The best gluten-free restaurant menus in Wales right now

For a long time, eating out was a trial for those who suffer with coeliac disease or have an intolerance or sensitivity to gluten, with many restaurants, cafes and bakeries not being able to cater for such needs. However, during the last few years, the hospitality business has ramped up its inclusivity, with restaurants across the UK producing tasty, gluten-free menus and options suitable for sufferers of the condition, so they don't miss out on having a meal cooked somewhere other than in their own kitchen.

And it isn't simply the likes of chain restaurants such as Cote Brasserie, Pizza Express, Dominoes, Prezzo and Las Iguanas (to name a few) that have options far and wide for the gluten-avoiding among us. There are so many independent joints that have kept coeliacs in mind when concocting their menus.

While one in 100 people suffer with coeliac disease, according to Coeliac UK, more and more people in the UK look to avoid gluten for a variety of reasons. So, to make life a little simpler for you, we've rounded up some of our favourite cafes and restaurants in Wales that offer phenomenal options that are free from gluten and full of flavour. It's important to note that if you're coeliac and are worried about cross-contamination, call ahead of your visit to put your mind at ease.

Bigmoose Coffee Co

With gluten-free cakes on offer as well as breakfast and lunch dishes, Big Moose Coffee Company is rated number one on TripAdvisor in this category for Cardiff.

An award-winning coffee shop, it's not just food that is at the heart of their ethos. Profits from Big Moose Coffee Co are used to help homeless and other disadvantaged people get back into work and society.

Try their 'eggs benedict' on gluten-free bread for a delicious brunch break. You can even create your own dish, choosing items from the menu and bringing it together.

One TripAdvisor reviewer said: "Everything on the menu can be adapted to be gluten-free which is a bonus as someone with celiac disease and the team are always knowledgable and accommodating."

Where: 4-5 Frederick Street, St Davids Centre, Cardiff CF10 2DB

For more information, visit the website

Noglu

If you're after a grab-and-go lunch spot in the city centre, you've got to try this place tucked away in Cardiff's bustling indoor market. Boasting a menu that's 100% gluten-free, you can get sweet treats like brownies and Welsh cakes as well as savoury items like falafels, foccacias and even empanadas.

Where: Cardiff Central Market, Cardiff, CF10 1AU

For more information, visit the website

Wild Thing

For dishes that specialise in vegan, gluten and refined sugar free diets, Wild Thing is your dream place to take a lunch break. While not all dishes are free from gluten, a large portion of both weekday and weekend menus - which change every two weeks - are.

From their current Saturday brunch menu, the GF Pancakes - "fluffy vanilla pancakes, stewed rhubarb, vanilla yogurt and a pumpkin seed and pistachio crumb" - are simply to die for.

Where: 36-38 Cathays Terrace, Cardiff, CF24 4HX

Giardini di Sorrento Italian Restaurant

For pasta lovers who find that 'normal' pasta does not love them in the same way, this Italian restaurant needs to be on your radar. With a selection of pasta dishes that can be tailored to a gluten-free diet - such as the Fettucine Fraioli - alongside antipasti platters and desserts, you'll be spoilt for gluten-free choice.

One TripAdvisor reviewer said: "I had a 3 course meal, all gluten-free and it was the best meal I had eaten in a long time. The gf pasta was absolutely delicious, so light and creamy. We can’t wait to go back."

Where: 12 City Road, Cardiff CF24 3DL

For more information, visit the website

Against The Grain

Cardiff's first dedicated gluten-free coffee shop, Against The Grain, only recently opened in north Cardiff, but it's already in high demand. Serving baked goods like brownies, macarons and sandwich rolls that are "100% gluten free/coeliac friendly", it's a perfect place for coffee and cake.

If you're a fan of fruity cakes, their "amazing" blueberry muffin needs to be on your list of treats to try when you visit.

Where: 44 Merthyr Rd, Cardiff CF14 1DJ

For more information, visit the website

Red Fort Caerleon

While there are no specific dishes on the menu that are marked as gluten-free, Red Fort Caerleon prides itself on being inclusive of all dietary requirements. With many of their dishes able to be tailored to a gluten-free diet, according to their website, there is something for everyone.

One customer on the restaurant's Facebook wrote: "We had a fabulous meal tonight. All vegan and gluten-free. The staff are so welcoming and knowledgeable. Nothing is too much trouble."

Where: 2 Cross Street, Caerleon, Newport, NP18 1AF

For more information, visit the website

The Lounge Group

The Lounges' chorizo hash (Image: The Lounges/ Twitter)

A small chain with cafes in Cardiff, Newport and further afield, including Fino Lounge in Whitchurch, this restaurant offers an entire menu dedicated to all things gluten-free. With gluten free buns, breads and sides available, it just goes to show that being gluten free doesn't always mean you have to go without.

Try their GF Chorizo Hash; fried potatoes, roasted kale, spring greens, roasted cherry tomatoes, fried red onion and spicy pepper sauce, topped with a fried egg... need we say more?

For the list of lounges available in your area, visit here

The Fox

With a dedicated gluten-free menu, this pub grub will leave you feeling full and satisfied. Fan a yorkshire puddings but always miss out because of their high gluten content? The Fox has you covered.

Try their Sunday roast with topside of beef - served pink, GF Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, vegetables and gravy.

Where: Pave Lane, Newport TF10 9LQ

For more information, visit the website

Tukka Tuk Swansea

This street food eatery has three locations - Cardiff Market, Barry's Goodsheds and Swanseas Founders&Co - and a large portion of its menu is catered to those avoiding gluten. As always, inform the server of your allergies before ordering to check cross-contamination.

Taking to their Instagram last year, Tukka Tuk said: "TT is GF! yes, that's right, We have various options for gluten-free items." They added: "Head to Swansea for Gluten free Chilli Chicken, Garlic Prawns or Garlic and Chilli Cauliflower & more. Need we say more? You can order with confidence and just relax and enjoy those sunshine flavours by @anand_george_."

Where: Founders & Co, 24 Wind St, Swansea SA1 1DY

For more information, visit the website

Nomad Bar & Kitchen

Fan of tapas but are always left limited to padron peppers and olives? Try out Nomad Kitchen's small plates, which have a whole host of 'not containing gluten' dishes.

Chow down on their potato wedges topped with bravas and mayo for a slice of Spain in Swansea.

Where: 98 Sterry Rd, Gowerton, Swansea SA4 3BW

For more information, visit the website

Truffle

Their seasonal evening menu is bursting with flavour and has an abundance of dishes with no glutenous ingredients, according to their menu.

For something light and summery, try their strawberry, basil and goat’s cheese with black pepper and balsamic starter. For your main, if you're after a heartier dish, their ricotta stuffed chicken sounds divine.

Where: 1A King Edward's Rd, Brynmill, Swansea, SA1 4LH

For more information, visit the website

The Old Barn Tea Room

This delightful tea room in Merthyr Tydfil is quaint and boasts a stunning surrounding.

Alongside its beautiful location, it offers some of the lushest gluten-free scones you will ever try - they've even been raved about on TripAdvisor.

Where: Ystradgynwyn Torpantau, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 2UT

For more information, visit the tearooms' facebook page.

Miskin Manor Country Hotel Afternoon Tea

Miskin Manor has an afternoon tea that can be tailored to gluten free diners (Image: Miskin Manor)

If afternoon tea is your creme-de-la-creme but you've been unable to enjoy it due to your inability to break down gluten, treat yourself to a stack of small sandwiches and cakes at Miskin Manor, where the establishment's highly talented pastry chef can provide delightful gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options.

Where: Miskin Manor, Pendoylan Road, Pontyclun, CF72 8ND

For more information, visit the website

Paletta Pizzeria

Pasta and pizza lovers in Barry rejoice. This family-run five-star establishment, according to TripAdvisor, has some fabulous options when it comes to catering for coeliacs and gluten intolerances alike.

With GF pizza bases and pasta dishes to choose from, you'll be wanting to return time and time again.

Where: 82 High Street, Barry CF62 7DX

For more information, visit the website

Creates

Who needs a gluten-free menu when this restaurant offers a gluten-free option for the majority of items on the menu? Described as "a gluten-free enclave" by one reviewer, this bistro, cafe and B&B seems to be the perfect gluten-free lunch spot in Monmouth.

Try their raved about GF pizzas which, according to another happy customer, are better than the ones tasted in Venice.

Where: 7 Church Street, Monmouth, NP25 3BX

For more information, visit the website

The Angel Hotel

The luxurious, family-run hotel located in the centre of Abergavenny offers a gloriously gluten-free afternoon tea - though you need to book it 24 hours in advance, per head. For a lunch or dinner choice, try their risotto primavera, rocket and Parmesan salad for a flavourful explosion which won't make you poorly.

Where: 15 Cross Street, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5EN

For more information, visit the website

Johnny Dough's Wood-Fired Pizza

Another contender for possibly one of the best gluten-free pizzas ever tasted outside of Italy is Johnny Dough's Wood-Fired Pizza. They have gluten-free bases (for an extra £1) and, if you're vegan or suffer dually with lactose intolerance as well, you can swap out mozzarella for vegan cheese - win, win!

Where: 129 Mostyn Street, Llandudno LL30 2PE

Barnacles Fish and Chips

We couldn't finish our list without including a scrumptious chippy. With a gluten-free menu to cater for GF diets and is, according to one happy customer, "the best gluten free menu I have ever seen", you can have your battered haddock, chips, peas and bread and eat it too!

Where: 7 Mostyn Street, Llandudno, Conwy, LL30 2NL

MamGu Welshcakes

Wales without Welshcakes that cater for all dietary requirements? You must be joking. This delicious little cafe in Solva has some of the lushest gluten-free Welshcakes in all the land. They do make a point of letting their customers know on the website: "We use shared equipment in a busy bakery environment some products may not be suitable for those with severe allergies", so keep this in mind when wanting your Welsh cake fix.

If you're wanting more than a cake, they have breakfast and lunch menus too - many dishes from which can be tailored to a gluten and even dairy free diet

Where: 20 Main Street, Solva, SA62 6UU

For more information, visit the website

Fecci's Fish and Chip Shop

Another fabulous fish and chippy with a stellar gluten-free menu. They use a separate fryer for coeliacs and even have vinegar that is suitable for them too.

One reviewer sung their praises saying: "110% recommend for people staying in Tenby - 150% recommend for coeliacs. Stress free food is the dream!!"

Where: Lower Frog Street Oxford House, Tenby, SA70 7HS

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