EightyTwenty has multiple locations across Canberra with a wide range of gluten-free options. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
There are plenty of venues in Canberra that offer gluten-free food; cafes, restaurants and bakeries included. The only question is, which spots are best?
Food allergies and intolerances can range from irritating to deadly, so it’s important to find a venue that can cater to your specific dietary requirements.
But taste is important too! Living with coeliac disease or a gluten intolerance doesn’t mean you can’t eat out, and it certainly doesn’t mean that what you eat has to be boring.
In this article, we’ll outline qualities to consider when you’re looking for gluten-free cafes, restaurants and bakeries, and share where to find the best in Canberra.
What makes a great gluten-free cafe, restaurant or bakery?
Choosing a gluten-free cafe, restaurant, or bakery can be stressful if you don’t know what to look for.
It can be helpful to keep the following in mind while you look, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy eating out without worrying about allergies and intolerances.
Menu variety. Being gluten-free shouldn’t mean you have to compromise every time you dine out. In a proper gluten-free restaurant, you should be able to enjoy full culinary diversity with a menu catering to a range of different tastes.
Respect. Whatever your reason for going gluten-free, your decision should be respected by cafe, restaurant or bakery staff. A great gluten-free venue will take your requests seriously without making you feel out of place.
Food quality. You should get proper bang for your buck when eating at a gluten-free cafe, restaurant or bakery – otherwise, why not just make your own meal at home? A gluten-free menu should highlight quality and taste without relying on pre-packaged options.
Price. Dining out can be expensive, and gluten-free food often comes with a heftier price tag. Gluten-free meals and snacks can cost more for venues to make, but they should still be priced fairly.
Knowledge. Some conditions, such as celiac disease, can cause serious illness when food is not properly prepared. Head to a gluten-free cafe, restaurant or bakery that understands the importance of strict food hygiene. Staff should be well-informed and confident in answering gluten-related questions.
The best gluten-free cafes, restaurants and bakeries in Canberra
Region Canberra's editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Region Canberra and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
EightyTwenty the Cafe
EightyTwenty's Gluten-Free Cafe in Belconnen is Canberra's premier venue for gluten-intolerant and celiac-friendly food.
Their menu is proudly 100 per cent gluten-free with a range of all-day meals, breakfasts and lunches, as well as smoothies and snacks.
"It is nice to have a cafe which provides a variety of gluten-free foods," Ric said on Google.
"As a coeliac myself I like the amount of options, and some favourites have been made as a gluten-free variation, which is nice."
Sweet Bones
Sweet Bones is a vegan café and bakery. It sources as much local and organic ingredients as possible and most items can be made gluten free. Sweet Bones has a passion for no-frills whole foods. The café has a rustic, rock’n’roll feeing with a friendly local vibe. The food is inventive, cruelty free and most of all delicious.
Sarah Alker wrote on Google, “Very friendly staff, amazing vegan treats and good meals for fair price.”
Sweet Business Healthy Living
Sweet Business Healthy Living is a gluten-free, sugar-free, allergy-friendly artisan bakery located in the Belconnen Capital Food Market.
Thoughtfully crafted breads, tarts, cookies, cakes and cake mixes are all handmade on site and baked fresh daily. The team can also cater to keto, low-carb, diabetic-friendly, nut-free, soy-free, and dairy-free diets.
Sweet Business Healthy Living offers a unique delivery service, bringing almost-everything-friendly eats right to customers' doors.
"The texture of this gluten-free bread is simply wonderful: try it, you will be amazed," Penny reviewed on Facebook.
Joe’s Thai Food
Joe’s Thai Food embraces gluten-free and vegan dishes that are delicious and available mild to medium. Joe has been mastering the wok and cooking delicious Thai food for more than 20 years. He’s passionate about heart-warming meals and uses skills he has learned from being head chef at many well-known restaurants around Canberra.
On Google, Ben Phillipps wrote, “Hidden gem of a place. We were expecting a slightly dodgy place, but we got the best Thai food of my lifetime.”
Local Press Café
Local Press on the Kingston Foreshore is a health-conscious, rustic eatery that plates inventive modern Australian food. The café is passionate about delicious whole foods (meat to vegan) that are unrefined, unprocessed and free of unnecessary additives and preservatives. An interesting range of gluten-free dishes are available.
Roasted veggies tossed with toasted seeds and lentils. Photo: Michelle Taylor.
Jaala Kellam wrote on Google, “Really good coffee, tasty gluten free food, very friendly staff, and heaps of indoor seating (in the air con) or outdoor seats if the weather suits.”
Old Canberra Inn
Built in 1857, the Old Canberra Inn is a living piece of local history. The building is actually older than Canberra itself, and a great spot to enjoy gluten-free dining.
This family-friendly pub features live music and a rotating stock of Australian craft beers to enjoy alongside gluten-free chips, mains, sides, and sauces.
"The staff went above and beyond to suggest drink and food options," Kay said on Google.
"Friendly and warm atmosphere. Will be back."
Dickson Taphouse
The Dickson Taphouse is a classic corner pub that boasts a classic menu with gluten-free options. The team offers gluten-free buns and penne for their burger and pasta offerings, as well as a great range of steak mains.
Regular punters note high-quality pub food, a huge range of beers on tap, weekly trivia nights and a daily happy hour.
"The customer service tonight for me and mum has been nothing but exceptional," Breanna says on Facebook.
Eighty/Twenty
eighty/twenty believes everyone benefits from clean, natural and unprocessed whole foods. The café serves healthy, honest and delicious meals as well as nutrient-packed smoothies, homemade raw desserts and great coffee. The menu, which changes seasonally, includes plenty of gluten free, dairy free, vegan and vegetarian options.
eighty/twenty's first location at 1/18 Lonsdale St, Braddon. They've now expanded to Kingston, Belconnen and Barton.
Peter Spaz wrote on Google, “Goodness gracious. Who thought healthy food could taste so good! Very busy cafe but deservedly so. We had the Green Nourish and Japanese Bowls …”
If you’re looking for more information on healthy or diet-specific food in Canberra, you might like our articles on the best organic produce delivery services, best fresh food markets, and best vegan products our city has to offer.
Your experience with gluten-free cafes, restaurants and bakeries in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the gluten-free cafes, restaurants or bakeries listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all cafes and restaurants offer gluten-free food?
Not all cafes and restaurants offer gluten-free food, although it has become more common. Many venues promote gluten-free dishes website or social media.
What is coeliac disease?
According to Coeliac Australia, immune systems in people with coeliac disease react abnormally to gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and oats). Serious health consequences can result if the condition isn’t diagnosed and treated properly. Following a gluten-free diet can help manage symptoms and promote intestinal healing.
Do venues charge more for gluten-free dishes?
Some do, some don’t. It’s best to check online to see what gluten-free dishes are on the menu and what they cost. Most venues now have their menus online. If they don’t, you can call to discuss what they offer. Remember, it costs most cafes and restaurants more to provide gluten-free alternatives.
Is gluten-free dining a lifestyle choice?
For some people, gluten-free dining is a lifestyle choice. For others it’s a serious medical issue. If you have coeliac disease, be specific when booking or ordering to ensure cross-contamination doesn't occur. You can also check online to see if your cafe, restaurant or bakery of choice is accredited by Coeliac Australia.
What is cross-contamination?
Cross-contamination occurs when foods containing gluten come into contact with foods that don’t. Food preparation areas, utensils, and appliances such as toasters and grills, should be kept separate between regular dishes and gluten-free food.
