When you ask if a meal is gluten-free you shouldn’t live in fear of “the eye roll”. You know, where they’re both silently categorising you as a fad dieter and questioning if it’s actually a necessity.
But you know what? Heck it! Whether you’re trying a new eating habit, a little bit gluten-sensitive or full-blown coeliac, we’ve rounded up the best GF dining destinations in Bris where you can escape the eye roll and embrace the no-bloat life (seriously though, is that eye roll gluten-free?).
CHEEKY POKE BAR | VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Everyone loves a good poke bowl, and these guys do a damn good job of it. Your insides will be singing with joy after a fresh bowl of sashimi salmon with wasabi mayo and pickled ginger or a hearty bowl of wagyu beef, noodles and enoki.
NODO | VARIOUS LOCATIONS
What we love is a place where you don’t even have to ask if something is GF, because everything on the menu is! Leaving the typically dry and icky gluten-free fare in the past, Nodo offers brunch dishes with their own twist, like house-baked sourdough with crushed avo, citrus, smoked ricotta, sriracha seeds and salt and vinegar saltbush, and a handful of drool-worthy burgers. Don’t even get us started on their donuts…
DOVETAIL SOCIAL | HIGHGATE HILL & NORMAN PARK
If you’re feeling like raising those pinkies in high-tea fashion, look no further than this cottage-esque cafe that is a GF hidden gem. Their entire Filipino-inspired menu and patisserie are entirely gluten-free, meaning coeliacs and GF folk can indulge here without worry. Not only will you not have to fret about gluten, you’ll also be free of that pesky little GF surcharge that gets tacked on elsewhere (because you deserve that non-financially burdening slice of gluten-free bread). Their signature dish, the Adobo Bowl, is a top pick amongst regulars with its mouth-watering braised chicken, pork, chorizo and mushroom.
PROJECT SALUBRIOUS CAFE | BURPENGARY
Making the short trip from Brisbane to visit Chef Kurt Lovell’s scrumptious GF creations is not a decision you will regret. Serving up food that is ‘good’ in every sense of the word, dishes like their steak sandwich with cashew brioche and a delectable tomato, onion and mushroom jam make a cult classic seem even more tantalising. If you feel like channelling your inner chef, book a cooking class and learn how to make some gluten-free goodies yourself.
YOU CAME AGAIN | WEST END
Being vegan and gluten-free was once a nightmare, but not anymore, friends! Brisbane’s first vegan tapas bar, You Come Again, understands the struggle is very real, so everything on their menu is both vegan and gluten-free. Dine with zero worries on beetroot carpaccio, lemon popcorn cauliflower bites, and miso-good glazed eggplant so tasty you’ll definitely come again.
CHU THE PHAT | SOUTH BRISBANE
Bringing Asian street snacks to town, Chu the Phat steps up the GF game with a menu of yummies. Prepare to feast on mung bean pancakes with kimchi caramel, tea-smoked duck legs and nanna Anna’s chilli chicken, and only bloat from eating all the food!
MONS BAN SABAI THAI | CAMP HILL
If Thai is more your vibe, then dining at one of Brisbane’s best Thai restaurants is now even easier. The award-winning spot has a menu with loads of GF options, ranging from punchy entrée dishes to curries, stir-fries, noodles, and even desserts! Feast easy knowing your satay chicken and pad Thai won’t upset you later.
PAWPAW CAFE | WOOLLOONGABBA
Available for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this Southeast Asian eatery offers plenty of gluten-free options from their mouthwatering menu. Whether you warm your insides with their massaman beef cheek curry on a cool winter night or enjoy their signature Pawpaw potato hash with hummus and smashed avo on a sunny morning with friends, you’ll never go wrong.
COVENT GARDEN | WEST END
The days of trying to decipher those little codes on the menu are gone–this West End stunner is completely free of gluten. Feel comfortable ordering every little thing off the menu with share-style eats on offer like Moroccan lamb with hasselback potatoes and mint tzatziki, sweet potato gnocchi with mushrooms and truffle sauce, and mezze galore.
MADAME WU | CBD
If you’re looking for a bit of a fancy affair but struggling with that gluten-free life, the always delicious Madame Wu has an entire gluten-free menu with which you’ll be captivated by more than just the view.
BAJA | FORTITUDE VALLEY
Baja proves that just because something is gluten-free, does not mean that it can’t pack a punch. Serving up dishes exploding with spice and locally sourced ingredients, their authentic Mexican-style menu is the perfect opportunity to indulge in a meaty taco without feeling bloated afterwards. Plus, you can always rely on a cheeky marg to be a great gluten-free option.
WILDE KITCHEN | TENERIFE AND ASCOT
If you’re looking to flex that healthy muscle with a bit of gluten-free paleo fare, then Wilde Kitchen is the one for you. If you think this means going scant on flavour, though, you couldn’t be more mistaken. With strawberry panna cottas, sticky pork belly burritos, and paleo fried chicken all on the menu, we know where we’re rushing to this weekend.
MISS DEMEANOUR | CBD
Located on Rowes Lane, this stylish underground bar can make your dreams come true with live music, cocktails and lip-smacking burgers all available to be GF. Their pulled beef burger with maple bacon and melted mozzarella oozes BBQ sauce and loads of goodness. Although, if you’re here on a first date, you may opt for their equally delicious share platters with GF offerings of tempura cauliflower, smoked pork and manchego croquettes or falafel balls with dukkah.
LIBERTINE | PADDINGTON
With so many gluten-free options, the hardest part will be choosing only a few! Bring your pals along and have a share plate situation so you can indulge in all of the goodies like crackling twice-cooked pork belly, mushrooms, lamb boulettes, and sesame crusted yellowfin.
NORMAN HOTEL | WOOLLOONGABBA
You can have your steak and eat it too at this iconic spot! It may be Brisbane’s worst vegetarian restaurant, but the Norman offers a menu that is almost entirely GF, with all steaks, sides, and sauces free of the nasty stuff!
Here’s the proof that dining gluten free in Brisbane has never been easier!
