Senza Gluten Cafe & Bakery – Review

I recently had an amazing dining experience at Senza Gluten by Jemiko Cafe & Bakery, which is a 100% gluten-free cafe and bakery. I had to share my experience with you through my first restaurant review!

At the end of July, my husband and I went on a 9-day trip to VA Beach, Cleveland, OH to visit my family, and then New York City to visit his. Unfortunately, we spent less than 48 hours in New York and only had three dining experiences. As a result, this post will not be a full gluten-free travel guide for NYC. I want to make a separate post with that information soon.

After our trip to VA Beach where my husband crowned himself king of finding restaurants, because of his excellent choice of Heirloom, I told him that he will continue to choose all our restaurants for the foreseeable future. He certainly struck gold with one of the three restaurants in NYC. Keep reading for the Senza Gluten review.

What does Senza Gluten mean?

Senza Gluten, which translates to ‘without gluten’ in Italian is a 100% gluten-free Italian, of course, cafe and bakery.

Where is Senza Gluten by Jemiko?

The address is 171 Sullivan St. NY, NY 10012, which is in the West Village. We drove to the restaurant and had to park in a garage a few blocks away. By train, there are three stations nearby that puts you within a good walking distance, including Houston Street, Spring Street and W. 4^th Street Washington Square.

What are the hours of operation?

Senza Gluten by Jemiko Cafe & Bakery is open from Monday 9am-4pm (kitchen closes 3:30pm), Wednesday-Saturday 9am-10pm (kitchen closes 9:30pm), and Sunday 9am-9pm (kitchen closes 8:30pm).

Who owns and operates Senza Gluten?

Jemiko L. Solo is the chef and founder of Senza Gluten. He began his culinary career as a teenager in Tbilisi, Georgia.

What is Senza Gluten’s goal?

According to publications that have featured Jemiko and Senza Gluten, he does not have a gluten sensitivity himself. However, inspired by his friends that do have gluten intolerances, Senza Gluten’s goal is to ensure a 100% gluten free environment. This allows guests with celiac disease, or a gluten intolerance enjoy the dining experience without fear of getting sick.

What is the environment like?  

Senza Gluten has outdoor and indoor seating available. My husband and I decided to sit indoors for our brunch date. The inside had a quaint a cozy feel. Most of the space was taken up by a large display of the available gluten-free breads, pastries, and desserts. I was happily overwhelmed by the choices I had available.

What is on the menu at Senza Gluten? 

As I mentioned, we went for brunch. The Senza Gluten brunch menu offers a typical slate of brunch options. Except for the fact that it was 100% gluten-free. I was so excited that I could literally eat everything on the menu, and it made the decision very difficult.

I went with the Homemade Brioche French Toast, served with a fruit salad, and I added on a side of bacon. My husband had the Avocado Toast and added on smoked salmon. The French Toast was amazing! It was the first time I had French Toast in a very long time. It was light and airy and had this amazing cinnamon flavor.

Although I was satisfied with my meal and even had leftovers, I HAD to take home a few baked goods. As I mentioned, there was no shortage of choice. Ultimately, I went home with the chocolate pecan & walnuts mini chubbies (a gluten-free cook) and a Bolboloni alla Nutella (a gluten-free doughnut with Nutella).

Initially, I wanted to wait to eat the desserts so I could do a reaction video of sorts. But later that night, I had a massive sweet tooth and couldn’t wait until I could get into some “good light” to film. I cracked opened the pack of chubbies, bit into one, and literally cried. I’m not kidding, I cried. It was a golden moment that I doubted I could recreate the next day, so I ate a second one. I cried not only because the taste and texture were amazing, but I cried because I knew I could enjoy these amazing cookies without getting sick.

Senza Gluten offers nationwide shipping on their baked goods, but you have to pay for 2^nd day air. I haven’t pulled the trigger yet on a purchase, but it is only a matter of time. It did, however, inspire me to get into the kitchen and do more experimenting.

What is the service like?

We received fantastic service. They were attentive, but not disruptive with checking on us too often so we could enjoy our meal and conversation.

What payment methods does Senza Gluten accept?

Senza only accepts American Express or cash. Luckily, we have an Amex and didn’t have any issues because we don’t usually carry cash. Other guests who don’t have an Amex or carry cash, may find this difficult. But there are plenty of signs that informs you of this, so you can plan!

Should you visit Senza Gluten Cafe and Bakery?

Absolutely!

Thank you for reading! If you make it to NYC, let me know if you’re able to visit Senza Gluten Cafe & Bakery. Also, comment below to give me other 100% gluten-free restaurant recommendations! I like to travel, so it can be anywhere.