Adelaide’s best gluten-free eateries
Checking menus ahead of time and pulling wait staff aside to triple-check if they have separate fryers becomes routine when you’re a coeliac. So whether you have a gluten intolerance yourself or are looking for a place to go with a friend, here are CityMag‘s picks of the most accommodating (and delicious) spots.
Duke of Brunswick
The Gilbert Street spot became SA’s first ever fully gluten-free pub in 2019, and co-owner Simone Douglas says most patrons can’t even tell the difference. They took the step to work with chefs to ensure all the pub favourites, like a chicken parmy, burgers, and fish and chips can all be enjoyed by coeliacs.
If you’re not up for the trek to the city’s south end, closer to the water, a pub in Port Adelaide’s oldest building boasts the same status. The Port Admiral Hotel was revived by Simone and partner Alex Fairgrieve in 2023 and they brought with them the allergy-friendly menu. In August, they even started Adelaide’s very first gluten-free high teas at the Admiral. Both these pub spots are our pick for when you don’t want to have to utter the words ‘cross-contamination’.
Golden Boy
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Since opening in 2014, Golden Boy has established itself as an institution on North Terrace, so most of Adelaide knows you’re in for a good feed at the hospo stalwart. Unlike some of the others on this list, Golden Boy is not exclusively gluten-free, but their team is extremely gluten-aware. Much of their menu doesn’t feature gluten, but where it does, they’ll happily adapt.
They’ve been known to adapt the $72 Tuk Tuk feed me experience to suit coeliacs, and if you’re sharing with a group, you won’t have to fuss over which plate is safe and which isn’t. Another benefit of the Tuk Tuk is you will most certainly be full. If you’re not, then they’ll offer you another round of food and to that we say, stay golden.
Kenny’s
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Fried chicken is usually a thing of the past once you’ve gotten a coeliac diagnosis. But owners and siblings Kristina and Tom Noicos prove it doesn’t have to be goodbye. Kenny’s is their 100 per cent gluten and dairy-free fast-food alternative. The Churchill Road chicken shop packs a crunch, with your staples like tenders, chicken burgers and chips, and sweet treats like cinnamon doughnut balls and cookies gracing the menu. Kenny’s uses an Australian-sourced beef tallow oil and fresh potatoes from multiple suppliers in the Adelaide Hills, which the duo says gives its fries a healthier yet tastier finish. They boast the best hot chips in town, but we’ll leave that to you to decide.
Part Time lover
Part Time Lover is another that featured highly on CityMag‘s 2024 restaurant power rankings and for good reason. The all-day bistro tucked behind Town Hall emerged in 2019 and was nothing if not Instagrammable, backing it up with flavours that you’d write home about. Almost every menu item has those glorious initials ‘GF’ or ‘GFO’ marked next to it, and the staff make ordering oh -so-easy. CityMag‘s plate picks from this season’s menu are the chicken parm croquettes and the grilled local squid with charred corn.
Peter Rabbit
The west end garden cafe is known for its brunch fare and whimsical vibes, making it a top spot for catch-ups. Again, not a dedicated coeliac spot, but those handy initials on the menu will help you out. The crepes Benny is a dedicated gluten-free highlight, with housemade crepes soaking up the ooze of poached eggs, mushroom duxelle and a touch of chilli oil. Their gluten-free bread alternative is thick and airy to swap out with your standard brunch options.
Have we missed one? Let us know your favourite gluten-free feed at [email protected]
