It can be hard for London's gluten-free crowd to find somewhere that caters for their dietary demands. So our Crouch End Lettings Manager and coeliac, Amie Roberts, has shortlisted her top 10 gluten-free eateries in North London.
Having worked for Foxtons in North London for nine years as a lettings negotiator, valuer and now manager, Amie is most certainly in the know!
G.O.D Bakery
Stoke Newington, N16
G.O.D (Gluten Out Done) Bakery was set up by coeliac Eva Mavron, who started making her own gluten-free treats when she discovered it was difficult to buy them in shops. As well as making a range of GF cakes, biscuits and bars, they have a stall at Stoke Newington Farmers' Market every Saturday.
Recommended: Parsnip, pecan & salted caramel cake. It’s a bit like a carrot cake, but better!
Artisan Gluten Free Bakery
Upper Street, Islington, N1
A completely gluten-free bakery, so there's no risk or fear of cross-contamination! Everything is made fresh on the premises each day for their breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea menus. And you can also buy treats to take away too!
Recommended: Anything that is served with or on their bread, which is without doubt the best gluten-free bread in London!
Pho
Upper Street, Islington, N1 and St John Street, Clerkenwell, EC1M (and other locations)
Pho have recently changed their menu so that all bar the chocolate slab dessert is gluten free! No risk of sneaky soya sauce in recipes like those in most Asian restaurants and no fear that fried items are cooked in the same oil as non-gluten-free food.
Recommended: Chả giò – crispy spring rolls
Tootoomoo
Crouch End, Highgate, Islington and Totteridge & Whetstone
Tootoomoo's well labelled menu may not be totally gluten free, but they do have plenty of gluten-free choices. They also offer a takeaway service, where you can filter the menu to gluten-free options only, allowing you to order with confidence.
Recommended: Crispy Smoked Chicken
Niche
Rosebury Avenue, Islington, EC1R
Niche is London's first Coeliac UK accredited 100% gluten-free restaurant, so you can be sure there's no gluten contamination. With different menus for lunch and dinner and wheat-free beer, the possibilities are endless! A three-course meal is a must.
Recommended: Niche Quiche, which has a different filling every day!
Wahaca
Upper Street, Islington, N1 and Kentish Town Road, NW5 (and other locations)
Wahaca offer a full separate gluten-free menu that is split into choices for highly allergic/coeliac, mild intolerance and lifestyle gluten free. They explain on their menu exactly how they act in their kitchens to avoid cross-contamination. Although they fry all of their fried food in the same fryer–making some options unsuitable for highly allergic/coeliacs–there is still a huge selection.
Recommended: Chicken Tinga Taco
Carluccio's
Islington, Muswell Hill, St. Pancras, Smithfield (and other locations)
Carluccio's has a separate gluten-free menu with plenty of options for starters, mains and desserts. As they don’t make you pick GF options on the main menu, you don’t feel like you're missing out.
Recommended: Bruschetta
Bill's
Islington, N1 and Muswell Hill, N10 (and other locations)
Bill's offer gluten-free bread, even though it is not specifically noted on their menu, so it’s a great place for breakfast. Be aware that they fry all of their fried food (non-gluten and gluten containing) in the same fryer, so some things aren't suitable for people that are highly allergic/coeliac.
Recommended: The Vegetarian Breakfast with gluten-free sourdough
Dear Pizza
Highbury Park, Highbury N5
This used to be Stringray Café, but has recently undergone a name change and facelift. They offer a gluten-free upgrade to all of their pizza and pasta dishes for an extra £2, which makes it a nice easy place to go to with friends who don’t want gluten-free food. Pizzas can also be ordered to collect and are under £10.
Pizza Veneziana – smoked chicken, peppers and sundried tomatoes
La Farola
Upper Street, Islington, N1
Farola is a cute café/bistro with a speciality in tapas. They don’t have a specific gluten-free menu, but the staff are happy to guide you through what works. And a large number of dishes can be made gluten free too. The real gem is their signature breakfast, which is naturally gluten free.
Recommended: La Farola Breakfast Plate
If you enjoy eating out, why not browse through our 6 must-visit London eateries for a healthy lifestyle and the 10 Affordable London Restaurants You Must Try in 2016.
