18 min readThe prospect of dining out in a new city when you're coeliac or avoiding gluten can be daunting. Luckily, Bristol's cafes, restaurants, attractions and hotels are better than ever when it comes to options for varying dietary requirements, so you can easily enjoy food and drink that’s gluten free wherever you are in the city.
Breakfast & brunch | Lunch & Light Bites | Dinner & Drinks | Attractions | Hotel Restaurants | Pasta | Pizza | Burgers | Bakeries
Breakfast & brunch
Start the day as you mean to go on, filled to the brim with some delicious food. Côte Brasserie in Cabot Circus and Clifton offer a range of Coeliac UK accredited gluten free breakfast options, as well as having a huge dedicated GF main menu meaning even the pickiest of eaters will leave satisfied.
Spicer + Cole has locations in Queen Square, Clifton, Finzels Reach and The RWA, and is Coeliac UK accredited. The counter is piled high with cakes, salads and sandwiches, with hot dishes also available to order from the kitchen. Let the team know if you're coeliac or avoiding gluten when you arrive and they'll point you in the direction of which menu items are suitable.
Another popular local cafe chain, Boston Tea Party, also offer gluten free bread with their breakfasts and sandwiches.
Image - Côte Brasserie in Quakers Friars
Dotted around Bristol you'll find several Lounges – The Lounge (Bedminster), Tinto (Gloucester Road), Grupo (Westbury-on-Trym) and Porto (Fishponds). Their all-day menus have a gluten free version that covers mains, sandwiches, burgers, tapas and pudding, so there’s plenty of yumminess to choose from.
The café at Windmill Hill City Farm is very coeliac-friendly. Much of the produce comes fresh from the farm itself or is carefully-sourced and it’s a great spot for a family-friendly breakfast, lunch or cake.
Image - Breakfast at Windmill Hill City Farm Cafe
Lunch & light bites
After brunch comes lunch, and on this front Bristol has a whole host of options.
You're always spoiled for choice at St Nicholas Market, and if you're avoiding gluten that's still the case! Everything at BBQ stall Low 'n' Slow is gluten free, with several GF options available at Be Natural Kitchen and Royce Rolls inside the covered market, or from The Olive Works in the Glass Arcade. Pieminister have a couple of different gluten-free pie options to have with mashed potato and gravy, or you can fill up on hearty stews from Portuguese Taste.
Eat a Pitta do gluten-free salads and falafel and have separate prep and salad sections to avoid cross contamination for coeliacs.
Image - Eat a Pitta in St Nicholas Market
Eat a Pitta also have a kiosk in Broadmead is you're heading into town for some shopping, or you can find more gluten free goodies at Crispy Dosa on Union Street (most of their curries and biryanis are free from gluten) and Back Garden Pizzeria at Art Club, who can prepare gluten-free dough if you let them know 48 hours in advance.
Over in the Old City, French-style creperie Chez Marcel make delicious savoury galettes with buckwheat flour, which is naturally gluten free.
Ashwell & Co. in Clifton do a Gluten Less Afternoon Tea with a selection of sandwiches, cakes and scones, using gluten free flours and completely flourless recipes.
Image - Afternoon tea at Ashwell & Co.
Dinner & Drinks
Harbourside & City Centre
Head to Pieminister on Stokes Croft or by the Harbourside. Three of their delicious pies are gluten free and they also have a dedicated GF menu, meaning you can tuck in to some traditional South West grub and the gravy won’t be off limits!
Image - Pieminister
A lot of the menu at The Granary is naturally gluten free, whether you're joining for brunch (we recommend the buckwheat waffles or baked eggs), lunch or dinner (try their sharing mains cooked over fire, from spiced lamb cooked over fire to slow cooked aubergine with makhani dahl, preserved green tomatoes and crispy buckwheat). Their 'Taste of the Granary' set menu is also mostly GF, and is a great way to try a broad range of their small plates.
Image - The Granary
Riverstation feature on the Coeliac UK website and have plenty of choice across their menus, from the starters and mains in their upstairs restaurant to the a la carte menu in the Pontoon Bar with its harbourside terrace.
Take a seat on the waterside balcony at Harbour House and peruse their dedicated gluten free menu, with options including West Country mussels cooked with leeks & cider, grilled aubergine with mozzarella or beef with chimichurri, bone marrow butter & fries.
Image - Harbour House
Stop by for an American-style feed up at Quay Street Diner - gluten free options on the all-day menu include hash browns with pulled pork, cheese, jalapeños and fried egg, huevos rancheros or a range of meat or veggie tacos.
Cappadocia clearly mark up their menu with gluten-free items, from cold and hot Turkish mezze to mains such as stuffed aubergine, grilled meats and kebabs.
Image - Cappadocia
In the heart of Bristol’s old city, The Strawberry Thief features on the Coeliac UK website and has a huge range of gluten free local and international beers, as well as a tasty range of seasonal snacks, small plates and mains to accompany their epic beer selection.
Image - The Strawberry Thief
Almost all of the menu at Pho on Corn Street is gluten free, and the restaurant is also Coeliac UK accredited. They have a gluten free section on their website so you can peruse mains and desserts before you visit!
Image - Pho
Many of Bristol's local breweries such as Left Handed Giant and Wiper and True make GF beers, which you can order direct or sample at their taprooms in the city. Almost all of Bristol Beer Factory's beers in can or keg are tested as GF (and mostly vegan too), with options including IPAs, lagers, stout, North St Cider and their alcohol-free beer, Clear Head.
Alternatively, pop into one of the many pubs in the city that stock local GF beers - King Street is a hotspot for craft and local beers, with each pub boasting many keg and cask lines, with several GF beers usually available in each. King Street Brew House is always mindful of having gluten free options on both their taps and menu, so ask for the latest choice when you pop in.
Image - Wiper and True taproom
Wapping Wharf
This foodie hot spot on the harbourside has more restaurants and food vendors than you can count, and many of them can cater for gluten free diets. If you're looking for some casual fine dining, Box-E and Root can both tweak their menus or point you in the direction of the best dishes and drinks to order.
In the Cargo 2 shipping containers of Wapping Wharf, The only thing on Cargo Cantina's menu that contains gluten is the burritos, everything else is gluten free! They warm the burritos on the same plancha as tortillas, so if you're looking to avoid cross contamination, let the team know so that they can warm your tortillas in a separate pan. Their desserts are also made with masa or gluten free flour, so no worries there either.
Image - Cargo Cantina. Credit Hey What!
Seven Lucky Gods have a good choice of GF dishes on their pan Asian menu, from sashimi, sushi and salads to sharing plates such as miso-glazed celeriac, kimchi fries or pork ribs cooked on a robata charcoal grill.
Looking for something a little lighter? The menu at Loki Poke is 100% gluten free, as they use Tamari rather than soy sauce in their delicious poke bowls. Or head to Better Food for a choice of soups, sandwiches and salads from their deli counter.
Image - Seven Lucky Gods
Many of the dishes at tapas bar Gambas are gluten free, such as gambas pil pil and presa Iberica, as well as all of their desserts! They can do fried dishes, such as aubergine with molasses or calamares, with gram flour instead of wheat. If the kitchen is advised of a gluten intolerance/allergy, they will prepare dishes in a separate section with clean equipment, however they do prepare fresh bread every day and have a fryer section with flour open all the time so cannot guarantee that there won’t be any cross contamination.
Image - Gambas
Cabot Circus
You'll find a host of well-known high street restaurants at Cabot Circus, with gluten free favourites being Zizzi for Italian dishes, or Yo Sushi for their sushi rolls, salads, sashimi and tamaki - the latter are made to order when the team are made aware of your allergy/intolerance with specific equipment to avoid cross contamination.
The Second Floor Restaurant at Harvey Nichols has gluten free options for each course and other dishes that can be made gluten free upon request. Unfortunately their afternoon tea menu is not available with gluten free options at the moment.
Image - Second Floor Restaurant at Harvey Nichols
Clifton & Cotham
Brewhouse & Kitchen on Cotham Hill have a dedicated GF menu on their website, with options including baked camembert with vegetable croutons, vegetable tagine or chargrilled chicken with wild mushrooms. They also have several gluten-free dessert, including a chocolate brownie, Eton Mess or ice cream sundae. There are also a range of GF beers and ciders.
Image - Brewhouse & Kitchen
More than half of the dishes on KIBOU's hot menu are gluten free, plus around 80% of their sushi menu. All sashimi and tatakai (slightly seared meat of fish) can be served gluten free. Favourites from the GF options include the beef, chicken or salmon teriyaki, or the veggie sharing platter. Everything is signposted well on the printed menus in the restaurant, and you can filter all gluten free dishes on their website. The team prepare all gluten free items seperatly in the kitchen, but cannot guarantee cross-contamination.
Image - KIBOU
Enjoy some indulgent Mexican fine dining at Condesa on Whiteladies Road, where the menu is completely gluten free and coeliac friendly.
Many of the tapas dishes at Bravas are gluten free and the team can adapt some to make them suitable for coeliacs. The menu changes often, but many of their seasonal dishes are gluten free, as well as a number of our classics, such as tortilla de patatas, patatas brava and aubergines with molasses (which can be done with gluten free gram flour on request). The restaurant keeps one fryer and one plancha completely gluten free to avoid cross contamination when cooking.
Image - Bravas
There's a dedicated gluten free menu at Channings, where you can eat outside in their huge beer garden on sunnier days.
The menu at Fishers Restaurant is almost entirely gluten free and they have a dedicated fryer for GF dishes, so you can enjoy some traditional fish and chips without worrying!
Most of the Mediterranean-inspired small plates menu at Bristol Lido is gluten free, complete with gluten free bread for dipping!
Image - Bristol Lido
Izakaya offer a range of gluten free Japanese dishes at their restaurants on Park Street and in Clifton, from dumplings and sushi to poke bowls and sashimi platters.
If you're booked in for lunch or dinner at the exceptional Wilsons, contact the team ahead of time to explain your dietary requirements and they'll be happy to accomodate them with the set menu.
The Clifton Sausage offer GF versions of their lip-smackingly good sausages on request as well as GF beers, traditional British dishes, bread and pudding options.
Image - The Clifton Sausage
Delve into the atmospheric, cavernous wine bar at Racks Bar & Kitchen near Clifton Village for an entire menu devoted to gluten free dishes with loads of good stuff on there, from steak and chips or oyster mushroom calamari to goats cheese salad.
Image - Racks
A majority of the menu at Sri Lankan restaurant The Coconut Tree is gluten-free, including the Fat Sisters pumpkin curry, kale and cabbage sambol, chicken curry, hot butter calamari, battered mushrooms and their popular string hoppers. The food is prepared in an environment where allergens are present so cannot be guaranteed 100% free of gluten, however the teams take great care to prevent cross-contamination.
South Bristol
Take your pick from Mediterranean-inspired small plates at COR, which has a dedicated gluten free menu on their website and in the restaurant.
Image - COR
Let the team at seafood restaurant Noah's know if you're avoiding or allergic to gluten and they'll guide you through the latest menu options, from grilled catch of the day to the freshest oysters and scallops.
NOOK serve a 100% gluten free menu from their cafe on North Street in Bedminster. The menu of smoothie bowls, poke bowls and breakfast bowls is also mostly dairy free and has plenty of veggie and vegan options.
Most of their menu at The Malago on North Street in Bedminster can be adapted to be gluten free, including their popular fish and chips.
Image - Noah's Bristol
Stokes Croft & Gloucester Road
As well as being 100% vegetarian, the menu at The Canteen on Stokes Croft also has a few gluten free options from its seasonal selection. Check the options up on the board when you come in.
Across the road, popular Sri Lankan and South Indian restaurant Nadu has lots of gluten free options including hoppers, curries and sides.
The Gallimaufry on Gloucester Road have a dedicated fryer and always have plenty of GF options on their lunch and small plates menus, such as fried chicken, arancini and gnocchi.
Image - The Canteen
East Bristol
There's plenty of choice at The Forge & Fern in Staple Hill, whether you're coeliac or just avoiding gluten. Take your pick from small plate options including Korean fried chicken, crispy squid and nachos. Most of their mains such as steak or sausages and mash are gluten free, and their burger options can also be made so on request.
Image - The Forge & Fern
Attractions
Many of the cafes and restaurants at Bristol's top attractions can cater for different dietary requirements. Check their websites for information, or get in contact with them directly if you want to check anything specific.
Bristol Zoo Project have a range of sandwiches on gluten-free bread at their Courtyard Cafe, including cheese & chutney, egg or tuna. The soup of the day is always gluten free, and GF bread rolls are available. Any pizzas at Basecamp Pizzeria can be put on a gluten free base, and topping options change but there are always veggie options, as well as vegan cheese.
Image - Basecamp Pizzeria at Bristol Zoo Project
Wake The Tiger take great care with any dietary needs - both sides of their fryer are completely gluten free, dairy free, and egg free, and for dishes that have a crispy coating they use various types of processed corn rather than wheat. Current gluten-free dishes include loaded nachos, homemade hummus with veg sticks, homemade soups and macarons. Gluten-free bread and breadsticks are also available. Although prep for GF items is done first thing in the day, please note that some dishes containing gluten are prepared in the same kitchen later in the day, so cross contamination is possible, however the team and chefs are happy to explain more when you visit.
Image - Wake the Tiger
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm have a range of GF lunch options with GF rolls and bread for their sandwiches, toasties and soups, plus cake and ice cream.
The Grand Pier can cater to specific diets (for example, gluten free, coeliac, etc..) the team in Tiffany’s Restaurant would really appreciate if customers gave them a heads up prior to their arrival or table booking so they can make necessary dietary adjustments.
Image - Tiffany's at The Grand Pier
Bristol Packet Boat Trips offer a GF option on their Cream Tea Cruise around the harbour as well as for the catering on private hire cruises. Bristol Ferry can also offer a gluten-free buffet on private hire trips.
The Cafe at The New Room in Broadmead always has a selection of gluten-free cakes and sweet treats on the counter, and their soup option is always gluten free.
Image - The New Room Cafe
Hotel Restaurants
Miller & Carter Steakhouse at Bristol Marriot Royal is Coeliac UK accredited and has a dedicated GF menu on their website.
The stylish Boot Factory cafe and bar at Artists Residence has a separate fryer for GF items. Check their menu for the latest gluten-free options, but there is always GF bread available and the tacos on their dinner menu are made with corn rather than wheat.
Image - The Boot Factory at Artist Residence
The Bristol Hotel has gluten-free diets catered to across its breakfast, dinner, room service and afternoon tea menus, as well as on the bar snacks menu at neighbouring cocktails bar Rick's.
Chophouse at Future Inns has plenty of GF options on their menu, from salads and soups to steaks and desserts. They can't guarantee no cross contamination in their kitchen, however they recommend letting the team know of any dietary requirements when you book so that all due care can be taken.
Image - Chophouse at Future Inns
Pasta
Cafe Napolita in St Werburghs do gluten-free pizza bases and homemade gluten-free pasta if you're in the mood for some hearty Italian fare.
Bosco on Whiteladies Road can make gluten free pasta but not pizza, while Pazzo further down the road have lots of naturally gluten free options on their menu, plus GF pasta and desserts.
Don’t let your gluten free diet put you off trying the much-coveted Pasta Ripiena - fresh gluten free filled pasta is available for your eating pleasure. The panacotta is also GF and delicious!
Image - Cafe Napolita
Pizza
Pizza on the Park have created their own gluten free dough for pizzas and also cook them separately to avoid contamination. There are plenty of choices for sides, salads and dips too!
Many of Bristol's pizza joints do offer the option of gluten-free pizza bases, including Pizzarova, Beerd and Pizza Workshop, but aren't great for cross contamination due to the nature of the menus and size of kitchens.
Gluten free pizza bases are available at The Stable on the Harbourside. And the cherry on the GF cake? All their desserts are gluten free.
Image - Pizza on the Park
Burgers
Three Brothers Burgers have complete allergen information on their website and can do their burgers in a gluten free bun on request.
Go bunless or opt for a gluten free bun at Burger Theory, where the menu is clearly labelled for all your GF options, such as loaded fries, chicken wings and halloumi fries, as well as several of their burger options.
Honest Burger on Corn Street has plenty of GF options, including burgers, onion rings, beers and fries, which are also cooked separately to avoid cross contamination. Just across the road, Cosy Club gives you the option of a gluten free bun with your burger, or simply ask for them 'naked'. There's also an extensive GF menu including tapas, mains and puddings.
Image - Three Brothers Burgers
Bakeries
The Good Loaf at Harts Bakery next to Temple Meads is made with gluten free ingredients and packed full of seeds, making it very moreish!
Range of non-gluten products at The Bristol Loaf, including cakes and lunchtime nibbles.
We have it on good authority that the gluten free bread from Hobbs House Bakery is so good, you’d never know it wasn’t the real thing. They also sell the GF bread mix so you can whip up your own batch. You’ll find their Bristol stores on Gloucester Road and North Street in Bedminister.
Image - The Bristol Loaf
