35 Gluten-Free Restaurants in Melbourne CBD
Finding somewhere safe and satisfying to eat with coeliac disease or a gluten sensitivity shouldn’t mean settling for a sad side salad or packet of chips. My mother-in-law has coeliac disease, and on more than one outing the only “safe” option at a venue has been exactly that — a bag of chips while everyone else tucked into a proper meal. Thankfully, Melbourne’s CBD has come a long way, and there are now genuinely excellent gluten-free options across almost every cuisine.
It’s worth knowing the difference between coeliac disease and a gluten sensitivity, because it changes how carefully you need to check a menu. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition where even trace amounts of gluten from cross-contact can cause harm, so a dedicated gluten-free kitchen matters. A gluten sensitivity or intolerance is generally less risky, and a well-marked gluten-free menu within a regular kitchen is usually fine.
This guide starts with Melbourne’s dedicated gluten-free venues, where there’s no cross-contact to worry about, then moves through the best gluten-free options by cuisine, from Italian and Asian through to pubs and bakeries. Every listing includes the address and opening days so you can plan your visit.
Read now: 11 Flinders Lane Restaurants For a Tasty & Affordable Lunch
Dedicated Gluten-Free Venues Melbourne
These venues run fully gluten-free kitchens, so there’s no cross-contact risk to worry about.
1. Seedling Cafe, Flinders Ln
A long-standing favourite for coeliac diners, Seedling runs a fully gluten-free kitchen from a small laneway space. The menu covers waffles, sandwiches and acai bowls, all genuinely safe to order without question.
It’s tiny, so seating can be tight and you’ll often end up outside, though gas heaters help in cooler months.
Open for breakfast and lunch Monday to Friday.
Seedling cafe has a good range, but it’s very tiny and you usually have to sit outside. At least they have gas heaters to keep you warm.
– Sharon
Seedling Cafe
275 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia 3000
0450 190 365
2. Hotel Nacional, Hardware Lane
A fully gluten-free modern Mexican menu, with a rooftop bar and handcrafted cocktails. The plant-based options are worth a look for lunch, and the empanadas are a standout. Bookings are recommended for the rooftop, especially if city views are part of the appeal.
Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Hotel Nacional
23-25 Hardware Lane, Melbourne, 3000
(03) 9521 4209
3. Regretless – Low Carb Pleasure, Bourke St
Melbourne’s first Coeliac Australia-accredited restaurant, Regretless specialises in low-carb, gluten-free treats including cakes and chaffles. The Ube Latte and Ube Crepe Cake are personal favourites for something a little different.
Open for dessert from 10 am seven days a week. Read about our recent visit here.
Regretless – Low Carb Pleasure
Shop 13-14, Mid City Centre, 200 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 9942 2257
4. Kudo Bakery, Little Collins St
A fully dedicated gluten-free bakery known for its baguettes, sourdough and pastries, popular with gluten-free and non-gluten-free customers alike. The tuna melt and roasted chicken sandwich are reader favourites, paired well with a chai. Prices run a little higher than a standard bakery, which reflects the quality and the dedicated setup.
Great range of good-quality bread, I love the sourdough. It costs an arm and a leg though.
– Diane
Kudo Bakery
8 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
5. Rufio, St Kilda
Nestled in St Kilda, Rufio is a dedicated gluten-free restaurant serving hearty Latin cuisine like arepas, empanadas, tacos, pasta, and more. Personal recommendations include trying the delicious and varied menu items, with the sticky agave pudding being a must-try dessert. The cosy atmosphere makes it perfect for a special night.
Lunch is available on Saturday and Sunday only, with dinner from Wednesday to Sunday.
Rufio
188 Carlisle St, St Kilda VIC 3182
(03) 7003 4393
Coeliac Australia Accredited Melbourne Restaurants
These venues have been independently audited and accredited by Coeliac Australia for safe gluten-free handling — the highest level of verification available, and worth knowing about whether or not the whole menu is gluten-free.
6. Stalactites, Lonsdale St
A Melbourne institution since 1978, Stalactites has an accredited gluten-free menu covering pita bread, souvlaki, chips and grilled meats, alongside its regular Greek menu. It’s popular, so arriving early or opting for takeaway is worth considering during peak hours. Read about our recent visit to Stalactites here.
Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.
The meat was very tender and enjoyable. The gluten-free pita was quite good.
– Diane
Stalactites Restaurant
177/183 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 9663 3316
7. ONDA Bar & Eatery, Richmond
Accredited by Coeliac Australia, ONDA serves an entirely gluten-free fusion Latin American menu. The chocolate sesame cigars are a popular dessert choice, and the atmosphere is relaxed enough for a leisurely lunch.
Lunch is available Saturday and Sunday only, with dinner Tuesday to Friday.
ONDA Bar & Eatery
280 Bridge Rd, Richmond VIC 3121
(03) 9429 8589
8. SHOP 225, Pascoe Vale South
The first pizzeria in Australia accredited by Coeliac Australia, and recognised internationally for its gluten-free pizza, SHOP 225 was crowned Best Pizza in Australia at the 2025 50 Top Pizza World Awards in Naples, ranking 28th in the world. It’s well outside the CBD in Melbourne’s inner north, so it suits a planned outing rather than a casual lunch stop, but coeliac diners say it’s worth the trip.
Our contributor Kathy visited recently:
Having found a treasure in the pizza and pasta at SHOP 225 in Melville Road, Coburg, my first instinct is to keep the news to myself for F.O.M.O. in the future! This is an extremely popular local gem for all of the right reasons: Authentic, seriously good Italian food, friendly atmosphere, excellent service.
Bookings are strongly recommended given the demand, and seating is intimate with limited tables. Public transport users may need a short walk depending on the route. Read Kathy’s full review here.
SHOP 225
225 Melville Rd, Pascoe Vale South VIC 3044
(03) 9077 4904
Mon–Thu 5pm–9.30pm, Fri–Sun 12pm–9.30pm
Gluten-free Italian & Pizza in Melbourne
9. Tazio, Flinders Ln
A reliable choice for safe, tasty Italian, with pasta and pizza on the gluten-free menu and separate preparation areas for gluten-free orders. Expect to pay around $5 extra for gluten-free pizza and pasta, though the flavour makes it worthwhile. The gluten-free Hahn SuperDry is a nice touch if you fancy a beer with lunch.
Open for lunch Monday to Friday and dinner Monday to Saturday.
Read our review here.
Tazio
91 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 9654 9119
10. Max on Hardware, Hardware Ln
A cosy Italian spot with gluten-free pasta and pizza, including a gluten-free pizza base that regulars rate highly. Friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere make it an easy lunch choice.
Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Max on Hardware
54-58 Hardware Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 9600 1697
11. Rocella, East Melbourne
Known among coeliac diners for soft, fluffy gluten-free pizza bases and authentic Italian flavours, with dedicated gluten-free practices in the kitchen. You can also pre-order a loaf of gluten-free sourdough to take home.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week.
Rocella
158 Clarendon St, East Melbourne VIC 3002
(03) 9416 1700
12. A25 Pizzeria, South Yarra
A retro-styled pizzeria with a dedicated gluten-free kitchen space to avoid cross-contact. Gluten-free pizza bases and tiramisu are the highlights. Mondays bring $17 pizza, Tuesdays $17 pasta, which is worth timing a visit around.
Open for lunch Monday to Saturday and dinner Wednesday to Saturday.
A25 Pizzeria
720 Chapel St, South Yarra VIC 3141 / 397 Little Collins St, Melbourne
(03) 9826 2233 / (03) 9969 7788
13. il Mercato Centrale, Collins St
A beautifully restored, three-level Italian food hub inside a heritage building, with Il Riso on the first floor a genuine find for coeliac diners. The gluten-free truffle arancini are especially good, alongside a solid mix of sweet and savoury options, all clearly labelled. Worth wandering the fresh produce, seafood and gelato counters while you’re there.
Open seven days a week from 7am for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
il Mercato Centrale Melbourne
546 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000
More Italian gluten-free recommendations
For authentic Italian gluten-free food, regular reader, Van, highly recommends:
- Strada & Co – Ivanhoe – for delicious range of gf meals, panini, cakes, desserts.
- Eat Cannoli – Preston – for the best gf cannoli and delicious panini.
- Panino Mio – Preston Market & Epping Shopping Centre – delicious gf panini.
- Il Caminetto – Moonee Ponds – sister venue to SHOP 225.
Gluten-free Asian Cuisine Melbourne
14. Robo Mao, Little Bourke St
Right in the heart of Chinatown, Robo Mao has a dedicated gluten-free menu covering dumplings, noodles and authentic Chinese dishes. Customers praise the flavour and the kitchen’s care around cross-contact. The gluten-free pork dumplings and beef with black bean sauce are good places to start. Read our review here.
Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.
The gluten-free dumplings were very tasty, and we all left with full tummies.
– Diane
Robo Mao
214 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 9663 9866
15. Kata Kita, Latrobe St
A trendy modern Indonesian spot with a good selection of gluten-free options clearly marked on the menu. Service is friendly, and the food draws a loyal following. Keep an eye out for the cat robot delivering food to your table.
Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Kata Kita
266 La Trobe St, Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 7064 5389
15. Straight Outta Saigon, Russell St
A solid choice for Vietnamese food with a genuine focus on accommodating gluten-free diners across a wide menu. The Hanoi Highball cocktail and lamb skewers are worth trying.
Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Straight Outta Saigon
138 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 9654 2024
16. Hawker Boys, Hardware Ln
A diverse Asian street food menu with many gluten-free options clearly marked. Staff are knowledgeable about coeliac needs, and there’s a good range of healthy lunch options if you’re after something lighter.
Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday.
Hawker Boys
85 Hardware Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 8590 4955
17. Rice Paper Scissors, Hardware Ln
Vibrant Asian street food with a wide range of gluten-free options and staff who know their stuff. The sticky pork belly with tamarind caramel and crispy barramundi with Nam Jim dressing are standout dishes, and there’s a full vegan menu too.
Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week at both locations.
Rice Paper Scissors
15 Hardware Lane, Melbourne / 307 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
18. DoDee Paidang, Collins St & Swanston St
An extensive gluten-free menu across two CBD locations, with fast service and reliably tasty Thai food that caters well to various dietary needs.
Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.
DoDee Paidang
Basement/353 Little Collins St / 245 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 9602 4968
19. Chocolate Buddha, Federation Square
A dedicated gluten-free menu in a Fed Square setting, with knowledgeable staff and dishes like the teriyaki chicken rice bowl among the highlights. The gluten-free sushi is worth trying, though portions run a little smaller than the regular menu. Seniors Card holders get 10% off the bill. Read more about our visit here.
Open for lunch and dinner Wednesday to Sunday.
Chocolate Buddha
Federation Square, Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 9654 5688
20. Chin Chin, Flinders Ln
A bustling, popular spot for Thai food, with wait staff happy to guide you through safe gluten-free choices. The Massaman curry is a favourite, and there are three gluten-free desserts worth saving room for.
Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Chin Chin
125 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 8663 2000
21. BangPop, South Wharf
Thai food on the South Wharf promenade, with allergen flags, separate fryers and well-trained staff to keep gluten-free orders safe. The gluten-free Pad Thai gets consistent praise for flavour and portion size. Read about our visit here.
Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.
BangPop
35 S Wharf Promenade, South Wharf VIC 3006
(03) 9245 9800
Gluten-Free Mexican & Latin American Melbourne
22. Bodega Underground, Little Bourke St
A dedicated gluten-free menu covering the full Mexican lineup, with the churros getting particular praise. The atmosphere is cosy and the staff are accommodating, making it an easy choice if you’d rather not double-check every dish.
Open for lunch Thursday to Sunday, and dinner seven nights a week.
Bodega Underground
55 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia 3000
(03) 9650 9979
23. Mamasita, Collins Street
A dedicated gluten-free fryer and knowledgeable staff make this a safe and lively choice for tacos and margaritas. The tuna tartare, fish tacos and guac with chips are all worth ordering.
Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.
I really enjoyed the gluten-free fish tacos. Tasty and generous portion size.
– Diane
Mamasita
1, 11 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 9650 3821
Gluten-free Cafés, Bakeries & Sweet Treats Melbourne
24. Schmucks Bagels, Little Bourke St
A delightful array of gluten-free options, with a focus on safety and quality and real care taken with coeliac orders. The Smoked Salmon Luxe bagel is a standout, packed with fresh ingredients.
Open for breakfast and lunch, seven days a week. Read our review here.
Schmucks Bagels
Little Bourke St & Guests Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 8393 1948
25. Keki Milkbar, Queen St
A charming cafe known for fluffy Japanese soufflé pancakes and creative sodas, with a cosy ambiance away from the CBD’s hustle. The honey macadamia pancakes come gluten-free and highly recommended, alongside refreshing fruit sodas and hand-crafted lattes.
Keki Milkbar
Shop 4/190 Queen St, Melbourne, 3000
0492 090 609
26. Collins Coffee House, Collins St
A cosy spot with old English charm, ideal for a gluten-free high tea. The menu is limited but accommodating, with sandwiches and cakes available gluten-free. The exquisite high tea is the main drawcard.
Open for breakfast and lunch Monday to Saturday.
Collins Coffee House
395 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
27. Bowls Baby, Little Collins St
Wholesome, flavourful bowls catering to all dietary preferences, with sustainable practices from plant-based packaging to nourishing ingredients. The protein bowl is a satisfying, energising choice.
Melbourne CBD location: open for lunch Monday to Friday.
Essendon location: open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Bowls Baby
97 Little Collins St
Melbourne Vic 3040
(03) 9989 3717
35 Rose St. Essendon Vic 3040
(03) 8256 3360
28. SpudBAR, Collins St
For cheap, healthy and tasty gluten-free meals, head to SpudBAR. With six locations in Melbourne’s CBD, large portion sizes and a variety of options, it’s perfect for a filling lunch or dinner. Personal tip: Visit before the lunch rush for quicker service.
Open lunch seven days a week, check specific locations for dinner opening times.
SpudBAR
567 Collins Street, Melbourne, 3000
(03) 9629 3770
Find the other locations here.
29. Roule Galette, Flinders Ln
Traditional French fare with an extensive menu of gluten-free galettes. The apple cider is worth ordering too, served in traditional French crockery. Read our review for Roule Galette here.
Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Sunday.
Roule Galette
Shop 1/241 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 9639 0307
Also at 104 Koornang Road, Carnegie, VIC 3163
(03) 9563 1569
Related reading: 11 Flinders Lane Restaurants For a Tasty & Affordable Lunch
Gluten-free Pubs, Bars & Something Different Melbourne
30. Fable, Lonsdale St
Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a dedicated gluten-free menu, served from a rooftop venue with friendly service. The gluten-free bread and desserts are worth seeking out.
Open for lunch on Fridays and Saturdays only. Dinner is available Tuesday to Saturday.
Fable
13/168 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 9662 2629
31. Asian Beer Cafe, La Trobe St
A variety of gluten-free options including pizza, burgers, fries and wings, with a separate fryer for gluten-free items that coeliac diners appreciate. The tapas are tasty and affordable, with a good drinks list and lively atmosphere.
Open for lunch from midday, seven days a week.
Asian Beer Cafe
211 La Trobe St, Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 9825 8989
32. The Bank on Collins, Collins St
A diverse menu catering to various dietary preferences, with the $28 Express Lunch (served with a schooner of beer or glass of house wine) a strong-value option. The Classic Burger comes with a gluten-free option, and the Tandoori Cauliflower & Raita Salad is worth trying.
Open for lunch and dinner, Monday to Friday.
The Bank on Collins
Ground floor/394 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 9070 3980
Related reading: 25 Midweek Specials For a Cheap Lunch in Melbourne CBD
33. Gaylord Indian Restaurant, Docklands
A Halal-certified menu with many gluten-free options, served in a striking dining room with handcrafted marble paintings near Southern Cross Station. Seniors Card holders receive 10% off the total bill. Read our review of Gaylord here.
Open for lunch Wednesday through to Sunday, and dinner seven days a week.
Gaylord Indian Restaurant
33 Spencer St, Docklands VIC 3008
(03) 9620 1286
34. Edinburgh Castle Hotel, Brunswick
A giant beer garden and hearty pub grub, with a dedicated gluten-free menu covering favourites like Parmas and crispy fries. Service is friendly and accommodating.
Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Edinburgh Castle Hotel
681 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056
35. Mediterraneo Charcoal Restaurant, Albert Park
Succulent steaks, fresh seafood and authentic charcoal-grilled dishes, with a focus on gluten-free options across an extensive menu. The garlic prawns and seafood kebab are recommended for lunch.
Mediterraneo Charcoal Restaurant
116 Bridport St, Albert Park, Port Phillip, 3206
(03) 9690 5155
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