Gluten Free Paris Guide: Best Places for Celiacs

If you’re celiac or gluten intolerant, the prospect of finding eateries that are gluten-free in Paris can be a tad overwhelming. After all, the city is better known for croissants and baguettes than its gluten-free options. However, in reality, Paris is among Europe’s most gluten-free-friendly cities.

The range of gluten-free bakeries and dedicated gluten-free restaurants seems to broaden with each passing year. Compared to when I started my Paris food tours, I’ve noticed quite a surge in establishments catering to those with celiac disease or who simply prefer to avoid gluten.

This gluten-free guide to Paris will reassure you that you can eat incredibly well in the French capital while sticking to safe, wheat-free spots.

Restaurant Loulou Paris

Photo credit: Restaurant Loulou Paris

Restaurant Loulou Paris is just a quick walk away from Notre Dame and the Seine River and is one of the best spots in the city for brunch.

It’s not a strictly gluten-free eatery, yet it’s among the most popular places in the city for anyone trying to avoid wheat. Although the menu is Australian-inspired, the setting itself is quintessentially Parisian, with striped canopies outside and an airy white dining area.

In addition to their many wheatless dishes, the team at Restaurant Loulou Paris also whips up tasty gluten-free breads, tarts, and cheesecakes. I went for a signature brunch dish and got the eggs Benedict.

Served on a savory breakfast muffin, the gooey poached eggs and tender slices of smokey brisket were doused in a thick, lemon-flavored hollandaise sauce.

Restaurant Loulou Paris (€€) – 90 Bd Saint-Germain, 75005 Paris, France – Open every Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 12:00 am and every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 12:00 am

Little Nonna

Photo credit: Little Nonna

Paris is home to several gluten-free Italian restaurants, but I’m particularly fond of Little Nonna in the 17th arrondissement.

As a long-time Roman resident, I couldn’t help but be intrigued by the mouthwatering menu of Italian delights. The bustling vibe in the restaurant and the mix of French and Italian decor styles were enough to convince me to sample the fare here.

Little Nonna is entirely celiac-friendly and has all the traditional Italian classics, from gluten-free pizzas and pasta to confections like tiramisu and ice cream. I spent far too much time trying to settle on one dish, but I eventually decided on the truffle risotto.

Even though the dish was super indulgent, it was so good I could have easily ordered a second. The creamy, chewy arborio rice was brimming with the umami flavors from the truffles, and the pinch of punchy garlic added a touch of fruitiness.

Little Nonna (€€) – 12 Av. Niel, 75017 Paris, France – Open every Monday to Friday from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm and from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm, every Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm

Chambelland Oberkampf

Photo credit: Chambelland Oberkampf

Chambelland Oberkampf in Le Marais is both a boulangerie and a patisserie and has become a pretty sought-after spot for wheatless sweet treats.

This simple and chic bakery is one of many Chambelland branches in Paris, and it also carries some of the chain’s grocery store items. I was lucky enough to get here on a quiet day and had most of the outdoor terrace to myself.

Alongside the gluten-free pastries and bread were a plethora of vegan options, which I think places Chambelland among the most dietary-inclusive spots in the city! There wasn’t a single pastry here that I didn’t want to try, but the caramel eclair looked especially appealing.

Had I not known the dough was gluten-free, I’d never have guessed. It was beautifully soft and chewy, making the perfect base for the rich, velvety cream and luxurious, sugary caramel layer.

Chambelland Oberkampf (€€) – 14 Rue Ternaux, 75011 Paris, France – Open every Monday to Saturday from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm and every Sunday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Thaïsil

Photo credit: Thaïsil

I haven’t spent too much time in the lively Bonne-Nouvelle neighborhood. After discovering Thaïsil, a gorgeous Thai-Cambodian restaurant, I can see myself frequenting the area a lot more next time I’m in Paris.

A friend of mine suggested I check this place out, and I’ve been recommending it to anyone with or without a gluten intolerance ever since. Cozy and colorful, Thaïsil has the most inviting vibe thanks to the ever-so-welcoming staff and lantern-filled dining area.

From traditional Thai soups to spicy curries, everything on the menu at Thaïsil is free from gluten. I had a hankering for a noodle dish and was sold on the pad Thai as soon as I spotted it.

With the soft, smooth rice noodles, crunchy peanuts, and hint of acidic lime, this was among the finest pad Thais I’d had outside of Thailand! It was packed with juicy chicken and sweet, snappy beansprouts, which gave the dish a wonderful blend of textures.

Thaïsil (€€) – 3 Rue du Nil, 75002 Paris, France – Open every Monday to Thursday from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm and from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm, Saturday from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm and from 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm, closed every Sunday

Crêperie Marie Madeleine

Did you really visit Paris if you didn’t tuck into one or two crepes and galettes during your visit? If you’re a fan of either, be sure to add Crêperie Marie Madeleine between Le Marais and Les Halles to your list.

This unassuming, monochrome spot has just a small clutch of tables, and I was fortunate enough to secure one despite how busy it was when I arrived.

I was in the mood for something savory rather than sweet, so the ham and emmental cheese galette was a natural choice. These yummy buckwheat flour treats are traditionally gluten-free, which makes them a reliable snack for anyone trying to steer clear of gluten.

Given the lunchtime rush, the service was remarkably quick, and I was digging into my square-shaped treat in minutes. Inside the lightweight pancake base was a wholesome mix of salty ham, mild emmental cheese, and buttery eggs.

Crêperie Marie Madeleine (€) – 160 Rue Saint-Martin, 75003 Paris, France – Open every day from 11:00 am to 12:00 am

Café Mareva

Photo credit: Café Mareva

No matter what kind of food allergies you have, there’s a good chance the staff at Café Mareva in Montmartre will have something tasty offerings for you.

Café Mareva is a no-frills kind of place, with a clean white-tiled interior, brightly-colored plants, and a handful of wooden tables. Although it looks like a cross between a bakery and a coffee shop, it’s actually a terrific brunch-style cafe.

The menu features a string of gluten-free dishes alongside several lactose-free and dairy-free options. I was quite curious about their sweet potato waffles, so I thought I’d sample the avocado-covered version, which seemed to be their most beloved creation.

It didn’t take me long to figure out why this dish is the best-seller here. While the waffles had a tinge of sweetness, the flavors were subtle enough to let the nutty avocado, sharp arugula, and briny smoked salmon shine through.

Café Mareva (€€) – 27 Rue de Clignancourt, 75018 Paris, France – Open every Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

apéti

Photo credit: apéti

Set a mere 10-minute walk from the Champ de Mars, which lies alongside the Eiffel Tower, apéti is an ideal place to grab a bite to eat after a day of sightseeing.

Even though it’s best known for its popularity among veggies and vegan Parisians, it’s also a much-loved spot for anyone who prefers to eat gluten-free. With its olive-toned walls and minimalistic decor, apéti has an earthy vibe that was palpable from the moment I walked inside.

This menu featured an array of nourishing dishes like curries and lasagnas. Had I been hungrier when I got here, the latter would have been my first choice, but I’d had a hefty breakfast that day, so I stuck to the apéti signature salad instead.

Full of organic ingredients, this salad was perfect for both gluten-free and health-conscious diners. It consisted of crispy red cabbage, sour apples, and tart raisins, and it was bursting with flavor. The heat from the ginger and the turmeric’s gentle bitterness add more depth to the dish.

apéti (€€€) – 21bis Av. de Ségur, 75007 Paris, France – Open every Monday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 9:30 pm and every Sunday from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Conclusion

With any luck, this travel guide to going gluten-free in Paris has put your mind at ease ahead of your visit to the City of Light. These days, finding wheatless fare is easier than ever, with everywhere from stylish restaurants to laid-back coffee shops serving top-notch gluten-free food.

What’s more, a bunch of French favorites, including the ever-popular macarons and oh-so-tasty galettes, are, by their very nature, completely gluten-free! As such, you won’t need to look far to find delicious, wheat-free Parisian food.