I made my first visit to London in the spring of 2017 on a family vacation. Little did I know that merely 3 years later I’d be calling London home. Thinking back to coming here as a visitor versus being a ‘Londoner’ (not sure at what point I can call myself that) it will be fun to contrast and compare the GF foodie experience. Despite the somber look on some Brit’s faces, and the sometimes perpetual grey skies – London is friendly! It will be hard to find a cafe on every corner that doesn’t at least have a GF flapjack in their pastry case. I’ve broken down the GF/low-FODMAP foodie experience into different levels. Starting with staple corner joints you’ll find on every high street. To deeper dive “make a booking” places for special nights out. This is your IBS/GF diet. This is London. This is managing your IBS/GF diet while having a fabulous time in London.
Best low FODMAP London Restaurants
Level 1: High Street Havens
Sometimes you just need a quick, no-fuss stop off during a day of exploration! London can be overwhelming, but there are SO many places right around the corner. Here are some common places you’ll find all over that you can get a quick bite.
Bill’s
“There’s always Bill’s” has become a slogan in our household. Brekkie, Lunch, Dinner. Nice ambiance and trusty GF menu (ahem, halloumi burger)
See their menu and select by allergen!
Pret
As plentiful as Starbucks, Pret offers grab-and-go meals and drinks. GF Porridge, lemon slice, snacks and a really good Turmeric Latte with coconut/rice milk! View their Allergen Guide
Pizza Express
You’ll find one of these in every area! Always a great spot for GF Pizza, but also things like GF Jalapeno Dough Balls and Carrot Cake!! Coeliac UK have awarded them with their gluten-free accreditation.See their current offerings here.
Leon
Admittedly, I don’t eat here but they are numerous and include a lot of salads/quick healthful options when on the go in London. Apparently I’ve heard of GF Chicken Nuggets, but being vego I haven’t looked further into that. š View Allergen List!
Gourmet Burger Kitchen
Okay, so this was actually the very first place I ate in London! GF veggie burger, fries and a beer. It was a very good start to my trip. GBK’s are easier to find, but see below for my new favorite GF burger place. š Dietary Preferences Menu
Honest Burgers
Perhaps not on every high street, but it is worth the walk to get yourself to one of these for lunch! Their Courgette Fritter is my favourite!
Look at all the ‘GF’s on their menu!
Level 2: Delicious GF Sweet Treats & Cafes
These speciality bakeries & cafes around London are fantastic for a quick stop in to satisfy your GF sweet tooth!
Cookies & Scream
Every product is dairy, egg, wheat and gluten free!
Holloway Road, north London
Ruby’s of London
Beautiful, delicious GF brownies and donuts ready for your next IG post.
Greenwich Market
Cupcakes & Shhht
A bit off the beaten path, but if you find yourself wandering in NW London…
Hackney
Libby’s
Totally gluten free and proud of it! Croissants, bagels, otherworldly delights. Your new favourite place ever.
Notting Hill or Belsize Park
Utter Waffle
Food truck but now they have a brick & mortar location too! Savory & Sweet stuffed waffles. Omgggg.
Dendara
GF, DF, refined sugar free/low sugar – these new guys are doing it all and doing it right.
Kensington Palace
Level 3: Make a Booking!
These are perfect spots for just incredible gluten free experiences in London. From date night to afternoon tea – don’t miss these options!
Indigo at One Aldwych
Hidden away inside this hotel is the best GF Fish & Chips I’ve had in London. They bring around a fresh loaf of bread for starters, I nearly cried. The entire menu is GF & Dairy-free focusing on seasonal ingredients.
Niche
100% GF/Coeliac-approved. Savory classics (including proper British pie!) to Mac & Cheese and sweet desserts like a peanut butter blondie. They even have a low-FODMAP menu!
Station 26
Located off the beaten path in Brixton right next to Electric Avenue. Yep – that’s the one. Enjoy that in your head for the next 5 days. A small, entirely GF restaurant. With halloumi fries good enough to bring a grown lady to tears.
Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium
Fancy cats? Fancy afternoon tea, entirely gluten free? Then make yourself a booking (ASAP, they fill up fast!) at Lady Dinah’s. This little kitty lair is filled with friendly felines and GF scones.
Holy Carrot
Vegan restaurant with plenty of GF options (like, a ton). Free from preservative and additives. Most of their menu is GF.
Plant Club
Plant-based & Gluten-free Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria. Yes, that’s right – gluten free as STANDARD!
Other England Gluten Free Travel Guides:
I hope this has been a helpful starter guide to some of the best in Gluten Free London! It really is a city that I never thought I’d live, nor love as much as I do. š
For more on what I ended up cooking at home and grocery store finds, visit my London Lockdown post! (Ah, fond memories of early COVID lockdowns).
Leave a comment or message me some of your favorite discoveries!
Cheers!
Sara
Hiya Iām Sara!
Iām trained in nutrition and vegan culinary arts. Iām a plant-based nutritionist & counselor, recipe developer, chef and cookery instructor on a mission to make more people try (and love!) plant-based eating. I’m available for low-FODMAP consultations and meal planning.