Dublin has started to embrace gluten-free travelers in recent years, with many restaurants, cafes, and pubs offering coeliac-friendly options. From dedicated gluten-free bakeries to traditional Irish pubs with clear menu labeling, there are plenty of tasty gluten-free places to experience on a Dublin food tour.
How Gluten-Free Friendly is Dublin?
Dublin has gradually evolved into one of Europe’s most gluten-free friendly cities. Today, Irish law requires restaurants and cafes to clearly label allergens, including gluten, on their menus.
Throughout the Irish capital, many chefs and staff are well-informed about cross-contamination and have policies for their gluten-free food prep. Most pubs and restaurants are happy to accommodate gluten-free requests, and many even offer dedicated gluten-free menus. Just be sure to mention it to your server in advance so they’re aware.
Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Dublin
The following are some of my favorite places for gluten-free dining in Dublin. However, there are too many to name in just one article.
Sano Pizza
Photo credit: Sano Pizza
Sano Pizza is a popular Italian eatery known for its authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas made in a traditional wood-fired oven. They offer a fantastic gluten-free pizza base that scratches the itch for Italian comfort food when you’re away from home.
The wood-fired smoke really comes through in the crispy crust. However, I also appreciate that they’re not just a pizza place. You can also enjoy antipasti and fresh salads with gluten-free ingredients that are clearly marked.
They have a casual dining atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating as well as takeaway options. On a sunny summer day, the outdoor seating is the place to be.
Sano Pizza (€10–20) – 1-2 Exchange Street Upper, Temple Bar, Dublin 8, D08 XW7D, Ireland.
Cornucopia Wholefoods Restaurant
Photo credit: Cornucopia Wholefoods Restaurant
Cornucopia is one of Dublin’s longest-running vegetarian and vegan restaurants, with a rotating menu loaded with amazing gluten-free options. It’s a relaxed and casual dining experience in a bright, welcoming space on Wicklow Street.
Their rotating menu features soups, stews, curries, and salads, with plenty of gluten-free and plant-based choices. The last time I was there, I was blown away by the depth of flavor in their lemon tart I had for dessert. It had an exceptionally bright lemon custard filling and lemon cream, held by a delicate oat and almond crust.
Cornucopia Wholefoods Restaurant (€10–20) – 19-20 Wicklow St, Dublin, D02 FK27, Ireland.
Best Gluten-Free Bakeries & Cafés
Dublin’s cafés and local bakeries have also caught on to the demand for gluten-free dining options that represent authentic Irish and international flavors.
Brother Hubbard
Photo credit: Brother Hubbard
Brother Hubbard is a stylish and relaxed cafe with locations on both the north and south sides of Dublin. The cafe’s aesthetic is clean and modern with warm wood tones and lots of natural light.
They have a Middle Eastern-inspired menu with thoughtful gluten-free options, including breakfast dishes like shakshuka eggs in a spiced tomato sauce. They also have a premium selection of gluten-free breads and fresh salads with vibrant flavors.
However, I think their gluten-free cakes are the secret gems on their menu. I fell in love with the flourless chocolate cake that had a velvet-smooth texture and a flavor that showed off the flavor complexity of high-end chocolate.
Brother Hubbard (€15–30) – 153 Capel St, Dublin 01, Ireland.
The Cake Cafe
Photo credit: The Cake Cafe
Dublin’s Cake Cafe is a quiet, quirky gem of a bakery that’s perfect for a relaxing afternoon treat. The atmosphere is creative and artsy, with mismatched furniture and a secret garden vibe.
Their gluten-free cakes are baked fresh daily, including options like almond polenta cake, flourless chocolate cake, and seasonal fruit bakes.
What I appreciate the most about them is the gluten-free, savory options on their rotating lunch menu. I had a carrot and coriander soup on my last visit that had a perfectly balanced sweetness and fragrant aroma that boldly represented the two main ingredients equally.
The Cake Café (€7–25) – The Daintree Building, 8 Pleasants Pl, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin, Ireland.
Gluten-Free Irish Dishes & Where to Try Them
There are several traditional Irish foods that you’ll encounter on pub and restaurant menus that are naturally gluten-free:
Irish stew is typically made with lamb, potatoes, carrots, and onions, and is naturally gluten-free when prepared without thickened gravy.
Photo credit: CCNULL licensed under Attribution 2.0 Germany
Boxty is a type of potato pancake that can be made gluten-free if the recipe excludes wheat flour.
Photo credit: Thefoodplace.co.uk licensed under Attribution 2.0 Generic
Seafood chowder is made with fresh seafood, cream, and vegetables, and can be gluten-free if the broth isn’t thickened with flour.
For the best gluten-free versions of these traditional Irish dishes, visit places like The Woollen Mills or The Celtic Whiskey Bar & Larder, where they offer delicious adaptations for those with dietary restrictions.
Tips for Eating Gluten-Free in Dublin
To enjoy the best gluten-free dining experience in Dublin, it’s essential to clearly communicate your dietary needs to ensure a safe experience. Many of Dublin’s restaurants also feature gluten-free symbols on their menus, making it easier to spot suitable options.
To find gluten-free-friendly spots, apps like Find Me Gluten Free or HappyCow are invaluable resources for locating restaurants that cater to your dietary needs.
If you’re looking to stock up on gluten-free snacks and groceries, Dublin’s supermarkets, such as Marks & Spencer and Tesco, tend to have a modest selection of gluten-free options. Specialty stores such as The Health Store or Nourish specialize in gluten-free products for easy shopping.
Sources:
Eating Europe. (n.d.). Dublin food tours. https://www.eatingeurope.com/dublin
Cornucopia. (n.d.). Cornucopia wholefood & vegetarian restaurant. http://www.cornucopia.ie/
Sano Pizza. (n.d.). Sano Pizza Dublin. http://www.sano.pizza/
The Cake Café. (n.d.). The Cake Café. https://www.thecakecafe.ie/
Brother Hubbard. (n.d.). Brother Hubbard. https://brotherhubbard.ie/
The Woollen Mills. (n.d.). The Woollen Mills. http://thewoollenmills.com/
Celtic Whiskey Bar & Larder. (n.d.). Celtic Whiskey Bar & Larder. https://www.celticwhiskeybar.com/
The Health Store. (n.d.). The Health Store. http://www.thehealthstore.ie/
Nourish. (n.d.). Nourish health food store. https://www.nourish.ie/
