Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a beautiful city filled with loads of history, culture, and fantastic food options. I’ve spent a lot of time in Edinburgh exploring, and as someone with celiac disease, I love searching for gluten-free dishes to enjoy.

If you’re thinking of visiting Edinburgh and have any worries about finding gluten free options, I’m here to tell you that you have absolutely nothing to worry about. The options are endless, whether you’re looking for traditional Scottish dishes, Mexican, Pizza or brunch you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy!

In this article, I will share my experiences and recommendations of the best gluten-free restaurants and cafes in Edinburgh. This guide aims to help fellow celiacs navigate Edinburgh’s food scene with confidence and ease while enjoying delicious and safe gluten-free meals.

Tips for Travelling Gluten-Free in Edinburgh

Gluten-free options in Edinburgh are plentiful. I’d go as far as saying it’s probably one of the best cities in the UK as far as options go. Offering plenty of 100% gluten-free establishments as well as cafes/restaurants that can cater to your needs. Here are some tips to make your gluten-free journey in Edinburgh enjoyable and stress-free.

Do your research before heading out. There are many online resources, such as the Gluten-Free Edinburgh and Gluten Interrupted city guides, which provide extensive lists of gluten-free dining establishments. These websites helped me discover plenty of places where I could safely enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Supermarkets across the UK cater really well for celiacs with dedicated ‘Free From’ aisles in their superstores as well as their metro/convenience stores which are located throughout the city of Edinburgh. So if you’re looking for a quick bite or a sandwich, you can usually find at least one gluten-free option available in one of these supermarkets.

Consider using technology to ease your gluten-free travels. I used a custom Google Map to locate gluten-free dining spots on my trip. You can create your own map and save locations you’d like to visit – this helps avoid last-minute scrambles and ensures that delicious gluten-free options are always within reach.

These tips helped me navigate my way through Edinburgh and enjoy a fantastic gluten-free experience. Here are some of the highlights.

Edinburgh Gluten-Free Restaurants

Bread Meats Bread

Best For: Burgers

Bread Meats Bread has a few locations in Edinburgh and Glasgow. This relaxed Canadian-style burger place is a great option if you’re into Burgers. They have a dedicated Gluten-Free menu which includes most of the burgers and poutine from the regular menu that can be adapted to be gluten-free. They also have dedicated fryers, so I felt reassured that my meal would be safe for me to enjoy. The Milk-shakes are also unreal, so worth a try!

90-92 Lothian Rd, Edinburgh EH3 9BE
0131 225 3000
Website

Origano

Best For: Pizza

I love Italian food, and as a celiac, good quality gluten-free options can be hard to find. Origano is, In my opinion, the best gluten-free pizza you’ll find in Edinburgh. This charming pizzeria specialises in wood-fired pizza, which can all be made on a gluten-free base. Often gluten-free bases can be pretty disappointing, but this is easily one of the best I have ever had. The staff are great and had an excellent understanding of coeliac requirements. This is a must-visit for pizza lovers!

Topolabamba

Best For: All things Mexican

Mexican is usually a go-to for me because, often, they have quite a lot of options. Topolabamba is great because almost the entire menu is gluten-free. They actually mark items as ‘not GF’ because there are only a few dishes which aren’t gluten-free. From tacos and ceviche to enchiladas and nachos, there was plenty to choose from. Highlights for me are the Tortilla Chips with Guac and Salsa (basic, I know, but the salsas and guac are top tier!) as well as the king prawn tacos. The Margaritas are pretty good too!

Six by Nico

Best For: Fine dining on a budget

If you want a fine dining experience without the exxy price tag, Six by Nico is a great option. This innovative restaurant offers a six-course tasting menu that changes every six weeks. Although not exclusively gluten-free, every course can be adapted without making you feel like you’re missing out on anything. The theme when we attended was ‘The Orient Express’, so the dishes started out with a Parisian theme, ending with an Instanbul-inspired dessert. This place books up quickly, so I would recommend booking in advance if you plan on visiting.

The Fishmarket

Best For: Fish and Chips

You can’t visit Scotland and not get yourself a fish supper! The Fishmarket offers a dedicated gluten-free menu, and they use a separate fryer, reducing the risk of any cross-contamination. The batter is delicious and I felt really confident that the staff understood my requirements. The Fishmarket is both a take-away and sit-in restaurant, so you can either grab a take-away or sit in. Newhaven Harbour is a lovely spot in the summer, so definitely with a visit. It’s worth noting that this place gets extremely busy, so if you’re heading down on a summer’s evening, be prepared to queue. It’ll be worth the wait!

Bonnie & Wild

Best For: Whatever you fancy !

Bonnie & Wild is a new food hall on the top of the new St James Quarter. There are a range of different food stalls to choose from, many offering gluten-free options. Salt and Chilli is my personal favourite, offering Cantonese style street food. The Salt and Chilli Chicken is the only option on their menu that is gluten-free but it was so delicious that I went back a second time! Stack and Still is a new addition as well, offering Gluten-Free, sweet and savoury pancakes. I had the Strawberry Cheesecake pancakes, and the staff were kind enough to adapt this to suit my requirements.

Mother India

Best For: Indian

If you love Indian food, then Mother India is an absolute must-visit. This tapas-style Indian Restaurant has a separate allergen menu which clearly details which options contain gluten, and the options are quite extensive. Sharing style restaurants can be challenging as a celiac, but my non-gluten-free partner did not feel like he went without at all as most of what he wanted to order was gluten-free, so everyone was happy. Standouts for me were the chicken pakora, chilli king prawns and butter chicken.

Arcade Haggis and Whiskey House

Best for: Gluten Free Haggis

If you are visiting Scotland for the first time, you may be keen to give Haggis a try. Haggis is made from oats, so it is not naturally gluten free. But Arcade Haggis and Whiskey House do serve a gluten-free version of this Scottish classic. It’s served with the traditional neeps and tatties (turnips and mashed potatoes) and is a really tasty dish. They also have a really extensive Whiskey menu if you want to try some Scottish Whiskey with your Haggis. Just one important note – the only gluten-free option here is the Gluten Free Haggis, so if Haggis isn’t you’re thing, then best to try one of the other recommendations.

Gluten-Free Cafes and Bakeries

Read my full guide on gluten free bakeries in Edinburgh.

Sugar Daddy’s

Best For: Sweet treats

Sugar Daddy’s Bakery is a 100% gluten-free bakery. Or as I like to call it, heaven. Located on the south side of the city, it’s about a 20-minute walk from the Royal Mile and will definitely be worth the trip. They offer a wide selection of sweet treats such as cup-cakes, brownies, tray bakes, as well as savoury options with a selection of sausage rolls, sandwiches and pastries. You can grab yourself some treats and then find a sunny spot in the meadows to enjoy before heading back into the centre of town.

Loudons

Best for: Brunch

If you’re looking for somewhere to get a tasty brunch, then Loudons is a great option. There are 2 locations in Edinburgh; both are extremely popular, so you may have to wait for a table. They have many options on their menu which are either already gluten-free or can be adapted. I had the Scottish Smoked Salmon benny, which was delicious. They also have a bakery on site where they make fresh cakes daily, and often at least 1 or 2 cakes are gluten-free. When we visited, there was a gluten-free red velvet cake. Delish!

For more brunch recommendations, you can check out my post on gluten-free brunch in Edinburgh and the best cafes in Edinburgh

Gluten-Free Bars and Pubs

If you’re a beer fan, you’ll know that gluten-free beer can be hard to come by. Bellfield Brewery is a must-visit for beer fans. All their beers are certified by Coeliac UK. The founders are both coeliacs themselves, so they know what they’re doing. They also have a fully gluten-free Mexican-themed menu offering gluten-free tacos, nachos and quesadillas.

Some other places with gluten-free beer available, which are worth visiting, are below.

• Hanging Bat
• Brewdog
• Dirty Dicks
• Mamma’s American Pizza

Read about my favourite gluten free bars and pubs in Edinburgh.

Gluten free supermarkets

Tesco

Tesco has a dedicated “Free From” aisle with plenty of options, including gluten-free bread, pasta, crackers, and even ready meals. The prices are reasonable, and it’s easy to spot the gluten-free items, as they are clearly labelled with the “Free From” logo.

Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury’s also has an extensive selection of gluten-free products in their “Free From” section. My experience was particularly good because many items are placed together, making it easy to find gluten-free snacks, bakery items, and more. The variety of gluten-free frozen items, such as pizzas and pies, was also impressive.

Marks & Spencers

Marks & Spencers has always been one of my favorites for gluten-free options. They offer a unique range of gluten-free products, including their own “Made Without” line. While the prices might be slightly higher compared to Tesco and Sainsbury’s, I find that the quality and taste of their gluten-free offerings make it worth the extra cost. In my opinion, Marks & Spencers is a great supermarket for really tasty gluten-free breads, pastries and treats.

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a relatively small city, and it is pretty easy to get around either on foot or by public transport, so no matter where you stay, you’ll be able to get yourself to the touristy hot spots easily. The Old Town is probably the busiest area for tourists in Edinburgh. There are several hotels along the Royal Mile, but these can be quite pricey during peak times. Over the other side of Princess Street Gardens is the New Town, another really nice area to stay. A good option if you’re a keen shopper, you’ll have all sorts of shopping options right on your doorstep. A little further out from the centre of town is Leith, popular with the locals; there are plenty of pubs and cafes to visit, as well as transport links to the main tourist attractions.

Read my complete guide on where to stay in Edinburgh.

What to Do in Edinburgh

An absolute must-see attraction is the Edinburgh Castle. Perched on a volcanic rock, this iconic castle offers stunning panoramic views of the city. If you can make it up there for 1 pm you’ll get to hear the cannon go off which they fire every day. From here you can wander down the Royal Mile and down to the Grassmarket, another historic part of the city. Once a site for public executions but is now a busy street with lots of pubs and restaurants and even a market on Sundays. Some of the other historic sites include Carlton Hill, St Giles Cathedral and Holyrood Palace.

If you’re a keen walker, I’d recommend a walk-up Arthurs seat. Easily accessible from the Royal Mile you can walk up to the top of this hill and take in views of the entire city. The walk will probably take about 30 minutes from the bottom to the top and it gets quite steep at the top so proper walking shoes are essential. But the views are definitely worth the effort!

Have 5 days in Edinburgh? Read my must-see here or read my guide on what to do in Edinburgh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Top gluten-free restaurant in Edinburgh?

There are several excellent gluten-free restaurants in Edinburgh. Some of my faves include:

• Loudons: A contemporary café with plenty of gluten-free options on their menu.
• Mother India: An Indian restaurant with many delicious gluten-free dishes.
• Origano: A classic Italian eatery with an extensive gluten-free menu.

Best gluten-free pizza?

Oregano is my absolute fave for gluten-free pizza. They offer a variety of toppings, and their gluten-free crust is one of the best I’ve ever had. Another option is Vittoria, known for its authentic Italian pizza and gluten-free options.

See my gluten free pizza guide to Edinburgh

Gluten-free pubs in town?

Many Edinburgh pubs offer gluten-free food and drink options. Bellfield Brewery is a great option as all their beers are certified Gluten-Free. Brewdog also has gluten-free beer available.

See my gluten free guide to pubs in Edinburgh

Recommended gluten-free cafes?

If you’re looking for brunch or lunch, then Loudons is a great choice. Or, for some sweet treats, visit SugarDaddy’s Bakery. They specialize in gluten and allergen-free baked goods and vegan options.

Gluten-free breakfast options?

Urban Angel is one of my faves for breakfast or brunch, with plenty of gluten-free options. Loudons also has an extensive breakfast menu with lots of gluten-free choices.

For more breakfast recommendations, you can check out my post on gluten-free brunch in Edinburgh

Where to find gluten-free fish and chips?

The Fishmarket in Newhaven is definitely the best option for Gluten-Free fish and chips. They use separate fryers, so you don’t have to worry about cross-contamination. It’s also right on the harbour, so a lovely spot on a summer’s evening.

Read my Edinburgh guide to gluten-free fish and chips.