Despite the incredible breadth of London's dining scene, those with an intolerance of gluten have traditionally had it tough.
For a long time, gluten-free dining options have either been leaden or liable to fall to dust (here's looking at you, Genius bread) but things are looking up with restaurateurs, bakers and supermarkets widening our choice with game-changing new dishes and products.
Although a dietary choice for some, for the one per cent of population diagnosed as coeliacs, gluten is a health risk that's crucial to avoid. Very few London establishments are fully certified by Coeliac UK and many come with a menu caveat warning of cross-contamination risks.
Yet according to Coeliac UK's Norma McGough, the number of restaurants, pubs and cafés serving gluten-free dishes is on the rise. "An increasing number of people follow a gluten-free diet for other health reasons and the trend looks set to continue," she says. "In addition, there are still over half a million people with undiagnosed coeliac disease in UK so as diagnosis rates increase, the demand for gluten-free is set to stay."
And while we look to the skies for passable gluten-free croissants (someone... anyone?), the past few years have seen Londoners blessed with more gluten-free options than ever before. So be you Gwyneth-lite or a full-blown coeliac sufferer, go against the grain with our guide to the city's best gluten-free dining options.
Niche, Angel
This bustling, award winning space sits just around the corner of Sadler's Wells and has proved a pioneer as London's first Coeliac UK-accredited restaurant. Owners Adrian and Marc have spent years perfecting flour mixes and pastry recipes and now serve a 100 per cent gluten-free menu sure to make coeliacs jump for joy. Delicately coated buttermilk fried chicken, parmesan beignets and a hearty pie and rosemary potatoes sit alongside gluten-free burgers, salads, specials and a full brunch offering, making it a destination dining spot regardless of intolerances. Dairy-free and vegan diners are also well-catered for – Niche is definitely a name to remember.
Try it: Handmade pie, served with roasted winter vegetables, rosemary potatoes and a port wine reduction.
197-199 Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TJ, nichefoodanddrink.com
Leggero, Various locations
Putting pasta back on the plates of gluten-dodgers, Leggero serves a sophisticated gluten-free, Italian-influenced menu. With a central London spot in Soho as well as a site at Mercato Metropolitano in south London, Leggero's most popular dishes include sandwiches served on foccacia, small plates – including fluffy ricotta gnudi – and a strong pasta selection made by hand daily. With traditional Aperitivi too, Leggero is helping set the benchmark for gluten-free dining in London.
Try it: Pink ravioli with gorgonzola cheese and beetroot.
W1 and SE1, leggero-london.com
Indigo, Aldwych
Part of the sleek One Aldwych hotel, Indigo is an elevated take on free-from dining. Celebrated chef Dominic Teague has created a high-end menu sourced from across the UK that – by focusing on fresh meat, fish and vegetables – makes it a popular choice for the non-gluten crowd and beyond. Fully accredited by Coeliac UK, Indigo's plush surrounds make it a sophisticated destination for special occasions while a series of tasting menus make it a worthy spot for dining without compromise.
Try it: Tenderloin pork with white onion puree, merguez and chanterelles.
1 Aldwych, WC2B 4BZ, onealdwych.com
Beyond Bread, Various locations
First opening in Fitzrovia in 2015, this 100 per cent gluten-free bakery has since expanded to Islington's Upper Street and a concession at Selfridges. Through continued experimentation with alternative flour types, Beyond Bread's team of chefs and bakers have developed a fantastic selection of breads, pastries and sweet treats – think muffins, pancakes, waffles and sponges. Proving a go-to for brunches and lunches as well, Beyond Bread serves dishes ranging from homemade granola and toasties through to its own take on a full English, although expect a fight for a table at the weekend.
Try it: Smoked salmon and avocado on pumpernickel toast.
Two locations in W1, N1, beyondbread.co.uk
Mommi, Clapham
This Clapham hotspot is flying the flag for free-from dining in south London. While jazzy decor, lively music and late hours make it a popular after-dark destination, it's the 100 per cent gluten-free menu of Peruvian-meets-Japanese cuisine that makes it stand out. Featuring zingy ceviche and sushi through to Andean staples, grilled meat and seared fish, Mommi's range of dishes are protein rich and low calorie, while a set menu serves up a vibrant culinary journey. Plus, a lengthy cocktail list provides plenty of reason to linger after dinner.
Try it: Braised short rib of beef, quinoa lime picante and teriyaki padron peppers.
44 - 48 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UR, wearemommi.com
Le Merlin, Clapton
A welcome addition to Lower Clapton Road's evolving roster of sophisticated diners, Le Merlin has created a French galette-sized niche for itself that's proved incredibly popular. Within a stylish setting – complete with a small garden – Le Merlin's chefs use gluten-free buckwheat flour throughout a small but perfectly formed menu of sweet and savoury crepes, to be washed down with a suitably Gallic selection of wines, beers and Breton cider.
Try it: Savoury galette with Bayonne ham, sautéed potatoes and cheese.
78 Lower Clapton Road, E5 0RN, lemerlin.co.uk
Yeotown Kitchen, Marylebone
A successful spin-off from Yeotown's Devon-based wellness brand, the Yeotown Kitchen on Chiltern Street has a strong gluten-free offering to fuel visits to central London. Although still perfecting its gluten-free wraps and burger buns, Yeotown has plenty on offer throughout the day, from overnight oats through to vibrant salads and a wide range of baked treats including brownies, muffins and oat bars. Plus, Yeotown's comprehensive selection of life-affirming smoothies and boosters – spiked with adaptogens, collagen and algae – make more than worthy accompaniments.
Try it: Empathy salad with soba buckwheat noodles, smoked tofu, shiitake mushrooms and sprouts.
42 Chiltern Street, W1U 7QT, yeotownkitchen.com
Zia Lucia, Various locations
One of the restaurants behind Holloway Road's rising foodie reputation, Zia Lucia has staked its claim as a creator of some of London's best pizzas. Offering a fantastic 48-hour fermented gluten-free dough (in addition to the eye-catching vegetable charcoal base), it offers lighter-weight pizza bases for those on gluten-free diets, although its solo pizza oven raises the risk of cross-contamination, making it unsuitable for coeliacs. A range of charcuterie starters – paired with a deliciously doughy gluten-free foccacia – and stunning homemade desserts mean it's a must for pizza fans.
Try it: Centurione pizza with tomato, mozzarella, Parma ham, rocket and parmigiano
N7, W14, HA9, zialucia.com
Aprés Food Co, Clerkenwell
Helmed by accredited nutritional therapists, Clerkenwell's Aprés opened in 201 and is not only 100 per cent free of gluten but also of refined sugars. Having developed their own gluten-free flour blend, Catharine Sharman and her business partner Danny have set out to redefine comfort food with a healthy spin. Beyond a sterling selection of baked goods – including brownies, bakewell tarts and standout banana bread – expect to find curries, hashes, risottos and an Aprés cooked breakfast on a menu that's both delicious and nutritious.
Try it: Breakfast frittata muffin with a choice of fillings.
72 St John Street, EC1M 4DT, apresfood.com
Plus...
Beyond London's independent gluten-free diners, there's a growing list of restaurant chains accredited by Coeliac UK, including Côte, Pho, Pizza Express, Carluccio's, Chipotle and Domino's. As coeliac awareness continues to grow, expect an increasing number of high-street diners to follow suite. Fingers crossed.
