Gluten Free Barcelona: A Complete Guide for Celiacs

Some Chains Have Only a Single Location That is Gluten Free

There are a few places below that have numerous areas around Barcelona, but just one or two of them are fully without gluten / safe to eat at.

I made every effort to clearly note this in the individual segment for each restaurant, but it’s good to bring this up again because it’s something we haven’t come across all that often previously.

Kitchens at Traditional Tapas Restaurants are Small

The kitchens at most small authentic tapas eateries are tiny and typically handle good amounts of bread though not too many other ingredients containing gluten.

As a result, few establishments have dedicated kitchen facilities or appliances like fryers.

If you feel confident about your Catalan and/or Spanish, you can ask them to prepare your food separately and do some extra cleaning, but it will be risky.

Alternatively, you can invest $9 in a gluten free dining card from Jodi on the Legal Nomads site as a means to potentially bridge communication difficulties.

I individually carried this document in multiple tongues throughout our three month European adventure, and strongly advise them as an instrument to render gluten free travel less stressful.

Our recommendation for small plates would be to select establishments that are either entirely gluten free, or approved by the Celiac Association of Catalonia.

Gluten Free Barcelona: The Best Gluten Free Restaurants and Bakeries in Barcelona

Now, onto some specific gluten free restaurants and bakeries in Barcelona that we`d recommend. We didn`t make it to every single place on this list, though we visited all but a couple over our week in the Catalan capital.

I will openly state that if you have Celiac Disease and intend to visit Barcelona, your focus should be on dining either at locations solely dedicated to being gluten free (there are definitely many options for this!), OR venues that are accredited by the Associació de Celíacs de Catalunya.

Their interactive map locating certified gluten-free eateries in Barcelona is quite handy!

So, in the guide to Barcelona’s gluten free establishments below, you’ll find it organized by dedicated gluten free restaurants, dedicated gluten free bakeries, and certified gluten free restaurants.

If it does not fall into one of these three categories, then it is excluded from this list.

Is that a ideal approach to arrange this list? Probably not – there are almost certainly places in Barcelona that can provide you a safe gluten free meal that don’t fall into one of those categories.

But we think it’s the cleanest, easiest way to think about navigating Barcelona gluten free, which is why we’ve chosen to organize it in this manner.

If you’re curious about our process for discovering and vetting gluten free locations, you can read our gluten free FAQ.

Dedicated Gluten Free Restaurants in Barcelona

Here are the restaurants in Barcelona specially dedicated to gluten free options.

There are three gluten-free eateries – Messie Sin Gluten, the Fish and Chips Shop Gluten Free, and Flax and Kale – that have spots where Celiacs can safely eat while the others do not (and sometimes don’t even have ANY gluten free choices.

For those locations, the address of the safe spot is clearly provided, and visitors should be certain they are at that exact address.

Messié Sin Gluten

We arrived in Barcelona from Italy after overindulging on gluten free pizza and pasta for over a month, so we weren’t in a hurry to get to Messié Without Gluten, which is a trio of restaurants, two of which are completely gluten free and safe for Celiacs (see the addresses below).

On our final night residing in Gràcia, our most loved area to stay in Barcelona, we decided to lazily make our way over to Messié Sin Gluten and see how their pizza measured up to the ones we had in Italy.

The key point is: the crust is more comparable to those commonly found in the United States, which tend to be thin and crispy, than to those consumed in Italy, which generally are thicker and more airy (for lack of a better descriptor).

That’s not necessarily a bad thing at all, just a marginally dissimilar style.

The element that stood out, however, was the toppings, which were phenomenal and plentiful. In Italy, we found that the toppings were almost universally a little bit sparse.

Not here! We had a Halloween pizza with a pumpkin-based crust and mushrooms topping, and it was plentifully covered with mushrooms!

On the whole, we were pleasantly surprised, and would definitely recommend it. However, do not consume the beer, even if it is labeled gluten free (see the section above regarding why I say that).

Gluten Free Locations:

• Messié Sin Gluten Muntaner ( Carrer de Muntaner, 109, 08036 Barcelona, Spain)
• Messié Pizza Gluten Free Gràcia ( Carrer de Siracusa, 15, 08012 Barcelona, Spain)

Fish and Chips Shop Gluten Free (ONE LOCATION ONLY)

This is a chain with multiple restaurants in Barcelona, and only one of them is gluten free. Though it is entirely gluten free, which is excellent because it means you can obtain Celiac-safe fish and chips, which is not an everyday occurrence, at least where we’re from.

We ended up here twice, which should convey all you need to know about our thoughts on the menu options.

Upon our initial visit to Barcelona seeking hearty fried fare, we opted for the customary fish and chips, which were rather satisfying.

However, I believe the co-most valuable players of the meal would have to be the coleslaw, which was outstanding, and the mango chutney, which serves as the perfect accompaniment for fries (or chips, outside of the US).

As we were eating, we noticed them bringing out a fried fish sandwich to the people sitting behind us, and we turned to each other and said “that looks good!” But we were too full already, so we decided a return trip was in order.

So a few nights later, we ended up returning specifically for the burger, which lived up to expectations and comes with the slaw on a gluten-free bun. I was unimpressed with the calamari, but that’s because it just wasn’t as good as the burger or the fish and chips.

They also have natural wine on the menu to accompany your fish and chips, and a couple gluten free dessert options to choose from.

Gluten Free Location: 

• The Fish & Chips Shop Gluten Free ( Carrer de Casanova, 91, 08011 Barcelona, Spain)

Gula Sana

Gula Sana very much caters to breakfast and brunch, offering selections like egg preparations and toasts, and they additionally operate as a fully gluten-free bakery with abundant cake and pastry choices.

Everything is gluten free, so you can order the benedicts, the toasts, the pancakes, and anything else your heart desires without needing to worry about cross-contamination.

We strongly recommend the brie toast – which comes with a delectable red pepper jelly – and the carrot cake, which was the finest thing we consumed at Gula Sana.

They have a wide range of gluten free baked goods and desserts (or, in our case, breakfast items) like cookies, savory turnovers, tarts, and cakes (we were having trouble choosing between the carrot cake and double chocolate cake).

One note: Some staff did not speak English, and forgetting the word for ‘piece’ led to fumbling over my poor Spanish trying to communicate wanting only a slice.

When I tried the usual “habla Ingles?” the server simply replied “no.” Completely my fault – I eventually got my point across but it`s worth knowing if you don`t speak Spanish.

My F*cking Restaurant

My F*cking Restaurant was quite simply the nicest meal we had in Barcelona, and perhaps all of Spain and Italy.

Upon entering the establishment, we were greeted with the friendly smile of Donny (spelling?), who seated us at a table and provided an overview of the menu and the concept behind the restaurant.

By the time we left the restaurant, Donny`s (again, is that the proper spelling?) charm, charisma, and ability to connect with us over our shared passion for travel astonished me.

He had aspirations to visit the western United States coast, where we recommended experiencing Portland, among our most cherished cities globally.

We weren’t quite certain if this location was entirely gluten free or not, since they regularly modify the menu and had gluten-containing items listed in the past.

However, it seems everything will be gluten free going ahead. Still definitely ask and double check with your server upon arrival.

The service was excellent from the moment we were seated until our departure, which is not always experienced in Europe based on past trips.

Now, you may wonder why the eatery has a provocative name. Truthfully, I`m unsure of the reasoning. But I theorize they enjoy breaking conventions – such as their version of patatas bravas with an inventive twist you must inquire about – and experimenting with novel approaches.

They provide a set menu involving somewhere between 9 and 13 small plates to share, and individual items can also be ordered separately. The menu evolves nearly constantly, so details provided here about enjoyed selections are likely outdated upon posting, but that`s fine!

Here’s what we tried and liked the most: 

• The burrata with pickled mushrooms and pumpkin puree stole the show. I could have gladly eaten multiple plates of it if given the option.
• The petite corn kernels provided enjoyment due to the contrasting textures of the corn cobs and the crisp corn pieces with a slightly sugary crust from the honey.
• The gorgonzola risotto with pralines was also excellent, offering a contrast from other risottos we had in Europe.

Flax and Kale (Passage)

I was pleasantly surprised by Flax and Kale! A note mentioned their sole location ( this one) is entirely gluten-free and endorsed by the Catalan Celiac Association.

They’re a really trendy restaurant, featuring a “flexitarian” menu that, at minimum in our experiences in Europe, we’ve discovered tends to be secret code for “expensive, small portions, and adequate food.”

However, that isn`t the case at Flax and Kale. At the conclusion of any trip we take, we usually sit with a drink and discuss our favorite experiences and flavors from our travels.

The Malaysian dish from Flax and Kale near the top of our list in Barcelona (and the truffle pizza was also quite good).

The diverse menu draws influences from locations around the globe such as Malaysia and Mexico.

This spot is in El Born, and we got takeout food from there and ate it at the Barcelona Cathedral, where you`ll find some of the best people watching in the city. Plus, some very talented street performers provide entertainment.

We also tried the Barbecued Pork Bun, which was satisfactory, but fell apart immediately, likely because we obtained it to depart rather than dining on location.

Manioca

I only discovered this place because of the map on the Catalan Celiac Association`s website.

We really enjoy tapioca pancakes, and when I saw the word “manioca” I thought “YES!” It`s located just east of Parc Ciutadella, approximately a 15 minute walk northeast of the Barceloneta area.

Manioca is a Brazilian restaurant that aims to be 100% gluten free and offers a wide assortment of Brazilian specialties with a slight Spanish influence.

We started with the pan de queso (pao de queijo, in Brazil), which are little chewy balls of tapioca and cheese, and are one of our favorite things to eat and make at home.

We each had a tapioca crepe – I had the ham serrano and Alysha had the goat cheese and eggplant caponata – and both were respectable, though hers was evidently superior, I believe.

Plan C

While it 100% lacked gluten, we were usually not very impressed with Plan C, a tapas / burger / taco / everything restaurant in Barcelona.

The menu contains tapas along with various globally-inspired dishes on another page such as yakisoba, tacos, and kebabs.

We went for small dishes, and had the croquettes, Spanish omelette, and bread with tomato. Nothing was particularly exceptional, or particularly tasty. Perhaps it’s what we ordered, but we went in expecting to order more food, and after the first round decided that was enough and went elsewhere.

Perhaps the selections we made were not the best choices and your experience might differ – if that’s the case, please share your thoughts in the comments below!

M2 Gluten Free

We didn’t actually make it to M2 Gluten Free, but the menu is completely gluten-free and features all sorts of dishes from burgers, to pizza, to pan con tomate. It’s situated just east of Gràcia, towards the more relaxed neighborhood of Les Corts.

Dedicated Gluten Free Bakeries in Barcelona

There are several gluten free bakeries in Barcelona, and we roamed throughout the city to make it to five of the most accessible ones from the center of Barcelona.

To speak truthfully, all of the options are good, and each has their own strengths, which was a thoroughly pleasing surprise.

All the patisseries in Paris are excellent options. We`ll review each one, but there truly is no wrong choice depending on your preferences and schedule. If you only have a couple days in the city, pick whichever is most convenient or aligns with your culinary preferences like pastries, bread, or cakes.

Jansana

Jansana was located a short distance from our apartment for the first half of our most recent trip to Barcelona, and we stopped there on our initial full day in the city. It’s situated on the border between l’Eixample and Gràcia, just off of Passeig de Gràcia.

If it provides any details, I intentionally made a special trip on our final morning in Barcelona across the city to replenish our supply of their pastries, and ended up choosing up a loaf of bread that we used for sandwiches over the next few days.

Jansana started way back in 2015, making them one of the initial gluten free bakeries to open in Catalonia. It`s also notable that they have their own production facility, and rigorously control ingredients and manufacturing to ensure safety for people with Celiac disease.

They have a mix of sweet and savory pastries and amazing bread loaves, like sliced sandwich bread and more French-style loaves and baguette-like loaves.

We advise: The Caña xocolata (you can also obtain it filled with cream instead), the savory croissants (we had one with ham and cheese that was delicious), and the empanadas (blue cheese and walnuts – indeed please!).

Additionally, you should likely try a xuixo, which is a conventional Catalan pastry (from Girona!) that is fried and filled with crema catalana (yet we furthermore viewed them filled with chocolate on our day travel to Girona).

This was the only place I saw offering a gluten free version, so order it if available!

You can see a listing of their present offerings here.

Pasticelía 

Another bakery (certified by the Associació de Celíacs de Catalunya) located nearby, mere blocks from the one mentioned above (Jansana), making them an excellent pairing for Celiacs seeking amazing baked goods.

To be honest, it was challenging to decide which experience we enjoyed more. Both were excellent, and are worth including in any adventure towards Gràcia.

The account behind Pasticelía is enjoyable, and is very comparable to numerous tales we’ve heard regarding the origins behind our favorite gluten free goods internationally.

Two women who met in kindergarten and intermittently entered each other`s lives over the ensuing decades decided to launch a gluten-free bakery.

For one of them, it was due to a desire to create better gluten free products for their children with Celiac disease, and after the financial crisis severely impacted the companies they had previously worked for, they joined together in a (tasty) partnership.

We found their croissant and napolitana (with chocolate, of course) to be outstanding – super buttery and flaky, exactly as a croissant should be (though we do want to make it clear that there’s still going to be a texture difference because, you know, gluten).

We also received a madeleine, but realized after eating it that we have no recollection of what a regular madeleine is supposed to taste like because we can’t recall the last time we had one.

CHOK (ONE LOCATION ONLY)

Upfront it should be noted: only one of their locations has a gluten free kitchen certified by the Celiac Association of Catalonia.

They create a couple things – towering cakes, cookies, and the highlight, kronuts. Which are essentially a large donut covered in either vanilla or chocolate icing, and then topped with an assortment of toppings.

They are visually appealing, and we recommend sampling one chocolate and one vanilla version with some type of fruity topping (a passionfruit version was available when we visited).

We also grabbed a red velvet cake cookie, which was also fantastic.

Gluten Free Location:

• CHOK Gluten Free: Carrer de les Ramelleres, 26, 08001 Barcelona, Spain

Casa Lupita

Casa Lupita is a bit outside the core, but the metro puts you in neighborhood Clot with far more locals, worth the short ride for assuredly excellent cuisine.

They had been experimenting with gluten free baking for more than just one year by the time of writing, though their business had turned one year old.

We sampled a couple menu picks from Casa Lupita, and all were remarkably good. Let me recount them chronologically, shall I?

First, the savory item – a biscuit (American-style) filled with cheese. It was buttery, flaky, and everything a biscuit should be!

Additionally, the blue cheese cheesecake was even better than expected once we realized it included blue cheese which we had missed when the kindly lady at the counter – one of the owners – explained it in Spanish.

Lastly, though certainly noteworthy, a berry apple tart that was tasty but lacked uniqueness compared to other choices, so I likely would select differently if given another opportunity.

We had our eyes on the carrot cake too, but felt indulging in three slices of cake prior to 11:00 am might have been a touch excessive. However, two slices? Two seems acceptable. Right? Right?

The point is, they have all sorts of gluten free treats – brownies, cookies, cupcakes, biscuits – but really the star attraction here is the cakes.

And they’re as good as any gluten free cake I can recall having, so spend fifteen minutes on the metro to get yourself out there!

They are also accredited by the Celiac Association of Catalonia, and offer plenty of vegan alternatives.

Celiadictos

Regretfully, Celiadictos is probably too distant for about 95% of people who have just a few days in Barcelona to make it there, but if you have more time I’d encourage a visit out to the west of the city center!

They operate as a bakery, a pastry shop, as well as a cake shop all jointly! We obtained a couple of pastries – one sweet, one savory – and a breadlike loaf for later consumption.

The pastries had the best texture of any in Barcelona – light, airy, and flaky – and the bread was a nice treat on the train the next day, served with plenty of Spanish cheese.

This bakery makes sure every ingredient they receive is safe for people with Celiac disease. They are also approved by the Celiac Association of Catalonia.

ACC Accredited Restaurants in Barcelona

Here are three restaurants that while not completely gluten free, are certified by the local Celiac Association and have systems to minimize cross-contact with gluten.

Your experience may vary of course, as it depends on communicating your needs to the staff and them following the protocols in place to prevent cross-contamination.

If gluten sensitivity is a concern while traveling abroad, spending $9 on a Spanish gluten free dining card could help reduce anxiety about confirming menu item safety with limited internet access translations.

En Ville

En Ville provides a slightly more upscale experience than other recommended locales, yet arguably represents the premier location in Barcelona to sample traditional Spanish dishes prepared gluten-free according to reliable methods. Situated in El Raval, the trendy neighborhood west of Las Ramblas, it proves a quality dining choice.

They have been ACC certified since 2014, and the whole menu is gluten free EXCEPT for regular bread being served. It seems like something they really ought to change.

One thing that bothered me is they claim on their website to be “100% gluten free,” which clearly isn`t accurate considering they serve, you know, regular bread.

So, really, it’s like 99% gluten free. Which, don’t get me wrong, is still good and better than 99% of restaurants, but it’s not 100%.

They feature a range of Spanish specialties, from tapas like croquettes, patatas bravas, and various cured meats, to main dishes like paella and duck confit. Plus, of course, a fairly extensive selection of gluten free desserts (you should order the crema catalana).

One thing to note – at the time of writing, only a set menu was available for lunch. When we arrived, we had hoped to order individually, but realized only the set menu was an option, so we left without eating. The dinner menu allows for individual orders.

Conesa Entrepans

Conesa Entrepans had in reality topped our list of eateries in Barcelona, which is a little unexpected considering it’s a sandwich location in a hugely visited area.

We split a couple of sandwiches and an order of the bravas and took them over to a quiet plaza nearby to enjoy in peace.

However, despite being a small shop with a compact kitchen, they evidently have a separate gluten free preparation area in the rear corner of the kitchen, using different utensils and appliances to ready the gluten free sandwiches. How did this come to be? Excellent question.

On their website, they feature a dedicated segment focusing on their gluten free products. Within this portion, the owner discusses noticing one staff member in the kitchen who never partook of the sandwiches.

So he asked him why, and ended up delving deep into the complex situation of navigating life with Celiac Disease. Over the years and years, they eventually were able to develop a product that was both safe for people with Celiacs, and tasted good as well.

As someone who has worked for a company that made products that I could not consume, I appreciated the owner’s care and empathy.

The most important thing to know about eating here is that your sandwich will come with a handy gluten free marker. It looks similar to this.

As their menu cautions, any dish lacking this emblem should be promptly returned and its ingredients thoroughly re-confirmed with staff.

The sticker is intended to preclude errors, so confirm your sandwich bears one! Most menu offerings can accommodate gluten free preparations, with just a few exceptions (denoted on the menu).

We truly enjoyed this place, and it makes for an affordable gluten free lunch in the Gothic Quarter, perfect for a break from exploring Barcelona.

I’d suggest going outside of peak times, when it’s (somewhat) less busy and easier to communicate. Though we went at lunchtime, when active, and didn’t have an issue.

While an additional charge applies to gluten-free sandwiches, the upcharge seems fair given the specialized equipment and procedures necessary to prevent cross-contamination with gluten throughout their compact kitchen.

Thai Barcelona

Thai cuisine is usually a safe choice for those seeking gluten free options while traveling, especially curries. In Barcelona, head straight to Thai Barcelona to take a break from tapas and local cooking.

We did not personally visit, but were made aware of and read favorable reviews, contributing to its inclusion on this list.

They are certified by the ACC, and provide a clearly labeled menu indicating which dishes are naturally gluten-free, and which options can be adapted to be gluten-free.

Individually, I`d opt for the natural gluten-free selections to circumvent possible mix-ups in the kitchen, but that`s my comfort level and tolerance for risk, which could vary from your own.

Their pad thai (along with some of their other noodle and rice dishes) are available without gluten (they do need to be modified, though), as are all of the curries on their menu. We usually stick to curries, with the occasional noodle dish thrown in.

Secondly, consider the following information relating to public safety in Croatia

They offer a set selection, or you can choose items individually. It’s right in the middle of L’Eixample, a block from Passeig de Gràcia.

Invest in a Gluten Free Restaurant Card 

There are numerous free cards accessible in general, but the biggest issue is that exactly none of them specify cross-contamination IN ANY RESPECT. Which is somewhat of an issue, given that cross-contamination represents about 90% of the challenge.

Fortunately for travelers, Jodi from Legal Nomads created a set of gluten free restaurant cards – including one written in Spanish and another in Catalan – to help those with Celiac disease travel without stress and obtain safe food despite a language barrier.

They provide a detailed mention of cross-contamination risks in the local language as translated by a local person with Celiac disease.

I personally have used these cards in Germany, Latin America, and Spain, and highly recommend them. It is worth the $9 to have a backup plan if your grasp of the language can’t quite communicate what you need.

Just click on the images below to view them for yourself.

Do You Need a Spanish or a Catalan Card?

Let’s briefly touch on Spanish vs. Catalan. 

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, a region of Spain that you may have heard about in the past decade or so because of their desire to be independent from the rest of Spain.

The important thing you need to know is that there are two widely spoken languages in Barcelona – Catalan (which sounds like a blending of Spanish and French, we think) and Spanish.

In Barcelona, everyone speaks Spanish, and most people speak at minimum some Catalan. Once you get outside of Barcelona into Catalonia – like in Girona, for example – you’ll start to encounter A LOT more Catalan.

For that reason, if you’re just exploring Barcelona, we’d recommend a Spanish gluten free restaurant card over a Catalan card.

Understanding either of the main languages would be sufficiently beneficial for communicating in Barcelona if one does not speak either. However, for traveling farther into Catalonia, learning some Catalan may prove even more practical.

Gluten Free Groceries in Barcelona

Nearly every major grocery store in Spain contains a dedicated gluten free section, usually isolated to its own area. The exception would be small convenience shops, which usually lack an extensive selection of gluten free bread, pasta, etc.

Items are clearly labeled, and gluten-free consumers will want to look for `sin gluten` on packaged foods (in restaurants it may be `sense gluten` which translates to the same phrase in Catalan).

In the EU (and therefore, Spain), this means the product must contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten, comparable to labeling laws in the United States and Canada (among other locations).

El Corte Inglés, Carrefour Express, and Mercadona were favorites of ours in Barcelona, each with a nice selection of gluten-free products kept separate in a dedicated section at most locations around the city (though Mercadona integrates their gluten-free options among standard items).

In terms of brands, we gravitated towards the highly regarded Rummo Pasta (undoubtedly the best gluten free pasta we ate across Europe), Schar breads and crackers, and Barilla pasta sauces and pesto.

Though you’ll find brands from various places – domestic and international – at most of the supermarkets listed above.

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Allow us to assist you in planning your incredible trip to Spain!

We’ve composed further detailed guides highlighting our favorite places across Spain – from Barcelona, to Madrid and Andalusia – that we crafted to aid in planning an extraordinary trip.

P.S.: If the connection isn’t there, it means we’re still working on it and the guide will be up shortly. It takes a significant amount of time and effort to put together these detailed guides! Bear with us.

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