A Guide to Eating Out with Gluten Free Friends in Eastern Sydney
We’ve all got one, a gluten free friend who we love and adore. Whether they’re a full-blown celiac or just on the “no-gluten please, I eat paleo now” diet this month you’re always stuck wondering…where do we eat? You don’t want to be unsupportive but at the same time you can’t sit through another boring, bland meal or an embarrassing request to change EVERYTHING on the menu.
Together with my own GFF we’ve shortlisted 5 places that offer gluten free options. This list has saved our friendship and made us both happy diners on several occasions.
Bondi Harvest
Bondi Harvest originated from the very successful Bondi Harvest online TV series and can now be found on level 1 at The Eastern. Their food philosophy is all about using locally sourced produce, cooking seasonally and eating healthy. With this in mind there are many gluten free and paleo options to choose from including daily salad specials and slow cooked lamb. The slaw of organic kale, cabbage, celeriac, fennel chipotle and aioli also has the big GF tick of approval.
Level 1, 500 Oxford St, Bondi Junction, 9387 7828, http://theeastern.com.au/bondiharvest
Breakfast: Monday – Friday 7:30am – 12:00pm, Saturday 9:00am – 12:00pm, Sunday 9:00am – 12:00pm, Lunch: Monday – Sunday 12:00pm – 4:00pm, Dinner: Wednesday – Saturday 6:00pm – 10:00pm
El Topo Mexican
With just 4 dishes on the menu that contain gluten, El Topo falls just shy of a 100% gluten free menu! There are plenty of tacos, quesadillas and share platters for you to devour. The menu has many great snack options as well as heavier dishes for dinner. The vibe at El Topo is fun and the music feels like you are at a Mexican Fiesta. Just because your GFF can’t have the Bunelos Con Chocolate (Mexican doughnuts with chocolate) doesn’t mean you have to go without!
(Featured Image, Photo Credit El Topo Mexican)
Level 3, 500 Oxford St, Bondi Junction, 9387 7828, http://theeastern.com.au/eltopomexican/
Monday 4pm-10pm, Tuesday – Saturday 12:00pm – Late, Sun 12:00pm – 12:00am
Kitchen by Mike, Roseberry
This canteen style restaurant values seasonality, simplicity and freshness above all else. Their ingredients come fresh from the markets and are the backbone behind a daily changing menu. Build your own gluten free and healthy lunch with their array of at least 5 salads and 2 meat/fish dishes available. Or if you are there to enjoy breakfast, check out the raw vegetables, sprouts, quinoa with a poached egg.
85 Dunning Ave, Rosebery NSW, 9045 0910, http://kitchenbymike.com.au
Breakfast served until 11:30, Lunch 12-3pm, Coffee/ Sweets until 4pm.
Monday – Friday, 7am – 4pm, Saturday & Sunday, 8am – 4pm
Mamma Teresa’s, Kensington
For just a few extra dollars, a gluten free base can be ordered for any of the pizzas on the menu. The quality and taste of Gluten Free pizza bases varies across Sydney, and this base is tried and tasted delicious. Try the classic and delicious Andrea Special with shaved Parama prosciutto, rocket and parmesan. Vegetarians are also catered for, check out the Siena, roasted butter nut pumpkin, feta, caramelised onion, rosemary, rocket.
412 Anzac Parade, Kingsford, 9663 5031, http://mamma-teresa.com.au/
Monday – Tuesday 5pm – late, Wednesday- Friday 12pm – late, Saturday – Sunday 5pm – late
Moo Burger, Coogee
When the smell of freshly cooked burgers is in the air, it’s hard to resist Moo Burger. Most of their menu can be made on a tasty gluten free bun, so your GFF won’t miss out. All of their sauces are gluten free, so no problems there. However be aware, their chunky/ sweet potato home-style chips are NOT gluten free. Let’s just say my GFF learnt the hard way and forfeited his share of the chips. Win for me!
242 Coogee Road, Coogee NSW, 9664 4300 www.moogourmetburgers.com.au
Everyday from 11am-late
Where do you love to eat with your GFF in Sydney? Send us your feedback please, we’d love to know.