Mellow Mushroom

Very impressed with how they deal with GF requirements. We stopped in mid-afternoon just to confirm they had a gluten free menu, to help us decide whether to have dinner there. The hostess asked if we needed GF for celiac or just preference, then explained in detail how they do GF, which was impressive, as they have a separate kitchen area for GF and specific safety practices. Four of the 10-12 pizzas just come GF, but all the pizzas can be made GF. Later at dinner, we had an enthusiastic server who was eager (Dylan) who very specifically explained the GF practices again, answered our questions, expressed enthusiasm for this outlet and all the other Mellow Mushroom outlets for their dedication to GF needs. He also made suggestions for other GF-favorable restaurants in the area, and since Virginia Beach is a tourist area with a lot of visitors, we very much appreciated the info! We will look for Mellow Mushrooms when we crave GF pizza! Highly recommend.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

Mellow Mushroom is a franchise pizza chain with ~170 restaurants. The one we visited in Virginia Beach is on 33rd street pretty much on the beach. Nice. They have a dedicated gluten free space in the kitchen as well as a separate oven. Staff was knowledgeable. They offer 4 10" pizzas gluten free. Pretty much the 4 options you'd think they'd be. I had the Meaty Mighty with too much meat and it came on a metal plate, which is a handy way to keep pizzas from picking up any flour elsewhere in the kitchen. Pizza crust was OK, but I haven't found any good gf pizza crust yet, and so was the pizza. My wife enjoyed her gluttony bruscetta and pizza. I felt comfortable that they were giving it a serious try, even though it's hard to imagine pizza places ever being perfectly gluten free.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Offers outdoor seating

This is one of the only places in the area that we know of where you can get chicken wings that are baked and not put in a fryer. They are delicious! We really enjoy the gf pizzas as well. Everyone has always seemed knowledgeable about food restrictions and taken the necessary precautions when putting in our order. We’ve had nothing but positive experiences here.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

This place takes food allergies seriously. They have 4 small pizzas that are certified GF. Separate prep area (different part of the kitchen), GF protocols, and separate oven. Best GF pizza crust I’ve tasted!

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

Can order any of their speciality pizzas on a 10” gluten-free crust. So delicious and honestly couldn’t even tell the crust was gluten-free (aside from the fact that it was thinner than my boyfriend’s regular pizza crust). They also have a gluten-free brownie on the menu!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Got their mushroom truffle pizza GF. They take extra precaution to cook GF pizza. It was delicious. We also had the spinach dip app by substituting the bread for veggies. Overall great options and felt fine after eating.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

The server was very careful with listening to my food allergies. He confirmed food is cooked in a separate oven and that they take precautions to avoid cross-contamination. The pizza was very good! Felt great afterwards as well 🙂

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free

Their pizza is certified GF and they use a separate oven. The pizza is always delicious and I eat here every month. I always have the mushroom pizza.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Honestly it is okay and I didn’t get sick.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Below Average

The waitress said they prepare the pizza separately but it's cooked in the same oven. She then proceeds to bring out my gf pizza sitting between my family's regular pizza. Not only that, it took nearly 1 hour (54 minutes to be exact) to get this food out on a Tuesday afternoon. There was maybe 6 tables total in the restaurant.

I didn't eat. Can't trust a pizza she piled regular pizza on top of

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Poor

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free