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