Search gluten free restaurants in London and you’ll find a mixed bag. There are a few dedicated gluten free restaurants – yay! – but surprisingly, not many. So how do you know which are the best safe gluten free restaurants in London?
I’ve done the research for you, hunting down the best gluten-free food and dedicated gluten-free restaurants in London, as well as safe options at some other delicious restaurants around one of the world’s most fun cities. There’s always more to be discovered, but these should get you started on a safe gluten free adventure, eating your way around town!
A word about Food Labeling in the UK and the EU
Some London restaurants offering gluten free foods do a pretty decent job even if they’re not dedicated gluten free. Unlike in the States, food labeling laws in the UK and the EU require that gluten be called out on labels as “cereals containing gluten” which means not just wheat, but barley, rye and oats are all included.* Pretty civilized, don’t you think?
So even when a menu doesn’t have anything to offer us (as in this photo from the ubiquitous coffee shop Caffe Nero), I still appreciate that I can see right off that there’s nothing here for me. (Make your own homemade gluten free croissants with this recipe!)
You’ll see in my post below that I have a couple other menus and also allergen listings for you where these items are called out as “cereals containing gluten.” Feel free to always ask to see these allergen listings at restaurants in the UK if they’re not otherwise posted.
A bit about how the gluten free restaurant offerings in London are listed here and what’s presented below:
I’ve organized them by category and provided photos of some of the kinds of gluten free foods you might expect to see, as well as menus, where applicable.
I have also shared a photo or two of what I wore to these restaurants so you have an idea about the dress code (see photo captions for notes). Feel free to dress down, but know that what is worn in the photos was appropriate, respectful and blended in.
Where they are actually dedicated gluten free restaurants, they’ll be noted. I did not include gluten free Italian restaurants in London which use gluten-removed wheat starch, as that remains a controversial ingredient for many in the States, and it’s off limits for those with wheat allergy.
Other links to restaurants I didn’t have time to try but looked like fairly safe bets are added for your reference.
Cheers!
Gluten Free Afternoon Tea in London
“Made without Gluten” Afternoon Tea Service at the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is a full traditional tea complete with Hors d’oeuvre, finger sandwiches, scones, and patisseries.
The menu changes, but when I was there, the patisseries were all both vegan and gluten free and included such treats as Lemon Sponge with Redcurrant Jam, Raspberry and Chocolate Dome, Pineapple Cheesecake, and Mango and Turmeric Mousse.
For the finger sandwiches, there are vegetarian options as well as meat ones like their famous “Coronation Chicken” (served on gluten free bread); I chose vegetarian, so was served Cucumber with Minted Pea and Broad Beans on gluten free bread – hard to get more British or more fancy than that!
The cost for this traditional tea (including a pot of actual tea) is 70 pounds per person, so come for the experience as well as the food, and plan to stay awhile to make the most of it, as they will bring you as many helpings of finger sandwiches and scones as you like!
The kitchen is not dedicated gluten free, but they do have a dedicated prep area. The gluten-free trays are brought out with a tag identifying them as a special meal.
The scones are made elsewhere and brought in; the pastries and sandwiches are made in-house.
The scones were quite good when served, but my leftovers were sent home with me in a take-away box and were sadly not soft or edible in my hotel room on day two. Some of the patisseries were still lovely though. (Make your own homemade gluten free scones with this recipe!)
Dedicated Gluten Free Restaurants in London
Indigo at One Aldwych Restaurant
In the Covent Garden area of London in the West End, this restaurant and super chic bar are found inside the lovely One Aldwych Hotel. It was at this very bar that I enjoyed the best drink I’ve ever had (The Electric Rhubarb, in case anyone’s asking). Their cocktail menu is also scratch & sniff – quite a unique feature.
You would never know it walking in off the street, and even from our server at the bar (at first), but this restaurant is entirely gluten-free. They don’t wear it on their sleeves or broadcast it as a newsworthy note because, as we know, it’s sadly a turn-off for many who don’t need gluten free meals.
But no one would know they were eating at a gluten-free restaurant from the extensive and creative British menu which yes, does include batter fried fish and chips!
Their hand-cut gluten-free chips (fries) are super thick and mean business, stacked in an artistic, architectural presentation, but that won’t last long once you dig in – they’re quite fantastic! Served with mayonnaise and ketchup, of course. (Order two!)
I hope to get back there for dinner one day; unfortunately, the bar was all that we had time for this trip.
The entire menu is also dairy-free. The kitchen is accredited by Coeliac UK.
Niche is London’s first Coeliac UK accredited 100% gluten-free restaurant. Located in the Islington area of London.
In addition to being dedicated gluten-free, Niche is also nut and sesame-free. There are many vegetarian, vegan and dairy-free options on the menu, as well.
The menu boasts more than just easy gluten free dishes, as beer-battered onion rings, skinny fries, sourdough, focaccia, and even tiramisu are here!
The skinny gluten-free chips (fries) are highly recommended – they did not last long!
I ordered The Salted Caramel Pudding, as it was also vegan, but I really wish I could have tried that Tiramisu!
There’s nothing like the relaxing feeling of dining in a dedicated gluten-free restaurant, and the staff could not have been nicer.
However, my friend felt that her gorgeous soup was lacking a bit in flavor (enhanced by the salt shaker) and my pudding was on the gritty side (but I’m spoiled).
I would love to go back and try some other dishes for comparison – and I would definitely go back!
The restaurant is rather small, so be sure to book a reservation on-line in advance.
Other Dedicated Gluten Free Restaurants in London
Station26 (Brixton Village Market)
Plant Hub Organic (Mayville Estate)
Mommi (Brixton/Clapham North) {while not technically dedicated gluten-free, all dishes are actually marked as gluten free and noted that all can be made gluten free upon request}
Upscale Gluten Free Dining in London / Pre-Theatre Gluten Free Dining in London
As if the name wasn’t intriguing enough, this self-described French restaurant serves a Russian-inspired British menu. Difficult to explain, right?
The ambiance is top-notch, as it’s an all-booth, Orient Express, art deco setting with a low lighting, semi-formal vibe.
Every table is outfitted with its own “press for champagne” button. Nice feature.
As for gluten-free, there were a few options, but not many if you’re like me and don’t eat meat. Aside from vodka shots, oysters and caviar, there were two fish dishes and that was it.
Tip: don’t spring for the side salad! You can see it essentially comes served in a gravy boat — so it’s the size of what the salad dressing should come in!
There was a gluten-free seeded roll brought to the table that was warm and decent; it was baked by an outside vendor.
The kitchen is not gluten-free, but they take care to keep gluten-free meals separate.
For dessert, I enjoyed a gluten free, dairy-free rice pudding and poached Yorkshire rhubarb with honeycomb – it was actually delightful!
Gluten Free Fish & Chips in London
As the name suggests, the Mayfair Chippy is located in the Mayfair district. It’s a positively tiny place, so be sure to get reservations in advance. And getting reservations is harder than it might sound, as there’s no way to book on-line and they’re not overly fond of answering their line! There’s often a queue outside, so if you don’t mind waiting, that’s another option.
Their hours are published as closing at 9:45 pm, but I was told on the phone that the kitchen closes at 9:30, however later I was told by a different person answering the phone that the kitchen closes at 9, so … be forewarned.
During a follow-up call with one of the owners, he confirmed that seating was available until 9:30, with orders due into the kitchen by 9:45, so hopefully that will be straightened, out going forward.
Nowhere on the website or on the menu is gluten-free mentioned, so it’s more like a be in-the-know kindof thing to even think this place would have gluten-free fish and chips, much less a dedicated fryer. But they do.
In fact, they’ve been doing gluten-free for three years now, as one of the business owners is gluten intolerant and they believe (as everyone should) that all should be able to enjoy delicious food together!
Their sparkling water gluten-free batter is cooked in a separate fryer along with the chips (fries) if you’re ordering gluten-free, and there are 5 different varieties of fish as well as plant-based options like jackfruit available, even with the gluten-free batter!
Unfortunately, I can’t say that we had the best experience with the staff the night we went. It was obvious they didn’t want to be there a moment longer than they had to be, and even though there were tables cleared as we waited, they did not allow us to sit at them!
While we waited, I investigated the gluten-free beer offerings, and sadly, the only “gluten-free” beer sold there was Estrella Daura Damm, a gluten-reduced beer (not gluten-free).
Because we were forced to get our meals as take-away, I can report on that experience though: ordering one gluten-free meal and one not gluten-free meal, the identification wasn’t exactly the most clear (see below).
Happily, even as take-away, the fish and chips were still crisp even 15 minutes later back in our hotel room, so that’s quite impressive! (I did think the batter could have used a bit more salt though!)
In the end, my trip to London would not have been complete without a proper English gluten-free fish and chips, so I was thrilled that the meal was still so crispy and pleasing, even eaten as take-out. Fried food so often is not.
On an other positive note, one of the owners of Mayfair Chippy followed up with me after seeing my stories on Instagram and wanted to address the hospitality issues that I experienced the night I was there.
I do sincerely appreciate the time and love they clearly have for their restaurant, and that they are going to take my feedback and use it to work with their staff to improve future experiences. Other reviewers have reported far better interactions, so I’m sure this was but a blip that will be rectified.
I have no complaints about the quality of the food or the food safety, and do recommend the Mayfair Chippy to those looking for safe and delicious authentic gluten free British Fish & Chips.
Other Gluten Free Fish & Chips Restaurants in London
Gluten Free Restaurant in Soho / Gluten Free Breakfast in London
Although I didn’t have time to make it there this trip, Mildred’s of Soho looks like a good spot to try. Not dedicated gluten-free, and the fryer is cross-contaminated (so avoid!), but there are lots of options on the menu which can be made gluten-free. Mildred’s is an entirely plant-based restaurant in Soho.
Read the fine print allergen disclosure on the menu and discuss closely with your server.
Gluten Free Food at Wimbledon
Wingfield Café at All England Lawn Tennis Club at Wimbledon
I include this café mostly as an example of what to do when you find yourself somewhere with only pre-prepared food and not much in the way of gluten-free options.
In this case, the Wingfield Café brings in a couple gluten-free selections from outside bakeries and has them displayed in cases amongst their gluten-filled foods.
The gluten-free brownie was on a tray quite close to gluten-filled confections and was not covered; I declined.
The gluten-free Cappuccino Cake was on a covered cake stand and therefore was not at risk of crumbs falling on it from other gluten-filled foods. It’s still a riskier environment than some others, so you just have to use your best judgment and certainly watch how the servers handle actually serving it.
Additionally, I asked to see the ingredient and allergen listing before ordering, which I’ve attached below. It’s helpful for many reasons, not just because it shows the ingredients, but also because it shows how gluten is required to be identified.
All “Cereals with Gluten” in the UK must be called out in bold*, unlike in the US where only wheat is required to be identified on an ingredient or allergen label. The European model is much more instructive.
Oh, and Pimm’s – the drink of Wimbledon — is also gluten-free! Pimm’s is gluten free because it’s made from gin (gluten free), herbal botanicals and lemonade.
Gluten Free in Hampton Court
The Mute Swan in Hampton Court seems to do a really nice job of attending to the needs of its gluten-free patrons, although not being a dedicated gluten-free restaurant. They offer a separate gluten-free menu (they also offer other allergen-free menu options, as well), noting that their kitchen has controls in place to “ensure that dishes contain less than 20ppm gluten.” Nice.
While we didn’t have time to stop when we were at Hampton Court (we were enjoying the jousting too much!), this was on my list, so I thought I would include it for yours, as well.
Do you have other gluten free restaurants in London to recommend? Do comment below and let us all know where to try next!!
Also see my article on Gluten Free Food in London Heathrow Airport (LHR) Terminal 5.
If you live in the UK, did you know you can buy my #1 Voted gfJules products on Amazon.co.uk? Shop now! (check back often, as they seem to sell out frequently!)
*The Food Information Regulation for Consumers, Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, introduced in 2014 makes it mandatory for food brands to provide information on packaging on the presence of the fourteen allergens including gluten (wheat, barley, rye and oats) as deliberate ingredients within products.
If a cereal containing gluten is used as a deliberate ingredient, it must be listed on the ingredients list, no matter how much is used. When labelling foods you must name the specific grain that has been used, for example, wheat, rye, barley, oats, spelt, khorasan wheat (commercially known as Kamut®), triticale or their hybridised strains.
Food Information Regulations requires that allergens must be emphasised in the ingredients list.
I hope this post was informative and helps you dine out with less time invested in doing your own research on your next night out, gluten free in London! If you need to find the best Gluten Free Food in Paris, hop to my post!
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As someone with coeliac, I really appreciate that you not only reviewed the true safety of these gluten-free restaurants in London, but also whether or not the food was good or worth it! Very helpful post.
Did you try the Marks and Spencers Croissants? Amazing. But I agree with you. Labeling is so much better. Food quality is so much better. Picture of my M&S Croissant below. This was from a few years ago. I actually purchased it in Prague, but Marks and Spencers is a British store, so i would assume they are also available in England.
Thanks so much for sharing, Cillie! Looks like Marks & Spencer is still making those gluten free croissants in the UK, as well as a few other gluten free bread offerings in their “Made Without Wheat” line. There was a product recall in December 2021 due to wheat flour being added without notice to their gluten free White Sourdough, but otherwise, it appears to be a popular line.
~jules
This is SO helpful as I’m traveling to London next month!! Thank you for all your research, Jules! This will save me so much time as I’m looking for truly safe gluten free restaurants in London!
Happy to help, Jennifer! So glad the research will be useful to you. Enjoy your trip!
~jules