Gluten Free Dining in Melbourne
Pooja Sadhwani
When it comes to health trends and food, Melbourne is only really second to Sydney. Melbournians have a near fanatic obsession with anything #cleaneating, and who could blame them – have you been to what’s called the European city of the South Pacific!?! Melbourne’s chock-full of healthy dining options, and one trend that’s been raising storm lately is gluten-free. Yes, we know you’ve probably heard it before and you’ve probably rolled your eyes a few times at a restaurant where there was that one person out of a party who just had to be different and order the flourless pizza…it happens. But just because most of your diet has to consist of eating protein, rice, quinoa and vegetables, doesn’t mean you have to live in fear of being THAT person everyone’s annoyed at. Melbourne’s got some great gluten-free dining spots, and we’ve put them together below just for you:
Huxtaburger
Get the comfort of a classic, juicy hamburger topped with a crispy gluten-free bun. With locations in Collingwood, CBD, Hawthorn, Prahran, and Eastland, it is a local Melbourne favorite. Choose from one of their special meals such as the “Milkshake Meal” or “Draanks Meal”, or if you’re more of a morning person, opt for the tasty breakfast burgers. Either way, you will be satisfied. (2 AUD for the gluten free bun).
Address:
Collingwood: 106 Smith Street Collingwood 3066
Prahran: 203 High Street Prahran 3181
CBD: Rear 357 Collins Street Melbourne 3000
Eastland: R03 Town Square Eastland, 171-175 Mardondah Highway Ringwood
Hawthorn: 681 Glenferrie Road Hawthorn 3122
Gazi
Take Greek delicacies to a whole new level at Gazi, in CBD. Start off with a gluten-free bread-basket and work your way through the burst of new flavors that the menu will provide. Make sure to try their meat-filled and potato fry souvas, wrapped tightly in gluten-free wraps to enjoy. Another option is to get a selection of your favorites in a “Bend Over Box”, just for 29 AUD. Even your non-gluten free friends will enjoy this local spot!
Address: 2 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Mamasita
Anyone who doesn’t mind waiting in line for quality food should head towards Collins Street to eat at Mamasita, one of the first restaurants in Melbourne to create an all-gluten free menu. Their specials include the “Elote callejero”, a chargrilled corn topped with cheese, spicy chipotle mayo, and fresh lime, as well as their gluten-free moreish tacos and the tostaditas. This is also a perfect spot for Margherita Mondays!
Address: Level 1, 11 Collins Street, Melbourne, 3000 VIC
Portobello Rosso
Ever been to a tapas restaurant and not known what to order, because of dietary restrictions? That all stops at Portobello Rosso, which offers authentic Spanish bites in a delicious gluten-free way. Pick from traditional options such as croquetas, empanadas de wagyu, patatas bravas, and gambas, to experience a mouthwatering meal.
Address: 15 Warburton Lane, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Mister Nice Guy
This bakeshop is every allergy-free individual’s favorite dessert shop, as they focus solely on promoting and bringing awareness to the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Their desserts are 100% egg-free, dairy-free, lactose-free, cochineal and gelatin-free, soy-free, gluten-free, wheat-free, corn-free, fructose-free and low gi. How is this possible in one dessert, you may ask? Head on to Ascot Vale to try for yourself.
Address: 151 Union Road, Ascot Vale, 3032
Pooja Sadhwani is an upcoming third-year student at New York University studying Media, Culture, and Communications with a dual major in Journalism. She was born in New Jersey and later moved to Hong Kong when she was about nine years old. When you don’t see her studying or working at her Ovolo Internship, you will find her hanging out with her friends and exploring the new attractions that the city of Hong Kong has to offer.