• The University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center reports that approximately 3 million Americans suffer from Celiac disease, a medical condition that affects the gastrointestinal system, causing diarrhea, pain and bloating when sufferers consume gluten. For individuals with Celiac disease, dining out while avoiding foods that can trigger a reaction can be a difficult task. Fortunately, a number of chain restaurants have addressed this problem by developing special gluten-free menus, allowing individuals with Celiac disease to enjoy a variety of dining options from upscale steakhouses to Italian cuisine.
  
  

Fleming's Steakhouse & Wine Bar

• Founded in 1998, Fleming's Steakhouse & Wine Bar is a chain of upscale steak restaurants with locations in 27 states. The restaurant's gluten-free menu begins with seven appetizers, such as the shrimp cocktail or beef carpaccio served without the crackers found on the traditional menu. The restaurant's butternut squash, asparagus, broccoli and lobster bisque soups are all gluten-free. All of the restaurant's steaks are gluten-free, including the prime rib, procini-mushroom-rubbed filet mignon and the bone-in ribeye. The restaurant is known for its wine list, which includes 100 selections, all of which are gluten-free. Fleming's Steakhouse & Wine Bar restaurants are generally open for lunch and dinner though hours and days of operation may vary from location to location. Reservations are suggested. Business casual attire is appropriate.
  
  Fleming's Steakhouse & Wine Bar
  2202 North West Shore Blvd.
  Fifth Floor
  Tampa, FL 33607
  813-282-1225
  flemingssteakhouse.com
  
  

P.F. Chang's China Bistro

• Named after its founders, Paul Fleming and Philip Chiang, P.F. Chang's China Bistro is a chain of Chinese restaurants with locations throughout the United States. The restaurant offers a gluten-free menu with more than 28 selections, including a version of its the signature chicken lettuce wraps and traditional egg drop soup. For the main course, diners can opt for gluten-free presentations of dishes like the lemon chicken, beef and broccoli, rice noodles with chicken and ginger salmon. To finish the meal, the bistro serves a chocolate dome dessert adorned with fresh berries and a raspberry sauce. The restaurant has a full bar and a loose tea menu. Typically, P.F. Chang's Asian Bistro restaurants are open for both lunch and dinner. Reservations are accepted. Casual attire is appropriate.
  
  P.F. Chang's China Bistro
  7676 East Pinnacle Peak Road
  Scottsdale, AZ 85255
  866-732-4264
  pfchangs.com
  
  

Olive Garden

• Owned by Darden Restaurants, the Olive Garden is a nationwide chain of Italian restaurants founded in 1982. The restaurant offers a small gluten-free menu that contains a number of its most notable dishes, such as the endless garden salad served without croutons in the house Italian dressing. Pasta lovers can enjoy the restaurant's gluten-free pasta served in a marinara sauce made from plum tomatoes, bell peppers, onions and herbs. A children's gluten-free grilled chicken dinner is also available for young diners. The restaurant offers a wine list and a full bar. Most Olive Garden restaurants serve both lunch and dinner. The restaurant does not accept reservations, but some offer call-ahead seating. Casual attire is the norm when dining at Olive Garden.
  
  The Olive Garden
  P.O. Box 695011
  Orlando, FL 32869
  407-245-4000
  olivegarden.com