Europe is one of the best regions in the world to travel gluten free — and not just because of Italy. From Barcelona’s coeliac-aware Mediterranean dining to Stockholm’s meticulously labelled menus, the continent offers some genuinely outstanding options for travellers who need to eat safely without sacrificing the experience.
That said, not every city is equally easy, and knowing what to expect before you arrive makes a real difference. We’ve rounded up eight destinations that are worth visiting for the food as much as anything else, from Paris’s gluten free patisseries to Dublin’s cosy coeliac-friendly cafes. Each entry covers the best restaurants, what to order, and what to watch out for.
If you’re travelling somewhere not covered here have a look at the Association of European Coeliac Societies, they list over 23,000 products available across the Europe by country as well as how to find accredited venues.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona has it all culture, history, and is one of the most coeliac aware cities in Europe, thanks to a strong national coeliac association and a Mediterranean diet that has many naturally gluten-free options. From paella by the beach to gluten-free croissants in the Gothic Quarter, this city makes eating out exciting and safe.
Headed to Spain? Spain’s coeliac association, FACE, offers a paid app (in spanish) that many travellers swear by. It includes: Cross‑contamination notes, A database of certified gluten‑free restaurants, A barcode scanner for supermarket products, Verified GF brands and packaged foods, Regional recommendations. While you’re bookmarking pages, check out How to Read Gluten & Dairy Ingredients in 9 European Languages (+ Label Rules You Need to Know) as well as our The Ultimate Gluten-Free Travel Guide to Spain for more great advice to help with your trip planning.
Gluten Free dining highlights in Barcelona
- Jansana Gluten Free Bakery – A 100% gluten-free bakery that is highly praised for its delicious pastries and sweets
- Cøliaki – Known for a wide variety of gluten-free options and dedicated gluten-free kitchen
- Messie Sin Gluten Muntaner – Popular for gluten-free pizzas and pasta with a dedicated gluten-free menu
- Restaurante En Ville – Offers a separate gluten-free menu with Catalan cuisine in a charming setting.
- Conesa Entrepans – delicious coeliac friendly gluten-free sandwiches
Must try Gluten Free eats:
- Paella – Made with rice, seafood or chicken, olive oil, saffron. Always double-check the broth and ask “sin gluten.”
- Crema Catalana – Naturally GF, like crème brûlée
- Tortilla Española – egg, potato, onion. Always check they haven’t added flour.
- Jamón Ibérico – Cured ham, 100% gluten-free.
Budapest, Hungary
Hungarian cuisine is rich and flavourful, but does traditionally heavy on flour and dumplings. Budapest offers a unique mix of traditional flavours, innovative restaurants, and a vibrant food market culture. More restaurants are offering gluten-free choices and allergen labelling.
Don’t forget your Hungarian allergy card and research menus in advance; many restaurants are open to custom requests. Make sure you check the Magyar Cöliákia Egyesület (Hungarian Coeliac Society), they have a map of gluten free shops.
Gluten Free dining highlights in Budapest
- Bohemtanya Glutenmentes – Dedicated gluten free restaurant specializes in Hungarian cuisine
- Non Gluten Pizzeria – Dedicated gluten free pizzeria
- herBar – A dedicated gluten free cafe serving brunch and sandwiches
- Cöli Bisztró – dedicated gluten-free bistro and bakery
- Napfényes Restaurant – vegan-friendly with GF options
- Central Market Hall – hall with groceries on the ground & souvenirs on the 1st floor. Has some gluten free options
Must try Gluten Free eats:
- Goulash soup (ask about thickening) — usually GF if no flour added
- Stuffed peppers and cabbage rolls — check for breadcrumbs in filling
- Lecsó — Hungarian vegetable stew, naturally gluten-free
- Fish dishes from the Danube
Dublin, Ireland
Dublin’s charm lies in its blend of cosy pubs, literary heritage, and walkable cobbled streets. It’s a welcoming city, and that warmth extends to diners with dietary needs. Ireland’s Coeliac Society is active, and awareness is strong across many cafes and restaurants.
The Coeliac Society of Ireland have an app which includes a comprehensive catalogue of gluten free goods available in Irish shops, a barcode scanner and other benefits, you do need to be a member, but could be worth considering
Gluten Free dining highlights in Dublin
- Sano Pizza – Pizzas with gluten-free bases available with separate prep.
- The Winding Stair – Upscale Irish fare with marked gluten-free options, overlooking the River Liffey.
- Cornucopia – Vegetarian and allergy-friendly institution with great labelling and safe prep.
- Gluten Free Kitchen Company – Dedicated gluten-free bakery and deli just south of the city. Stock up on goodies!
- Beanhive – Tiny but mighty café serving gluten-free full Irish breakfasts and loaded toasties.
Must try Gluten Free eats:
- Boxty – A traditional Irish potato pancake. Some modern versions are made gluten-free—ask or seek out GF-specific restaurants
- Irish Stew – Hearty and naturally gluten-free if thickened with potatoes not flour. Look for lamb versions with root veg.
- Soda Bread – Typically not GF, but bakeries like Gluten Free Kitchen Company make gluten-free versions.
- Full Irish Breakfast – Usually gluten-loaded, but spots like Beanhive or Cornucopia serve safe variations.
- Gluten-Free Irish Beer or Cider – Brands like 9 White Deer or Galway Bay offer GF options. Cider is a good bet too.
Kraków, Poland
This historic gem mixes old-world charm with modern flair. Gluten-free dining might not be everywhere, but there’s a solid scene here and the rise of gluten awareness in Poland means dedicated spots are on the rise. Gluten free products are also readily available in supermarkets, health food shops and sometimes convenience stores.
Headed to Poland? In Poland, the term “bezglutenowy” means gluten-free. It’s not yet standard to have gluten-free menus, so asking directly and carrying a Polish-language allergy card can help clarify. The Polish Coeliac Society they have advice on eating in hotels or with local families, certified products as well as restaurants trained by the society.
Our post How to Read Gluten & Dairy Ingredients in 9 European Languages (+ Label Rules You Need to Know) will teach you the essential polish words a gluten free traveller needs.
Gluten Free dining highlights in Kraków
- Glonojad – Cheap, tasty vegetarian food with gluten-free symbols and helpful staff.
- Pod Baranem – A great place for traditional Polish cuisine with gluten-free options
- Zapiekane Gluten Free Bistro – The only 100% gluten-free restaurant in Krakow, certified by the Polish Celiac Association
- Ciacho Bez Cukru – This café’s menu includes both sweet and savory gluten-free options
- Bezglutenowa Café – A dedicated gluten-free bakery with Polish cakes, breads, and even pierogi when in season.
Must try Gluten Free eats:
- Pierogi – Poland’s famous dumplings are usually wheat-based, but Bezglutenowa Café or seasonal markets may have GF versions.
- Żurek (Sour Rye Soup) – Traditionally made with fermented rye flour, so not gluten-free unless specially adapted. Ask carefully or avoid.
- Bigos (Hunter’s Stew) – A naturally GF mix of sauerkraut, meat, and spices. Often safe—just check if flour is used for thickening.
- Naleśniki (Polish Crêpes) – Usually wheat-based but available gluten-free at Glonojad with sweet or savoury fillings.
- Sernik (Polish Cheesecake) – Often flourless, but always double-check. Bezglutenowa has a safe and delicious version.
Travel tip:
London, United Kingdom
London is a dream for both travellers and gluten-free foodies. It’s home to multiple gluten-free spots, allergy-aware chains, and diverse international flavours. Plus, there’s always a free-from bakery or GF fish and chips place within a Tube ride.
Do check out Coeliac UK. They have a Gluten Free accreditation scheme for restaurants and have produced a venue guide which covers the whole country
Gluten Free dining highlights in London
- Niche (Islington) – 100% gluten-free British comfort food, including pies, mac ‘n’ cheese, and sticky toffee pudding.
- Mallow (Borough Market) – Plant-based dining with tons of GF and DF dishes. Chic and sustainable.
- Dendara – A gluten free bakery with delicious treats in Kensington
- Sticks’n’Sushi – Allergy-aware, with clearly labelled menus and staff trained in cross-contamination.Multiple locations.
- Oliver’s Fish & Chips – Dedicated GF fryer and proper British-style battered fish.
- Utter Waffle – Gluten free waffles and a great vegan selection, one of the owner’s is coeliac
- Pabellón – Venezuelan food, main items are bowls and arepa’s, they come highly regarded.
Must try Gluten Free eats:
- Fish & Chips – Iconic, but needs a dedicated GF fryer. Head to Oliver’s Fish & Chips or Codfellas for the real deal.
- Chicken Tikka Masala – London’s unofficial national dish. Most Indian restaurants offer it gluten-free—just double-check thickeners and naan.
- Eton Mess – A naturally gluten-free dessert of strawberries, meringue, and cream.
- Crumpets and Scones – Usually not GF, but Beyond Bread or Manna Dew do excellent versions.
Paris, France
Long gone are the days when eating in France meant gluten in everything. Paris boasts some of the most stylish and innovative gluten-free bakeries in Europe, Michelin-starred restaurants that take dietary needs seriously, as well as delicious local eateries.
Headed to France? Check out How to Read Gluten & Dairy Ingredients in 9 European Languages (+ Label Rules You Need to Know) for more great advice
Gluten Free dining highlights in Paris
- Copains – Multiple locations across the city they are a must for delicious pastries, cakes freshly baked bread and filled baguettes and focaccia sandwiches
- NoGlu – legendary 100% gluten-free bakery and restaurant
- Boulangerie Chambelland– chic, GF bakery known for rice-flour-based breads and pastries
- Mon Resto Sans Gluten – plant-based, gluten free, organic dishes for lunch
- Cococo – Japanese bento made with with organic rice and organic vegetables. It’s gluten, lactose and white sugar free
- Little Nonna – Gluten-free pizza & pasta
- L’Arpège – fine dining restaurant that accommodates allergies with notice
Must try Gluten Free eats:
- Croissants and tarts – from GF patisseries
- Steak frites – just confirm the fries are cooked in dedicated oil
- Galettes (buckwheat crêpes) – especially in Breton crêperies (ask for 100% buckwheat and no cross-contact)
- Salads with chèvre, walnuts, or smoked duck
Travel tip: Look for “sans gluten” on packaging and menus. Allergy cards in French go a long way, especially at boulangeries.
Rome, Italy
Italy has some of the best medical support for coeliacs in the world and Rome is a haven for gluten-free dining, with numerous restaurants offering delicious and safe options for those with dietary restrictions. Many restaurants, especially those specializing in pizza and pasta, are well-equipped to handle gluten-free requests, and some even have dedicated gluten-free menus. You won’t just find options here, you’ll find amazing ones.
Headed to Italy? Check out How to Read Gluten & Dairy Ingredients in 9 European Languages (+ Label Rules You Need to Know) for more great advice, and before you go download the AIC Mobile app and join the Italian Celiac Association, as a visitor you can join and get access for a couple of weeks so only do this just before you go
Gluten Free dining highlights in Rome
- Mama Eat – a gluten free staple in Rome, with a completely separate GF kitchen
- Voglia di Pizza – known for its safe and tasty gluten-free pizza, pasta & other regional fare
- Mercato Hostaria – Roman classics including grilled meats & pizza
- Risotteria Melotti – Specialises in meat, seafood & vegetarian risotto, plus antipasti, desserts & wine
- Pharmacies and supermarkets with gluten-free shelves stocked with Italian goodies
Must try Gluten Free eats:
- Carbonara or cacio e pepe – made with gluten-free pasta (readily available)
- Pizza Margherita – on a thin, wood-fired GF crust
- Tiramisu – many cafés offer gluten-free versions with GF ladyfingers
Create your free customised allergy card
Sign up to our free membership and generate your card in minutes.
Stockholm, Sweden
Sweden’s food culture is clean, seasonal, and heavily regulated, making allergen labelling top-notch. Stockholm’s cafés often feature health-forward menus with plenty of gluten-free options, and you can even find fika with a side of gluten-free cinnamon buns.
Look for “glutenfritt” and know that most Swedes speak excellent English, making communication much easier.
The Svenska Celiakiförbundet (Swedish Celiac Association) have a list of gluten free products as well as members favourite places that offer gluten free options.
Gluten Free dining highlights in Stockholm
- Happy Atelier: This 100% gluten-free bakery is known for its delicious baked goods like cinnamon buns and focaccia sandwiches
- Under Kastanjen – Bakery & cafe serving traditional Swedish dishes
- Hasselsson – Seafood restaurant including gluten free fish and chips
- Fern & Fika – A cafe offering vegan and gluten-free options, with a focus on wholesome, organic, and sugar-free food
- GQ Bakfickan Mälarpaviljongen – Gluten-free serving food like risotto, poached eggs, and freshly baked gluten-free bread
- Supermarkets like ICA and Coop with dedicated GF sections
Must try Gluten Free eats:
- Gravad lax with boiled potatoes and dill mustard
- Swedish meatballs (ask for GF prep – often available)
- GF cinnamon bun – best found in health cafés or artisan bakeries
- Skagenröra (prawn mayo salad) on GF crispbread
Final Tips from a Gluten Free, Dairy Free Traveller
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help
- Always check sauces and shared fryers / water the noodles or pasta is cooked in
- Use reviews from other gluten free or coeliac travellers, they’re gold
With a little prep and the right tools, you can enjoy the food without panic.
If you want everything in one place, your dietary restrictions listed in the local language, an allergy card to show restaurant staff, key phrases for when your allergy card isn’t enough plus local foods to try and any watch outs, the Essentials Travel Pack builds it all for your exact combination. It gives you what you need in minutes, not hours.
Take it further, at your own pace
All our guides, tools, and advice are organised by level in one place — an easy page to bookmark and return to as you build confidence. Because food shouldn’t be the hardest part of your trip.
Jo is the founder of Globally Sauced, a travel platform for dietary restricted travellers and is gluten and dairy free. When not outdoors or travelling, she loves to empower people with dietary restrictions so they can explore the world safely.
Globally Sauced offers verified restaurant recommendations, country-specific guides, food label / menu translations, and more downloadable resources for gluten-free, dairy-free, allergy-conscious and other dietary restricted travellers. Learn more at globallysauced.com
