Sydney For Coeliacs – Where To Find The Best Gluten Free Grub In Sydney
Jayne Gorman
Bread & Circus. Image thanks to Wander and Scout
Dining out can be a minefield for coeliacs in some parts of the world. Faced with a menu of pasta, bread and cakes, those who suffer with a gluten allergy are often left with just a few leaves or can feel socially awkward asking for a special meal.
In Sydney, however, going gluten free is not considered a taboo. The prominence of the Paleo diet (which is strictly gluten-free), highlighting fresh and seasonal produce, and the popularity of clean eating, means there are a number of eateries in Sydney that cater for coeliacs – and we mean with more than just a smoothie. A coeliac in Sydney can have their cake and eat it too!
Whether you’re coeliac yourself or just looking to eat more healthily, read on to discover delicious gluten free grub in Sydney that you can indulge in guilt-free.
Gluten Free Pancakes at Bread & Circus
Bread & Circus in trendy Alexandria is where you can find gluten-free grub with a side of hipster. Found in a converted warehouse, Bread & Circus features the type of communal tables and pale pink crockery that Sydney Instagrammers go gaga for.
The regularly changing menu focuses on organic, seasonal produce but long-term stalwarts are their biodynamic eggs and avocado and our personal favourite, the flourless lemon pancakes with caramelised banana and ricotta. They also serve generous Mediterranean style salads at lunch and offer them with a side of grilled halloumi. (Who can say no to halloumi?)
Their wide range of herbal teas and fresh juices are also delicious, particularly as they are served in dainty pink cups that are guaranteed to earn you Insta likes!
Bread & Circus, 21 Fountain Street, Alexandria
Gluten Free Fast Food at Thr1ve
Thr1ve is the place to go when you are looking for gluten free grub on the go. With several outlets dispersed around the CBD, Thr1ve serves “real food, real fast” – it’s like the coeliac answer to Subway!
A great option for a gluten free lunch is a Thr1ve green bowl, which consists of 2 bases (such as seasonal greens and veggie mash) and warm marinated meat of your choice. One of the most satisfying salads known to man is the lemon and herb chicken bowl with pesto and red peppers. (In my humble salad-dodging opinion!)
Thr1ve also serve a number of paleo-friendly snacks and coffee, so it’s the perfect place to refuel mid-shopping spree.
You can find Thr1ve in Sydney at the MLC Centre, Australia Square and Westfield Pitt Street.
Gluten Free Dessert Parlour, Pana Chocolate
Proving that gluten, dairy and sugar free desserts can actually taste good is Alexandria’s Pana Chocolate. Situated handily close to Breads & Circus (snack for the drive home anyone?), Pana Chocolate hand make desserts and chocolate bites from healthy, raw ingredients and you would be hard-pressed to know they are missing the usual key ingredients!
Their cakes, which include Caramel Choc Chunk and Raspberry Ripple, are dairy, soy, gluten and refined sugar free, and they taste just as good as they look. They also sell bars of velvety, rich, organic chocolate to take away too. With this level of guilt-free indulgence, you may as well order 1 of everything!
Pana Chocolate, 21 Fountain St, Alexandria
Gluten Free Vegetarian at Yulli’s
Converting meat lovers with a wide menu of flavourful and filling vegetable fuelled foods, is Yulli’s on Surry Hills’ Crown Street. A staple on Sydney’s vegetarian dining scene, and friend to the gluten free.
This no-fuss, casual eatery offers mostly Asian flavours along with Mexican and Moroccan inspirations, has taken it upon themselves to highlight an entire menu of gluten free options. Ones which begin gluten free, and others which can be made gluten free upon request. Making it one of the best gluten free restaurants in Sydney.
Our gluten free favourite? The Gochujang Tofu which sees wok tossed Korean chilli tofu served on saffron rice with crispy lotus chips. For those of you with an unsatisfied sweet tooth, opt for the Warm Chocolate Lava Cake with fresh berries and caramel sauce.
Yulli’s, 417 Crown Street Surry Hills
Gluten Free Modern Malaysian at Ho Jiak
Bursting with modern Malaysian flavours, Ho Jiak is well known throughout the city. The city may favour signatures such as Char Koay Teow, however coeliac’s will be pleased to know that the soulful crew at Ho Jiak have dedicated a whole menu just for you.
As one of the best gluten free restaurants in Sydney, the menu may lack gluten, but it does not compromise on flavour. Highlights on Ho Jiak’s gluten free menu include Hainan Chicken, Eu Cien Fish (deep-fried fish served with gluten free soy sauce, ginger, chilli and garlic), and more.
While the original Ho Jiak opened in Haymarket, you can have your taste of their tasty selection of Malaysian street food at their other Town Hall and Strathfield locations.
Ho Jiak, 92 Hay Street, Haymarket
Gluten Free Donuts at Nutie
Being from humble beginnings selling small batches of artisan gluten free donuts at the Bondi Farmer’s Market, Nutie quickly captured the hearts of sweets enthusiasts regardless of their food allergies. It should come as no surprise that Nutie makes an appearance on this list as one of the best gluten free cafes in Sydney.
Beyond their picture-perfect range of treats, Nutie is dedicated to putting the fun back into gluten-free food for everyone. Even better, their donuts are baked, not fried, using only the best ingredients to create gluten-free friendly, wholly vegetarian treats, made fresh daily. Here, coeliac’s really can have their cake and eat it too. On the top of our list? The Banana Pudding and you simply can’t go past the OG Glazed donut.
Exclusively available at Nutie’s Surry Hills location, you’ll find one of the city’s best gluten free breakfasts in Sydney. A 100% gluten free, wholly vegetarian brunch menu. For a truly one of a kind experience, opt for the Wagon Wheel Pancakes with strawberry sauce, fluffy vanilla marshmallows, chocolate soil and berries.
Nutie, 44 Holt Street Surry Hills
Sydney’s Best Vegan Kitchen at Alibi Bar & Kitchen
Located at Ovolo Woolloomooloo, Alibi is a delicious vegan kitchen and bar run by renowned plant-based chef Matthew Kenney. Although the focus is vegan, the menu is filled with dishes to suit gluten-free eaters.
The highly-rated Sydney restaurant offers 6 and 8-course tasting menus with gluten-free dishes, including lasagne with tomato marinara and macadamia ricotta and sweet potato gnocchi with amaranth and sorghum.
Australia’s first 100% plant-based hotel bar and restaurant – Alibi Bar & Kitchen – offers a whole new side to plant-based dining within the walls of Woolloomooloo’s infamous Finger Wharf. In collaboration with Ovolo’s Creative Culinary Partner, US plant-based chef, restaurateur and pioneer Matthew Kenney, Alibi Kitchen offers a curiously clean and contemporary al la carte menu showcasing local and seasonal produce.
House favourites that bring Alibi Bar & Kitchen to the top of the list of the best gluten free restaurants in Sydney include the Kimchi Dumplings with Ginger Foam and Red Cabbage Puree and Brussels Sprouts with maple carrot puree and mixed seeds.
Boasting an extensive sustainable and biodynamic focused wine list and theatrical cocktails to pair with your gluten free a la carte meal, discover how you can celebrate your next event or enjoy a mid-week treat with a sit down, guilt free dinner at 100% plant-based Alibi Bar & Kitchen.
Book your table at Alibi today!
Gluten-Free Fine Dining at Chiswick
Gluten-free dining has never looked or tasted this good. Chiswick in Woollahra is the ultimate casual fine dining experience with a menu that will no doubt entice and delight gluten-free eaters. Matt Moran is the man behind Chiswick, and his ‘paddock to plate’ philosophy guarantees a menu packed with healthy, seasonal produce and the freshest local ingredients.
Those sensitive to gluten will be spoilt for choice the dishes including, woodfired halloumi with stone fruit and honey, smoked ocean trout with lemon cream, Bannockburn chicken with bay leaf jus, whole roasted market fish with caper butter and lemon, and the restaurant’s famous slow-roasted lamb shoulder with pepperonata and mint salsa. But that’s not all; gluten-free desserts include Chiswick meringue with sesame, coconut and spring fruits and grilled mango with passionfruit and almond sorbet.
Gluten-Free Japanese at a Sake
Finding gluten-free Japanese food is no mean feat. Lucky for coeliac Sydneysiders, Sake offers a range of starters, main, sides and sushi rolls that are all gluten-free. Sake has restaurants dotted around the hottest spots in town, including Double Bay, Manly Wharf and The Rocks.
Dig into spicy tuna or kingfish double crunch sushi rolls with jalapeno mayonnaise, oysters with wakame dressing, roasted scallops, chicken karaage, teriyaki lamb chops, pan-seared duck breast with crispy onions and sansho pepper soy.
Ultimate Gluten-Free Thai at Thai Pothong
Thai Pothong is a Newtown favourite with a dedicated gluten-free menu filled with Thai classics. Established in 1996, the restaurant has developed a reputation for the finest Thai food in town.
From Thai salads, curries and stir-fries to a selection of incredible seafood and vegetarian dishes, Thai Pothong has it all. Enjoy entrees of steamed chilli scallops, golden tamarind tofu and chicken coconut soup and classic mains, including pad Thai, Panang, red or green curry and Thai fried rice.
Incredible Gluten-Free Italian at Vapiano
Gluten-sensitive eaters may have a challenging time when it comes to Italian food, but Vapiano has come to the rescue, serving up a range of gluten-free Italian favourites. With locations in Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast and Brisbane, Vapiano has an impressive reputation around Australia, focusing on locally-sourced, quality ingredients.
So, what’s on the menu? You won’t be short on gluten-free options with pasta dishes including, Vapiano’s bolognese, carbonara, chicken alfredo and garlic butter gamberi. And for pizza-lovers — deep dish garlic pizza, roasted eggplant parmigiana, Hawaiian, meatlovers, burrata and prosciutto and more.
Best Gluten-Free Bakery at Wholegreen Bakery
Wholegreen Bakery is a gluten-free gamechanger. Located in Waverley and Sydney’s CBD, the bakery and cafe provide an array of scrumptious baked goods that are 100% gluten-free. After her youngest daughter was diagnosed with coeliac disease, Cherie Lyden went on a quest to develop recipes that were both gluten-free and delicious, and so Wholegreen Bakery was born.
The gluten-free cafe offers a selection of freshly baked loaves of bread, including activated charcoal and turmeric, olive and rosemary, seeded or plain sourdough bread. The award-winning bakery also serves up the best gluten-free breakfast in Sydney, with savoury treats including quiche lorraine, roast vegetable frittata and seasonal savoury muffins, and banana bread, almond croissants and seasonal fruit frangipane tarts, for those with a sweeter tooth.
6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo
Jayne Gorman is a freelance travel writer and award-winning travel blogger who blogged her way around 40 countries before her 30th birthday. Now Sydney-based you’ll often find her sniffing out the latest street art and sweet treats around the city.