Peter’s Restaurant – Upper East Side

This weekend, Nick and I did the age-old brunch and Bed Bath and Beyond afternoon.  We decided to walk the Upper East Side, down the route that is the First Avenue finish line for the ING NYC Marathon.  So, it was the perfect time to try out Peter’s Restaurant – which I’ve heard a lot of great reviews about for their gluten free diner food.

First of all, the menu is HUGE.  And almost all of the menu items can be made gluten free (in fact, they have a little icon next to the items which can not be made gluten free, rather than the other way around).  There is a huge selection of dishes for every meal, including gluten free pancakes, waffles, french toast, sandwiches, french fries, multiple varieties of eggs benedict, pasta, and the list goes on and on!

Since it was lunch time I decided to go with something that I can rarely find – a good, old fashioned tuna salad sandwich and fries.

Big Tuna

The tuna was filled with mayo, the coleslaw was covered in it too – just what I was looking for!  Some people balk at the cost ($8.50) for this sandwich, but it was great to feel “normal” and really chow down at Peter’s.

The fries were classic diner fries, really crispy and tender in the middle.  The waiter asked us specifically if we wanted the fries to be gluten-free, so I assume that they use a dedicated fryer.

The only downside to my experience at Peter’s (which for some would be an upside), is that the place was swarming with kids.  There was actually a seven year old girl’s birthday party going on in the restaurant.  And, for anyone who knows seven year olds who are high on sugar, they do not make the best dining companions.  But, if you had kids, I can see how this would be a great place to take them for a relaxed meal with familiar foods.

I will definitely be back to try some of the other things on the menu (cheesecake? salmon eggs benny?  Yes, please!).

Peter’s Restaurant

1606 1st Avenue (between 83rd and 84th St, 6 train to 86th Street)