The Best Places to Eat Gluten-Free in Birmingham

Those of us with a gluten allergy or intolerance know how stressful eating out can be. Poring over menus for hours online searching for that precious gf symbol, feeling awkward every time you have to ask a waiter to check if something is actually gluten-free… It can turn a fun meal out into a bit of an ordeal. 

Thankfully though, gluten-free options are becoming increasingly more common by the year, and we’re here to make things a little bit easier for you by bringing you a list of our current favourite places to eat gluten-free in Birmingham!

Kafenion

This cosy little café can be found in the beautiful Bournville, southwest of the city centre. The name comes from the Greek kafenio, a traditional Greek café, and this Mediterranean influence is reflected in the menu with options including Greek Coffee and Greek Fried Eggs.

Not only is this place gorgeously decorated with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, but it also offers a fantastic range of gluten-free options. Many of the dishes can be made gluten-free with GF bread, and their homemade cakes often include one or two gluten-free treats too. They are also very vegetarian and vegan friendly, for those of you sticking to a plant-based diet!

Our personal favourite is the Smoked Salmon and Scrambled Eggs on gluten-free toast – best enjoyed with a warming hot chocolate to keep the winter blues at bay.

Pho

Pho is a chain restaurant with locations all over the country. You can find the Birmingham branch on the upper level of Grand Central, and it’s well-worth finding if you’re avoiding gluten as practically everything on their menu is gluten-free (and even accredited by Coeliac UK)!

Specialising in traditional Vietnamese street food, Pho offers a truly delightful dining experience. Phở (pronounced fuh), the popular dish for which the restaurant is named, is a delicious rice noodle soup served with a side of fresh herbs and sauces that you can add as you please, allowing you to tailor the dish to your own personal tastes. Our favourite is the Beef Brisket Phở, with the Tofu and Mushroom Phở coming in a close second. 

They also offer a range of curries, rice bowls, salads and wok-fried noodles, so whatever your preference we guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

Siamais

Craving some heat this winter? Look no further than Siamais, the stunning restaurant-slash-bar serving authentic Thai food – with, of course, a fantastic choice of gluten-free options.

Located in the popular Brindleyplace, Siamais is sure to be a hit with fans of Thai cuisine and convert those who are new to it. Our favourite gluten-free options include the Thai Fish Cakes, Massaman Curry and the always-popular Pad Thai – stir-fried rice noodles with egg, beansprouts, bean curd and chive. 

They also have a fantastic range of creative and tasty cocktails to try alongside your meal, if you’re feeling a little adventurous!

Cherry Reds

Whether you’re after a gluten-free breakfast, lunch or dinner, Cherry Reds has the solution for you. This lovely little independent bar-café offers a wide selection of no-gluten options, including English Breakfasts, sandwiches, burgers and cakes. 

The interior is cosy and comfortable, making it the perfect environment to settle in and enjoy a hearty, homemade meal. Even better, their full menu – including breakfast – is available all day until 9pm, so you can indulge whenever suits you best!

Henry Wong

This Harborne restaurant is a real gem of a find. Us gluten-free foodies know how difficult it can be to find good Chinese food that won’t poison us with hidden gluten, but thankfully Henry Wong is here to save the day with a special – and extensive! – gluten-free menu. 

Choose from starters such as Yuk Sung Chicken and Honey Pepper King Prawn, before moving onto a superb range of main dishes including everything from Cantonese Crispy Chicken to Sweet and Sour Prawns and a whole lot more!

You can even finish off with a delicious, indulgent dessert; choose between Passionfruit and Mango Cheesecake and a truly decadent Chocolate Fudge Cake. Tempted yet?

Leon

Who said fast food can’t be gluten-free?

Self-described ‘healthy’ fast-food experts Leon certainly didn’t, as their menu offers a variety of tasty gluten-free options to eat on the go. Located in Grand Central Station, Leon is the perfect place if you’re in need of a quick bite before hopping on a train. Their Satay Chicken Box is a particular favourite, and we definitely recommend one of their Breakfast Muffins if you’re in a hurry in the morning.

Mowgli

First opened in Liverpool in 2014, Mowgli certainly caused a stir when it opened a new location in Birmingham Grand Central in 2017, and for good reason. Born from a desire to serve authentic Indian street food, this gorgeous restaurant is a must-visit for any Indian food lover – even the gluten-free ones.

Mowgli’s dedicated gluten-free menu has a long list of tantalising dishes to choose from, with sections including ‘Street Meats’, ‘The Hindu Kitchen’ and ‘the House Kitchen’. Why not try one of their gluten-free Tiffin boxes? 4 tiers of meat, veg and carbs chosen specially by the chef just like in India. The contents may be a surprise, but it’s guaranteed to be delicious!

Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut at Touchwood Shopping Centre is the no.1 pizza place where you can find top-notch service, an amazing atmosphere and the space to enjoy good times with friends and family.

Because everyone is welcome in their pizzeria, they offer a dedicated gluten-free pizza for adults and children. As well as vegan pizza which they proudly serve since 2017.

Bank

Finally, if you’re looking for more of a fine-dining experience with plenty of gluten-free options then Bank in Brindleyplace is the perfect spot for you. Their separate gluten-free menu includes a range of starters, mains and desserts, which all sound equally delightful. Their steaks come particularly highly recommended, and all are served with a choice of Béarnaise, Chimichurri or Red Wine sauce.

In addition to the stunning array of GF options, Bank also boasts two all-weather terrace areas, allowing you to enjoy your meal overlooking the canal even if the weather outside is less than appealing!