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A Guide to Gluten-Free Dining in Edinburgh

Discover the best gluten-free eateries in Edinburgh, from bakeries to Italian spots and Scottish classics-safe dining options for every gluten-free need.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and a few other grains. While it’s perfectly healthy for most people, some health conditions like celiac disease make it hard to digest.  This makes it necessary for people suffering from such illnesses to opt for gluten-free meals.

However, finding restaurants that offer gluten-free meals on their menu can be quite tricky. This article provides a comprehensive guide for finding safe and delicious gluten-free meals in Edinburgh.

 A Dedicated Gluten-Free Bakery

Sugar Daddy’s Bakery is Edinburgh’s premier specialist gluten-free bakery. Located at 8 Roseneath St, Marchmont, the 100% gluten-free bakery offers a full range, including pizza, sandwiches, bread, cheesecake, cinnamon rolls, cupcakes, cakes, donuts, and fries.

This bakery doesn’t just stop at gluten-free meals, but they also offer dairy-free and vegan diets, making it a one-stop destination for various dietary needs.

According to listings on Coeliac Sanctuary and FindMeGlutenFree, Sugar Daddy’s Bakery has strict gluten-free protocols in place, providing coeliac patients with peace of mind.  The bakery has built a reputation for organic excellence among Edinburgh’s gluten-free community.

Gluten-free Breakfast and Brunch Experience

Greenwoods has emerged as a go-to breakfast and brunch destination for gluten-free diners. And it is arguably one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh.

Located at 61 Frederick St, this Dutch-inspired restaurant has a 4.7 rating based on 1,244 reviews on OpenTable. They are located in the centre of town, just off George Street and 5 minutes from Princes Street and the Station.

The restaurant offers clearly marked gluten-free options on its menu, including GF rolls, pasta, and pizza dough, and often has a separate fryer for French fries.

For those with more than one dietary need, Greenwoods also offers vegan options, including lemon drizzle delight with either vegan maple cream or coconut mascarpone, making it suitable for mixed groups with different needs.

Italian Dining Options

La Locanda is popular among celiacs in Edinburgh and for good reasons. They offer an array of safe gluten-free Italian dishes from breakfast to dinner. The restaurant has received glowing reviews from gluten-free diners who appreciate the quality of their food and the attention given to health and safety.

For pizza lovers, several places in Edinburgh have gluten-free pizza as part of their menu. Pizzeria 1926 serves authentic Neapolitan tradition in the center of Edinburgh.

While specific gluten-free menu details must be requested directly, their traditional approach to pizza production suggests that they are open to dietary accommodations.

In addition to well-known spots like La Locanda and Pizzeria 1926, Edinburgh has a variety of Italian restaurants that are increasingly offering gluten-free choices.

Vittoria on the Bridge, for example, is another local institution that provides gluten-free pasta and pizza options alongside their main menu. It has become a reliable choice for families and groups where not everyone shares the same dietary needs.

Similarly, Contini offers a refined Italian dining experience in the heart of the city, with staff that take dietary requests seriously and can provide gluten-free substitutions where possible.

This growing awareness among Italian restaurants is good news for gluten-free diners in Edinburgh, as it means enjoying pizza, pasta, and other traditional favorites without the stress of unsafe preparation.

Whether you are looking for a casual family meal, a lively pizzeria atmosphere or a more elegant dining experience, Edinburgh’s Italian food scene is increasingly inclusive for those following a gluten-free lifestyle.

Established Restaurant Chains

Mimi’s Bakehouse is a second-generation family business established in 2010 and has become one of Edinburgh’s most loved bakeries. It is also well known for its gluten-free options across its 5 cafes, though people with severe sensitivities are advised to inquire about preparation methods.

GF Edinburgh, located outside the city center in Haymarket, is the city’s only dedicated gluten-free takeaway cafe. It offers a range of gluten-free goodies, including paninis, rolls, pastas, soup, pizza, and daily specials like mac and cheese.

Besides these savory options, they also have a counter filled with gluten-free sweets gotten from local bakeries.

Traditional Scottish Cuisine

The Haggis Box, located near the Royal Mile at the Scottish Storytelling Centre (43-45 High St), is a Scottish cuisine restaurant that stands out for accommodating gluten-free options in its menu.

They serve gluten-free haggis as standard and also have veggie and vegan options. This makes it possible to experience traditional Scottish meals safely, which is particularly appealing for visitors who may have worried about missing out on this iconic national dish.

The haggis is often paired with the traditional accompaniments of “neeps and tatties” (turnips and potatoes), making the meal as authentic as possible while remaining safe for gluten-free diners.

Beyond haggis, other Scottish staples are increasingly being adapted to gluten-free diets. Several venues across Edinburgh now serve gluten-free fish and chips, including dedicated fryers to avoid cross-contamination.

This allows travelers to fully enjoy a hearty plate of fresh fish in crisp batter with chunky chips, without concern.

Some restaurants also ensure that their sauces and sides, like mushy peas or tartare sauce, are gluten-free. For those wanting to explore further, many pubs and traditional restaurants highlight gluten-free symbols on their menus, ensuring visitors can try everything from Cullen skink (a creamy smoked haddock soup) to venison stews with confidence.

Fine Dining Experiences

For special occasions, Edinburgh has high-end venues with gluten-free options. Skyline Restaurants’ focus on fresh, local ingredients and seasonal meals implies a willingness to accommodate many dietary needs on their menu, though specific gluten concerns should be confirmed when booking.

They are located at Edinburgh’s Tynecastle Park Stadium.

Research and Verification

Certain reliable sources help in finding gluten-free spots in Edinburgh. Customer ratings and location details of accredited establishments can be found on FindMeGlutenFree.

Well-researched guides with maps of gluten-free destinations around the city are also published by The Gluten Free Alchemist.

However, current reviews have proven to be most useful when it comes to information on recent policies and menu updates in restaurants. Reviews that specifically mention cross-contamination awareness and staff knowledge are better indicators of real dining safety than a selective menu range.

Photo credits

Photo by foc foodoncam.

Photo by Clément Proust.

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