Words: Hannah Lemass
May is Coeliac Awareness Month, so to all our gluten-intolerant friends, we present some of our favourite restaurants in Dublin that offer plenty of delicious options without compromising on flavour or quality.
Everyone deserves to enjoy a great food experience without the fear of getting sick. While these spots are known for being careful and considerate, always inform the staff of your allergies.
Whether you’re coeliac yourself looking for new places to try out with reassurance, or you have gluten free friends you don’t want to feel left out, these are some great options to choose from that everyone in the gang can enjoy themselves without any anxiety or disappointment.
One of the country’s best Vietnamese restaurants, Pho Kim, also happens to be a safe haven for gluten-free diners. The patriarch of this family-run spot is coeliac himself, so they truly understand the struggle. They offer a huge selection of delicious, fragrant, and fresh Vietnamese classics, so you can enjoy a solid gluten-free meal without compromising on taste. They also have a huge number of vegetarian and vegan dishes, so everyone in the group will have a tasty time.
Ireland’s only fully dedicated 100% gluten-free restaurant, Glas is a vegetarian and mostly vegan eatery. When a new staff member joined the kitchen who was coeliac, Head Chef Malte Half decided it would make life easier for everyone if they removed gluten altogether. It took some time to transition, but now they are entirely gluten-free, which means no risk of cross-contamination. You can rest easy and enjoy your meal with confidence.
Parrilla from Jule’s Mak is one of the most popular restaurants in Dublin right now, serving vibrant and flavour-packed modern Mexican food. The staff are very well trained and knowledgeable on allergies, and the menu clearly marks gluten-free options. There is plenty to choose from, including almost everything from their parrilla grill, which is the star of the show here.
Another hit from Jules Mak this Hong Kong-inspired eatery has a dedicated gluten-free menu, so there’s no confusion about what you can order. There’s no second-guessing and there’s no shortage of choice. There’s plenty of classic, flavourful Asian dishes to choose from, from salt and pepper calamari to stir-fries and even gluten-free noodles. There’s something for everyone and nobody will feel left out.
When you’re after something quick, casual, filling, and delicious, Arepas Grill is a great shout. Arepas (corn-based bread buns), popular in Venezuela and Colombia, are naturally gluten-free. That means no substitutions; you can enjoy the dish exactly as it was intended. They’re stuffed full of tasty fillings like meat, cheese, beans, and plantains. And if you’re tired of the usual lacklustre gluten-free pasta or pizza, this is a fresh and exciting change. Gluten-free items (which is almost everything) are clearly marked on the menu, and even dessert is an option, as the tres leches cake is gluten-free too.
Elsewhere on Char: Our Top Tasty Vegan Dishes To Try in Veganuary