Search for gluten-free restaurants in London and you’ll find a mixed bag. There are a few dedicated gluten-free venues — hooray — but not as many as you might expect. How do you know which restaurants are reliably safe for gluten-free diners?
I’ve done the legwork for you, tracking down the best gluten-free dishes and fully dedicated gluten-free restaurants in London, along with safe options at other excellent restaurants across this vibrant city. There’s always more to discover, but the list below will get you started on a safe, delicious gluten-free adventure through London.
A word about food labeling in the UK and the EU
Many London restaurants that serve gluten-free dishes do a solid job managing allergens even if they aren’t fully dedicated gluten-free kitchens. Unlike in the United States, food-labeling laws in the UK and EU require that gluten-containing ingredients be identified as “cereals containing gluten,” which covers not only wheat but also barley, rye and oats. That clarity makes it easier to see what’s safe.
Even when a menu doesn’t offer many gluten-free options (as in the photo from the ubiquitous Caffè Nero), it’s helpful to quickly see there’s nothing suitable. If you want to recreate a treat at home, try a reliable gluten-free croissant recipe.
Throughout this article I share menus and allergen listings where available — you can always ask restaurants in the UK to see their allergen declarations if they aren’t posted.
How this guide is organized
I’ve grouped recommendations by category and included photos and menu snapshots where helpful. When a place is fully dedicated gluten-free, I’ve noted it. I did not include restaurants that use gluten-removed wheat starch in Italian dishes, since that ingredient remains controversial and is not suitable for those with wheat allergy.
You’ll also find a few additional places that looked like safe options but I didn’t have time to visit. Consider them worth checking out.
Cheers!
Gluten-Free Afternoon Tea in London
Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon offers a “Made Without Gluten” afternoon tea that mirrors the traditional experience with hors d’oeuvres, finger sandwiches, scones and patisseries. The menu rotates, but during my visit the patisseries were both vegan and gluten-free, with treats such as lemon sponge with redcurrant jam, raspberry and chocolate domes, and mango mousse.
Finger sandwich options include vegetarian fillings and classics like Coronation Chicken served on gluten-free bread. The experience is part of the appeal — expect to linger; the tea includes a pot of tea and unlimited top-ups of sandwiches and scones. Price varies but plan for an indulgent experience.
The kitchen is not fully dedicated gluten-free, but they maintain a dedicated prep area and serve gluten-free trays with identifying tags. Scones are sourced from an external bakery; they’re best enjoyed fresh but some pastries travel well.
Dedicated Gluten-Free Restaurants in London
Indigo at One Aldwych Restaurant
Located in the Covent Garden area inside One Aldwych Hotel, Indigo is a stylish bar and restaurant that operates entirely gluten-free without broadcasting that fact. You’d never guess from the extensive, creative British menu — which even includes batter-fried fish and chips made with gluten-free batter. Their hand-cut chips are thick, crisp and highly recommended. The entire menu can also include dairy-free options, and the kitchen is accredited by Coeliac UK.
Niche
Niche is London’s first Coeliac UK-accredited 100% gluten-free restaurant, located in Islington. It’s also nut- and sesame-free, with many vegetarian, vegan and dairy-free choices. The menu includes inventive dishes alongside comforting favorites like beer-battered onion rings, focaccia and even tiramisu. The skinny gluten-free chips were especially good. The restaurant is small, so book ahead.
Other dedicated gluten-free spots
Station26 (Brixton Village Market)
Cream Dream Patisserie & Cafe (46 Bedford St, London WC2E 9HA) — a patisserie run by Ukrainian refugees offering a warm welcome and gluten-free goodies.
Paladar — Latin American cuisine in SE1
Zur Gluten Free (98 Rutland Gardens, Harringay) — cassava breads and more
Other restaurants offering great gluten-free fare
Bella Italia (multiple locations across London) — not exclusively gluten-free but offers a wide selection of gluten-free pizzas, pastas and appetizers and caters to vegetarian and vegan diners.
Upscale and pre-theatre gluten-free dining
Bob Bob Ricard
Bob Bob Ricard offers an opulent, art-deco dining room with an intimate, semi-formal atmosphere. While they aren’t fully gluten-free, they take care to separate gluten-free meals in the kitchen. Options for gluten-free diners are limited, particularly for those who avoid meat, but desserts such as dairy-free rice pudding and poached rhubarb were delightful. Expect smart attire and a unique dining experience (each table even has a “press for champagne” button).
Gluten-Free Fish & Chips in London
The Mayfair Chippy
Located in Mayfair, this tiny spot serves gluten-free fish and chips cooked in a separate fryer using a sparkling-water batter. They offer several fish varieties plus plant-based options like jackfruit. The food travels well and remains crisp even as take-away. Booking can be tricky (no online reservations and limited phone availability), and service experiences may vary, but the food quality is dependable and the owners have been responsive to feedback.
Other fish-and-chip shops offering gluten-free options include Hobson’s Fish & Chips, Olley’s Fish Experience, and Oliver’s Fish & Chips.
Gluten-Free options in Soho and for breakfast
Mildred’s of Soho
Mildred’s is a well-regarded plant-based restaurant with many menu items that can be made gluten-free. It is not a dedicated gluten-free kitchen and the fryer is shared, so avoid fried items if cross-contact is a concern. Read allergen notes on the menu and talk to your server about preparation.
Gluten-free at Wimbledon
Wingfield Café at the All England Lawn Tennis Club
At large events or venues with mostly pre-prepared food, look for clearly displayed gluten-free items and ask to see ingredient lists when possible. At Wimbledon, a covered gluten-free cake was a safer choice than an uncovered GF brownie sitting near gluten-filled sweets. The venue provides allergen cards and ingredient listings — a good reminder to always check plating and serving practices.
And yes — Pimm’s, the classic Wimbledon drink, is gluten-free as it’s based on gin, botanicals and lemonade.
Gluten-free in Hampton Court
The Mute Swan
The Mute Swan at Hampton Court offers a separate gluten-free menu and notes kitchen controls aimed at keeping dishes below 20 ppm gluten. While I didn’t dine there on this trip, it’s a helpful example of a non-dedicated kitchen taking steps to serve gluten-free guests safely.
Do you have other gluten-free restaurants in London to recommend? Share your favorites and help other diners find safe, delicious options.
I hope this guide helps you spend less time researching and more time enjoying gluten-free dining in London. If you’re also planning travel to Paris, I’ve written about gluten-free finds there as well.
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