Whether you’re coeliac, gluten intolerant or just trying to cut gluten out of your diet, it can sometimes be challenging – especially when dining out. Lucky for you my gluten-avoiding friends, our Executive Editor (that’s me!) has plenty of experience in this department. Here’s a rundown of my favourite, tried-and-tested gluten free restaurants in London:
1. Fatto a Mano, various locations
Fatto a Mano invited me in to review their Neapolitan style gluten free pizzas, though it was immediately clear that they didn’t need the publicity. The restaurant was practically overflowing as I arrived at their St Martin’s Lane branch for my 6.15pm reservation. This did mean the service was a little chaotic to begin with, but all was quickly forgiven. We started the meal with some Nocellara olives (those big green ones that are famously the Best Ever) before moving swiftly on to the main event. The selection was incredible: Pesto, Buffalo & Courgette; Pancetta, Porcini & Gorgonzola; Vegan ‘Nduja; even a Lasagna Pizza with beef ragu and bechamel. Too much to choose from for this indecisive gal.
After some deliberating, I did what I always do when incapable of making my own decision and asked the waitress what I should order. She recommended the Tonno, Burrata & Pesto Rosso: a white pizza topped with tuna loin, burrata, sun-dried tomato pesto, mozzarella, parmesan and dried olives. I was skeptical to be honest, but I’ve got to accept the answer if I’m going to put such power into somebody else’s hands. And let me tell you: she wasn’t wrong, kids. It was outstanding. I had to question that the dough was actually gluten free when it was placed in front of me, and even after I ate it I was waiting for the stomach ache that never came. Bold claim, but it could have been the best gluten free pizza I’ve ever had.
Unlike the pizza, I did choose the wine myself: a Gavi di Gavi. I’m no sommelier, but this was one I knew I liked, and it was just as good as any other. Too full for pud, we opted for a Meloncello each – Limoncello’s under-appreciated cousin. A friend’s (Italian) mum once introduced me to it in Sorrento and, believe me, I’m doing a public service by passing it on to you. If you visit Fatto a Mano, or indeed any other place with Meloncello on the menu, order it.
Fatto a Mano make their gluten free dough themselves and most of the pizzas on the menu can be made gluten free (including their garlic pizza bread). It is £3 extra for gluten free dough, which I’d usually roll my eyes at – but in this particular case, it’s worth it. Please note that Fatto a Mano don’t recommend their gluten free pizzas to coeliac diners due to cross contamination.
You’ll find Fatto a Mano at two London locations (Covent Garden and King’s Cross), as well as in Brighton.
2. Los Mochis, various locations
Los Mochis is a 100% gluten free spot, serving Mexican x Japanese fusion food in a truly spectacular way.
We popped into their Notting Hill branch specifically to try their brunch menu—which was new at the time—and were blown away by the waffles with honey-truffle fried chicken, lashings of maple syrup and whipped butter, as well as the pancakes with grilled peaches, blueberry compote and maple syrup. There are also things like churros on the menu, which, well… need I say more?
The cocktails come STRONG, even before midday – but what can you expect from an Agavaria with one of the largest collections of fine and rare tequilas? Los Mochis’ bar space is really lovely, and their drinks are equally nice. I’m a big tequila fan, so it was hard for me to choose. I landed on an Espresso Mezcaltini, but I bet they make a great spicy marg.
The lunch/dinner menu is where the Japanese influence really rears its head, and people were starting to order lots of delicious looking sharing plates as we were leaving. Los Mochis have also recently opened an even bigger branch in the city, boasting a huge outdoor terrace and incredible views from the ninth floor of 100 Liverpool Street.
You’ll find Los Mochis at two London locations (Notting Hill and the City of London).
3. Niche, Clerkenwell
Next up on this roundup of the best gluten free restaurants is Niche, an award-winning spot that whips up ‘seasonally-inspired crowd pleasers with a distinctly modern twist’. Just down the road from the Sadler’s Wells Theatre, everything here is 100% gluten free, and it was in fact London’s first Coeliac UK accredited gluten free restaurant.
Their menu is full of everything you’ve ever missed or craved from the world of gluten: pies, burgers, fried chicken, onion rings, sausage and mash, mac and cheese… the list goes on and on! They also do a pre-theatre and a low FODMAP menu too.
You’ll find Niche at 197-199 Rosebery Avenue, London, EC1R 4TJ. Nearest station is Angel.
4. Honest Burger, various locations
So we already know that they make some pretty fab veggie burgers, but did you know that beloved burger maestros Honest Burger also offer all of their burgers with gluten free buns, too? So you can gorge yourself silly on some of their classics like the ‘Tribute’ – a beef and bacon burger with American cheese, burger sauce, French’s mustard, pickles, onion and lettuce – or the veggie friendly ‘Plant’ burger without worrying.
To top it all off, their onion rings and fresh rosemary chips are also gluten free, as is their Two Tribes Powerplant beer – so you’ve got a right feast on your hands here.
You’ll find Honest Burger at various different locations in London. You can find your nearest restaurant here.
5. Utter Waffle, various locations
These guys know batter (sic) than to tease a coeliac with good looking food. Everything on their menu is suitable for even the strictest of gluten free diets, and frankly, absolutely anyone else. Who doesn’t love a waffle?
Specialising in ‘posh’ gluten free waffles, you can expect far from boring dishes such as the James, Jules & the Giant Peach featuring a warm waffle coated in cinnamon sugar, topped with smoked bacon, caramelised peach, rosemary honey, cream-cheese-frosting & pistachio crumb. Or, if you’re more the savoury type, the Club Waffle with smoked bacon, fried chicken, garlic aioli, bloody-mary-relish & crisp baby gem lettuce stacked between layers of their signature mozzarella & thyme stuffed waffle. Anyone else salivating? There’s even a dedicated vegan menu, for those of you who avoid animal products as well as gluten.
Utter Waffle started business from their beloved food truck at various markets across the city, but now they’re settled in at not one but two of their very own brick and mortar sites. Going up in the world, they’ll even serve 90 minutes of bottomless bubbles alongside any main course at any time of day, any day of the week — all for just £37.50 (or £42 for a main and dessert).
You’ll find Utter Waffle at two London locations (Herne Hill and Balham).
6. Indigo at One Aldwych, Covent Garden
Next up on this list of gluten free restaurants in London is ‘Covent Garden’s neighbourhood restaurant’, Indigo at One Aldwych. All the food served here is sourced from the best independent producers, and better yet, it’s all gluten free and dairy free too.
Chef Dominic Teague champions the best of British with a twist, and it shows with his innovative menu. Mouthwatering dishes include the spiced Cornish monkfish—which is cooked over charcoal with fennel and minted couscous—and the warm truffle and celeriac terrine with smoked potato, mushroom ketchup, grilled baby leeks and broad beans. Plus, they also do a cracking afternoon tea.
You’ll find Indigo at One Aldwych at 1 Aldwych, WC2B 4BZ. Nearest stations are Covent Garden and Temple.
7. Arepa & Co., various locations
Another personal favourite of mine, Arepa & Co. is an absolute go-to for gluten free grub. Venezuelan cuisine is largely gluten free by nature, and this includes their speciality arepas, which for the n00bs are best described as a sort of cornbread pitta. Stuffed with the likes of shredded beef, plantain and guacamole, they are not to be sniffed at.
Enjoy alongside a portion of yuca fries and tajadas, and job’s a good’un. I’d recommend washing it all down with something from their excellent cocktail menu too, which features a suitable amount of rum and tequila.
You’ll find Arepa & Co. at various locations around London. Find your nearest restaurant here.
8. Libby’s, Notting Hill and Belsize Park
Ask a room full of gluten free people what they miss the most, and I guarantee the majority of them will say croissants – or just decent pastries in general. And, well, I don’t want to alarm you, but I might be about to change your life.
At Libby’s, you will be absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to patisserie! With a 100% gluten free menu full of fresh breads, croissants and cakes—even pizzas and award-winning bagels!—this place is practically heaven on earth for anyone who has been missing the good stuff. They do a really great coffee too, so it’s the perfect morning stop. It’s probably also worth mentioning that they have a huge selection of refined sugar free items available, too.
You’ll find Libby’s at two London locations (Notting Hill and Primrose Hill).
9. Duck & Waffle, Liverpool Street
It’s the restaurant in the sky that everyone wants to go to, with that breakfast view that’s been Instagrammed countless times. But did you know that the Duck & Waffle, way up on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower in Bishopsgate, also has its own menu completely dedicated to those who are gluten free?
Besides their signature ‘duck and waffle’, you can also tuck into a roasted rack of salt marsh lamb, roasted scallops with creamed cauliflower and guanciale, and a lemon meringue waffle with lemon curd, Italian meringue, lemon sorbet and dill. So, on top of the sunset view, you’ll also bag yourself some pretty fantastic gluten free fare. What’s not to like?
You’ll find Duck & Waffle at 110 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4AY. Nearest station is Liverpool Street.
10. Pastaio, Soho
Last but by no means least we have some really great gluten free pasta. Pastaio, while not totally gluten free, totally gets it – and you can order most of their dishes with gluten free pasta. I thoroughly recommend the classic carbonara, but it’s also worth trying their wild garlic pesto if it’s on the menu rotation when you visit (usually with gnocchi, but still really great with the gluten free option).
Quite often I find restaurants just don’t get gluten free pasta right, or it’s just there to tick a box, but Pastaio have done it really well. Pair your pasta with a negroni or one of their signature prosecco slushies, and you’ll be happy as Larry.
You’ll find Pastaio at 19 Ganton Street, Carnaby, W1F 9BN. Nearest station is Oxford Circus.