Gluten Free Berlin: A Complete Travel Guide for Celiacs

A note: For travelers headed to Berlin, don`t forget to check out my other guides to European destinations highlighting top attractions, places to stay, and gluten free dining options.

• The 3 most fascinating neighborhoods for lodging in Berlin
• 2 Days in Berlin: A Guide to the Best of Berlin in 48 Hours
• 2 Days Exploring Amsterdam: The Best of Amsterdam in 48 Hours
• A guide to locating gluten free dining options in Rome, Italy for those interested in traveling while adhering to dietary restrictions.
• A guide to selecting the best gluten free eating establishments in Paris for visitors with certain dietary needs
• A detailed travel guide covering gluten-free dining and accommodation options for those with celiac disease visiting Amsterdam.

That’s what I did, and it makes communicating your needs much easier if you don’t speak German. I can’t count how many times I practiced saying “Ich habe Zöliakie” before I went.

It was a lot.

Then, the first time I tried to say it at a restaurant, the server said to me, in English, “please just speak English.” D- for effort I suppose. Luckily for me, I showed her my German gluten free restaurant card, she showed it to the chef, and I was able to eat safely.

Jodi’s cards will aid communication of your needs, together with a note on contaminated fryers which I found to be one of the biggest problems for gluten free dining in Germany. Check out Jodi’s guide to Gluten Free Germany, full of terrific information on traveling in Germany with Celiac Disease.

The Best Dedicated Gluten Free Restaurants in Berlin

I consistently propose dining at dedicated gluten free eateries if possible to locate. It implies that you don’t need to stress over cross contamination, which implies you’ll have the option to confidently and securely travel to Berlin with Celiac Disease. And you’ll be backing the spots that are doing the correct thing for the Celiac local area. Support those who bolster us.

Five excellent dedicated gluten-free bakeries and cafes in Berlin worth adding to your plans are highlighted here.

Jute Bäckerei: Dedicated Gluten Free Bakery in Berlin

The Jute Bäckerei is a dedicated gluten free bakery in my favored neighborhood – Prenzlauer Berg – so naturally it tops the list of best gluten free bakeries in Berlin. I obtained a couple pastries, like a delightful traditional spiced cake that was a German Christmas staple (excluding gluten free). They moreover have a excellent selection of gluten free bread. Grab some to make a sandwich in the Tiergarten later!

If you’re avoiding gluten, I highly recommend checking out this establishment for gluten free baked goods. They even offer gluten free croissants (although the texture isn’t exactly right, but they were still delightful!)

Café Tante Nanni: Gluten Free Café in Berlin

The café Café Tante Nanni is well worth including on your itinerary when exploring gluten free options in Berlin. This location specializes in being gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan for both bakery items and cafe dishes. Visitors will find a variety of gluten free baked goods, bowls, rolls, and pancakes that rotates. For dedicated gluten free options in Berlin, this cafe deserves to be at the top of any list.

You can get a hearty breakfast to start your day, or take a midday break and grab a coffee and a gluten free & vegan slice to enjoy.

Glutanada: Dedicated Gluten Free Restaurant in Kreuzberg

At Glutanada, a gluten free bakery in Berlin’s Kreuzberg neighborhood, you’ll find freshly baked gluten free bread, sweet and savory crepes, and even spaetzle!

It’s a 100% gluten free kitchen, so there is no need to worry about cross-contamination.

Attend their brunch, comprising some freshly baked gluten free bread, or for a pleasant lunch exploring Kreuzberg, one of Berlin’s finest neighborhoods.

Brotquelle: Another Dedicated Gluten Free Bakery in Berlin!

It`s uncommon to find more than three dedicated gluten-free bakeries in a single city. Fortunately for you, Berlin counts as one exception.

The Brotquelle is situated near the Eastside Gallery, so while touring the street art on the former Berlin Wall, take a brief detour to grab some gluten free sourdough bread. You won’t find items like gnocchi and spaetzle here – it purely offers gluten free bakery goods – but you WILL discover all gluten free baked items. All of them. Breads. Pastries. Seasonal specials. EVERYTHING.

You will, however, find a conventional German breakfast of bread, cheese, and fruits valued below 5 Euros. Which is considered a good deal based on my perspective. The owner`s tale is remarkable – he was initially a mechanical engineer, and he left his occupation and pursued his passion by becoming a baker`s apprentice. In January 2018, he introduced Brotquelle, and the remainder unfolded!

Unluckily for me, this place opened right as I was departing Berlin last time. It will top my list for my next visit back.

Glutenfreie Bäckerei Konditorei Eis Voh

The Little Beehive and Lake Agnes (5.7 miles, 1,955 feet elevation gain): A less intensive version of the Big Beehive hike, this one takes you up to the Little Beehive (which has a slightly inferior view) and then ends at Lake Agnes Teahouse prior to returning back to the shore of Lake Louise. It’s somewhat simpler, but we’d really advise trying for the Big Beehive if possible because it is significantly better.

A Challenger Appears! New Gluten Free Bakery Near Tempelhofer

Another gluten-free bakery and café has opened near Tempelhofer Field in Berlin, specializing in baked goods and smaller prepared dishes free of gluten. Options such as crepes, pasta, and toasted bread can be enjoyed for breakfast or lunch at Löblich Deli and Café in a cozy indoor space receiving high ratings for its food.

Frai Foods: 100% Gluten Free Bowls and Smoothies

Frai Foods is a trendy cafe situated in Bikini Berlin, a trendsetting hotel overlooking the Berlin Zoo that is among my selections for where to lodge in Berlin. They offer meals and shakes – all of which are evidently labeled gluten free (as of late 2019).

More Celiac-Friendly Gluten Free Berlin Restaurants

Here are some other restaurants in Berlin friendly for those with Celiac disease. As always, I recommend directly contacting each restaurant you`re interested in beforehand to double check they can accommodate you, rather than taking an internet stranger`s advice alone.

Fantastic Gluten Free Indian Food at Amrit

If asked to select my preferred world cuisines, Indian food would be near the top of my listing. It`s both delightful and intriguing, and predominantly free of gluten. What more could I request? Indian cuisine demonstrates how traveling has broadened my perspectives by proving that “gluten free” doesn`t invariably signify bland, flavorless and disagreeable.

Before traveling to London in 2014, I had never consumed Indian cuisine, and I avoided Asian food after my celiac diagnosis because I (incorrectly) assumed all Asian cooking was similar to the cheese-laden Chinese takeout we generally obtained when I was developing. Oh how wrong I was – now I routinely prepare Indian and Thai dishes at home, and I know that I can typically search out those cultures when journeying and find something safe on the menu.

I initially tried Indian cuisine at a small restaurant in London, and I haven`t looked back since. I had a excellent experience, from the menu items, to the atmosphere and the reality that it was BYOB, so we enjoyed a prolonged dinner, drank wine, and conversed. Best of all? Gluten free, with the exception of some of the breads. When I returned, I started going to lunch with my mom at a nearby Indian restaurant in Bellevue, and when I go back we almost always go out for Indian food.

What does this have to do with Amrit in Berlin, you ask?

If I had been asked prior to 2014 what I thought about having Indian cuisine for Christmas dinner, I would have expressed something along the lines of “I`m uncertain about that idea. Indian food is not typically what comes to mind for a Christmas meal” despite never having tried it.

Now? We went to Amrit in Berlin for Christmas dinner twice – on the 24th and 25th. It was amazing, and best of all, it was open on Christmas. We tried a variety of dishes, such as Butter Chicken, Aloo Saag, and Biryiani. Everything was fantastic, and I would have gone back again if we were there for another night over Christmas when the city was closed.

Most items on the menu were naturally gluten free, but check with your server to ensure.”

More Gluten Free Indian Food at Chutnify

As you might have already understood, I have a strong liking for Indian cuisine. And Berlin`s diversity is among the factors that make it a unique place.

Chutnify has a clearly marked menu with many gluten free options, from curries to biryani to dosa. They`ve got four locations around Berlin, and they all offer a great choice for a tasty safe gluten free meal. With the exception of the bread (like chapati) and samosas, the whole menu is gluten free (as of 2020), so you`ll have numerous choices to pick from.

Gluten Free Buckwheat Galettes at Suzette Creperie in Prenzlauer Berg

We were fortunate on this one, because they were only open the day we came. Luckily, that matched up with when we arrived! It was just up the street from the Circus Hostel.

They have a combination of sweet and savory crepes and galettes – the galettes are made of buckwheat and are gluten free, while the crepes are not. I bet if you asked politely, they could make a sweet gallette for you though.

A galette is essentially a thin pancake made with buckwheat flour and filled with some mixture of savory meat, cheese, and veggies. We got two to share, including one filled with bacon, spinach, and goat cheese which was the favorite

Another highlight was the cider from Normandy served – it was worth ordering a glass, though after finishing we agreed we should`ve gotten a full bottle to share given how much we enjoyed it.

After eating, we were the last patrons in the restaurant and I conversed with the owners. They were literally closing down the restaurant and heading to France to spend Christmas with loved ones later that same day. Glad we decided to go when we did!

Gluten Free Pizza in Berlin: Two Options

NOTE: ESTABLISHMENTS SELLING PIZZA MAY POSE MORE RISKS THAN AVERAGE. BEFORE YOU SIT DOWN, INQUIRE ABOUT THEIR KITCHEN AND PROCEDURES. IF IT DOESN’T MEET YOUR NEEDS, DEPART AND EAT ELSEWHERE.

Given multiple unfavorable reviews from trusted sources, I cannot currently endorse Simela for individuals with Celiac disease.

Gluten free pizza in Berlin sounds great!Simela was our first meal stop in Berlin. The restaurant is modest in size but serves quality gluten free pizzas. Not only that, staff explained they maintain separate areas in the kitchen and cook the pizzas on a different surface in the oven to avoid cross contamination. I read it can get busy, so make reservations if possible! When we dined there, only a few other customers were present.

They have two sites – one in Berlin Mitte, and one near the Berlin Zoo.

As always, inquire about any food restrictions and potential cross-contamination issues with staff.

An alternative is Cielo de Berlino, where you’ll find gluten free pizza made on a buckwheat crust. Their site includes a page discussing their processes to avoid cross-contamination. Tl;dr – they take all precautions possible, like separate prep areas for gluten free pizza, but wheat flour is inherently in the air. Armed with that information, you can make an informed decision about whether or not it is safe for you to eat there.

Cevicheria: Gluten Free Peruvian Food in Berlin

Cevicheria offers Peruvian cuisine whereby most menu items are gluten-free (notwithstanding the lack of explicit labeling as such). Following my trip to Colombia, I`ve become rather fond of ceviche. Generally, it poses little threat to individuals with celiac disease (soy sauce requiring monitoring). Dessert options should be avoided, and confirmation sought from staff regarding any modifications.

Que Pasa? Mexican Food with a Clearly-Marked Menu

Mexican food is usually a reliable choice, and Que Pasa has what you’re searching for. It’s a trendy, hip space, and they have great cocktails too, with more than five places around Berlin.

The menu clearly marks gluten-free options – at minimum, you’ll need to avoid the burritos (obviously), the chicken filling (not safe), and the quesadillas. The menu denotes all gluten-containing items but double confirmation from your server is still advisable before ordering.

The Best Coffee Shops in Berlin

Five Elephant is the solitary German coffee roaster that I had learned of from Germany just before touring. They lived up to the buzz.

The café is situated in Kreuzberg in a fairly residential area. The team were extremely supportive, and we obtained some pourover coffee and spent a couple hours on a dreary day doing some analyzing and journaling. It was highly agreeable. Out of all the coffee shops we toured in Germany, this was my preferred.

If gluten is not a concern or cause of sensitivity, they prepare all of their pastries in-house (except for the croissants) and they have remarkable cheesecake according to my brother, who does not typically enjoy Cheesecake but devoured the Five Elephant cheesecake in 14.2 seconds.

In Prenzlauerberg, we visited The Barn, Distrikt Coffee, and Bonanza Coffee Roasters. All three establishments provided quality services, though our favorite was Distrikt Coffee (its close proximity to the Circus Hostel, which helps). They advised me to avoid their food items, as they were not suited for individuals with celiac disease.

In Kreuzberg/Neukölln, three places are especially worth a visit:

To begin, Five Elephant (see above). Then Chapter One Coffee and Roamers CC. I recommend a self-guided walking tour visiting at least one of those places if you’re a fan of coffee.

Fun Things to Do in Berlin

Typically my trips play out like this: eat, walk around, eat, walk around, drink, eat, walk around, repeat as needed. If you want to experience some of Berlin`s attractions in between gluten free meals, here are a few of my favorite things to do in Berlin.

Heading to Berlin and wanting to figure out how to spend your time? Don’t miss my guide to 2 Perfect Days in Berlin: A First Timer’s Itinerary.

On Your First Day, Undertake a Walking Tour

A standout part of our trip was the 6 hour Brewer’s Best of Berlin Walking Tour we participated in on Christmas Eve. Many venues were closed including most museums so we opted to do the full walking tour that day. We met at the Friedrichstraße S-Bahn station and followed a circuit around the city center.

The best part of the tour was the in-depth history lesson we received about the Cold War and its effect on Berlin.

As the tour guide spoke, I realized that we never really learned about the Cold War in a meaningful way through our education here in the US.

At best, a few chapters in the textbook covered the effects of the Cold War on Central and Eastern Europe, but nothing delved deeply into the impacts.

As we walked through Berlin, the tour guide discussed the differences between East and West Berlin – from government to architecture. It was genuinely fascinating to observe the stark contrast between apartment buildings built on either side of the wall.

The Cold War was certainly an aspect I was less familiar with in terms of history, and I thought the tour was excellent. Most people would likely be satisfied with the shorter tour, but if you have the time to delve deeper, the 6 hour tour was fantastic.

We also took into account Alternative Tours and SANDEMANs.

Explore Kreuzberg and Neukölln

The neighborhood of Kreuzberg, located just south of Museum Island and the canal, is renowned as one of Berlin`s most fascinating and culturally diverse areas. Considered the epicenter of counterculture in Berlin, it offers a great opportunity to explore street art, artsy cafes, and nightlife. Further south lies the vibrant neighborhood of Neukölln, also worth visiting due to its diversity. Two activities are recommended while in the area.

First, stop at Markethalle Neun, a collection of culinary, liquid, and “other” vendors. It provides a fantastic example of Kreuzberg’s diversity. I saw Asian, African, French, Italian, and naturally, German cuisine, plus a range of local artisans selling their goods. Check it out, and before departing check their calendar of events to see if anything intriguing is happening during your visit. Consult this for a review of retailers. Definitely attend on Thursday evening for Street Food Thursday.

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Galavant through the Tiergarten

Another one of the larger community parks in Berlin, which I found value in despite it being the coldest time of year, this one has typical visitor attractions in Berlin that you truly shouldn’t overlook. First, the Brandenburg Gate at the entrance. The best time to capture a photo is either early in the day or at sundown, when it’s not jam-packed with people. Next, pre-book a Reichstag Tour in advance and go to the Dome at the top, which was incredibly fascinating.

Afterwards, proceed west on foot through the park to the victory column located at its center. Stop by the Café am Neuen See beer garden in the middle of the greenery. Exploration of the Berlin Zoo is an option if interested in wildlife, otherwise just head upwards to the Monkey Bar rooftop lounge nearby for refreshments and scenic views including the primate exhibit from above. The park features many possible activities depending on individual interests.

Visit the Pergamon museum

Since my earlier European adventures, I shy away from museums because they are definitely not the best way to see a city. However, I usually make an exception in large cities, which generally have one phenomenal museum worth stopping at.

I found the Pergamon Museum in Berlin, which I visited in Europe, to be one of the finest such institutions I have toured, despite roughly half the museum undergoing renovation at that time. I can hardly imagine it not being the top in Europe once fully accessible again. The reconstructions like the Ishtar Gate were spectacular, and the collection of art from the Middle East region was quite diverse.

To get the most out of the experience, book tickets in advance and prioritize a visit.

Where to Stay in Berlin

When traveling, I prefer Airbnb rentals or boutique hotels. For independent cooking, Airbnb offers kitchen access which proves useful when options outside large cities limit special diets. However, Berlin boasts plenty of gluten-free restaurants and bakeries, removing that necessity here.

For a detailed breakdown of Berlin’s top neighborhoods and lodging options, don`t overlook my guide on Where to Stay in Berlin

Don’t have time to read the full guide? Here’s what you need to know.

Prenzlauer Berg – Generally Best Neighborhood to Stay in Berlin
Charlottenburg – Best Area to Stay in Berlin for Families
Friedrichshain – Best Place to Stay in Berlin For Budget Travelers/Nightlife

Specific recommendations:

Circus Hostel or Circus Hotel – Situated nearby on opposite sides of one another. I’d lodged at the hostel before, and it provided comfortable, tidy, stylish quarters in a brilliant central location between Prenzlauer Berg and Mitte.

Stayery Berlin – Neatly organised and recently developed furnished flats in Friedrichshain. Perfect if you want private cooking facilities and more living space alone.

Schulz Hotel at the Berlin Wall – Affordable, stylishly designed, and highly rated lodging. There are many room selections available, ranging from a single bed to a family room with two twin beds and two bunk beds.

Stylish Central Studio with Balcony (Airbnb – Studio) – Excellent studio apartment a few blocks from all the action in Prenzlauer Berg, and on the metro line that will take you to the city center.

Imaginative Artwork at an Attic Oasis near Alexanderplatz (3BR – great for traveling groups) – Spacious Airbnb with 3 bedrooms and cooking facilities to allow preparing your own meals.

Final Thoughts on Traveling to Berlin Gluten Free

Are you enthusiastic for your upcoming gluten-free trip to Berlin? While not the most celiac-friendly city, with diligent searching several gluten-free dining establishments can be found in Berlin.

Do not overlook my detailed itinerary for Berlin: A Perfect 48 Hour Berlin Itinerary: See Much (ish) in Two Days

Have any other ideas, questions, tips, or tricks for navigating a gluten free diet in Berlin? Contact me to connect and share information!

Looking to book accommodation in Berlin? Check out these great options!

• The Schulz Hotel – Good Value Near the Eastside Gallery

Situated in a vibrant blue building in the heart of Sagres, Casa Azul is nearly impossible to overlook. The modern boutique hotel has numerous elegant and spacious rooms as well as one and two-bedroom apartments accommodating up to 5 guests.

• Casa Camper – Highest rated on Booking.com
• Airbnb in Berlin – Inviting and Fashionable Flat in Kreuzkolln

If you’re not already following me on Instagram, head over and give me a follow to stay updated on my travels. And for ALL the gluten free food pictures.

Traveling to other places in Europe?

Please refer to my Guide to Gluten Free Europe to view other Celiac-friendly destination guides.

• Gluten Free Paris
• Dining options without gluten in Rome
• A gluten free guide to Amsterdam
• Gluten Free Budapest
• Gluten Free Dining in Munich

My Favorite Gluten Free Travel Resources

Please click here to review my comprehensive guide covering my favorite resources for traveling while avoiding gluten.

Find Amazing Places to Stay

• I prefer lodging in private rooms within hostels, which offers a nice blend of the perks of a hotel (knowledgeable staff) and an apartment (a kitchen). I regularly use Booking and Airbnb.
• Booking.com – my go-to site for locating lodgings, hostels, and sometimes flats. Click here to read how I find a place with a kitchen on Booking.com.
• temporary home service – while it has evolved into something I’m not as big a fan of, temporary home service is still a great place to find apartments to stay in while traveling.

Find Unforgettable Things to Do

• Airbnb Experiences – my newest favorite after a cooking class in Mexico and great experiences in Colombia. I’m head-over-heels enthusiastic.
• I typically start my time with a guided walk, and Take Walks and Context Travel are the best walking tour companies available, and are worth the additional cost versus free walking tours.

Find Crazy Cheap Flights

• Scott’s Cost-Effective Flight Deals premium membership – I saved $900 on my flight to New Zealand, and it was only $39. They deliver flight bargains from your home airport. Strongly suggested if you’re planning travel within the next year.
• Kayak, available at this link, is a favored flight search tool of mine. They include budget airlines and a handy “Explore” feature.

Find Gluten Free Restaurants

• FindMeGlutenFree – one of the premier gluten free travel apps, but it is best to verify listings personally. Read how I utilize it on my gluten free travel resource page.
• TripAdvisor and Yelp – it is consistently recommended to search using the term “Celiac” for optimal outcomes.

My Favorite Gluten Free Travel Snacks

• Where to obtain the Best Coffee in Seattle: 15+ Amazing Seattle Coffee Establishments

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (310) 458-8300 | Website | 🅿️ Parking: Self-pay lots charge between $2 per hour to $20 per day | 👉 View tours of Santa Monica

• Lotus Foods Ramen: Now certified gluten free! Red Miso is the best flavor, and their ramen cups are a great airplane meal because you just add water.
• Yumbutter Almond Butter Packets: I am quite fond of their Superfood Almond Butter. It’s certified gluten-free, and their packaging is much better than others for on-the-go snacking. Or get the variety pack to try a variety of different flavors.

Vacation Warranty: I endorse having travel protection for your trip, so you’re guarded in the affair something turns amiss. Travel security from World Nomads is accessible to individuals from over 130 countries. It’s contrived for adventurous explorers with shelter for overseas medical, evacuation, hold and a group of experience sports and doings. I individually use World Nomads so I’m safeguarded on my trips.