THE ULTIMATE GLUTEN FREE EDINBURGH GUIDE
Edinburgh is the UK’s capital of gluten free food and as a resident, I have got a list of everything you need for gluten free food in Edinburgh. Whether you’re here for the fringe, a weekend or you live here, this is the guide for you, it is constantly being updated with new photos and information.
SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES when visiting Edinburgh. Chain restaurants don’t add any personality to the city and often don’t use local products to make their food. Look out for local versions of chains wherever possible.
DO NOT STAY IN AIRBNB’s or short term lets. Anything that could be a full-time home is contributing to to aggressive displacement of local residents. Hotels, apart hotels and traditional bed and breakfasts can cater to your every need and desire, often they cost less.
Breakfast/Brunch
Ardfern
10-12 Bonnington Rd, Edinburgh EH6 5JD
Ardfern is an all day breakfast, brunch and dinner gem on Bonnington Road in Leith.
The have a gluten free menu every day as standard and what I’d really recommend is the gluten free breakfast, it is delicious and the service is impeccable. Make sure to book!
Urban Angel
121 Hanover St, Edinburgh EH2 1DJ
Do I need to say anything more than JUST look at that bread? Probably not.
Great knowledge of cross contamination and lots of different gluten free options. If you’re staying in the New Town area this is one to grab a cracker of a breakfast/brunch at.
Toast
65 Shore, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6RA
Classic brunch selections at this lovely little place down at The Shore.
They can amend all of the bread stuff to be gluten free, but my favourite is always the french toast.
The cakes are also fantastic.
Greenwoods
61 Frederick St, Edinburgh EH2 1LH
If a giant vegetarian breakfast plate is what you’re after then there’s no place better than Greenwoods, this is a perfect stop if you’re planning a big walk.
If you’re wanted less brunch and more lunch, the sandwiches can also be made gluten free, I recommend the gammon.
Cocorico
If you find yourself in desperate need of a crispy egg bap then make sure to head down to Jane Street to Cocorico, they have gluten free rolls and they also have a separate fryer for CHIPS to go with a lunch bap ;).
LUNCH
TUPINIQUIM
Green Police Box, Lauriston Place, Edinburgh EH3 9AU
100% gluten free food stall Tupi never disappoints, grab yourself a sweet or savoury crepe (both amazing) and wander around The Meadows.
This one is absolutely top of my list for an amazing takeaway lunch option.
Sugar Daddy’s
8 Roseneath St, Marchmont Cres, Edinburgh EH9 1JH
Whilst your first thought for a takeaway from Sugar Daddy’s might be to grab a gluten free cake, they also offer an amazing selection of savoury goodies.
They have a selection of pizza’s, toasted sandwiches and pastries - all are absolutely delicious.
GF Café
37 Dalry Rd, Edinburgh EH11 2BU
Another 100% gluten free place here to stick into your map. Lots of great sandwich and pasta selections to grab here if you’re over by Haymarket.
Such a treat to be able to have so much beige on the go.
L'Etoile Salon de Tea
44 West Port, Edinburgh EH1 2LD
Whilst your picking up the best cakes you can find in Edinburgh you might as well pick up a tasty and reasonably priced sarnie from french pastry wizards L’Etoile.
So much filling, separately prepped and delicious - a great stop of before you head to the castle.
Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh
Is afternoon tea lunch? Well, I’ll leave that up to YOU but, the best of the best is over at the Waldorf Astoria.
Yours will look exactly the same as your gluten eating pals, and the tiny little cakes will make you cry small tears of joy.
Save, it’s a special ones for those of us who’ve had to endure 10 different trifles served as “afternoon tea” before.
The Haggis Box
Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SR
If you’re in Scotland you should probably try the local delicacy - HAGGIS!
The Haggis box not far from the Royal Mile serves gluten free haggis as standard and also has veggie and vegan options - it’s delicious.
DINNER
Montrose
1-7 Montrose Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5DJ
If you fancy a lovely glass of wine (excellent non alcs too ) and some delicious local produce in a more relaxed environment that their sister restaurant, head over to Montrose.
This is a picture from their fried chicken pop up and they made it 100% GF, the service and food is excellent and they are extremely clued up on allergies/dietaries.
3 Birds
3-5 Viewforth, Edinburgh EH10 4JD
Call to book ahead for 3 Birds because 99.9% of the menu is gluten free and the 0.1% can be adapted.
The menu is varied, from steak to curry, to slow cooked meats with lots of vegan, veggie and dairy free options too. Stick this as one of your “must visits”.
Edinburgh Street Food
Do you want oodles of choice in a hyper casual venue? Get yourself across to ESF at the back of the Omni Centre, it’s open from 11am every day - so you can even grab a lunch. There’s an allergen book which will break down the ingredients in every dish served, which makes it extremely easy to order.
My highlights are:
Junk - everything is delicious
Antojitos - 100& gluten free, vegan and nut free Mexican stand
Eleanore
30-31 Albert Pl, Edinburgh EH7 5HN
If what you’re looking for is an exquisite tasting menu, in a really intimate space, with some of the best service in Edinburgh, then Eleanore should be at the top of your lists.
The seasonal menu can be easily adapted to be gluten free with notice, they’ll even make you a fresh rice bread AND the sommelier is coeliac so you know you’ll be well looked after.
SABZI
162 Ferry Rd., Edinburgh EH6 4NX
So, you fancy an Indian? How about heading over to Ferry Road to try the absolutely delicious SABZI.
The menu changes every single week so you can never get bored and everything tastes super fresh. The kitchen and staff are really clued up on gluten free options and they’ve usually got a fried dish which is all prepped and fried separately. Last time I went, they even had onion rings!
Junk
58 S Clerk St, Newington, Edinburgh EH8 9PS
Junk is probably my favourite restaurant in Edinburgh, practically everything on the menu can be adapted to be gluten free and they offer a tasting menu, which is pick your own three courses.
Any other allergy can be catered for with 48 hours notice, so book in now before they get too busy. The confit duck was stunning.
Makars Mash Bar
9 & 12 Bank St, Edinburgh EH1 2LN
If what you’re after is a hearty meal, then Makars is your place. The sausage and mash is spectacular and so is the dessert menu.
Gluten free STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING plus excellent knowledge on cross contamination, vegan and veggie offerings and everything is exceptionally tasty.
The Safari Lounge
21 Cadzow Pl, Edinburgh EH7 5SN
A pub with a 99% gluten free menu, tacos and a separate fryer?!
The Safari Lounge is for you if you want the pub vibe but with the ultimate coeliac friendly menu. The tacos were absolutely top, but there’s also a gluten free udon noodle dish on the menu which sounds insane.
Loads of vegetarian and vegan options plus lovely service and frozen margaritas!
Ka Pao
Unit 420, St James Quarter, Edinburgh EH1 3AE
If you’re looking for some crispy fried chicken, sharing plates and a huge gluten free menu selection then Ka Pao should be on your list.
Excellent allergen knowledge, very clearly labelled menu and lovely staff. Big flavours and delicious foods.
Ka Pao is probably one of my favourite restaurants in Edinburgh, so pop this one on your MUST visit list.
Bread Meats Bread
7-9 North Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1SB
If big giant burgers and big giant fries are your thing then make sure to check out Bread Meats Bread - there are a couple of locations around the city and they all now have separate fryers and prep areas for gluten free foods.
Unfortunately the vegan burgers they use are the Moving Mountains ones which aren’t gluten free, but for veggies they have a halloumi burger.
Burger from Bread Meats Bread
Down the Hatch
13 Antigua St, Edinburgh EH1 3NH
Burgers, burgers, AND poutine - plus it’s all separately fried and prepped - Down The Hatch are really a must for any gluten free-ers (AND NON!) to Edinburgh.
Buns do not disintegrate, chips are not soggy, it’s really an all around dream scenario.
I don’t feel the need to say more than just look at the picture.
Please note the South Queensferry branch doesn’t offer the same service.
Bellfield Brewery
46 Stanley Pl, Edinburgh EH7 5TB
Oh it’s only just a 100% gluten free brewery and tap room!!!
Does this exist anywhere else in the country? Nope, so it’s a must visit. They have a pop up kitchen, so there’s always something great going on down there.
Gluten free beer on draught, bottles, cans, whatever your heart desires.
Bodega
14-15 Albert Pl, Edinburgh EH7 5HN
Delicious tacos and spicy margheritas are over on the menu at Bodega.
The menu is naturally gluten free and everything in the fryer is safe including the baja fish tacos which are delicious.
Make sure to order the scallion fries.
The Little Chartroom
14 Bonnington Rd, Edinburgh EH6 5JD
Fine dining and fine wine is the order at The Little Chartroom. I wept tears of joy upon eating my main course - it was easily some of the best food I have ever eaten.
All three courses were magic and the service was beyond exceptional. I have recently been for the lunch menu which is £29 for three courses with home made gluten free bread which was spectacular - book in advance.
East Coast
171, 173 N High St, Musselburgh EH21 6AN
So, gluten free fish and chips are a thing across the city (check Bertie’s, St Andrews & #fish) BUT if you’re a child like me then what you are really looking for is a GLUTEN FREE BATTERED SAUSAGE and two of them.
East Coast is a great little place for sit in and takeaway in Musselburgh, they even have coeliac approved malt vinegar so you know it’s legit, super fresh, super delicious.
Pho
Pho, Fourth Floor St James Quarter, St James Square, Edinburgh EH1 3AE
If you’re not aware, Pho is a coeliac society approved Vietnamese restaurant chain, and when you’re stuck or shopping it’s a really great back up - as well as being delicious the menu is 99% gluten free.
Pho is the only chain restaurant I post about and support.
Chorrito Cantina
Cantina, Chorrito, 126 Leith Walk, Edinburgh EH6 5DT
100% gluten free and absolutely my favourite place to eat in Edinburgh.
It is walk in only, so be prepared to grab a drink at Newbarns (mostly gluten free beer), or Campervan (all gluten free beer) while you wait.
BABA
130 George St, Edinburgh EH2 4JZ
BABA is a fantastic Levantine restaurant in the West End of town and whilst we can’t eat their pitta breads they do offer gluten free bread for dipping and you’ll want at least 10 slices to go with your feast.
Great allergen knowledge and most of the menu can be adapted - it’s part of a hotel which I think means they’re extra careful. The booking system is a bit broken, so I’d recommend trying to get a lunch walk in.
Paloma
50-54 Henderson St, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6DE
If you are looking for somewhere for a fun, group meal with lots of sharing plates and a selection of delicious margaritas, make sure to head to Paloma.
It’s 100% gluten free, so you know it’s safe. The food is tasty and the service is excellent.
The Palmerston
1 Palmerston Pl, Edinburgh EH12 5AF
If you. want to eat delicious and seasonal food, why not check out the Palmerston, the impressive menu changes daily and their allergen knowledge is impressive.
For gluten free they can amend virtually anything and all of the bread is made in a kitchen downstairs away from the main cooking area. I really recommend the roast chicken, swap the chips for potatoes and you’re in for an absolute treat.
Kochchi
Floor 415, St James Quarter Forth, 417 St James Square, Edinburgh EH1 3AE
Finally, we have somewhere safe to eat gluten free food in the Bonnie & Wild market - Kochchi is a Sri Lankan food stall and all of the kari and hoppers are naturally gluten free. The hopper is cooked in it’s own pan separately and well away from any bread.
I highly recommend the black pork hopper with added egg, it’s absolutely bloody delicious.
The Pakora Bar
111 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AU
If gluten free paneer pakoras sound right up your street then PAKORA BAR needs to be on your must go list.
This family run gem in the old town has a brilliant outdoor space and beautifully bright interiors. Gluten free items are clearly marked on the menus and the curries taste fresh and vibrant. I’d recommend the gluten free pakora mix for a real treat.
Left Field
12 Barclay Terrace, Edinburgh EH10 4HP
What can I say, truffle potatoes, gluten free croquettes and the freshest oysters I’ve ever eaten, Left Field is an absolute delight.
Their understanding of allergies is excellent and they have a gluten free menu, which includes desserts! Pop this one of your list.
Bucks Bar
Two venues (I went to Hanover)
32-34 Grindlay St, Edinburgh EH3 9AP
Hobart House, 90 Hanover St, Edinburgh EH2 1EL
If you want your mind blown by the size of a burger, head to BUCKS! We can eat virtually everything and the fryer is completely gluten free.
I’d recommend grabbing a burger, fries and a giant banana milkshake and then not moving for a few hours
CAKES! & Extras
Just another shout out for L’Etoile because I love their cakes - these are easily the best gluten free cakes in Edinburgh in my opinion. They’re refined, delicious and unlike anything else I’ve tried.
Uplands Roast
University of, Edinburgh EH8 9LD
Whilst hot chocolate (unless it’s made with oat milk) is pretty much naturally gluten free, the hot choc from Uplands Roast is pretty much one you cannot miss on a trip to Edinburgh, toppings and chocolate galore!
Frites
63 Lothian Rd, Edinburgh EH1 2DJ
Feeling a bit peckish? Well Frites only fries FRIES and everything else is clearly marked on the menu. My favourite is just a medium fries with mayo - lots of vegan items on the menu too. There’s a few of these dotted around and they make a great snack!
Sugar Daddy’s
8 Roseneath St, Marchmont Cres, Edinburgh EH9 1JH
I mentioned the savoury treats above but NO trip to Edinburgh is complete without getting at least a box full of gluten free treats from 100% gluten free bakery Sugar Daddy’s.
Carla Bakes
Keep an eye on their socials, because the cinnamon bun from Carla’s is life changing, they’re at the Castle Terrace Market, one not to miss if you’re in Edinburgh, everything is 100% gluten free and vegan
Disclaimer: ALWAYS mention you are coeliac before ordering, never just choose the gluten free item on the menu. Chefs don’t want to make you ill, and with the knowledge of your allergy will take care and attention when preparing your food.
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