The hardest parts about following a gluten free diet? Feeling left out during social situations! Whether you’re going for a meal for a relative’s birthday or your friends are filling their faces with takeaway pizzas after a night out, if you don’t choose a restaurant, cafe or takeaway carefully, you can sometimes be left eating a salad or nothing at all.
Thankfully, there are plenty of gluten free places out there that provide for coeliac and gluten intolerant diners so, if you’re sick of being the odd one out, it’s time to show your friends this list so you can start going to places that make you feel special!
Today I’m just going to focus on the best gluten free restaurants in Manchester. If you’re a gluten free diner from another part of the UK and you’d like me to celebrate the best places in your town or city, give me a shout!
La Tasca
If you’re a lover of tapas and paella, La Tasca is your mate. These guys really know their stuff too, so you can rest assured that the food you’re about to eat is gluten free.
I’d highly recommend Pollo Marbella and Pulpo Gratin Y Queso.
Not only does La Tasca do amazing food, they always have a wide selection of money saving food offers available. I’d recommend visiting their website and downloading their app so you’ll always have access to the best vouchers and offers. From saving 20% off your food bill to getting a free bottle of Cava on your birthday or graduation, there’s always ways to save money.
Monday is out of the way - that deserves a treat! Who else could tuck into one of these right now? #LoveLaTasca pic.twitter.com/Eqh6mYZgj6
— La Tasca (@LaTasca) 28 June 2016
Tea 42 Manchester
Tea 42 is back! It closed down for a while last year and I can’t put into words how pleased I am that it’s back. Virtually everything on the menu is gluten free and, if you’ve been missing pastry since you gave up gluten, they even have gluten free pies! If you’re a fan of burgers, give their Chorizo Kick burger a go. This is another great restaurant for those looking to save money on dining out, as there are always offers to be had and savings to be made. Keep your eyes peeled for days where dishes are up to 50% off.
Pho
Pho (prounounced ‘fuh’) has become my favourite gluten free restaurant in Manchester. At this amazing Vietnamese haunt, 99% of dishes are now gluten free meaning that you’ll truly be spoilt for choice. Every time I go, I can’t help but have a starter and a main course before crawling out the door and flopping myself onto the bus home. Since so many dishes are gluten free, it means Jake and I can share our food with each other.
I’d highly recommend Chả giò (crispy spring rolls served with lettuce & herbs to wrap & dip) or Nem nướng (pork & lemongrass meatballs) as a starter followed by Phở Xào (Wok fried flat rice noodles) or Cà-ri (Vietnamese curry)
Celebrating Jake’s birthday with @PhoRestaurant ???????????? #vietnam #vietnamese #vietnamesefood #pho #phorestaurant
A photo posted by Jenni (@cantswingacat) on
Handmade Burger Company
Even if you’re a greedy sod like I am, expect huge portions in Handmade Burger Company. The first time I visited Handmade Burger Company in Manchester, I ordered a burger with chips on the side and it was a struggle to finish it all. Personally, I think the gluten free buns could be improved but the meal was delicious regardless. The burger is good enough to have without the bun! Plus you’ll save valuable tummy space for the good stuff.
Sweet Mandarin
Whether you’re in Manchester or another part of the UK, finding gluten Chinese food is usually an absolute nightmare! Well, not anymore! Manchester’s amazing Sweet Mandarin is the go-to place if you’re craving some Chinese grub that isn’t laced with gluten. The gluten free menu is extensive and the staff know what they’re doing. No matter what you order, your meal will be cooked to perfection and the portion sizes are fantastic too.
Dough
Almost every dish at Dough can be made without gluten upon request. So if you’re a big pizza or pasta fan, you’ll be in absolute heaven! These guys also know their stuff when it comes to gluten, so you don’t need to worry about confusing the waiter when you ask about gluten free options. The menu has a nice mix of traditional Italian classics along with more quirky and modern toppings.
My favourite pizzas have got to be the Surf & Turf along with the Chicken Balti pizza. For dessert, treat yourself to a gluten free chocolate brownie. Mmmmm. It’s amazing.
Ummmm Slimming World’s going well. Just had an amazing Dough pizza with my buddy @catbyrnexo
A photo posted by Jenni (@cantswingacat) on
Pizza Express
Virtually every pizza at Pizza Express can be made with a gluten free base and I’ve never been disappointed with my order. They also have a gluten free chocolate brownie for dessert but it can be a little on the small size.
Las Iguanas
Again, Las Iguanas are really knowledgeable when it comes to gluten free food so you’ll have plenty to choose from. I’d recommend starting with the Taco Sharing Tray and following it up with Blazing Bird or Chilli Con Carne
Croma
If you’re looking for gluten free pizza places in Manchester, you’re not going to struggle. Croma is another fantastic pizzeria and virtually every pizza on the menu can be made with a gluten free base. I believe there are four Croma restaurants in Manchester in total - Chorlton, Didsbury, Prestwich and the city centre.
So there you have it! There are plenty of gluten free places to eat in Manchester city centre. I’ll keep this post updated in the coming weeks.
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