Ten years ago no one knew what the word gluten even meant. These days more and more people are discovering they're gluten or wheat intolerant. Fortunately, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland's food and beverage scene has evolved to reflect the growing need for gluten-free options but who does it best? Urban List's got the intel on the top gluten-free eateries in Auckland—some of which are fully gluten-free and many which have alternatives so damn transcendental they outshine their gluten-rich counterparts.
For our coeliac whānau, it's always best to call ahead to ensure these eateries can safely accommodate coeliac needs, as some eateries are no gluten added rather than approved coeliac-safe. Here are the best gluten-free eateries in Auckland.
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Turtle: Pizza & Pints
The Green, Tenancy 2, Building 10/666 Great South Road, Ellerslie, Auckland
Image credit: Turtle: Pizza & Pints | supplied
Detroit-style slab pizza isn't something we ever expected to be able to include in a gluten-free lineup but not only has Turtle: Pizza & Pints proved us wrong, they just so happen to have churned out the best gluten-free pizza we've ever had, bar none. Better still, their pizza base hasn't just risen to the top of the local gluten-free offering—we reckon it could pass as gluten-rich.
The dough is made in-house and was originally omitted from the menu because the crew was adamant that it had to taste exactly the same as their regular pizza. Well, the wait was worth it. The pizza base is spongey (said nobody about gluten-free bread, ever—until today) and tears just like actual bread. Our favorite way to enjoy it? Piled with mozzarella, gorgonzola, smoked scamorza and parmesan with chipotle mayo, and dipping source for those crusts—obvs.
P.s. Their golden fried cauliflower is gluten-free too. *Swoon.*
BOSSI
10 Commerce Street, Auckland CBD
Serving mind-bendingly good gluten-free Italian, BOSSI is the answer to our gluten-deprived dreams. Truth be told we almost started crying when Executive Chef, Shaun Dowling, slid a plate of thick gluten-free focaccia bruschetta studded with cherry tomato halves and basil across to us. And you bet we lost our sh*t when the next course was a massive bowl of fettuccine, creamy from being freshly-wound on a hulking great wheel of parmesan—we'd pined over the clips we'd seen of that wheel on the 'Gram and never once considered we'd get to eat from it, too.
BOSSI's gluten-free focaccia and pasta are handmade next door at Deli di Bossi. The pasta, especially, isn't cheap (not that gluten-free iterations ever are) but for gluten-free Italian that's actually incredible? It's worth it.
Hill House Cafe
Pah Homestead, 72 Hillsborough Road, Hillsborough, Auckland
The last time we jumped in an uber to Hill House we ended up bonding with the driver over our mutual love for this top tier cafe. Never failing to draw crowds with Tāmaki's absolute best cinnamon buns, if you're gluten-free you head here for the cheese scones which we unashamedly purchase by the box-load every time we visit. Fun fact: these scones were approved by the late Queen, herself.
If you've time to sit and revel in the cafe's lush surrounds, do yourself a solid order a Pimp My Cheese Scone. Gracing our plates in one of three iterations—the "Bolognese" topped with slow cooked Neapolitan style beef, the mushroomy "OG Pimp", or the "Benedict" (yes, it's an eggs bene on a cheese scone), it's the panacea of The Good Life, gluten-free edit.
Atelier Shu
6D Kent St, Newmarket
Image credit: Atelier Shu | Website
Formerly located in Parnell but now happily settled in a calming, elegant setting in Newmarket, the crew at Atelier Shu does three super satisfying gluten-free cheesecakes.
The first is a Basque affair, the second a dramatic black sesame iteration, and the third a three-way tiramisu concoction with coffee mousse and whipped cream. They also do a classic tiramisu with a crunchy Callebaut chocolate hazelnut shell. Best enjoyed with some form of matcha.
The Chip Shop
711 Manukau Road, Royal Oak, Auckland
Fish and chips are quintessential Aotearoan fare. Hot, crispy, and delightful, they’re usually a strict no-go zone for the gluten-free among us. But mourn no more. The Chip Shop in Royal Oak does fish, crunchy chips, hot dogs, and potato fritters all in a gluten-free batter, cooked in separate fryers.
Itameshi
4 Williamson Avenue, Grey Lynn, Auckland
There isn't a whole heap of gluten-free dishes on offer at Itameshi but we're all about quality over quantity so we're including them among Auckland's best gluten-free eateries because they do a sensational gluten-free Sicilian pistachio burnt cheesecake. Yes siree, if you find yourself in Grey Lynn craving a sweet somethin' somethin', this is the place to hit.
Folds Patisserie
297 Dominion Road, Mt Eden
Image credit: Folds Patisserie | Facebook
There’s some serious culinary wizardry going down at Folds Patisserie. For starters, no added gluten choices are abundant, with every bite a South East Asian-spiked flavour bomb. Come here for pandan Swiss rolls, cendol cheesecake, matcha and yuzu gateaux, and more, including raspberry and lychee lamingtons.
Best shared (because you’ll want to try everything). As for drinks, revel in a taro and ube, matcha, or black sesame concoctions, or opt for all the usual tea and coffees.
ChaBliss
4/177 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland
If you've ever caught yourself thinking a gluten-free beer would be utter bliss, you've got to hightail it to ChaBliss. The tea space has an inventive menu with (at least) 50 shades of tea, one of which is an gluten-free beer tea. It's alcohol-free, too, so you can knock back however many your heart desires and still avoid having to fork out for an uber.
Honey Bones
480 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland
Image credit: Honey Bones | Instagram
So dang cool, Honey Bones is the slickest. Plus, almost their entire menu can accommodate gluten-free needs. Buckwheat bowls, a quick butty, Cilbir eggs, pea pancakes and zesty zucchini fritters could all be in your future. Or maybe you'd like to load up large on The Full Bones. We've got our eyes on the Turkish scramble. They don't take bookings so you'll probably need to wait for a table, but it'll be so, so worth it.
Crave Cafe
6 Morningside Drive, Morningside, Auckland
We've found the ultimate Eggs Benedict and it's gluten-free. The aptly named Benediction is practically a religious experience. Served on crispy potato hash, there are three flavour ways to choose from, plus the flexibility to make a plant-based option.
Whether you're feeling the house-cured NZ king salmon with beetroot hollandaise, braised beef cheek with chimichurri or free-range bacon with chorizo crumb and chipotle crema, Crave will ensure your morning is off to a stunning start.
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Tokki
87 Kitchener Road, Milford, Auckland
Image credit: Tokki | Instagram
No one should miss out on noodles, especially since in Korean culture long noodles are associated with longevity, good fortune and cherished memories. So you’ll be relieved to know you don't have to because the entire menu at Tokki can be made gluten-free, and those famous noods substituted for tofu noodles in the same sauce.
The menu is seasonal so it's always evolving to spotlight the freshest local produce. Created by Gochu's Jason Kim, Tokki's Korean fare makes it, hands down, one of the best gluten-free eateries in Auckland.
The Bridgman
234 Dominion Road, Mt Eden, Auckland
The Bridgman is basically a gluten-free dream with the majority of their menu having a gluten-less, but no less sensational, alternative. Treat yourself to burattini with mandarin oil and cabernet syrup, sirloin steak and fries with truffle sauce, lamb ribs with zaatar, a plant-based burger and more.
Do partake of the cocktail menu and make sure you save room for dessert—they do a mean Basque cheesecake with raspberry sauce and double cream.
Pikuniku
167 Great South Road, Greenlane, Auckland
For brunch with a Japanese twist pop to Pikuniku and enjoy 'Grammable dishes in a darling picnic-inspired fit-out. Tuck into an omurice omelette, mango coconut rice pudding or scrambled eggs on toast (except these eggs are the most perfectly cooked eggs in all of existence).
Also deserving a mention is their taro latte with creamy coconut milk served in a cute-as-a-button ceramic mug. It's a next-level picnic, and we're here for it.
Nanny’s Eatery
492 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland
Image credit: Nanny's Eatery | Wono Kim
Jerk chicken, Rasta pasta, Jamaican Ital coconut curry, empanadas and cauli bites could all be yours at Nanny’s Eatery. The spice-laced dishes showcase the heat and flavours of the Caribbean with loads of gluten-free options. And on the beverages front, their extensive list of rums imported from Jamaica makes Nanny's one of the best places to sip on a Dark and Stormy... or three.
Atelier
292 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD
Sleek and French on Karangahape Road, almost everything at Atelier is, or can be made, gluten-free making the French tapas, wine and cocktail bar one of the best gluten-free eateries for a meal among friends.
For the full fancy fantasy opt for dishes like the truffle stracciatella served with leek fondu, oyster mushrooms, enoki and buckwheat; the roasted rosemary camembert with Manuka honey or the poached market fish with Jerusalem artichokes, beurre Blanc and parsley green oil. Better still, order a bunch of plates and graze while you work your way through their delightful cocktail menu.
Gemmayze Street
Shop 16, St Kevin’s Arcade, 183 Karangahape Road, Poynton Terrace, Auckland CBD
Lebanese cuisine has so many options for gluten-free dining and no one does it better than Gemmayze Street. Tucked into the back of St Kevin’s Arcade, it's one of the best gluten-free eateries around.
Feast on all your favourites, from hummus and babaganouj to falafel and chicken shish. And discover soon-to-be favourites like Samar grilled fish, banadoura heirloom tomato and braised onion lamb. All proteins are free-range and halal and all seafood is sustainably caught which is all the more reason to dig in, stat.
INCA Ponsonby
9 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland
Image credit: INCA Ponsonby | Wono Kim
Almost all of INCA Ponsonby’s menu can be made gluten-free which is a relief because you’ll want to eat all the things. Their ceviche will have your tastebuds a-singing along with the char-grilled eggplant in ancho miso caramel, and their woodfired butternut pumpkin.
Wash it all down with some seriously showstopping cocktails and finish off the meal with a stone-baked dark chocolate fondant with preserved cherry and hazelnut or egg custard chawan mushi with coconut rum… or maybe both.
East
63-67 Nelson Street, Auckland CBD
With a team of chefs specialising in cuisine from Japan, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, India and Sri Lanka, East is a true fusion of modern Asian flavours and culinary traditions, and much of the plant-focused menu (which just so happens to be 75% vegan) is gluten-free.
Dishes include edamame with black shiso salt; steamed mushroom cheung fun with homemade XO sauce; som tam, gado gado and larb salads; pad see ew noodles; Southern Thai yellow curry and kaffir lime and lemongrass crème caramel.
Wen And Yen
6/32 Constellation Drive, Rosedale, Auckland
Born from a sweet daydream, Wen and Yen pack a punch of no-added gluten decadence. If you’ve been craving puffy doughnuts smacked full of filling (or impossibly flaky savoury pies and sausage rolls), this needs to be your next stop.
Their no-added-gluten lineup includes raspberry brownies, triple chocolate brownies, and nine different flavours of doughnuts including the likes of vanilla glaze, salted caramel and cream, Boston cream, choc raspberry, raspberry coconut, and cinnamon sugar. As for the savouries, take your pick from steak and cheese, creamy chicken mushroom spinach, mince and cheese, or vegetarian iterations. Some flavours can be made dairy-free too. Hallelujah.
Coco’s Cantina
374 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD
It’s no surprise Coco’s Cantina remains a cult favourite. Having been a Karangahape Road staple since 2009, we're counting down the hours until we can kick back and enjoy the gluten-free pasta Happy Hour.
In the meantime, their polenta chips with confit garlic aioli have been tiding us over. The team describes their food as seasonal, rustic and made from quality ingredients, and the dining experience is like being at a friend’s house.
Cafe Hanoi
Tuawhiti Lane, 27 Galway Street, Britomart, Auckland
Image credit: Cafe Hanoi | Facebook
When you’re in the mood for Vietnamese, Cafe Hanoi’s your go-to. With a pretty extensive gluten-free menu offering Hanoian street food, you’re in your element. A particular favourite is the green prawns coloured with pandan leaves, served with house-made chilli sauce for an extra kick. What a way to level up your gluten-free eats.
The Chosen Bun
3/40 Stonefields Avenue, Stonefields, Auckland
Three words: buttermilk fried chicken. This is not a drill, The Chosen Bun is slingin’ gluten-free fried chicken and it’s everything you want it to be.
Get it bunned up in The Plain Chick or The Hot Chick burger, the latter which comes doused in smokey hot sauce, Swiss cheese, pickles, slaw and aioli (gluten-free buns, naturally), or enjoy it sweet and spicy popcorn chicken style. The good folks also churn out a gluten-free wild-caught battered fish burger called The O’fish’ial. Legit.
Masu
90 Federal Street, Auckland CBD
We really feel for those gluten-free peeps who can’t enjoy a Japanese meal, with limited places offering gluten-free options. Unknown to many, Masu offers an entirely gluten-free menu, so you can save yourself the hassle of working through the entire menu to figure out what you can and cannot eat. Talk about effortless dining.
Kingi
Tuawhiti Lane, 29 Galway Street, Britomart, Auckland
Sleek seafood restaurant, Kingi, caters to all diets. Smoked kahawai and pickled egg, hemp heart granola with raspberry and peach, wood-roasted oyster mushroom antipasti…
The menu is a celebration of independent fishermen and women around Aotearoa, their fish is line-caught using sustainable fishing methods, and their meats and produce are locally sourced and organic whenever possible. This spot's sustainable, responsible and diet-savvy.
Tok Tok
129 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna & 120A Hobsonville Road, Hobsonville,
Auckland
Image credit: Tok Tok | Facebook
Every mouthful at Tok Tok is a moment of pure joy. With a tonne of gluten-free options to choose from, you won’t know where to start. Fortunately, the wait staff are super helpful with recommendations to make sure you don’t miss out on the most popular fusion gems. Fill your table with pops of colour then feast.
1947
60 Federal Street, Auckland CBD
You’ll be treated by the sweet smell of aromatic spices when you step into 1947 Eatery. Named after the year India gained its independence, the eatery serves vibrant Indian flavours with plenty of gluten-free snacks, tandoor meats, curries and sides to choose from.
Start your feast with curry chips-golden crinkle cut fries topped with butter chicken sauce and melted cheese-nibble on tandoor meats and paneer, and live the good life with curries and curious cocktails. Come hungry.
The Flying Burrito Brothers
65 Davis Cres, Newmarket & 270 Oteha Valley Road, Albany, Auckland
Whether they’re named after the American country rock band or not, hearing that The Flying Burrito Brothers do a mean gluten-free enchilada will be music to your ears. Choose from corn tortillas stuffed with ancho chilli pork baked in chipotle sauce or spicy black beans in salsa verde. Tacos more your style? All their tacos can be made gluten-free, and dairy-free too if needed.
Pici
Shop 22, St Kevin’s Arcade, 183 Karangahape Road, Auckland
Did you know that the delectable Italian pasta bar in St Kevin's arcade offers gluten-free pasta? Whether you’re in the mood for a prawn bisque, a vegetarian dish or even just salt and pepper simply swap out any of Pici’s pasta dishes for a cheeky gluten-free number and you’re good to go!
Frasers
434 Mount Eden Road, Auckland
Image credit: Frasers | Facebook
When the hankering for corn fritters strikes, there’s only one place to be and that’s Frasers. Substantially sized, pillow and brimming with juicy kernels of corn, the fritters come piled on a bed of spinach and topped with guac, sour cream, and sprouts. They’re a very good time.
Geeks On Sainsbury
1/55 Sainsbury Road, Mount Albert, Auckland
While we love Geeks On Sainsbury for its coffee and bagels, we can't go past their epic gluten-free feasts. Their eggs bene (choose between Pokeno bacon, Aoraki smoked salmon or pan-fried tofu) come with a gluten-friendly layered agria potato or a moreish pork salad.
Think sunflower seed-crusted pork, house-made chutney, shredded apple and roquette salad on roasted veggies. The rest of their menu is pretty damn dope too.
Best Ugly Bagels
1/90 Wellesley Street West, Auckland CBD, 3A York Street, Newmarket, Shop 22 Lower Albert Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland Airport
Montreal-inspired, these hand-made, wood-fired bagels are top-notch. Happily, the gluten-free variant is only $1 extra and is just as crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside as the standard ones.
There are at least 17 toppings on offer, ranging from simple spreads like P.B.J, Best Ugly classics like Tuna Melt and the pastrami-mustard Yodi, the uniquely Kiwi Swiss Melt (which is basically a mousetrap) and even a bagel-shaped ode to the Jelly Tip.
Catroux
129 West End Road, Westmere, Auckland
Westmere icon, Catroux, ticks all the boxes with a range of healthy meals to go, generous salads, indulgent cabinet treats and a menu stacked with dreamy brunch dishes.
They have gluten-free options across their whole range including their take-home Cottage Pie, a Fitness Bowl that'll leave you 100% satisfied and dairy-free Goodness Muesli Pot complete with coyo, packed rhubarb and raspberry blitz.
We could eat all these things over and over but what we're absolutely living for is their gluten-free Muffin Of The Day although you'll have to act fast to get your mits on it.
Dear Jervois
234 Jervois Road, Herne Bay, Auckland
You may find it difficult to nab a table at Dear Jervois on the weekend, being a popular spot among Ponsonby locals. One of the first in the field to enter the health fad scene, Dear Jervois is still going strong.
Boasting a menu full of gluten-free and dairy-free options, it’ll make eating out a breeze. Our mouth is watering at the gluten-free waffles topped with bacon and caramelised banana. Who said eating gluten-free had to be healthy? Go on, indulge a little.
Giapo
12 Gore Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Giapo | Instagram
If you're in the mood for a decadent, delightful dessert, look no further. For all those who thought they'd never be able to eat ice cream cones ever again, this is for you. Giapo's cones are halal, vegan, kosher, egg-free and, yes, gluten-free too.
Better still, this goes for ALL their cones, even their Colossal Squid! They now offer a handy click-and-collect service through their Giapo App so you can skip the queue and get straight down to indulging.
Culprit.
Level 1/12 Wyndham Street, Auckland CBD
We fell hard for Culprit when they introduced their new-wave Trolley Derby and we've been madly in love ever since. With an ever-changing seasonal menu, gluten-free diners need only notify the team and they'll whip up something inclusive and no less magical.
Kiss Kiss
1 Rocklands Avenue, Mount Eden, Auckland
This neon fusion eatery packs a whole lot of gluten-free dishes. Taro chips with plum sauce, free-range chicken nibbles with Sriracha, stir-fried Asian greens, pad thai, larb and the Kiss Kiss signature Buddha bowl… there's plenty to keep you going. And if you have room for dessert, you absolutely can't go wrong with their mango sticky rice.
Neat Cakes
Online (+ the occasional Mt Eden pop-up), Auckland
Image credit: Neat Cakes | Instagram
If you’ve got a hankering for bold, beautiful baked goods, Neat Cakes is for you. Specialising in vintage cakes and small bites, there are plenty of no-added-gluten options to dig your fork into including chocolate peanut butter, chocolate lovers, chocolate raspberry, and chocolate salted caramel cakes, as well as mini and baby cakes in Snickers, choc mint, mocha hazelnut, chocolate raspberry, and chocolate sprinkle varieties. Order online for pick up.
Wise Boys
604 Great North Road, Grey Lynn & Commercial Bay, 7 Queen Street, Auckland CBD
Created by brothers, Tim and Luke, Wise Boys prides itself on being "a one-stop shop for a face full of indulgent plant-based burger goodness" and luckily, the gluten-free among us need not miss out. Five of their signature burgers have gluten-free options—their Classic Cheese, Moroccan, Spicy Mex, Smoke and Fire and Hungry Jack—and their rotating specials can often be made gluten-free too.
Daisys of Jervois
214 Jervois Road, Herne Bay, Auckland
The hunt for the perfect gluten-free cheese scone led us to Daisys. Served hot and buttery, and baked fresh daily, every bite is AH-MAZING. They also do date scones for when you're after a little sweet somethin' somethin'.
And if scones aren't quite your jam, never fear, the gluten-free spread here is ever-expanding. Think berry muffins, choc coconut clusters and keto savoury items like lasagne and pies. Hungry yet? We are.
Prego
226 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
If you’re lookin’ to dine somewhere a little more upmarket but still conscious of your tummy's needs, then Prego restaurant is the place to go. Ponsonby Road's Prego offers an Italian menu with lots of gluten-free options.
Some of the dishes include crispy skin duck breast with puy lentil ragu, mushroom, wilted spinach and orange; ora King salmon, ponzu vinaigrette, pickled fennel and anise Crème Fraiche and a pea risotto with pancetta, mint, pecorino romano and mascarpone; plus pizzas and pasta.
Little Bird Kitchen
Corner Summer Street & Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Image credit: Little Bird Kitchen | Supplied
Ever get miffed that being gluten-free you can never eat from a bakery? Not to worry, because Little Bird Kitchen has evolved the art of baking. Their entire cabinet is raw, gluten-free, dairy-free, refined cane sugar-free and vegan (but not taste-free).
We’re talking cheesecakes, slices, macarons, and more. Little Bird Kitchen is also a café with a full menu making for the perfect brunch date location. Snag a sweet treat for the road.
Snö Cafe
G01/12 Saint Marks Road, Remuera, Auckland
Swedish blueberry waffles exist and they’re naturally gluten-free. Appropriately served as heart shapes, Snö’s waffles are accompanied by marinated blueberries, cruesli, nuts, seasonal fruit, rhubarb cream, blueberry syrup and ice cream.
If you’re not feeling the waffles (who are you) order yourself a mushroom and potato rosti stack with eggs, lentils, herbs, pecorino and salsa verde or monster a bowl of superfood creuseli with berry compote and ube coconut yoghurt.
The Vegan Treatory
Online
Okay, so it’s not an eatery per se but we’re obsessed with the idea of gluten-free cookies flying towards our doorstep so we had to mention The Vegan Treatory.
As the name suggests, their main focus is vegan but they’ve done all the gluten-free peeps among us a solid with three exceptional gluten-free flavours: The Classic Choccy Chunk Cookie, The Triple Choccy Chunk Cookie and The White Choccy Macadamia Cookie. And these aren’t just any cookies—they’re the full cookie fantasy: thick, chewy and decadent. Drooling over your screen? Order yours, stat.
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Main image credit: Atelier | Instagram
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