As a student with celiac disease, finding quick, reliable gluten-free dining can be difficult — and finding a truly good gluten-free bakery can feel impossible. That’s why discovering The Gluten Free Goose in South Nashville felt like striking gold. 

Located about a 25-minute drive from campus, the bakery is a bit of a trek for Vanderbilt students, but it’s well worth the visit. From the outside, the storefront catches your eye with its bright neon signage and clean, simple exterior. Through the front windows, you can see directly into the kitchen, where bakers pipe, glaze and decorate every treat that later ends up in the display case. 

Inside, the atmosphere is calm and cozy. There wasn’t any music playing when I walked in, and the color palette was soft and minimal. A few decorative touches added charm without overwhelming the space. The lighting was bright and warm, and while seating was limited, it felt welcoming and intentional. 

From left to right, head pastry chef Jubi, owner Amy Cornell and Caroline Moore stand together. (Photo courtesy of Caroline Moore)

During my visit, I spoke with owner Amy Cornell, who opened the bakery after realizing there weren’t many local places where she could safely enjoy gluten-free treats. She also shared the meaning behind the bakery’s name; it comes from her 13-year-old son, Goose. 

Cornell’s personal connection to gluten-free living shapes everything the bakery does, from its 100% gluten-free certification to its careful production process. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Vanderbilt Celiac Disease Research Fundraising Gala, adding an extra layer of connection between the bakery and the Vanderbilt community. 

Since opening on March 23, 2023, Gluten Free Goose has served customers from across the country. 

“We’ve had people fly in, get off the plane and come here first,” Cornell said. “We get visitors from Indiana, across the Southeast and a lot of Vanderbilt students too.” 

What are Cornell’s personal favorites? She said she would have to choose the French cruller and the gluten-free bread, though she noted that their chocolate cake is legendary. 

With this in mind, I knew I had to try the menu out for myself. Below are the items I tried, along with notes on taste, texture and overall experience. 

Display case at the Gluten Free Goose including cakes and other pastries, as photographed on Oct. 31, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Caroline Moore)
French Cruller: $6.45 

The cruller tasted wonderfully sweet and had a delicate flakiness that reminded me of pastries made in Paris. Eating it made me feel like traveling to a French bakery to get another one. 

Rating: 9/10 

Chocolate Eclair: $ 8.75 

The eclair was perfectly sweet in every way — smooth, light and filled with just the right amount of cream. I immediately wanted another one after finishing the first bite. 

Rating: 10/10 

Pumpkin Swiss Roll: $ 6.00 

Warm and comforting, this roll had great flavor but leaned a little too sweet for my taste. Still, it made me feel cozy, and it was perfect for the fall season. 

Rating: 8/10 

Pumpkin Muffin: $ 6.15 

This was the perfect pumpkin treat. Sweet, moist and full of pumpkin flavor, it felt like the ideal snack for autumn lovers. 

Rating: 10/10 

Chocolate Chip Scone: $ 6.90 

The first bite had a satisfying crunch, but as you keep eating, it becomes soft and chewy. It wasn’t my favorite item, but still a solid gluten-free option. 

Rating: 7/10 

Overall, I’m glad I decided to give the Gluten Free Goose a try. It is definitely a spot worth adding to your list, and I know I’ll be back soon!