Hello everyone — “G” here, filling in for Lea with a review of Greensquare Tavern, a welcoming farm-to-table restaurant in New York City that happens to be very Paleo-friendly.
Lea and I both love eating out, but her celiac disease makes choosing restaurants more complicated. We’ve often discovered appealing places that still use ingredients that make safe dining impossible, so finding a spot that understands dietary needs is always a relief. That made our visit to Greensquare Tavern a genuine pleasure.
Located at 5 West 21st Street in Manhattan’s Flatiron District, Greensquare Tavern feels open and bright. A picture window near the bar and a large skylight fill the dining room with natural light even on a gray, rainy day like the one we visited. 
We arrived just before the lunch rush and were welcomed by Renee Typaldos, one of the managing partners. Seats filled quickly; within ten minutes most tables were occupied by nearby office workers looking for a healthy, tasty lunch.
I checked the beer list first and was happy to find Estrella Damm Daura, a gluten-free ale from Spain. Lea was delighted and ordered one served in a frosty glass. Gluten-free beers are rare in many places, so finding Daura was a welcome surprise.
Our server came back with the daily specials, and we both started with the Chilled Beet Soup. The soup was earthy, smooth, and well textured. We ordered the cup portion and received a generous serving. The waiter showed good awareness of Paleo preferences by asking whether Lea wanted the soup with or without the dollop of sour cream; she usually avoids dairy but made an exception that day.
I have a soft spot for beets—Lea grows them in our garden and we eat them often. The tavern’s beet soup captured that fresh, earthy flavor we enjoy at home.
For my entrée I chose the Greek Salad with grilled chicken, while Lea had the Spring Kale Salad topped with grilled salmon.
The Greek salad followed the traditional format—no leafy greens—and featured generous pieces of moist, boneless chicken. It was flavorful and satisfying.
Lea’s kale salad was equally impressive. The blanched kale was combined with sunflower and pumpkin seeds, mango, and julienned vegetables, all tossed in a light citrus vinaigrette. The vegetables tasted fresh and bold, and the salmon was cooked perfectly—moist and flavorful.
Both salads earned two thumbs up.
For dessert I learned a familiar lesson about impulse: I ordered a slice of Carrot Cake, fully aware it wasn’t Paleo or gluten-free. It was excellent—moist, properly sweet, and a generous serving—so I can’t complain. The indulgence left me a little sleepy on the ride home, but it was worth it.
Lea, mindful of her celiac disease, chose the Flourless Chocolate Cake. Gluten-free desserts can be hard to find, so this was another pleasant surprise. The portion was just right and the cake was rich and creamy. She finished with a hot espresso and we wrapped up a very satisfying lunch.
Greensquare Tavern
Greensquare Tavern places a clear emphasis on sourcing high-quality ingredients from smaller, local producers. Chef John Marsh aims to run the restaurant according to the standards he applies at home. The restaurant follows three core principles:
1. Produce is locally farmed and/or organic.
2. Meat and poultry come from humanely raised animals, free of antibiotics and hormones.
3. Fish are wild-caught or responsibly ocean-raised, following sustainable practices.
New York City is rich with dining options, but it isn’t always easy to find places that combine creative, organic cooking with sensitivity to Paleo and gluten-free diets. Greensquare Tavern fits into that rare category. The food is excellent, the staff is attentive and knowledgeable about dietary needs, and the focus on high-quality ingredients is clear. The menu is varied and accommodates many tastes and requirements, which is reassuring for diners with allergies or preferences.
Sample dinner items include grilled calamari with Kalamata olives and pequillo peppers, Pekin duck confit, shrimp and scallop ceviche, local pasture-raised lamb shank, Greenmarket vegan stew, Creekstone Ranch all-natural sirloin, and a mushroom risotto.
Even if you don’t follow a Paleo diet, Greensquare Tavern is a great choice—fresh, thoughtful cooking in a pleasant setting. If you do follow Paleo or need gluten-free options, the restaurant is especially accommodating and worth a visit when you’re in New York City.
For more reviews and dining experiences check here.
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