Avoiding gluten can be a really difficult challenge, and for many people it’s not a simple diet or lifestyle choice. Anyone with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance will know just how hard it can be to find great gluten-free food that doesn’t sacrifice on flair or flavour, but things don’t have to be this way. Across the city and its suburbs, a whole range of restaurants, bakeries, and kitchens are fully committed to delivering the best food they can, without any gluten ingredients. So next time you need a gluten-free fix, why not check out one of the great spots below?
Tharavadu
Award-winning Tharavadu is no less than a local legend, serving up the very best in authentic Keralan cuisine, just a stone’s throw away from the station. Since opening up to a great reception back in 2014, this incredible restaurant has accrued a huge fanbase including none other than cricketing legend Virat Kohli, and it’s not hard to see why. There’s a huge range of gluten-free options available here, and they’re all clearly marked on the menu, plus the team are always on hand to help you out with any allergies or advice. With coeliac and gluten intolerance often making great food hard to find, Tharavadu really go the extra mile to cater for anyone and everyone
FINT
Nestled on a leafy street just across from St. George’s Church in the north of the city, FINT is an independent restaurant and bar bringing the best of Nordic culture to the city centre. But while the name may literally translate as ‘fine’, this place goes far beyond that, making it a must-visit for any foodie who finds themselves in Leeds. Serving up delicious food from brunch right through to the evening, there are always plenty of gluten-free options on the menu, as well as a great selection of wine pairings to complement each and every dish. As the dishes on offer often chop and change to bring you the best in seasonal food, it’s always best to check with your server on which options are safe to eat.
Pinche Pinche
Step out of the city centre to the suburbs of Chapel Allerton, and you’ll find this Mexican-inspired spot serving up some of the very best tacos in town. There’s no shortage of gluten-free options here, with everything from tacos, quesadillas, and nachos all bearing the GF label on Pinche Pinche’s menu. Sadly, the burritos are out-of-bounds, but with so many delicious dishes to choose from, you’ll barely have a chance to miss them. With a carnival atmosphere and coeliac-friendly beer, this place is definitely somewhere to celebrate the joys of the local food scene.
Bundobust
Bundobust may be famous for their meat-free menus, but they’re also no stranger to creating delicious dishes without the dreaded ‘G’ word. Serving up Indian street-food that was made for sharing, this popular city-centre spot is the perfect place to head with a group of hungry friends and family. While not everything here is gluten-free, there are still plenty of great options to choose from, including the famous okra fries, tarka dhal, and much, much more. There’s also coeliac-friendly beer on offer, as well as a fantastic selection of wines and cocktails – just make sure to check with your server before you order.
Pieminster
As a true pastry institution, you might be surprised to find Pieminster featuring on this list, but this city centre restaurant is offering up three of its favourites entirely gluten-free. Customers can get their hands on the famous Moo, Mooless Moo, and Free Ranger pies without gluten for just 50p extra – a small price to pay to enjoy a long forbidden treat. With plenty of GF sides and starters also on offer, it’s definitely time to add Pieminster to your list of gluten-free spots in Leeds.
The Reliance
You’d be mistaken for thinking The Reliance was just another pub at first glance, but this beautiful red building offers much more than that. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by traditional wooden floors and tables, creating a warm, relaxed environment where you’ll feel ready to settle down for an hour or two. The menu here offers an incredible selection of modern British small and larger plates, and plenty of them come without gluten in sight, serving up some of the highest quality ingredients around. Again, the menu here changes each month to keep up with what’s in season, so make sure to let the staff know your requirements, and they’ll be happy to guide you through the options.
Wildcraft Bakery
A baking revolution is taking place right here in the city, and leading the fight are the remarkable team behind Wildcraft Bakery in Meanwood. This local bakery has taken on the challenge to produce sweet treats and artisan breads for coeliacs everywhere, but with the focus firmly on creating produce that doesn’t sacrifice on quality. In fact, each and every product here is tested on wheat-eating bakers to make sure that those gluten-free labels are simply a happy coincidence. To get your hands on some of Wildcraft’s goods, simply head across to their allergy conscious café and shop in Meanwood and check out this incredible local business.
Kuala Lumpur Café
Dishing up traditional Malaysian cuisine in the heart of Headingley, Kuala Lumpur Café is all about authentic food and casual eating. The focus here is firmly on delivering great food and even greater service, making everyone who walks through the door feel right at home in this cosy bistro. While there are some things off-limits for coeliacs here, the vast majority of the delicious curries, starters, and sides on offer are proudly gluten-free. For fans of Thai, Chinese and Indian food, it’s well worth seeking out this suburban spot for a new journey into Asian cuisine.
photos:FINT, Bundobust, Tharavadu, Pinche Pinche