Like dozens of culinary hubs in Europe, finding quality food that’s entirely gluten-free in Lisbon is easier than ever nowadays. Many eateries offer tasty gluten-free dishes, while dedicated gluten-free spots allow celiac visitors to dine without the fear of cross-contamination.
In the years I’ve been hosting my Lisbon food tours, I’ve noticed a surge in gluten-free restaurants, bakeries, and cafes across the city. If you have celiac disease, it’s natural to feel apprehensive ahead of any trip, but you can dine exceptionally well in Lisbon while still avoiding wheat!
Throughout this guide to going gluten-free in Lisbon, I’ve outlined my must-visit spots for gluten-free food, including quaint cafes and ambient bistros.
The Food for Real Alcântara
Photo credit: The Food for Real Alcântara
If you’re gluten-free or trying to avoid specific allergens, The Food for Real Alcântara in Santo Amaro near the Belém district is a must.
This little eatery has a charming rustic vibe, and the outdoor patio filled with wooden tables was a lovely place for a casual midday meal.
A couple of friends of mine raved about the veggie and vegan options here, but I had no idea this cafe was also completely gluten-free. When I stopped by for brunch, I went for the beetroot hummus, which came with a hearty serving of tofu and arugula.
The tofu had a gorgeous smokey flavor and a firm texture that was softened by the smooth, garlicky hummus. On top was a handful of fresh arugula that gave the dish a sharp bite.
The Food for Real Alcântara (€) – R. dos Lusíadas 51 A, 1300-366 Lisboa, Portugal – Open every Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, closed every Sunday
Despensa N.6
Photo credit: Despensa N.6
Serving mouthwatering pastries without gluten, refined sugars, or artificial ingredients, Despensa N.6 is a haven for anyone with a sweet tooth. This gluten-free bakery and cafe is situated north of the city near Campo Pequeno.
Its sleek wooden features and mint green color scheme make the interior feel as light and airy as its tempting, gluten-free options!
If you’re looking for a light brunch, the pancakes, omelets, and crepes will be right up your street. However, when I visited, I knew I was headed straight for the baked goods. After spending far too long browsing, I decided to try the lemon muffin.
The moist consistency and mix of saccharine and zesty flavors made such an impression that I immediately ordered a second to tuck into later! Despensa N.6 certainly proves you don’t need to compromise on taste to make healthier choices.
Despensa N.6 (€€) – Av. Sacadura Cabral 6A, 1000-274 Lisboa, Portugal – Open every Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm and every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Zenith
Photo credit: Zenith
Zenith isn’t one of the fully gluten-free restaurants in Lisbon, yet their wheatless dishes are among the best in the business. I was strolling around the Santo António neighborhood, close to the bustling Avenida da Liberdade, when I found this happening spot.
This place is as hip and chic as they come. The interior is decked out with red brick walls, a split-level design, and bright green plants.
Even though the menu had a ton of my favorites, like eggs benedict and shakshuka, I took my server’s suggestion and went for the breakfast-style tacos.
Inside each of these corn tortillas were helpings of fried eggs, guacamole, sundried tomato, and spinach. I wasn’t sure how the flavors would come together, but the tart tomatoes and bitter spinach were a lovely contrast against the nutty guacamole and crispy, rich eggs.
Zenith (€€) – R. do Telhal 4A, 1150-346 Lisboa, Portugal – Open every Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and every Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Bali do Cais
Photo credit: Bali do Cais
Bali do Cais in Cais do Sodré is exactly what it sounds like, as it serves up authentic Indonesian food while giving a nod to Portuguese cuisine.
The restaurant itself is very Bali-esque, with tropical wallpaper, bamboo-covered walls, and some of the friendliest staff in the city.
It’s easily one of Lisbon’s best gluten-free establishments for Asian food, and I’ve been dreaming of their beef rendang ever since I visited. While it may seem like a peculiar pairing, they also have some of the tastiest gluten-free custard tarts I’ve found if you have room for dessert.
This to-die-for dish consisted of fork-tender beef, a creamy but fiery coconut curry sauce, and floral jasmine rice. After I’d let the intense flavors of the rendang go down, the rich pastel de nata filling and crispy pastry made for the perfect sweet treat.
Bali do Cais (€€) – R. Bernardino Costa 21, 1200-052 Lisboa, Portugal – Open every Monday and Wednesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm and every Tuesday to 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Totale Pizzeria
Photo credit: Totale Pizzeria
Totale Pizzeria has a bunch of locations scattered around Lisbon, but I’ve only made it to their Saldanha restaurant so far. I’ve sampled a couple of gluten-free pizzas in the Portuguese capital, but none have impressed me as much as Totale’s offerings.
Before I even knew that was on the menu here, the spray-painted wall art and upbeat music caught my attention.
There are five different types of pizza bases available here, including an option for anyone following a gluten-free diet. Choosing the base you want is difficult in itself, but picking what toppings proved to be even more of a challenge.
After learning that their Roman-inspired pizza was among their best-sellers, I had to try it. A generous portion of mild mozzarella, savory bacon, salty pecorino, and meaty mushrooms sat on top of a super-thin, crusty base smothered in a layer of juicy tomato sauce.
Totale Pizzeria (€€) – Praça José Fontana 17A, 1050-129 Lisboa, Portugal – Open every day from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Rice ME
Photo credit: Rice ME
Rice ME near Parque Eduardo VII is accredited by the Portuguese Celiac Association, making it an ideal dining spot for anyone concerned about cross-contamination.
I love the simple but stylish aesthetic here. The golden lighting created a warm, relaxing atmosphere, while the polished wooden decor gave the restaurant an air of sophistication.
When it comes to the menu, I was taken aback by the diverse array of local and international influences. Portuguese classics like duck fried rice and bacalhau sat alongside Spanish croquettes, Thai noodles, and Chinese gyozas.
Their Italian dishes sounded too good to resist, so I opted for the mushroom and asparagus risotto. This meal was the epitome of comfort food, as the velvety rice mixture seamlessly blended the tender, grassy mushrooms and buttery asparagus.
Rice ME (€€) – R. Carlos Testa 18A, 1050-046 Lisboa, Portugal – Open every Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, Saturday from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, and every Sunday from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
La Trattoria
Photo credit: La Trattoria
Just south of Parque Eduardo VII is La Trattoria, a must-try spot if you’re on the hunt for some gluten-free pasta.
The interior is dark and moody, packed with walls covered in fine wines, low, wood-paneled ceilings, and monochrome tilings.
By chance, I arrived when their midday buffet was in full swing, so I was lucky enough to sample several pastas, gluten-free breads, and salads. My personal favorites were the garlic bread and truffle pasta.
Gluten-free bread often gets a bad rap, but this crumbly, toasted variety was delicious and had just the right amount of punchy garlic butter. I followed this up with a bowl of truffle rigatoni. Each bite combined al dente pasta, earthy truffle sauce, and tangy parmesan.
La Trattoria (€€) – R. Artilharia 1 79, 1250-038 Lisboa, Portugal – Open every Monday to Thursday from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm and from 7:30 pm to 11:00 pm, Friday from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm and from 7:30 pm to 12:00 am, Saturday from 7:30 pm to 12:00 am, and Sunday from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm
Kong
Photo credit: Kong
Kong in Chiado is a 100% vegan restaurant, but it’s also where I’ve found some of the finest Portuguese food that’s totally gluten-free in Lisbon.
Stepping inside Kong felt like walking into a gallery, as bold art installations and murals are dotted throughout the restaurant. I grabbed a seat near the entrance, which was a much more laidback corner with pale green and wooden furnishings.
The francesinha in Kong seemed to be a big hit with customers, and I was keen to try a vegan and gluten-free version of this decadent sandwich.
Dripping in gooey vegan cheese and brimming with silky tofu, umami mushrooms, and sweet caramelized onions, this sandwich had a slew of robust flavors. On the outside were two thick slices of soft, delicate, gluten-free bread that held all the components together.
Kong (€€) – Rua do Corpo Santo 2, 1200-129 Lisboa, Portugal – Open every Monday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm, closed every Sunday
Conclusion
With this gluten-free guide to Lisbon, you’ll be assured of a memorable gastronomic journey throughout your stay. Set your tastebuds alight with gluten-free takes on Portuguese dishes like pasteis de nata, francesinha, and açorda!