Gluten-Free Sydney: Restaurants and Bakery Guide

Sydney is a dream city for gluten-free food lovers. From surf-side brunches to polished CBD dining, Australia’s most cosmopolitan city treats gluten-free not as an afterthought but as part of daily hospitality. Whether you are strictly coeliac, gluten intolerant, or simply feel better without wheat, this guide will help you eat well with confidence. You will find coeliac-safe bakeries, neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood restaurant picks, and smart tips to avoid cross contamination while still tasting the best of Sydney.

Use this as your all-in-one resource for gluten-free Sydney. It blends practical detail with delicious inspiration so you can plan an itinerary that is as safe as it is satisfying.

Why Sydney shines for gluten-free travelers

• Strong allergy awareness. Sydney’s hospitality industry is well versed in coeliac disease. Menus are often clearly marked, and staff training on allergens is common.
• Multicultural food scene. Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Italian, and modern Australian cuisines are everywhere, which makes gluten-free substitutions and naturally GF dishes easy to find.
• Exceptional produce. Fresh seafood, grass-fed meats, farm-direct vegetables, and top-flight coffee make simple, gluten-free plates taste incredible.
• Specialty bakeries. Dedicated gluten-free bakeries and makers are thriving, which means you can enjoy bread, pastries, pies, and desserts that are safe and delicious.

How to eat safely and confidently in Sydney

• Learn the language. Menus may mark items as GF, gluten friendly, or coeliac safe. Ask what those labels mean at the venue. Coeliac safe should indicate rigorous cross contamination controls. Gluten friendly can mean minimal risk but not suitable for coeliacs.
• Ask about fryers. Request a separate fryer for chips, fish, tempura, and anything crumbed. Shared fryers are a common source of gluten.
• Soy sauce alert. Standard soy sauce contains wheat. Ask for tamari or gluten-free soy. This applies to Japanese, Chinese, and many modern Asian offerings.
• Oats in Australia. Under Coeliac Australia’s standard, oats are not considered gluten free due to possible contamination with wheat, barley, or rye. If you react to oats, confirm whether a dish uses them.
• Bread and toasters. Even if gluten-free bread is available, the toaster may not be dedicated. Ask for your bread to be grilled in a clean pan or oven instead.
• Coeliac Australia Accreditation. Some venues participate in Coeliac Australia’s accreditation program, which signals robust training and procedures. Ask if a venue is accredited or follows CA-aligned protocols.
• Share your needs clearly. Let the server know you are coeliac or strictly gluten free. Confirm separate prep areas, clean utensils, and ingredient swaps if needed.
• When in doubt, keep it simple. Grilled seafood, steak or chicken with vegetables, sashimi with tamari, pho with rice noodles, and corn tortilla tacos are reliable standbys.

Dedicated gluten-free bakeries and makers in Sydney

Sydney’s dedicated gluten-free bakeries are worth crossing town for. Lines are common, and for good reason.

Wholegreen Bakery, multiple locations

A true hero of the coeliac community, Wholegreen Bakery is 100 percent gluten free. Expect artisan loaves, pies, sausage rolls, buttery pastry, cakes, and seasonal specialties that taste like the real thing. Find them in the CBD and Eastern Suburbs, and look for their products in select cafés. Go early for still-warm breads and sold-out pastries. Highlights include:

• Rustic sourdough and seeded loaves
• Beef pies, sausage rolls, and quiches
• Lemon tarts, brownies, and lamingtons
• Savory tarts for easy on-the-go lunches

Tip: Weekend mornings can be busy. Pre-order online when possible.

Nonie’s Artisan Gluten Free Bakery, Botany and stockists

Nonie’s is a beloved gluten-free bakery supplying seedy loaves, pita-style flatbreads, granola, and more to quality cafés and grocery stores. You will find them at farmers markets and specialty grocers around Sydney. The bread to hunt down is the signature seedy brown loaf, equally good fresh or toasted. Many cafes proudly state when they are using Nonie’s bread, a great sign for a gluten-free breakfast.

The Gluten Free Lab, Northern Beaches and markets

If you crave pasta, track down The Gluten Free Lab’s fresh gnocchi, ravioli, and sauces. This dedicated producer appears at markets and supplies select shops on the Northern Beaches and beyond. It is a smart self-catering option if you have an Airbnb kitchen.

Sweet treats that are often gluten free

• Macarons at quality patisseries are typically gluten free, though always confirm fillings.
• Gelato shops like Gelato Messina and Rivareno label allergens clearly. Many flavors are gluten free. Skip cones unless specifically GF, go for cups and clean scoops.
• Flourless orange cakes and almond tortes are common on café menus. Ask about cross contamination and baking practices.

Best gluten-free breakfasts and brunches

Sydney writes the rulebook for brunch. Here is where to start by area, plus what to order if you are coeliac.

Bondi and the Eastern Suburbs

• Three Blue Ducks, Bronte and Rosebery. Seasonal, local produce with clear allergen markings. Try the wood-fired eggs, a hearty hash, or a gluten-free granola bowl if you tolerate oats. Confirm oat source.
• Speedos Cafe, Bondi. Beachside institution with multiple GF options. Think corn fritters, smoothie bowls, and protein-rich breakfasts. Confirm frying oil for fritters if coeliac.
• Shuk, Bondi and North Bondi. Middle Eastern inspired breakfasts. Shakshuka and hummus plates are safe bets without the bread. Ask for extra salad or gluten-free toast.
• Wholegreen Bakery, Eastern Suburbs outpost. Grab-and-go pastries, quiche, and coffee before a coastal walk.

Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, and the Inner City

• Yulli’s, Surry Hills. Vegetarian menu with many GF dishes. Order the crispy rice pancake, polenta chips from a dedicated fryer if available, and seasonal salads. Confirm fryer protocols.
• Nomad, Surry Hills. A special-occasion lunch. Many dishes are naturally gluten free, like wood-fired carrots, fish, and grilled meats. The team is diligent with allergens.
• Cali Press or other smoothie bowl cafés. Build your own bowl with fruit, coconut yogurt, and seeds. Avoid granola unless it is certified GF and you are comfortable with oats.
• Wholegreen Bakery, CBD. Perfect for commuters and a mid-morning pastry fix.

Manly and the Northern Beaches

• Ruby Lane, Manly. Wholefoods café with clear GF options. Try the paleo bread with eggs or a loaded bowl. Staff are accustomed to coeliac requests.
• Fika Swedish Kitchen, Manly. Often features GF cakes and almond-based treats. Ask about baking practices and cross contamination.
• Farmers markets across the Northern Beaches. Look for The Gluten Free Lab and GF-friendly bakers on weekends.

Inner West and beyond

• Shenkin cafés, multiple Inner West locations. Israeli inspired breakfast with GF labeling. Eggs with tahini and salad are a reliable choice without pita.
• Carriageworks Farmers Market, Eveleigh. Saturday mornings mean artisan producers, coffee, and gluten-free goodies like Nonie’s bread and other seasonal stalls. It is a great way to stock your pantry for the week.

Lunch and casual eats that are gluten free

Sydney’s casual lunches range from market stalls to waterfront eateries. Mix and match these ideas.

Sushi, sashimi, and poke

• Sushi trains and takeaway shops are everywhere. Sashimi and nigiri are naturally gluten free, but avoid soy sauce with wheat. Bring a travel-sized tamari or ask for gluten-free soy.
• Poke bowl shops can usually swap sauces. Request no soy or ask for tamari dressing, check crispy toppings for flour, and stick to rice bases.

Tacos and Mexican

• Mejico, CBD. Trendy Mexican where corn tortillas are the star. Many tacos and mains can be coeliac safe. Confirm chip fryer and marinades.
• Fonda, Bondi. A beach-adjacent spot with an easygoing vibe. Corn tacos, burrito bowls, and many mains can be made gluten free.
• Chica Bonita, Manly. Baja-inspired tacos with vibrant salsas. Emphasize coeliac safety so the kitchen can separate prep.

Thai and Vietnamese

• Chat Thai, multiple locations including the CBD and Haymarket. Has a robust GF menu marking. Favorites include papaya salad, grilled meats, curries with rice, and stir-fries with tamari. Confirm wok protocol and oyster sauce ingredients.
• Bay Hong, Darlinghurst. Known for extensive gluten-free and vegan menus. Many coeliacs dine here thanks to mindful prep and clear labeling.
• Pho specialists across Sydney. Pho with rice noodles is often gluten free. Confirm the broth ingredients and that no wheat-based sauces are used in prep.

Crepes and galettes

• Four Frogs Creperie, Circular Quay, Randwick, Mosman, Lane Cove. Traditional buckwheat galettes are naturally gluten free. Ask about separate hotplates and tools to avoid cross contamination, and stick to savory galettes if you are coeliac.

Bowls, salads, and healthy casual

• Fishbowl and similar bowl shops. Rice or vermicelli bases with raw or grilled fish and dressings that can be swapped for tamari-based options. Avoid crispy shallots and crumbed toppings.
• The Grounds of Alexandria. All-day destination with clear allergen info at many outlets on site. Ask staff to guide you to coeliac-safe dishes.

Burgers and fries

• Grill’d, multiple locations. Offers gluten-free buns and lettuce wraps. Coeliac diners should check fryer practices for chips and shared surfaces for patties. If cross contamination is a concern, choose a bunless burger with a side salad.
• Independent burger bars. Many will accommodate a lettuce wrap, but chips are the tricky part. Ask for a separate fryer or skip fries.

Dinner highlights by cuisine

Sydney nights are made for big flavors and fresh produce. Book ahead for these gluten-free friendly dinners.

Modern Australian and seafood

• Love. fish, Barangaroo. An excellent pick for grilled fish and seasonal sides. Staff can guide you away from crumbed or soy-based items.
• North Bondi Fish, North Bondi. Ocean views, smart seafood, and simple plates that are easy to make coeliac safe. Confirm sauces and fryers.
• Café Sydney, Circular Quay. Premium produce and a terrace over the harbor. The kitchen is experienced with dietary requests, so coeliac diners can enjoy the view and the food.

Middle Eastern and Mediterranean

• Shuk, Bondi and Chatswood. Mezze, fish, and grilled meats are good bets. Build a gluten-free feast with hummus, salads, and proteins, skipping pita.
• NOMAD, Surry Hills. Wood-fired share plates with many gluten-free options. The team is used to complex dietary needs and can advise on cross contamination.

Thai, Vietnamese, and Southeast Asian

• Chat Thai, CBD and beyond. A great choice for coeliac-labeled dishes. Choose steamed rice, grilled meats, papaya salad, and tamari-based stir-fries.
• Bay Hong, Darlinghurst. Vietnamese dishes with a modern twist and an unusually broad gluten-free selection.
• P’Nut Street Noodles, multiple suburbs. Street noodle favorites reworked with gluten-free sauces on request. Ask about dedicated woks.

Italian, pizza, and pasta

• The Gluten Free Lab pasta for self-catering. Cook your own safe pasta night at home.
• Quality Italian spots with GF pasta. Many Sydney Italian restaurants offer gluten-free pasta and pizza bases. Ask about separate pots for pasta water, clean strainers, and dedicated pizza trays.
• Four Frogs for savory buckwheat galettes as a pizza alternative.

Indian and Sri Lankan

• Malabar, Darlinghurst and Crows Nest. South Indian menu with many naturally gluten-free curries and dosa-style inspirations, though confirm batter components.
• Lankan Filling Station, East Sydney. Hoppers are made from rice flour and coconut milk, which are typically gluten free. Confirm chutneys and frying oils.

Fine dining for special occasions

• Aria, Quay, and Bentley Group restaurants. High-end Sydney dining rooms have sophisticated allergen procedures. Let them know your needs when you book, and again upon arrival. Expect thoughtful substitutions and careful handling.

Neighborhood mini-guides

Use these area-focused picks to plan days around sightseeing, beaches, and shopping.

Sydney CBD and Barangaroo

• Wholegreen Bakery, CBD. Grab safe pastries, bread, and quiche.
• Mejico, CBD. Corn tortilla tacos and modern Mexican plates with GF options.
• Indu Dining, CBD. Sri Lankan inspired dishes, many naturally gluten free. Confirm any soy-based components.
• Love. fish, Barangaroo. Grilled seafood and salads with attentive service.
• Four Frogs, Circular Quay. Buckwheat galettes near ferries and the Opera House.

What to do nearby: Walk the foreshore at Barangaroo Reserve, ferry to Manly, explore The Rocks, or catch a show at the Opera House.

Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, and East Sydney

• NOMAD, Surry Hills. Wood-fired dishes and a polished room.
• Yulli’s, Surry Hills. Vegetarian with generous gluten-free choices.
• Bay Hong, Darlinghurst. Vietnamese with coeliac-friendly menu notations.
• Lankan Filling Station, East Sydney. Gluten-free leaning menu built around hoppers.
• Brunch cafés on Crown and Bourke Streets. Many offer GF toast and bowls. Confirm cross contamination.

What to do nearby: Boutique shopping on Crown Street, the Australian Museum, Hyde Park, and gallery hopping.

Newtown and the Inner West

• Thai Pothong, Newtown. Well known for handling dietary needs, including gluten free.
• Shenkin cafés, multiple. Israeli all-day dining with GF options.
• Carriageworks Farmers Market, Eveleigh. Saturday morning pilgrimage for Nonie’s and other gluten-free makers.
• Made in Italy or local pizzerias with GF bases. Confirm cooking practices and separate trays.

What to do nearby: Street art, vintage shopping, Enmore Theatre shows, and brewery crawls. Many bars stock gluten-free cider and Two Bays GF beer.

Bondi and the Eastern Suburbs

• Wholegreen Bakery, Eastern Suburbs. A must for coeliacs.
• Three Blue Ducks, Bronte. Produce-driven with GF-friendly plates.
• Shuk, Bondi. Middle Eastern flavors that adapt well to gluten free.
• Fonda or local Mexican spots. Corn tortillas are your friend.
• Four Frogs, Randwick. Pre-movie galettes before a cinema night.

What to do nearby: Bondi to Bronte coastal walk, beach day, and shopping on Gould Street.

Manly and the Northern Beaches

• Ruby Lane, Manly. Brunch with wholefood leanings.
• Chica Bonita, Manly. Corn tacos and ceviches.
• The Gluten Free Lab, Northern Beaches. Fresh pasta for take-home dinners.
• Waterfront grills and seafood bars. Choose grilled fish, salads, and potatoes, confirm fryer for chips.

What to do nearby: Ferry to Manly, walk to Shelly Beach, or coastal bike rides.

Parramatta and Greater West

• Chat Thai, Parramatta. Thai classics with GF markings.
• Large shopping-centre dining with labeled menus. Franchises often have allergen guides.
• Vietnamese pho houses. Rice noodle soups with careful broth choices.
• Italian chains with GF pasta and pizza. Ask for separate pots and trays.

What to do nearby: Riverside walks, Parramatta Park, and cultural festivals.

Gluten-free desserts and sweet treats

• Wholegreen Bakery. Cakes, tarts, brownies, and seasonal pastries are all coeliac safe.
• Gelato Messina and Rivareno. Rich gelato with clear allergen labels. Many flavors are gluten free. Choose cups and request a clean scoop.
• Flourless cakes in cafés. Orange almond cake and chocolate tortes are common. Ask if baked in a separate pan, and whether dusting flour is used.
• Specialty chocolate shops. Boutique chocolatiers often list allergens. Caramels, pralines, and single-origin bars are typically gluten free unless add-ins contain gluten.

Drinks, gluten-free beer, and nightlife

• Gluten-free beer. Two Bays Brewing is widely stocked in independent bottle shops and some bars. O’Brien is another common GF beer brand in Australia.
• Cider and wine. Dry ciders and Australian wines are usually gluten free.
• Cocktails. Classic cocktails are typically gluten free, but confirm with the bartender about syrups, garnishes, and any flavored spirits that might contain gluten.
• Breweries and bars. Many venues are happy to let you check labels or ingredient lists. Sydney’s bartenders are used to catering to dietary needs.

Shopping for gluten-free supplies

• Supermarkets. Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi all carry large gluten-free ranges, from bread and pasta to snacks and baking mixes.
• Greengrocers and specialty grocers. Harris Farm Markets and independent delis stock quality GF items, including Nonie’s bread and artisan condiments.
• Bulk food stores. The Source Bulk Foods often lists allergens and has certified GF products. Ask staff about handling to avoid cross contamination.
• Farmers markets. Carriageworks, Bondi, and various Northern Beaches markets are prime spots for fresh produce and gluten-free small-batch makers.

A 3-day gluten-free Sydney eating itinerary

Use this flexible plan to sample the city’s variety while staying coeliac safe.

Day 1, CBD and Circular Quay

• Breakfast: Wholegreen Bakery, CBD. Coffee, a savory tart, and a loaf for later.
• Morning: Opera House tour or Royal Botanic Garden walk.
• Lunch: Mejico for corn tacos, grilled corn, and guacamole. Confirm chips are from a dedicated fryer or skip them.
• Afternoon: Ferry to Manly for harbor views.
• Dinner: Love. fish at Barangaroo. Grilled market fish with salad and potatoes. Confirm sauces.

Day 2, Bondi to Bronte

• Breakfast: Three Blue Ducks, Bronte. Eggs with greens or a GF bowl.
• Morning: Bondi to Bronte coastal walk and beach time.
• Lunch: Shuk, Bondi. Shakshuka, salads, and dips without bread.
• Afternoon treat: Gelato Messina, Bondi. Choose a labeled GF flavor in a cup with a clean scoop.
• Dinner: Four Frogs, Randwick. Buckwheat galettes with your choice of fillings.

Day 3, Surry Hills and Inner West

• Breakfast: Yulli’s, Surry Hills, or a local café with Nonie’s toast. Confirm toaster protocol.
• Morning: Explore Surry Hills boutiques and galleries.
• Lunch: Bay Hong, Darlinghurst. Vietnamese dishes with gluten-free labeling.
• Afternoon: Carriageworks Farmers Market if it is Saturday, or a stroll down King Street in Newtown.
• Dinner: NOMAD, Surry Hills. Share plates that can be tailored to coeliac safety.

Practical tips to avoid cross contamination

• Simple script to use: “I am coeliac and need my meal to be completely gluten free. Do you have separate prep areas and a separate fryer for chips and crumbed items”
• Separate fryer check: Always ask about a dedicated fryer for chips, calamari, and anything fried. Shared oil equals risk.
• Pizza and pasta protocols: Request clean trays for pizza and separate water and strainers for pasta. Many kitchens accommodate this with advance notice.
• Sauces and dressings: Wheat can hide in soy sauce, miso, vinegars, and marinades. Ask for ingredients or choose olive oil and lemon as a safe alternative.
• Peak times: Visit bakeries early and dine slightly off-peak so staff have more time to manage special handling.
• Confirm twice: When ordering and when the meal arrives. A quick check prevents mistakes.

Cost guide

• Coffee and pastry at a gluten-free bakery: 10 to 15 AUD
• Brunch mains at quality cafés: 22 to 35 AUD
• Casual tacos, bowls, or sushi: 15 to 28 AUD
• Dinner at mid-range restaurants: 35 to 55 AUD for a main
• Fine dining tasting menus: 150 to 300 AUD per person, often with gluten-free modifications available

Frequently asked questions

• Is Sydney good for coeliacs Yes. With strong allergen awareness and several dedicated gluten-free bakeries, Sydney is one of the easiest cities to travel gluten free. You still need to ask the right questions.

• Can I trust gluten-free labels on menus Many venues are diligent, but labels do not always guarantee coeliac safety. Clarify whether GF means no gluten ingredients or also accounts for cross contamination.

• What is the biggest hidden risk Shared fryers and soy sauce in marinades or dressings. These catch out even careful diners, so ask every time.

• Are oats safe in Australia Coeliac Australia advises that oats are not considered gluten free due to potential contamination and avenin sensitivity. If you are sensitive, avoid oats unless advised by your health professional.

Booking and planning strategies

• Reserve in advance for popular dinner spots like NOMAD, Love. fish, and Four Frogs.
• Message restaurants ahead. A short note in your booking about being coeliac gives kitchens time to prepare.
• Build your base. Start the trip by visiting Wholegreen Bakery to stock up on bread and snacks that are 100 percent safe.
• Use maps wisely. Search “gluten free bakery Sydney”, “gluten free restaurant Sydney”, and “coeliac safe Sydney” in your map app, then save favorites to your trip list.
• Keep travel tamari. A small bottle of gluten-free soy solves many problems at sushi and casual Asian spots.

The bottom line

Gluten-free Sydney is not a compromise. It is a culinary adventure that celebrates produce, diversity, and hospitality. With a little planning, you can enjoy everything from sunlit brunches in Bondi to sleek dinners over the harbor lights, all while staying coeliac safe. Start your day with a loaf from Wholegreen Bakery, graze through tacos and pho at lunch, then settle into a modern Australian seafood dinner as the city glows around you.

Pack your appetite, bring your questions, and let this guide be your compass. Sydney is ready to feed you well, from first flat white to final dessert.