Top 10+ central Melbourne gluten free venues
Melbourne is a great place for gluten free, but if you search ‘Melbourne gluten free’ so many places will come up that it can be hard to know where to start! This guide removes some of the overwhelm by outlining the top ten venues local coeliacs recommend in central Melbourne. As always, make your own enquiries to make sure you are satisfied it is safe for you.
If you are from overseas, you will hear people talk about “the CBD” which means the Central Business District. Just outside this area is the Crown Casino on the other side of the river which also has many gluten free friendly restaurants but they will be covered in a future list.
If you are travelling outside the city centre, make sure you look at the Top 10 inside 10km of the city post as well as the 100% gluten free Melbourne page.
This post was last updated Jan 2022
| Seedling cafe
A 100% gluten free cafe with two CBD locations. Think healthy food that will keep you nourished during the day. For more information see 100% gluten free Melbourne. 275 Flinders Lane & 349 Little Collins Street |
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| Mamasita
A very popular Mexican restaurant at the ‘Paris’ end of the Melbourne CBD, just down from Parliament and near a number of theatres. A smart but casual option. NB you may need to queue, but bookings taken at lunchtime and for larger groups. Level 1, 100 Collins Street |
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| Spudbar
A baked potato store that is 100% gluten free. Seasonal options (such as summer salads) also available. Locations in the city centre, as well as in the suburbs. 5 city locations, including Emporium and QV shopping centre food courts. For a review and more information click here. |
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| Hella Good & Stalactites
Stalactites is a sit down Greek restaurant and Hella Good is their takeaway store. Yummy souvlaki, chips and salad. Coeliac Australia accredited. For a review, click here. Emporium & 183 Lonsdale St |
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| Father’s Office
The have a large gluten free menu with dedicated fryer for gluten free items. 249 Little Lonsdale Street (above QV) |
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| Chocolate Buddha
A casual Japanese eatery in “Fed Square” opposite Flinders Street station. They have a gluten free menu and you can get to know others at a communal table! Federation Square, 23 Flinders St |
 Source: Chocolate Buddha website |
| Bodega Underground
100% gluten free and vegan friendly. Open late with a good vibe! Also weekend bottomless brunch. For a review, click here. 55 Little Bourke Street |
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| A25 Pizzeria
Coeliac Australia accredited restaurant with locations in the city, Docklands and South Yarra. Pizza, pasta and more! |
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| Movida and Movida Next Door
Spanish Tapas done with flair. There are several Movida options around the city but you often have to book ahead. If you are a tennis fan you may spot Australian Open players there during January. Ask for the gluten free menu. For a review click here. Don’t forget to check out the graffiti in Hosier Lane! 1 Hosier Ln, off Flinders Street opposite Federation Square |
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| Tutto Bene
In my opinion, the best risotto in Melbourne, but you also have many other choices. They also have great city views. Ask for the dairy/gluten free menu. Mid Level Southgate, 3 Southgate Avenue (cross the river near Flinders Street station) |
 Source: Tutto Bene website |
| Red Emperor
They have a gluten free yum cha menu including dumplings and GF soy sauce. Level 2 Southgate, 3 Southgate Avenue (cross the river near Flinders Street station) |
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| CODA & TONKA (same owners)
CODA is an Asian fusion restaurant. Let the wait staff choose for you and you won’t be disappointed. Basement 141 Flinders Lane (Cnr Oliver Lane) TONKA is a modern Indian restaurant (with some Asian fusion twists). The menu is largely naturally gluten free. 20 Duckboard Place (off Flinders Lane) |
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Please also see the post on eating gluten free in Melbourne for some other ideas and also the Melbourne list on the Restaurant Lists page.
Photo credits: all photos are author’s own, except where noted.
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For more gluten free Melbourne options and travel ideas, please check the following links:
- Mediterraneo, Albert Park – fantastic gluten free menu
- New Freedom Bakery Bendigo
- Sydney airport gluten free
- Melbourne airport gluten free
- Hudsons Coffee Shops Australia
- 100% gluten free London and England
- London Heathrow & Gatwick airport gluten free options
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I would be super wary of Red Emperor. I have gotten very, very sick eating there before.
The waiter informed me that if I didn’t have an epi-pen, he had no reason to take my gluten free request seriously.
What a seriously misinformed waiter 🙁 I personally have never eaten there but have had it recommended to me many times. Hopefully they will look into Coeliac Australia accreditation one day…
You should have Buku cakery in Northcote as one of your listings.
Completely gluten free venue apart from suitably sourced gluten-free oats completely contamination free!
Incredible place with food and sweets
Thanks Tesh, I will check them out! Sounds like they can go on the ‘nearly all gluten free’ at the bottom of the 100% GF listing.