Whether you’re coeliac, gluten intolerant, or keep a wheat-minimal diet, London is now a leading light for the best gluten-free restaurants. Here’s where to book in…
From fully gluten-free kitchens to creative takes on traditionally wheat-filled dishes, these menus offer the finest coeliac-friendly meals all year round, meaning you never have to compromise (or miss out on a bread basket).
See our picks of the best gluten-free restaurants in London, tried, tested and approved by CF’s resident gluten-free beauty director.
Los Mochis
Sharing plate culture can be a struggle when you’re gluten-free as it normally limits the dishes you can try, but you miss out on nothing at Los Mochis. A party for your tastebuds, this Pan Asian restaurant has outposts in Notting Hill and Liverpool Street, and the menu skillfully combines the fragrant tang of Japanese rolls (yes, even the tempura is gluten-free), with Mexican tacos and ceviche, plus the best crispy fried rice I’ve ever tasted. With playful décor – there’s a shrine to Yoda in Notting Hill and a retractable roof in Liverpool Street – it’s my strongest recommendation for dinner and cocktails with your girl friends.
Sale e Pepe
When the restaurant owner is themselves gluten-intolerant, you know you are going to be in safe hands when it comes to gluten-free dining. That’s exactly the case at Sale e Pepe – where you can enjoy a truly authentic Italian institution, located moments from Harrods. A visit is not complete without trying the signature veal Milanese (complete with gluten-free breadcrumbs), impressively hearty portions of pasta and a host of naturally gluten-free fare such as tuna tartare and baked cod, washed down with a perfectly paired glass of wine. My advice: arrive hungry.
Paladar
Paladar is more than just a meal, it’s a full Latin American experience – from the music filling the restaurant to the artistic exhibitions hanging on the walls, it always puts me in a good mood. The menu, which feels almost incidentally completely gluten-free – is designed as an exciting trip around the eclectic region, with sharing plates providing a taste of Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Cuba, in one sitting. The jackfruit tacos and chimichurri prawns are stand-outs you have to try. There’s even a Bodega (wine shop) next door so you can bring the spirit of Latin America home with you. Plus, cocktail masterclasses, dance classes and ceviche classes on offer too.
Hobson's Fish & Chips
The British seaside classic of fish and chips can feel quite off-limits if you’re gluten-free, considering that even the chips tend to be cooked in the same oil as the batter in your regular chippie. That’s why it was so exciting to discover Hobson’s extensive gluten-free menu. It offers fresh fish wrapped in crispy batter, plus a generous portion of crunchy chips and tartare sauce that will instantly transport you to the seaside. Plus, there’s even some inventive options for your vegetarian friends too – so wider dietary requirements aren’t an issue either.
Niche
Three words – gluten-free cheesy doughnuts. Tantalisingly crispy and oozing with cheddar and mozzarella, they’re just one of the delights on offer at London’s first Coeliac UK-accredited 100% gluten-free restaurant, Niche, situated in Angel. There’s buttermilk fried chicken to challenge the colonel, a particularly good Welsh potato cake for those looking for something new and even a full Sunday Roast, so you really don’t have to miss out on a thing when cutting gluten out of your diet. It certainly lives up to the strap line – ‘gluten-free but you wouldn’t know it.’
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Main Image: Los Mochis
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