Fish-Kids
Grilled Chicken
Snow Crab Legs-Kids
Surf’s Up Sundae

Beverages

Cinnamon Whiskey Sour
Peach Margarita - Frozen
Peach Margarita - Rocks
Raspberry Margarita - Frozen
Raspberry Margarita - Rocks
Riptide Rita - Rocks

Beverages (Non-Alcoholic)

Boston Iced Tea - Classic Cranberry
Boston Iced Tea - Mango
Boston Iced Tea - Peach
Boston Iced Tea - Raspberry
Coffee
Dr. Pepper®
Fruit Smoothie - Mango
Fruit Smoothie - Raspberry
Fruit Smoothie - Strawberry
Hand-Crafted Lemonade - Classic Lemonade
Hand-Crafted Lemonade - Mango
Hand-Crafted Lemonade - Strawberry
Hand-Crafted Lemonade - Watermelon
Iced Tea

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Red Lobster have a dedicated gluten-free menu?

Yes, Red Lobster does offer a gluten-free menu. They have a variety of options, from seafood to salads and even some desserts. However, it's always a good idea to inform your server about your dietary restrictions to make sure your meal is prepared safely.

Are all Red Lobster locations gluten-free friendly?

While Red Lobster as a chain offers gluten-free options, it's always best to check with the specific location you plan to visit. Some locations may have more options or be more experienced in handling gluten-free requests.

Can I eat the Cheddar Bay Biscuits if I'm gluten-free?

Unfortunately, the iconic Cheddar Bay Biscuits at Red Lobster are not gluten-free. But don't worry, there are plenty of other delicious options to enjoy!

Is the lobster gluten-free?

Yes, lobster is naturally gluten-free. However, be sure to ask your server about the preparation methods to avoid any potential cross-contamination or added ingredients that may contain gluten.

Tips for Ordering Gluten Free at Red Lobster

Ask for the Gluten-Free Menu: Most Red Lobster locations offer a separate gluten-free menu. This will help you easily identify the dishes that are safe for you to eat.
Communicate with Your Server: It's important to inform your server about your dietary restrictions. They can guide you through the menu and may be able to suggest modifications to make certain dishes gluten-free.
Be Wary of Cross-Contamination: Even if a dish is gluten-free, there's always a risk of cross-contamination in a shared kitchen. If you're highly sensitive to gluten, make sure to communicate this to your server.
Opt for Grilled Options: Grilled seafood is usually a safe bet, as it doesn't require flour or breadcrumbs.
Check the Sauces and Dressings: Often, these can contain hidden gluten. It's always a good idea to ask about the ingredients before you order.
Skip the Biscuits: Unfortunately, Red Lobster's famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits are not gluten-free. But don't let that dampen your spirits, there are plenty of other delicious options to enjoy!
Ask About the Day's Fresh Fish: Red Lobster's fresh fish selection changes daily and is often a safe gluten-free choice.