Pamela Higgins, founder of SpamellaB's Health and Food blog shares her top picks for the best gluten-free restaurants in the city.
A gorgeous cafe/bar with an extensive food and drink menu. There isn't a distinct or obvious type of cuisine; rather a sophisticated and mature menu with Asian inspired flavours, offering plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian options. We’re talking things like Korean Fried Chicken & Roasted Chilli, to a selection of grown-up sandwiches (Turkey & Lemongrass Patty with Carrot, Beet, Chilli Ginger Mayo & Shoestring Fries, anyone?
A restaurant brand with passion and character offering authentic Italian food at affordable prices, Carluccio’s provides an informal but memorable dining experience. Its extensive gluten-free menu offers enticing antipasti options, mains, salads, pasta dishes and desserts. With two establishments situated within the heart of Manchester, the opportunity to enjoy delicious, substantial Italian dishes free from gluten, while experiencing friendly service, is both accessible and delightful. Serious food lovers shouldn’t miss out on regular events celebrating the taste of Italy or the food shop at the Spinningfields venue.
Giraffe
With a mission to explore foods from around the globe and champion fresh ideas, the Giraffe experience encapsulates friendly service within a vibrant setting. Their recognition for gluten-free diets is evident in their menu, from tasty breakfast options to exotic dishes including Tofu & Squash Laska and Chicken, Spiced King Prawn & Mango Salad. Offering their burgers with extras like quinoa and edamame beans in place of the bread bun is a welcome alternative for the health conscious, while their Chocolate Tart or Mousse satisfy a sweet tooth. A suitable place for a get-together with family or friends.
With its name originating from the year the Vegetarian Society was established in the North West, Bistro 1847 champions modern British vegetarian and vegan cooking using seasonal and local produce. Offering brunch, Sunday lunch plus an á la carte and a ‘Taste of 1847’ menu, although the focus is on meat-free dishes driven by nature, gluten-free diets are also well catered for. The unique experience at this quaint dining venue is a discovery of healthy, foraged, raw and organic foods brought together in creative, innovative ways, resulting in a wonderful gastronomic delight for a special occasion.
Situated right in the heart of the trendy Northern Quarter, Dough believes its pizzas are as much about the base as the topping. Offering a mouth-watering selection of flavour combinations, gluten-free options feature heavily on the extensive menu, right from its selection of hand crafted breads and antipasti, to pasta dishes, risottos and of course, pizzas. Using fresh ingredients and with a focus on quality and taste, it’s impossible to leave this pizza kitchen hungry, even those who can’t include gluten in their diets! Ideal for an intimate date or to feast with a group of family or friends.