If you want to travel gluten free in Barcelona, you may have been expecting a carb-loaded minefield. After all, this is the land of crusty baguettes and tapas served with bread baskets. But you'd be surprised by the dedicated gluten free restaurants, cafes, and bakeries flourishing all around Barcelona.
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As with most trips and food walking tours, I was worried I would be left on the sidelines, wistfully watching my family gorging down the finest food Barcelona has to offer.
And when you’re planning one week in Barcelona with kids, it’s easy to stress about finding meals that work for everyone. But after just a bit of research and exploring the streets of Barcelona, I was happily surprised, and I too had my fill of Spain's must-try foods - all gluten free!
From cozy neighborhood restaurants accredited by Spain’s celiac associations to trendy cafés, you'll definitely find plenty to enjoy without compromising your health (more specifically, your gut health!).
On our quest to find the best restaurants in Barcelona, we also found some of the best gluten-free spots on the way. And the best part? Many traditional Catalan dishes are already naturally gluten free (think grilled meats, fresh seafood, and veggie plates).
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Truly, you don't have to look further into other locations in Spain because Barcelona has everything you need.
And if you’re on the hunt for the best restaurants in Barcelona with a view, you’ll be happy to know that many of them are surprisingly gluten free friendly.
Eating Gluten Free in Barcelona Tips
Generally, the most prominent gluten free scene is in Madrid, but there are so many places in Barcelona offering GF food that it’s clear the city is on its way to becoming a haven for celiac travellers.
But before we begin talking about your options, this guide to eating gluten free in Barcelona will not be comprehensive without some tips you need to know before beginning the search for your new favorite gluten free dishes.
1. Use Local Apps and Google Maps
Find Me Gluten Free App
As soon as we arrived in Barcelona, we were already researching gluten free restaurants near us. It's relatively easy to find gluten free restaurants with a little help from modern technology.
I relied on the help of my trusty advisor: Find Me Gluten Free. An app providing a range of gluten free eateries tailored to your needs. Gluten free menus, dairy free drinks, and other gluten free items you wouldn't even have thought of. It uses your location and redirects to your place of choice ASAP.
The best thing about this app is that it has integrated gluten free reviews. It's quite handy in making informed decisions! Plus, you don't have to do an extensive Google search for food blogger reviews.
Google Maps
I also used Google Maps and searched the phrase "sin gluten Barcelona" for nearby GF bakeries and cafés. There were so many gluten free bakeries that popped up.
If you’re highly sensitive, prioritize dedicated gluten free restaurants or those certified by the Federación de Asociaciones de Celíacos de España or Asociación de Celíacos de Catalunya. The Catalunya association has a handy map of accredited restaurants online.
2. Learn the Key Phrases in Spanish and Catalan
While Barcelona is very international, not all restaurant staff are fluent in English. A big part of successfully finding safe gluten free food while exploring Barcelona ultimately comes down to how well you can communicate your needs to servers and restaurant staff.
- Here's what you say:
- Soy celiaco (males) or Soy celiaca (females). This translates to "I am celiac."
- In Spanish: “Soy celíaco/a. No puedo comer nada con gluten. ¿Este plato contiene gluten?" which translates to "I am celiac. I can't eat anything with gluten. Does this dish contain gluten?"
- In Catalan: “Sóc celíac/a. No puc menjar res amb gluten. Aquest plat conté gluten?”
3. Check Labels
Spain has strong labeling laws for gluten free products, in accordance with European Union regulations. These measures help celiac tourists visiting Spain, as menus are clearly labeled.
Some safe gluten free restaurants even display the crossed grain symbol to indicate certified gluten free status!
- Look for these phrases:
- “Sin gluten" = gluten free (Spanish)
"Sense gluten" = gluten free (Catalan)
4. Be Wary of Cross-Contamination
Even when something is labeled gluten free, it’s worth asking about cross-contamination. Many tapas bars share fryers or prepare gluten free and gluten-containing dishes on the same surfaces.
5. Try Naturally Gluten Free Dishes
Many traditional foods in Spain are naturally gluten free. Some safe bets include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Paella (just double-check the broth and seasoning)
- Iberico ham and queso manchego
- Pulpo a la gallega (octopus with paprika and potatoes)
- Tortilla española (potato and egg omelet)
But always confirm ingredients, especially sauces, since wheat flour may sneak in.
6. Carry a Spanish Celiac Travel Card
A celiac travel card is a printed explanation in Spanish (or Catalan) of your dietary needs. It’s especially helpful in smaller, more traditional restaurants where gluten awareness may be limited.
You can download cards from websites like celiactravel.com or create your own!
Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Barcelona
Now, armed with my top tips to travel gluten free in Barcelona, you can finally view our carefully curated list of restaurants (some are even entirely gluten free)!
Messié Sin Gluten
Location: Carrer de Muntaner 109, 08036
A fully gluten free pizza parlor certified by the Catalan Celiac Association. That alone made me breathe easier the moment I walked in. Their pizzas are definitely the standout: thin, crisp, and full of flavor.
I ordered the "Madame," topped with arugula, Serrano ham, and shaved Parmesan, and it was easily one of the best gluten free pizzas I’ve ever had.
The menu is impressively diverse, offering a wide selection of gluten free pastas, risottos, salads, and beers. The staff were kind and well-informed about dietary needs. We loved that they stayed open during siesta hours and that the prices were fair, especially the lunch set menu.
We ended up coming back a second time; it’s just that good.
Flax & Kale
Location: C/ Tallers 74b, 08001
During my stay in Barcelona, we discovered this stylish flexitarian spot where nearly the entire menu is gluten‑free and about 80% plant‑based. We tried the branch in El Born after visiting the Barcelona Cathedral.
Their gluten free pasta, specifically the spaghettini, was simply immaculate. I even dream about it sometimes. The "cheese" topping is this concoction made out of ground nuts that mimic the taste of Parmesan so well.
Fish and Chips Shop Gluten Free
Location: Calle Casanova, 91, 08015
Tucked away on a quiet corner in Eixample, this was one of those places we actually didn't plan to visit. We just happened to walk by after a long afternoon at Casa Batlló: tired, hungry, and ready for something easy. A happy accident I'd gladly repeat!
It’s worth noting that only this specific location on Carrer de Casanova is gluten free. The other branches of the chain are not celiac-safe, so don’t get them mixed up.
Also, don’t expect classic British fish and chips. This place has more of a modern fried-fish street food feel, with small plates like calamari, patatas bravas chips, or fried padron peppers.
Out of China
Location: Carrer d'Aribau, 112, 08036
This gluten free Chinese restaurant at the heart of Barcelona really surprised me. I’ve only had gluten free Chinese food a handful of times, and it’s usually hit or miss. Out of China, though? Definitely a hit!
We tried the assorted dim sum, which included six steamed dumplings made from tapioca. My favorite was the shrimp dumpling, but the vegetable one also comes close. I also loved the prawn spring rolls and rice noodles.
There's also some gluten free bread and beer. Everything we had was lighter than I expected, which made a nice change from the heavier Chinese food I’ve had elsewhere.
En Ville
Location: Carrer del Doctor Dou, 14, 08001
A fancy restaurant inside a 19th‑century Rafael Guastavino building in the center of El Raval, En Ville has a completely gluten free menu. We ordered an array of tapas (cod fritters, calamari, a rich chickpea curry) and paired them with a glass of sangría so good I joked I’d come back for that alone.
Lots of non-GF people online admitted they’d never have guessed the food was free of gluten because it simply tasted that good!
Copasetic
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Location: Carrer de la Diputació, 55, 08015
We came here to this cafe restaurant craving a hearty meal after a long day exploring Gaudí’s masterpieces. Copasetic's menu has organic and locally sourced options, offering everything from savory crepes to veggie tacos and hearty burgers. This place is basically heaven for gluten free and lactose-free people!
Copasetic means "completely satisfactory" and boy, were we satisfied.
Aruku
Location: Carrer de Provença, 327, L'Eixample, 08037
It's easy to be lured in by the promise of 100 % gluten free sushi, which is as rare as gluten free dumplings. Fortunately, we loved the food in Aruku. I ordered a variety of rolls and nigiri, then ended the night with two new favorites being the shrimp-tempura uramaki and the wagyu beef sushi.
Our server wore a bold “gluten-free” T‑shirt, which I found both reassuring and charming. She even double-checked our allergy needs, paced the courses nicely (though not perfectly synchronized), and made it clear they took everyone’s dietary preferences seriously.
I just had one concern: the furniture felt a little sticky and worn. Still, the food was great, and the staff were as gluten free as can be!
Manioca - Ciutadella
Location: Carrer de Sardenya, 56, Sant Martí, 08005
Located just a short walk from the beautiful Parc de la Ciutadella, Manioca offers 100% gluten free Brazilian cuisine.
A couple of gluten free standout dishes include the crispy dadinhos de tapioca (fried tapioca cubes with cheese), pão de queijo (cheese bread), and the hearty feijoada (black bean stew).
The restaurant also has a number of gluten free Brazilian beverages, including refreshing caipirinhas, to complement your gluten free meals. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, so it's very much worth going here for another try.
Gluten Free Bakeries in Barcelona
For those looking for bakeries with lots of great gluten free options in Barcelona, the good news is, you're never going to run out of them here in the city.
In fact, it's nearly impossible to visit them all in a single trip!
Cal Marius
Location: Carrer de Mallorca, 449, L'Eixample, 08013
A 100% gluten free haven! Gluten free tapas, gluten free beer, and everything else your gluten free heart can possibly desire. Aside from these, they also have gluten free pastrami sandwiches, pizzas, and burgers. We took two Pastrami Lovers sandwiches and crunchy fries to go, then took a walk to the Sagrada Familia for our Sagrada Familia tour.
We had a bit of a chat with the server when we sat down to wait for our food. Although he spoke limited English, he went on and recommended the local IPAs with confidence.
The sandwiches were so-so. It felt like they were just reheated. All good, though, since we just wanted some easy food to eat before exploring the church.
Conesa Entrepans
Location: Carrer de la Llibreteria, 1, 08002
While technically a sandwich shop, Conesa Entrepans also functions as a cozy café with indoor seating. Their gluten free sandwiches have a handy gluten free sticker on every wrapper, so you know your sandwich won’t get mixed up.
We went in after a morning walk through the Gothic Quarter (check out this Gothic Quarter Ghost tour if that is your cup of tea), and scored a hot-pressed jamón-ibérico baguette that was freshly toasted in a designated gluten free zone (no fear of crumbs or contamination). It arrived piping hot, crisp on the outside, and tender within.
This is already so much better than Cal Marius!
You can pair your sandwiches with some coffee, but they don't use any dairy-free milk alternatives, which was a bit of a downer.
Gula Sana
Location: Carrer de la Diputació, 187, local 2, Eixample
Another gluten‑free bakery, but this time near the Sagrada Familia, Gula Sana is a 100% dedicated GF café-bakery. Everything behind the counter is clearly labeled and worry‑free.
Not only are these GF-friendly, they have many options that are also lactose-, egg-, or sugar-free! They've got some seriously flaky croissants, whimsical muffins, airy cakes, even gelato in gluten‑free cones.
Your options are ENDLESS and are also quite insanely tailored.
I overheard a barista recommending carrot cake to a diabetic customer, and you best believe a few minutes later, my fork was in the fluffiest carrot cake I’ve had in ages.
Truly, if you only get to visit one bakery in your entire visit to Barcelona, I can't recommend Gula Sana enough.
Hanai Vegana Bakery
Location: Carrer dels Carders, 28, Ciutat Vella, 08003
Hanai Vegana is a 100% dedicated vegan & gluten‑free bakery with a wide variety of gluten free pastries: croissants, donuts, empanadas, macarons, cinnamon rolls… you name it, it’s there and beautifully flaky. The broccoli-and-cheese savory pasty in phyllo-style dough was a surprise standout, too.
Service is as sweet as the pastries. Staff are welcoming and proudly knowledgeable about every allergy, whether vegan, gluten, or dairy-free. Note that the seating is limited to a four-person bar, so it's best to have something for takeout.
Jansana Gluten Free Bakery
Location: Carrer de Balmes, 106, L'Eixample, 08008
This bakery offers a wide variety of gluten free pastries, breads, and cakes, all prepared in a dedicated gluten free environment (assured to me by the cashier). We loved the cream-filled cakes and cinnamon rolls.
Staff are warm and genuinely helpful, eager to share recommendations of their bestsellers and must-trys.
In my opinion, it’s a perfect spot to stop by for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up after wandering nearby sights.
Chök in Plaça Comercial
Location: Plaça Comercial, 9, Carrer de les Ramelleres, 26
I tried their famous chocolate croissant (yes, gluten free!) and was honestly blown away by how buttery it was. They also have creative signature donuts, dusted with everything from matcha to sea salt caramel. If you want vegan and dairy-free options, they have them too.
Do note that not all of their locations are gluten free. Chök in Plaça Comercial is the place you're looking for. Make sure to confirm before you visit!
Cøliaki
Location: Carrer de Balmes, 217
Another gluten free bakery but with the best breakfast options! I've had a ham and cheese croissant and some dairy-free cafe con leche. It wasn't until after we ate did I find out that they're known for their croissants. So, it was a big pity for us not to have tried them.
The place is small, making it feel very cozy and intimate during an early morning in Barcelona. Do go early so you can have a better chance at trying out their pastries before they sell out.
La Guerita Mexicana
Location: Carrer de Manso, 53, L'Eixample, 08015 Barcelona, Spain
Their Baja-style fish tacos are too die for. It's honestly the best I've ever had anywhere in the world. The vibe of the restaurant is described as cozy and authentic. It’s not a huge place, but the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, which makes it ideal for both casual meals and more relaxed dinners.
Taste, Explore, and Thrive in Gluten Free Barcelona
What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for your next gluten free adventures because Barcelona invites you to taste boldly, explore freely, and create memories!
And if you find any other fantastic gluten free spots, please let me know in the comments or connect with me on the socials!
