Eight Great Gluten Free Edinburgh Eats

As anyone else who has the misfortune of having been diagnosed with coeliac disease, a wheat allergy or gluten sensitivity, or those healthy eaters (such as Gwyneth Paltrow) who decide to forgo gluten for the (suggested) benefits going without it brings, you’ll know that when it comes to dining out it’s not always a walk in the park. Edinburgh – like every other place in the UK it seems – does have the usual pasta and pizza chains which offer gluten free versions - which is all good and well, however you can get quite fed up with the sometimes cardboard-y texture of the GF pizza base and let’s be honest, pasta isn’t the most exciting thing in the world. Having Pizza Express, Bella Italia, Amarone and Zizzi is convenient, but it’s nice to go somewhere with a more local, individual feel. So here are seven places in Edinburgh where you can get some good, fresh, gluten free food: 1. Tuk Tuk 1 Leven Street, Edinburgh Tuk Tuk is an awesome Indian street food restaurant offering tapas – style dishes in a laid back stylish environment. Loads of their food is naturally gluten free and it’s great because you can try a few little dishes instead of having to stick with one choice. It’s BYOB, making their already inexpensive prices seem even more affordable. 2.The Mussel and Steak Bar 110 West Bow, Edinburgh The Mussel and Steak Bar has two restaurants; one in the amazing Grassmarket, and one conveniently located on Jeffrey Street. Go there to try some of Scotland’s best local produce – have their famous Surf ‘n’ Turf to sample the home grown goodness from the land and the sea. Most of their food is naturally gluten free and they have at least one vegetarian option too. 3. Indaba 3 Lochrin Terrace Edinburgh If you want to try something different and delicious, go to Indaba. Most of their menu is gluten free and the staff have tonnes of knowledge about their menu and dietary requirements. They bring together flavours from Spain, South Africa and Venezuela and it doesn’t disappoint – on my last visit I ate crocodile and it was delicious! 4.Tupiniquim Green Police Box, Lauriston Place, Edinburgh I LOVE THIS PLACE. The staff are awesome and the crepes are even more awesome. They’re all gluten free and you have them lactose free too if you like. They do sweet or savoury fillings and have different specials every day. There’s an amazing atmosphere around the converted old police box and especially during the Festival it’s always crowded and loud from music. 5. Café Andaluz 77B George St, Edinburgh With one location in Edinburgh and two in Glasgow, Café Andaluz is an extremely popular Spanish tapas restaurant. Like Indaba there are loads of gluten free and vegetarian options and as they’re small dishes you can try lots. 6. Falko : Konditormeister 185 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh The café is located in Bruntsfield and although there isn’t a great selection of gluten free savoury food, they always have a few amazing looking cake options. 7. Burger 94a Fountainbridge, Edinburgh It may not be the healthiest choice, but burgers are burgers and who can resist them?! It’s so great when you can go somewhere and order a burger WITH a bun. This American-style, chic version of a fast food restaurant where you can order a (proper) drink with your burger has many verities on its menu. Yum yum.