Food & Drink

14 Of The Best Gluten-Free Cafes And Restaurants On The Gold Coast

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Gone are the days of boring gluten-free food. More recently, mouthwatering gluten-free dishes have rolled out in force across the Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country. However, there’s a big difference between cheese-topped cardboard slabs, bread you might break your teeth on, and genuinely delicious gluten-free feasts.

So you’ll be pleased to know that many a Gold Coast restaurant has mastered the art of plating up top-notch gluten-free fare. Here’s your guide to the Gold Coast's best gluten-free restaurants and cafes in 2024.

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The Gold Coast's Best Gluten-Free Cafes
The Gold Coast's Best Gluten-Free Restaurants

Gluten-Free Cafes

Cardamom Pod

3 Brolga Avenue, Southport

cardamon pod acai bowl
Image Credit: Cardamom Pod | Instagram

Arguably home to the Gold Coast’s most extra açai bowl, Cardamom Pod is a fully vegetarian health food cafe with vegan and gluten-free options. This local gem is snuggled into the Brickworks shopping precinct and serves completely irresistible meals for all dietary requirements. 

The decadent dishes come in generous portions and are a treat to the eyes with on-point garnishes and creative plating. We recommend the chia-crusted French toast with blood orange marmalade, as well as the flourish Buddha bowl with quinoa pilaf, potato peanut fritters, roast sweet potato, hummus, broccolini, satay sauce and avocado. And don’t forget to check out the cake cabinet for regular gluten-free delights. 

BSKT

4 Lavarack Road, Mermaid Beach 

bskt cafe
Image Credit: BSKT Cafe | Instagram

A stone’s throw from the Gold Coast’s idyllic seaside shores, BSKT is an unmissable health food cafe on the Gold Coast for gluten-free brunching and luncking. With an abundant menu brimming with gluten-free, vegan and dairy-free goods, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

It’s not just the food that we love, though. The bright and airy space is filled with leafy plants, sky-high windows and a bustling vibe all week long. Drop in for all day brekky, miso salmon bowls or even cocowhip bowls. 

See Yo Gluten Free Bakery

2364 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Dreaming of the type of gluten-free cafe where anything on the menu is up for grabs and GF? You’re in luck at See You Gluten Free Bakery, on the site of the former Marie Anita's.

This charming, completely gluten-free cafe and bakery has become a staple for gluten-free Gold Coasters and we love their dog-friendly outdoor backyard. Thanks to their incredibly wide range of artisan bread, cakes and pastries you’ll soon see why they've gained a cult-like following.

Gold Coast Gluten-Free Bakery

1/16 Hilldon Court, Nerang

It does what it says on the tin. Gold Coast Gluten Free Bakery bakes a selection of gluten-free and occasionally dairy free bakery treats.

From roasted pumpkin and rosemary bread to hearty beef pies and raspberry chocolate mud cake, consider this Nerang’s best-kept gluten-free secret, until now. Sink your teeth into their treasure trove of baked goods in-store during weekdays or at various Farmer’s Markets around the Gold Coast on weekends. 

Seeds Of Life

Online

The Gold Coast's only entirely gluten-free and organic plant-based wholefoods manufacturer had to make our list of the best gluten-free joints. 'Organic gluten-free nutrition' is at the forefront of everything Seeds Of Life does, including in their gluten-free bakery which whips up some seriously delightful treats, sans gluten.

There's also plenty of oil-free, nut-free and coconut-free options available at this family-run bakery and whole food store, so if you have allergies, this is the place to find a delicous alternative. Seeds Of Life is also one of the only places that supplies allergy-friendly catering and plattering boxes on the Gold Coast. Our pick? We're suckers for the 1kg banana bread.

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Gluten-Free Restaurants

Greenhouse Canteen & Bar

268 Tallebudgera Creek Road, Tallebudgera Valley

greenhouse canteen tacos
Image Credit: Greenhouse Canteen & Bar | Instagram

This newly relocated Tallebudgera establishment boasts an entirely plant-based and gluten-free menu.  Set inside Gold Coast’s old Teavine House, Greenhouse Canteen & Bar dishes up lunch from Wednesday to Sunday and dinner on Friday and Saturday nights.

Taste your way around blistered red pepper arancini balls served with romesco sauce and shaved piquant, or head straight for the Vietnamese pancake with tangy chilli jam, oyster mushroom mince and seasonal vegetables in a crispy pancake. This gluten-free restaurant also shares its space with the stunning Greenhouse Bathhouse to make this a full day soiree.

Sticky Rice

443 Golden Four Drive, Tugun 

sticky rice
Image Credit: Sticky Rice | Instagram

Centrally located in Tugun’s village-like strip, Sticky Rice has made a name for itself as a prime gluten-free dining spot on the Southern Gold Coast. Serving authentic Thai food and epic cocktails, their leafy upstairs dining room and outdoor dining space delivers a balanced atmosphere where refined dining meets cool tropical vibes.

If you’re searching for the best gluten-free restaurant on the Gold Coast for Thai bites like satay chicken, generous servings of an assortment of curries, and seriously delicious pad Thai, you’ve found it. 

Balboa Italian

1069 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

balboa italian front facade
Image Credit: Balboa Italian | Instagram

Good news. Classic Italian cuisine is now on your gluten-free restaurant list right here on the Gold Coast. With fresh takes on beloved favourites, almost everything on the menu at Balboa Italian can be made gluten-free upon request.

We recommend starting with the crispy sage focaccia (gluten free upon request) before moving onto the Gamberi Piccanti pizza or the Pappardelle al Ragu, and ending strong with house made gelato. Say bon appetit to your next wheat-free feast. 

Bird Royale

Brickworks Ferry Road, Southport

gluten free fried chicken
Image Credit: Bird Royale | Instagram

If you're like us and have a regular hankering for a roast chook, your day is about to get a whole lot better when we introduce you to Bird Royale. The Gold Coast’s only specialty charcoal rotisserie chicken shop offers a deliciously elevated take on the humble rotisserie chook—and it specialises in gluten-free eats.

The vibrant venue has garnered a loyal gluten-free following, earning a name for itself slinging up wholesome salads, gluten-free fried chicken, made-to-order sandwiches and burgers and of course, its signature charcoal chicken. Feeding a crowd? We recommend Bird Royale's family or party packs, which are loaded to the max with chicken, fries, salad and roasted vegetables.

Red Hot Cod

1716 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Fish and chips by the beach is a rite of passage on the Gold Coast. But finding the elusive gluten-free batter can be a challenge. Not at Burleigh’s own Red Hot Cod.

This fresh menu features the option to choose a gluten-free better for any fish. Pair with one of the many gluten-free salads and poke bowls for a tasty shared meal. 

Wazen

33 Tallebudgera Creek Road, West Burleigh

The simple interiors at Wazen ring true to the traditional Japanese dining experience, with flavours that sing with every bite. Lunchtime sushi rolls are a favourite at this gluten-free Gold Coast restaurant.

Whether it's the wagyu beef roll with teriyaki and mayonnaise, the fresh salmon and avocado roll or the crispy karaage roll, Wazen can do no wrong. Choose from a wide selection of loaded rice bowls, bento boxes, tapas and sashimi Wednesday through Saturday. 

Frida Sol

1176 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach

A Palm Beach local treasure, Frida Sol is the best gluten-free restaurant for Mexican marvels. This modern taquería is fitted out with Frida Kahlo-inspired interiors, cactuses and a birds-eye balcony begging for you to lounge on.

Opt for the nearly fully gluten-free seven course banquet, or choose from the loaded menu featuring gluten-free succulent cauliflower bites, chicken winfs, pulled pork tacos and braised beef cheek burrito bowls. 

Jimmy Wah’s

1724 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

jimmy wah's burleigh
Image Credit: Jimmy Wah's | Instagram

Think: Vietnamese cuisine with a modern touch and Australian twist. At Jimmy Wah’s gluten-free friendly food mean you and your wheat-sensitive mates can enjoy an exciting long lunch or night out.

Indulge in freshly shucked oysters, crispy chicken and pork spring rolls or make your way directly to the half chicken with kaffir-lime, tamarind and coconut cream. Can’t decide? Just say ‘feed me’ and the sheds will create a complete series of gluten-free courses for you. 

Izakaya Midori

50 Woodland Drive, Reedy Creek

This quaint Japanese hideout features some of the best gluten-free food on the Gold Coast. Brimming with vegan delights, Izakaya Midori offers a smattering of gluten-free lunch, dinner and seasonal options. Whether it’s the succulent nasu miso den with sweet miso and sesame sauce, exotic kinoko cerviche made with mushroom, lemon and vegan caviar, or the karaage Japanese curry rice with potato chips and pickles. Trust us, this is a must-visit.

Looking for more dining inspiration?

Main image credit: Greenhouse Canteen & Bar | Instagram

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