Dining gluten free has never been straightforward, especially as a foreigner abroad. On many occasions, I have had to drag friends from one restaurant to another while I inspect the menu–an experience I’m sure many fellow celiacs can relate to. Surprisingly though, Barcelona has a lot to offer when it comes to dining gluten-free. There are ample gluten-free restaurants tucked away down narrow streets as well as larger venues for a more refined experience.
What Is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease which causes the immune system to attack the small intestine when gluten is ingested. It is important for people with this disease to avoid eating gluten completely as doing so can lead to further gastrointestinal complications, including an increased rate of developing certain cancers. Celiac Disease Foundation estimates that one in 100 people worldwide suffer from celiac disease.
Casually Gluten Free vs. 100% Gluten Free
For some, being gluten free is a choice. Whether it’s due to sensitivity or just generally feeling better on a low gluten diet, there are plenty of places that offer gluten-free options alongside the main menu. This is particularly useful when dining with people who may not wish to eat gluten free. We've started our list with restaurants that offer gluten-free options on the menu followed by those that are 100% gluten free.
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1
The Green Spot
Even just stepping inside this restaurant makes you feel healthier. The rustic chic aesthetic with wooden panels and airy space creates a calm, relaxing atmosphere, ideal for laidback foodies. As the name suggests, The Green Spot is a vegetarian restaurant offering a wide variety of dishes from across the globe including quesadillas, noodles, burgers, pasta and pizza. A generous portion of the menu is gluten free with a number of vegan options as well. With the global fusion and gut-friendly menu, it’s safe to say there is an option for everyone here. Menu includes several gluten-free options.
The restaurant group has a second location on Diagonal: The Green Spot Diagonal, Avenida Diagonal 593, 08014 Barcelona
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2
Taller de Tapas, Rambla Catalunya
In the heart of the city along the bustling Rambla de Catalunya you’ll find Taller de Tapas. The romantic decor and friendly service is enough to draw you in, but the real highlight is the food. Specializing in tapas and Galician cuisine, the dishes are rich and surprisingly filling. While not completely gluten free, various dishes can be made without gluten and staff can assist you in which dishes may contain traces. Taller de Tapas also offers a menú del dia and a variety of creative cocktails as well as gluten-free beer options. Taller de Tapas also has locations in El Born and El Gòtic both of which also have gluten-free options.
There are two other locations in the city:
Plaça de Sant Josep Oriol, 9, 08002 Barcelona
Carrer de l'Argenteria, 51, 08002 Barcelona
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3
Out of China
At Out of China, presentation is an art, from the decor to the beautifully plated dishes served in wooden bowls and intricate plates. The menu includes popular dishes such as dim sum, a variety of noodle dishes and rice bowls, soups and more, many of which can be made gluten free on request. It is a great option for those who do not follow a regimented diet but chose to be gluten free as and when they can.
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Restaurant GUT
Restaurant Gut showcases a menu rich with nutritious, gut-friendly dishes, perfect for anyone with other intolerances or general gut sensitivity. While not completely gluten free, there are many gluten-free options on the menu and all allergens are clearly labelled, including egg, milk, fish, crustacean, celery, nuts, sesame, soy, mustard, lupins and mollusks. Inside, the restaurant is small yet cozy but Restaurant Gut also offers a range of services outside of dining in such as takeaways, gift vouchers and special menus for larger groups.
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5
Flax & Kale Tallers
Health is at the core of what Flax & Kale does. The majority of the menu is plant-based and the rest of the dishes contain oily fish. Most dishes here are gluten-free and each is clearly marked with allergen information. These vibrant creations are full of color and flavor and are what makes Flax & Kale the perfect brunch spot.
The restaurant group has a second location in the Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera neighborhood: Flax & Kale Passage, Carrer de Sant Pere Més Alt, 31, 33, 08003 Barcelona
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6
Il Piccolo Focone
Carrer del Dos de Maig 268, 08025 BarcelonaIf you’re looking for an authentic Italian pizzeria, look no further than Il Piccolo Focone. The menu consists of both gluten and gluten-free options including pizza, pasta, fish, salads and more as well as set lunch menus. The interior is quaint and homely and there is plenty of outdoor seating.
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7
Copasetic
Carrer de la Diputació 55, 08015 BarcelonaBuilt upon a set of strong environmental principles, Copasetic’s vintage-style interior was built from ecological materials and the menu itself features primarily organic and locally-sourced ingredients, many of which have gluten-free options. Run by a Catalan and a Greek, Copasetic focuses primarily on Mediterranean food however the menu also features many popular dishes from elsewhere in the world such as burgers, tacos and more. And if you’re inspired by the moral principles of Copasetic, there is an option to spend €1 to buy a “suspended” coffee or sandwich that will go to someone in need.
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8
Maai
Carrer de Regàs 30, 08006 BarcelonaOften, being unable to digest gluten and having a sensitive stomach go hand in hand, meaning that even at gluten-free restaurants, it can still prove difficult to find something your body is happy with. Luckily Maai specializes in healthy dishes consisting of mainly vegetables and meat with few carbs, ideal for anyone suffering with inflammatory problems. There is even an entire menu for those on a keto diet and everything is marked as to whether it is gluten free, lactose free or vegan. This hidden gem is located in the Gràcia neighborhood in a rustic, minimalist but comfortable interior. Nearly all menu items are gluten free.
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Honest Greens Rambla Catalunya
Rambla de Catalunya 3, 08007 BarcelonaWith four locations in the city, you’re never too far away from an Honest Greens. If you’re looking for a healthier gluten-free establishment, this is the place to go. The menu is based around nutritious and tasty meals in the form of garden bowls, market plates and dishes to share. What’s fun about Honest Greens is that you can build your own meal by choosing options from the menu, handy for those with more than one intolerance or other allergies. It is a great spot for anyone with a more sensitive digestive system or anyone who just prefers a lighter, healthier meal. The entire menu is gluten free with the exception of the artisan bread.
There are three other locations in the city:
Honest Greens Born, Pla de Palau, 11, 08003 Barcelona
Honest Greens Westfield Glòries, Avinguda Diagonal, 208, 08018 Barcelona
Honest Greens Tuset, Carrer de Tuset, 4, 08006 Barcelona
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10
Messié Pizza sin Gluten, Muntaner
Carrer de Muntaner 109, 08036 BarcelonaWith locations in the Eixample and Gràcia, this Italian restaurant is surely a Celiac haven. The pizza bases are thin and flavorsome and the pasta indistinguishable from the texture and taste of regular pasta (coming from a friend who eats gluten). Better yet, with an entirely gluten-free menu, you have complete freedom to choose whichever dish you desire. On top of this, pizzas can also be made with lactose-free cheese or vegan cheese upon request. Portion sizes are generous and there are plenty of options on the menu for pizza, pasta, risotto and salads. And, if you aren’t already full from the main, Messié has a range of mouth-watering desserts including cakes and tiramisu. Also on the menu is a variety of gluten-free beers as well as other alcoholic beverages. 100% gluten free.
There is another location in the Gràcia neighborhood: Messié Pizza sin Gluten, Gràcia, Carrer de Siracusa, 15 08012
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11
Gula Sana
Carrer de la Diputació 361, 08009 BarcelonaSuitable for a more casual lunchtime spot, Gula Sana has everything you need. The space itself is airy with comfortable seating and also has an outdoor space.
For anyone with a sweet tooth, there is an abundance of delectable cakes and cheesecakes to greet you at the entrance. If you’re looking for more of a meal, the restaurant offers burgers, salads, eggs, toasted sandwiches, galettes and a few tapas dishes (including croquetes). The owner of Gula Sana, Aurora, emphasized that all of the burgers and croquetes are homemade in order to avoid cross contamination from processing. There are options that are naturally vegan but it is worth noting that this is not a vegan restaurant, but rather a restaurant catering to allergies, ensuring a safe dining experience for those who suffer with them. The atmosphere is warm and it’s clear that the staff at Gula Sana take this aspect of the job very seriously. I was completely charmed by Gula Sana and will definitely be back again. 100% gluten free.
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En Ville
Carrer del Doctor Dou 14, 08001 BarcelonaCombining French and Catalan cuisine, En Ville is ideal for a refined gluten-free dining experience. Located in the Raval in a 19th century building designed by the renowned Valencian architect Rafael Guastavino in 1877, the romantic, sophisticated interior has a timeless air about it. The menu includes a choice of appetizers and salads, as well as meat and fish dishes and a daily lunch menu that includes a first and second course, dessert and drink. En Ville is definitely a sit-down, elegant place very French in style. 100% gluten free.
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Pötstot
Carrer de València 204, 08011 BarcelonaPötstot’s philosophy is one of inclusivity, having adapted its entire menu to one that is completely gluten and dairy free as well as vegan. The menu features typical tapas dishes, paellas and main dishes such as vegan lasagna, “meatballs” and more. The interior space has a rustic feel with plants creating a relaxing atmosphere and the friendly, helpful staff add to the already cozy ambience of the place. 100% gluten free.
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Manioca Gluten Free
Carrer de Sardenya 56, 08005 BarcelonaOften, being gluten free is associated with healthy eating and diet culture. And while many gluten-free individuals have sensitive guts and do opt for a healthier diet, sometimes it is nice to indulge in something deep fried and gloriously unhealthy. Manioca strikes a balance, with salads and smoothies alongside fried dishes and tacos. Located next to the Parc de la Ciutadella, the space here is bright and airy and provides outdoor seating. 100% gluten free.
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Pizza Natura
Carrer de Pau Claris 153, 08009 BarcelonaOnly a few blocks from Passeig de Grácia is Pizza Natura, a gastronomic temple for anyone attempting to eat healthier while still enjoying all the flavors that Barcelona has to offer. The menu here was constructed specifically with health in mind, incorporating many vegan options for pizzas and tacos in addition to gluten-free. In fact, all the ingredients that go into the dishes are free from any processing, artificial conservatives or added sugars. This restaurant focuses mainly on pizzas with a dough base made from millet and quinoa instead of wheat flour. 100% gluten free.
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16
Cal Màrius
Carrer de Mallorca 449, 08013 BarcelonaIf you’ve ever felt down about missing out on Barcelona’s typical tapas dishes such as croquetes and calamari, fear not, Cal Màrius has got you. The menu has various types of croquetes and there are plenty of other fried goodies such as calamari, fried aubergine and chicken nuggets. Also on offer are sandwiches and burgers, empanadas and pizzas. It is on the smaller side and is a more chilled out restaurant but the service is friendly and helpful! 100% gluten free.
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M2 Gluten Free
Avinguda Diagonal 505, 08029 BarcelonaM2 Gluten Free is bursting with color and life, from the playful decor and lighting to the vibrant array of food from around the world. The menu has everything ranging from poke bowls and salads to fish, burgers, pizzas, pasta and more—all 100% gluten free.
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