Gluten-free restaurants in London

Bill Granger’s laid-back café/restaurant offers plenty of gluten-free options which are clearly labelled on a bespoke ‘allergy menu’. Pretty much any allergen you can think of from celery to soya is marked so it’s easy to see which dishes contain gluten and which don’t. The whole of the BBQ section is currently off-limits, but there are plenty of breakfast items, big plates and salads that are safe for gluten-intolerant diners.

A central location, comfy interiors and plenty of choice make Refuel at the Soho Hotel an excellent spot for gluten-free diners. Most of the starters and all of the mains are gluten-free, so it’s only dessert that lets the menu down with its sole gluten-free item. There are also a number of gluten-free options on the breakfast menu, including a very healthy-sounding kimchee and chickpea pancake.

Known for its delicious plant-based dishes, free from dairy produce, refined sugars and additives, Farmacy is a top choice for healthy west London dining. And the good news is it also has plenty of gluten-free options, including all of its salads, all of its ‘earth bowls’ and all of its desserts. As with most restaurants though, it does advise that dishes are prepared in a kitchen where allergens are present throughout, so it can’t guarantee that any dishes or drinks will be free from trace ingredients.

Free from gluten, grains, refined sugar and hydrogenated vegetable oils, the dishes you’ll find on the menu at the Hemsley sisters’ first London café hail from their two wildly popular cookbooks, though there are some specials too. The seasonal menu is thoughtfully sourced and abundant in organic, biodynamic, sustainable and traditionally farmed produce, so you can feel extra good about yourself while tucking in.

An entirely dairy- and gluten-free menu makes Indigo at One Aldwych a top choice for gluten-free dining in the capital. The set pre-theatre menu, which comprises dishes such as pea velouté and fillet of Brixham hake, is full of healthy yet substantial dishes made from good-quality seasonal ingredients, and also offers great value. Gluten-free guests are well looked after at breakfast time too, thanks to its gluten-free breakfast options.

This lovely Levantine restaurant’s all-day menu contains close to 100 ingredients and, aside from the Greek pita bread, is entirely gluten free! That means gluten-free diners can enjoy the likes of houmous, peach, feta and red onion salad, and a whole host of meat, fish and veggie dishes, plus dessert without any stress.

Pancakes are great for a comforting, filling meal or snack any time of the day, so whether you want sweet or savoury, traditional or innovative, large or small, simply opt for this popular pancake house’s alternative 3-1 batter which is dairy free, wheat-free and vegan. Do keep in mind, though, that due to the small kitchen, it’s not able to guarantee 100% absence of gluten in any of its dishes.

Dishoom’s ‘gluten-allergy’ menu, which is available across all of its sites, lists both dishes that don’t contain gluten and those that can be made without gluten on request. What’s more, its staff are on the ball when it comes to allergy sufferers, so just be sure to mention any gluten aversions or intolerances to your waiter and they’ll ensure you're looked after.

Rather than a ‘gluten-free’ menu, this high-rise City hotspot on the 40th floor of Heron Tower offers what it terms ‘gluten conscious’ options. These aren’t marked on menus online, but diners can speak to the chatty, knowledgeable staff on arrival to determine which dishes are available sans gluten on its international all-day menu.

This popular little outfit in north London serves up some cracking gluten-free pizzas in its authentic wood-fired oven, including the ‘Speck-tacular’ (mozzarella, gongorzola, pecorino and speck) and the inventive ‘Arianna’ (mozzarella, fresh sausage, Taleggio, pecorino and truffle honey). It’s worth noting that while the dough is definitely gluten-free, the kitchen can’t guarantee it won’t contain traces of gluten.

All branches of Masala Zone (including Covent Garden, Soho, Bayswater, Earls Court, Camden Town and Islington) have a selection of glute-free dishes, including its curry and rice plates, and a couple of street food items. These dishes are not identified separately on the menu, but if you inform your waiter that you are gluten intolerant, they will be happy to assist you in making your choice.

With 35 restaurants (and counting), Honest Burgers is a great shout for gluten-free diners. Each location has a clear allergens list, which states which dishes contain gluten so you can order without any anxiety. What’s more, if you view the allergens menu online, you can filter out any dishes containing gluten by selecting the ‘gluten/wheat’ tab. And don’t worry – tons of the menu is gluten-friendly so you’re sure to find something you like the look of, honest.

This Coeliac UK accredited casual dining restaurant in Angel serves up a completely gluten-free menu made up of seasonal ingredients that are sourced locally wherever possible. Here you can expect crowd pleasers with a modern twist, such as beef and ale pie and gnocchi caponata, safe in the knowledge that Niche’s  kitchen practices are 100% free from the risk of gluten cross-contamination.

Dining gluten free doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality, as evidenced by this Michelin-starred Italian restaurant in Marylebone that makes a number of gluten-free breads and pastas. Unfortunately, gluten-free dishes aren’t marked on the menu, but if you inform your waiter of your intolerance at the start of your meal, they will be able to advise on what is safe to order.

This Indian foodie hotspot in Covent Garden is Vivek Singh’s (of Cinnamon Collection fame) most casual format restaurant to date, thanks to its menu of snacks, chaats and small plates. Many of these dishes are gluten-free, including chilled lentil dumplings with spiced yoghurt and toasted cumin, and lamb Rogan josh shepherd’s pie, and are clearly marked as such, so you can order with confidence.