Tag: gluten-free restaurants

Best Gluten-Free Options in Prague: A Foodie’s Trip

Posted in PragueTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

I spent a week in a sunny Prague over the summer. Staying in an apartment meant that I prepared some meals at home, but I wasn’t short of delicious gluten-free options when eating out.

Restaurants

Alriso

A dedicated gluten-free Italian restaurant situated in a tucked away square, offering the perfect spot to sit and watch the world go by. I really enjoyed it here so visited twice. I had some gorgeous gluten-free and lactose-free bread and oil, steak, and risotto over my two visits.

Bassotto

Fancy a pizza? Bassotto is 100% gluten-free and they offer vegan cheese too! This restaurant is nestled away so you may not notice it walking by. I watched the chef freshly make my margherita pizza, and it was as good as it looks. Bassotto offers the option to takeaway or eat in, and also had a selection of gluten-free and some dairy-free sweet treats.

My Raw Cafe

As a coeliac I often find myself at vegan restaurants like My Raw Cafe. As an avid meat and gluten-eater before my diagnosis, I wouldn’t have gone out of my way to get a table here in the past, but boy would I have been missing out. I went for the full three courses and did not regret a single bite. This was without a doubt my favourite meal of the trip – 100% gluten-free, raw and vegan!

Restaurace u Agamy

Restaurace u Agamy is a dedicated gluten-free restaurant offering local cuisine. It looked absolutely gorgeous, but visiting in the 35 degree heat of the summer, I didn’t much feel like eating a warm hearty meal like this. If I were to travel back in cooler temperatures, I’d be sure to pay a visit here.

Hard Rock Cafe

Always a winner, you can find Hard Rock Cafe in the heart of the city. As a Coeliac UK approved restaurant chain, you can rest assured the menu will cater for coeliacs and gluten-free diners.

Bakeries

Babiccina Spiz

I didn’t get chance to visit but Babiccina Spiz is a popular and well-reviewed gluten-free bakery.

Buchta Cukrarstvi

Another gluten-free bakery in Prague offering breads and sweet treats. I didn’t visit here, but the photos look awesome.

Svet Bez Lepku

Yet another gluten-free bakery which I didn’t have time to visit. You’re spoilt for choice!

Supermarkets

Albert

I found an Albert supermarket closely to my apartment, and there are stores dotted around the city. They had a dedicated gluten-free section in the stores I visited, filled with lots of local and international gluten-free brands such as Schar. Local brand Nature’s Promise, also seemed to offer lots of gluten-free products including oats and biscuits. I was also lactose intolerant during this trip and they had plenty of lactose-free options including yoghurts and chocolate.

Useful words and phrases

English

Gluten-free

Gluten

Milk

Czech

Bez Lepek

Lepek

Mleko

Overall verdict

Overall rating

Rating: 5 out of 5.

I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to get my hands on gluten-free food in Prague. There were plenty of options both in terms of dedicated gluten-free eateries and clearly marked gluten-free products in stores.

Coeliac friendly

Rating: 5 out of 5.

I felt that coeliac disease and allergies were both generally understood and treated seriously in the places I visited.

Safety

Rating: 5 out of 5.

All the places I visited understood the need to avoid cross-contamination and with lots of dedicated restaurants and bakeries. As a result I felt really safe in the restaurants I ate in.

Best Gluten-Free Restaurants and Supermarkets in Dubrovnik

Posted in Croatia, Europe, TravelTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments

This summer I enjoyed basking in the glorious sunshine on the Dalmatian coast in Dubrovnik. The ancient walled city offered history, beaches and beautiful sunsets.

During my time there I hunted out lots of delicious gluten-free options.

Panorama Restaurant

Wow. This place boasts a stunning view of the coastline and its islands. You will have to book in advance to eat here, and it was certainly worth the advance planning as the view of the sunset from the hilltop was perfect.

The restaurant staff were vary accommodating to my gluten and dairy free needs and I had a super succulent steak with an assortment of grilled vegetables. This was my favourite and most memorable meal of the trip – a steak with a view, what’s not to love!?

Nico’s Trattoria

seafood spaghetti at Nico's Trattoria in Dubrovnik

As always, an Italian restaurant often delivers of the gluten-free front and Nico’s was no exception. The chef was able to whip up a delicious gluten and dairy free seafood spaghetti.

Castello

Another Italian with plenty of gluten-free options. This time I opted for the prawn and courgette risotto. My only complaint was that I just wish there was more!

Vive Sol Mexican Bar and Restaurant

En route back to our apartment we stumbled across this roadside Mexican eatery where we indulged in corn tacos and frozen margeritas – a great pit stop before heading home.

Supermarkets

When arriving in Dubrovnik I headed to the local supermarkets, Studenac and Prima to check out their gluten-free produce. I wasn’t too hopeful, but I needn’t have been so pessimistic as they offered a number of gluten-free treats including plenty of Schar cereals, biscuits, crackers, local ham and crisps. Each were clearly labelled.

Boat trip

woman looking out to sea

We booked a full day boat trip around the islands which included both lunch and drinks. I was a little nervous about this given the boat was only small, meaning a very small kitchen area. Luckily the staff were very understanding and I was able to tuck into freshly-caught fish, mash potatoes and a cabbage salad along with the other island hoppers – all naturally gluten and dairy free!

I holidayed in Dubrovnik for just a few days, so there were plenty of places I had on my list but didn’t get chance to try:

Igra Street Food

This is 100% gluten-free, and the only dedicated gluten-free eatery I came across when researching restaurants in Dubrovnik. Igra serves casual bites such as hummus, sausages, chips and breads.

Pizzeria Mamma Mia

Another well-rated Italian restaurant serving gluten-free options.

Soul Kitchen

Soul Kitchen is an international kitchen with gluten-free options. The photos of their food looked like they offer a good selection of healthy choices.

Azur

A mediterranean restaurant with an Asian twist offering gluten-free options. This place would be top of my list if I were to go back to Dubrovnik, the food looked fantastic.

Hard Rock Cafe

It’s always a comfort to know that if all else fails, there is a Coeliac UK restaurant like Hard Rock nearby.

Dundo Maroje

International menu with gluten-free options.

Food Bar Guloso

A burger joint with vegetarian and gluten-free options. The burgers look really hearty here!

Dubrovnik Airport

Whilst I was waiting for my flight I had a wander around the terminal shops and restaurants and came across a few clearly labelled gluten-free options like this brownie.

Useful phrases

Most of the people I met in Dubrovnik spoke excellent English, but it is always handy to have some local lingo up your sleeve in case you need it.

English

Gluten-free

I am coeliac

Lactose-free

Croatian

Bez glutena

Ja sam celijakija

Bez laktose

Overall verdict

Overall rating

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Being a fairly tourist-centric city, Dubrovnik catered to most allergies and intolerances and so I felt fairly comfortable eating out and felt confident my dietary requirements were understood.

Coeliac friendly

Rating: 4 out of 5.

The Croatian people I spoke to seemed familiar with coeliac disease and the requirement for gluten-free food and the avoidance of cross-contamination.

Safety

Rating: 4 out of 5.

I felt that my food was prepared safely in all of the places I ate.

Gluten-Free Restaurant: The Oxford Place, Leeds

Posted in Leeds, UKTagged , , , Leave a comment

This dedicated gluten-free restaurant in Leeds city centre is a coeliac’s dream! As the only fully gluten-free restaurant in the city, I was so excited to try The Oxford Place and it did not disappoint. The restaurant is 100% gluten-free and the menu offers a range of dishes to please all tastebuds, including vegetarians and vegans.

The cosy atmosphere, friendly staff and knowledge that cross-contamination simply won’t be an issue here, make you instantly feel at home.

The menu boasts a range of international cuisine amongst high-quality British dishes, from ale battered haddock with chunky chips and tartare sauce, to vegan “shepherd’s pie”. It was genuinely hard to make a selection with such a scrumptious-sounding menu. In the end we opted for the slow cooked pork belly with baked apple, celeriac puree, leek croquet crackling and red wine jus, and the venison burger with spicy red onion marmalade, and smoked Monterey jack skinny frites for the main course. Since our main courses went down a treat we couldn’t resist a dessert, especially at the prospect of an entirely gluten-free dessert menu, beyond a list of ice cream flavours. For our final course we went for the sticky toffee pudding and the warm chocolate brownie.

warm chocolate brownie at The Oxford Place in Leeds
venison burger at The Oxford Place in Leeds
sticky toffee pudding at The Oxford Place in Leeds
slow cooked pork belly at The Oxford Place in Leeds

Both courses were cooked to perfection, and with so many brilliant options on the menu I am already planning my next visit. I’ll definitely make room for the full three courses next time around!

Overall rating

Rating: 5 out of 5.

A cosy restaurant with a lovely atmosphere to share an intimate meal with friends, family or loved one. You don’t have to be on a gluten-free diet to enjoy the food here. My gluten-eating partner had a fantastic gluten-free burger and didn’t miss the ‘normal’ gluten-filled bread one bit.

Coeliac friendly

Rating: 5 out of 5.

As a 100% gluten-free restaurant, it doesn’t get more coeliac friendly than this.

Safety

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Being a dedicated gluten-free restaurant, cross-contamination isn’t a worry here.

Gluten-Free Restaurants London

Posted in Europe, UKTagged , , , Leave a comment

On my first trip to London since being diagnosed with coeliac disease I was excited to explore of London’s plentiful options when it comes to gluten-free problem. The only problem was finding the time for them all in just one weekend. I’ve included the places I’ve visited plus some eateries that are very much on my list for next time.

Ugly Dumpling

My first gluten-free dumplings did not disappoint! Complete with gluten-free soy sauce, gluten-free tempura aubergine and a delicious dessert of assorted mochi, at no point of the meal did I feel I was missing out, far from it. Set in a cozy corner of Soho, the restaurant is decorated with quirky hand-decorated dumpling coasters from its many satisfied customers. I already can’t wait to return.

gluten-free dumpling platter from Ugly Dumpling
tempura aubergine from ugly Dumpling
gluten-free mochi from Ugly Dumpling

Ceviche

With most of ceviche’s menu being gluten-free, it felt a safe bet for a coeliac like myself. The menu is largely sharing plates, making it a great option to go with a group to try plenty of the menu. I ordered the aubergine tacu tacu, cassava fries, crispy squid jalea and Yana tuna ceviche.

gluten-free aubergine tacu tacu from Ceviche Soho
gluten-free cassava fries
tuna ceviche from Ceviche Soho

Sarava

Gluten-free crepe anyone?! Located in Brixton Village Market, Sarava offers a wide range of buckwheat crepes including ample selection of both sweet and savoury options. I opted for the picante.

Where the pancakes are

I didn’t make it here, but Where the pacakes are offer a dairy-free, wheat-free and vegan batter option for pancakes, with plenty of sweet and savoury options on their all-day menu.

Bubala

Another one on my gluten-free London bucket list, full of Middle Eastern dishes. Bubala have two restaurants, one in Soho and another in Spitalfields. Gluten-free options are clearly marked on the menu and they boast plenty of good reviews from fellow gluten-free diners.

Fully gluten-free

Station 26

Located just around the corner from Sarava in Brixton Village Market, Station 26 is fully gluten-free with plenty of rave reviews for brunch, lunch and dinner.

Near and Far

I haven’t tried this one yet, but Near and Far looks like a great spot for fully gluten-free food plus yummy cocktails.

Niche

Located in Angel, I haven’t personally tried this gluten, nut and sesame-free restaurant yet but the food on their Instagram looks delicious – I’m talking gluten-free fried chicken, focaccia and chicken schnitzel.

Gluten-free bakeries

Libby’s

I was spoilt for choice when it came to gluten-free bakeries, but with limited time and so many to try, I only had the time to visit just the one on this trip. I opted for Libby’s at Belsize Park, which offered plenty of gluten-free delights. I sampled the pan au chocolate, cookies, danish, sourdough bread and bagel (not all in one sitting – thankfully I was told the bread and bagel freeze well). They also offered plenty of other cakes and croissants, with some vegan options too.

gluten-free cakes from Libby's gluten free bakery
gluten-free sourdough from Libby's gluten-free bakery
gluten-free pan au chocolate from Libby's gluten-free bakery

Cookies and Scream

On my list for my next visit, Cookies and Scream is a fully gluten-free AND vegan bakery located near Holloway Road tub station. Based on their website and Instagram it looks like they offer plenty of cookies, brownies, doughnuts, pies and shakes. I look forward to giving this a try.

Vida Bakery

Another fully gluten-free and vegan bakery located in Shoreditch, offering cakes, brownies, cookies and cookie dough. Their website also offers plenty of options to buy online for nationwide UK delivery.

Cream Dream

Offering gluten-free, vegan and refined sugar-free delights near Charing Cross, I didn’t make it here, but Cream Dream’s Instagram suggests lots of yummy eclairs, dumplings and cakes.

Chain restaurants

Leon

Travelling from King’s Cross station made Leon a handy place to grab a gluten-free bite whilst on my travels. I tried the squash salad, waffle fries, and dahl. Perfect for a gluten-free bite on the go.

butternut squash salad from Leon King's Cross
gluten-free waffle fries and dahl from Leon at King's Cross

Honest Burgers

Scattered across the city, Honest Burgers has plenty of positive reviews from coeliacs, offering gluten-free burger buns.

There were a few other restaurants which I wanted to try but after contacting and explaining that I am coeliac they said that unfortunately they would not be able to accommodate. These included Banh Banh in Brixton, Oka and Imad’s Syrian Kitchen – a shame as they all looked delicious. It may be worth contacting yourself if you’re keen to try as restaurants may change their procedures.

Leeds: Wildcraft Bakery

Posted in LeedsTagged , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Since being diagnosed with coeliac disease, like many, I’ve been pining for the doughy, stodginess of bread, cakes, and doughnuts. So when I found out I had a gluten-free bakery just 10 minutes from where I live I was pretty excited to try it out. Here’s what I found…

Gluten-free white bread

White gluten-free bloomer

Bread is one of the foods which is so hard to replicate gluten-free. Thankfully Wildcraft Bakery do a pretty decent job with their gluten-free white bloomer.

It has a slight crustiness to its outer and the crumby softness of white bread. Unlike some of the gluten-free breads you may find in supermarkets, this doesn’t have to be toasted to be enjoyed, but can be happily devoured in its natural non-toasted state – bon appetite!

Wildcraft Bakery also offer teff wholemeal, sprouted buckwheat and multigrain soda breads.

Gluten-free doughnuts

With so many different doughnuts on offer at Wildcraft it would be rude to simply sample just the one. So I went on a culinary journey sampling three of the many different options on offer: the apple pie doughnut, “The Terry” chocolate orange doughnut and the not-biscoff doughnut.

The apple crumble doughnut

The apple crumble doughnut tastes just like the gooey, comforting apple crumble you’re hoping for, but better yet- it’s in a doughnut! The oozing centre keeps this one interesting but never soggy.

“The Terry’s” chocolate orange doughnut

Terry’s chocolate orange is definitely something I’ve missed since embarking on a gluten-free diet, so I couldn’t resist giving this one a try. A ring doughnut with a chocolate orange glaze, giving hints of that classic chocolate orange flavour without being overpowering.

The ‘not-biscoff’ doughnut

Now the ‘not-biscoff’ doughnut takes the crown in my book. This dense doughnut oozes a ‘not-biscoff’ butter from its centre and for me tastes just like the real thing. After kidding myself that I’ll save half for later“, I couldn’t help myself and went all in for the full thing and no regrets. I’ll be stocking up on these on my next visit I think.

Here I sampled just a few of the treats on offer at Wildcraft Bakery, and from what I’ve had I’ll definitely be back for more. They also offer cookies, cakes, scones and much more. They also offer delivery from their website, so you don’t have to live in Leeds to get a slice of the action.