Life without the fresh snap of crusty bread, ribbons of pasta twirled around your fork or the delicious joy of devouring a slice of pizza are no longer sacrifices people with coeliac disease or a gluten allergy have to make. Lots of Irish restaurants are offering gluten-free dishes and menus so that you can now enjoy superb, delicious gluten-free food everywhere, from fine dining restaurants to Friday night chippers.
And it's not just about the food. Peroni have recently released a gluten-free recipe for Italy’s most iconic beer – without compromising on taste. Called Peroni Nastro Azzurro Gluten Free it has the same delicate balance of bitterness and citrus aromatic notes as Peroni Nastro Azzurro.
Here are 10 great eateries around Ireland where you can try it out.
Brickyard Gastropub
Just a skip from Balally LUAS stop, Brickyard Gastropub is the perfect haven for a shopping break from nearby Dundrum town centre and their brunch, lunch and dinner menus are around 90 per cent gluten-free. There are lots of tempting dishes here like tacos and their tender and tasty burgers (both gluten-free). Their “beef on beef” burger has beef burger with beef brisket, purple slaw, beer pickles, sriracha-chorizo mayo and cheddar. They have gluten-free bread available and their chicken wings and chips are gluten-free and fried in a separate fryer. Trying to decide on a drink is one of the hardest parts of dining here, their “Bricktails” include gin, whiskey and beer cocktails and house cocktails like Femme Fatale, The Zombie Thriller and Chestnut Swizzle.
Lemon & Duke
In the heart of the city centre, Lemon & Duke has nicely settled into its new makeover, following its former Grafton Lounge identity. They have some tasty gluten-free dishes like their seared yellowfin tuna with baby leaves, toasted brown rice, edamame beans, radish, sesame and togarashi sauce or their Fivemiletown goats cheese and beetroot salad. The hoi sin chicken wings can be made gluten-free or for seafood lovers try the pan-fried cod fillet with crushed celeriac. This vintage inspired bar and restaurant on the Royal Hibernian Way is also one of the city’s best spots for people-watching.
The Oliver Plunkett
There is a warmth and charm at The Oliver Plunkett that makes it one of Cork’s most popular spots and tourists adore it. In the heart of the city on Caroline Street, it is a wonderful option for a casual bite, carvery lunch or a hearty supper with lots of dishes that can be adapted to be gluten-free. All their burgers can be made gluten-free or try their roast chicken, salmon or steak. It has a comforting, cosy atmosphere with friendly staff and is well known for live music and quality pints.
Seven Bar
Located in Galway’s Latin Quarter on Bridge Street, this popular spot (you might have known it as Kelly’s) has enjoyed a complete revamp and is known for its live music as well as its comedy and dance club nights. The food menu starts with breakfast at 10am with an all-day menu starting at midday and has some great options if you are looking for something tasty before a gig. The friendly staff are happy to advise on their gluten-free options which include the Seven chicken curry, the vegetable curry, the lamb tikka masala, their Cajun Caesar salad, halloumi salad and their steak sandwich can be made gluten-free as well as most of their sandwiches.
Sophie’s restaurant at The Dean Hotel
Take the lift at the lobby of the achingly hip Dean Hotel to the slick, buzzing Sophie’s restaurant for a memorable meal with one of the most spectacular views of Dublin. A popular spot for brunch, or for a late bite and a cocktail, most of the dishes are gluten-free or can be adjusted, and they offer gluten-free bread. Try the gluten-free seabass, with white bean purée, sautéed spinach, peas and brown shrimp butter sauce or one of their juicy steak dishes. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner menus with their popular brunch on Saturday and Sunday. The outdoor terrace is one of the best spots in town to enjoy a relaxing drink and make sure to stop at their signature swings at the entrance for a photo as you leave.
The Workshop
Formerly J. Kennedys, a popular pub for a great pint on the quays, just by Tara Street Dart Station, it was reborn as “The Workshop” in 2014. It is packed at lunch, in their casual dining area on the ground floor, with nearby office workers who feast on their thoughtfully constructed menu that is laden down with fresh, delicious ingredients. They have some great gluten-free options like their crab salad, omelette, chicken wings, steak sandwich with gluten-free bread or try their Roaring Bay Irish rope mussels with garlic, white wine and chive cream sauce with gluten-free bread. The chefs can adapt dishes to cater for a gluten-free diner. For something a little fancier in the evening, try their Peppercorn room on the first floor watching over the river Liffey as it glistens and twinkles with the city lights.
Fade St Social
Throughout chef Dylan McGrath’s career, he has always been passionately obsessed with Irish ingredients and showing them off in their delicious beauty. Fade Street Social, which incorporates its Gastro Bar and restaurant as well as the gorgeous Wintergarden, celebrates the best of Irish ingredients with a menu that is contemporary, interesting and has substance. There are some superb gluten-free options in the restaurant and most of the starters are gluten-free friendly like their sea trout, oysters, soup and pork belly. For mains, try any of their steaks or most of their fish dishes are gluten-free, and for a sweet finish try their roasted pineapple dessert or gluten-free creme brulee.
Box Burger
Bray’s Box Burger sits pretty on the seaside promenade, close to the DART station, and do what burger joints should do well – tasty, fresh burgers, quality drinks and good music. Freshly made 100 per cent Irish beef burgers are cooked over smoking coals. They have gluten-free buns for their burgers, and offer some great gluten-free options like their tacos, chicken wings and the grilled chicken burger. Their sides are fun and full of flavour, make sure to try the excellent sweet potato fries. Finish with their gluten-free chocolate fudge cake to round it off, if you have the room.
Coppinger Row
One of the most mouth-watering menus in Dublin, Coppinger Row is a stone’s throw from Grafton Street. Ever since they opened their doors they have been one of the city’s most popular restaurants, renowned for their consistently delicious food with a glorious Mediterranean influence, and superb service. Most dishes are gluten-free or can be changed to gluten-free, excluding items such as their pasta dishes. Try their signature garlic and chilli prawns a La Plancha starter or the pan fried hake with mussels. If you see anything with gorgonzola, order it. This is a fun, buzzy spot that is perfect for a late night supper with great music and cocktails at the weekend.
The Exchequer
The Exchequer launched a menu that is entirely gluten-free alongside their regular menus this year. The beauty of it is that you wouldn’t even notice the difference because the dishes are all delicious and appetising. They include cured salmon with cucumber and wasabi dressing and an impressive steak tasting board with cuts of beef that include flank, bavette and featherblade to feast on. Owner Peter Rock is as serious about his drinks as his food, so make sure to treat yourself to a gorgeous tipple from their menu.
