julianni’s italian ristorante ~ gluten-free and friendly in lancaster

Julianni’s Italian Ristorante serves up recipes passed down from generation to generation. Located in the Lancaster Marketplace.

Just off the 14 frwy. in Lancaster stands Julianni’s Italian Ristorante, a welcoming, family owned restaurant with a delicious menu full of gluten-free options, and very, very friendly staff.  “The Julianni family patriarch, Rafael Julianni, arrived in New York City in the late 1800’s from his family in Sicily, Italy… The flagship of the Julianni’s heritage, dedication to service and Sicillian and Italian cuisine (Lancaster, CA.).”

Julianni’s House Salad – fresh lettuce, tomatoes, carrots and balsamic (no croutons).

When driving along the 14 freeway through Palmdale and Lancaster, pass the fast food eateries and give Julianni’s Italian Ristorante a try.  It’s a pizza, pasta, deli and bakery located just west of the 14 frwy., just north of W Lancaster Blvd.  It’s a tasty stop for a gluten-free meal, including a fabulous chocolate cheesecake, and on various evenings, live entertainment while you dine.

Julianni’s “The Works” gluten-free pizza – delicious (sans the glutenous meatballs).

My first visit to Julianni’s tempted my seester and me to try “The Works” 14″ pizza made with gluten-free dough (no extra charge).  It’s a classic cheese pizza, topped with bell peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, olives, Italian sausage, pepperoni and meatballs (we ordered sans mushrooms and meatballs).  Overall excellent!

Julianni’s gluten-free Chicken Cacciatore.

We also split their Chicken Cacciatore, made with chicken breast sauteed with fresh bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, garlic and marinara tossed with gluten-free spaghetti noodles (a rice and corn mixture).  Again, sans mushrooms ;o). The chef cooked it perfectly.  I might request a bit more sauce and/or a bit less spaghetti next time, just a preference.  Overall, delicious.  We had plenty leftover for the next days lunch.

Julianni’s famous minestrone soup.

On my next visit to Julianni’s I ordered their famous minestrone soup, naturally gluten-free and tasty.

Julianni’s Grilled Atlantic Salmon with gluten-free spaghetti and vegetables.

I chose my entree from one of Julianni’s Specialties, the Grilled Atlantic Salmon.  It’s “a hearty filet of salmon grilled to perfection and served with buttered linguini and seasonal fresh vegetables.”  To accommodate gluten-free diners, they will substitute gluten-free spaghetti noodles with marinara sauce.  Two thumbs up as well from my dad!

Julianni’s has plenty of indoor seating, a banquet room, and a nice outdoor patio with fountains and lights for pretty outdoor evenings.

To top a delicious dinner, they are also a bakery and serve a decadent gluten-free chocolate cheesecake (pictured at top).  Don’t deny yourself the pleasure – indulge with a friend.  Moist and delicious.

Julianni’s provides a catering menu, a vegetarian menu and bar (which also serves gluten-free beers and ciders).  No doubt I will be back to try another meal when rolling through the desert.

• The Works gluten-free pizza, Chicken Cacciatore w/ salad, 2 iced teas
  – kitty = $ 44.04 + tip
• Minestrone soup, grilled Atlantic salmon, chocolate cheesecake, 1 iced tea
  – kitty = $ 30.20 + tip