Whether you’re sticking to the well-trodden paths of Main Street and Casemates Square or exploring the less touristy South District, Gibraltar offers a surprising variety of gluten-free options. From reliable coffee shops to hidden tapas gems, there’s something for every gluten-free eater. Be sure to communicate your dietary needs clearly, and you’ll be able to enjoy all the flavours Gibraltar has to offer without worry. As always, I recommend you look elsewhere for recommendations too, don’t just take my word for it!
Exploring Gluten-Free Dining in Gibraltar’s Town Area
When you’re exploring the heart of Gibraltar, around Casemates Square and Main Street, you’ll find a variety of spots to grab a quick bite or enjoy a leisurely meal. However, not all of these places are gluten-free friendly. Below are my top picks to ensure you have safe, delicious options, even in a pinch.
Gianni’s (formerly Café Solo) (Casemates Square)
Gianni’s offers a few gluten-free options, pasta and pizza, and they’re willing to substitute gluten-free bread in some dishes like their gambas pilpil or paté. However, I’ve had mixed experiences with how seriously they handle gluten-free requests.
During a recent visit, I ordered a Goat’s Cheese Salad marked as gluten-free on the menu, only to find it served with a slice of baguette. The waiter explained that the ‘GF’ label meant the dish could be made gluten-free, but he did replace the salad with one I hoped was safe. Although I didn’t have any symptoms afterward, it reminded me of the importance of double-checking menu labels when ordering.
That being said, I’ve had great gluten-free meals here, such as the Chicken Caesar Salad (without croutons) and the Firenze Pizza on a gluten-free base. Just make sure to clearly emphasise your need for gluten-free food.
The food is of good quality, and the portions are generous, though service can be inconsistent. The more experienced staff tend to be the most understanding, which makes ordering with a dietary requirement easier.
Recommended for:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Café Louis (Main Street)
Further uptown near the Cathedral, Cafe Louis offers coffees, pastries, and sandwiches, but unfortunately, none of the baked goods are safe for gluten-free eaters. However, there are a couple of salads available, such as the Goat’s Cheese and Red Berry Salad, which was my go-to when I worked nearby. If you’re in need of a light and safe option for lunch, this is a great spot.
Recommended for:
- Lunch
Costa Coffee (various locations including Main Street and Casemates Square)
Though primarily known as a coffee shop, Costa offers a few gluten-free snacks that are perfect for pairing with your morning coffee. While the sandwiches, cakes, and pastries in the chilled cabinet aren’t gluten-free, many of the individually wrapped items near the cashier are. Favourites include the gluten-free brownie, millionaire’s shortbread, and the festive-special mince tart. Be sure to check labels for any changes to ingredients, but generally, Costa is a reliable option for a quick snack.
Recommended for:
- Quick snack
Gelatiamo (Main Street)
Just a few doors down from Cafe Louis, Gelatiamo is a gem for those looking for gluten-free and lactose-free ice cream options. Not only do they offer a wide variety of flavours (and a limited selection of lactose-free flavours), they also have gluten-free cones—a rarity for those of us who usually settle for ice cream in a cup.
However, if you’re concerned about cross-contamination, be sure to mention it to the staff when ordering. They tend to use the same scoops across different orders, with a quick rinse in between. While they are friendly and accommodating, it’s always best to be explicit about your dietary needs.
Recommended for:
- Ice cream, of course!
Gluten-Free Dining in Gibraltar’s South District
If you’re in the mood to venture beyond the bustling tourist hubs, the South District offers some hidden gems where locals love to dine. Here, you’ll find two of my favourite gluten-free-friendly spots that combine delicious food, a safe dining experience, and excellent value for money.
Quattro Stagioni (Rosia Road)
Quattro Stagioni is a go-to spot for Gibraltarians craving fresh Italian food, and they offer plenty of gluten-free options. While the pizzas aren’t available gluten-free, many pasta dishes (those made with dried pasta) and most of the fish and meat options can be adapted to be gluten-free.
The menu is clearly labeled, and the staff are knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions. One of my favourite dishes is the gluten-free Pasta Puttanesca, which is so good that I had to double-check I wasn’t served regular pasta by mistake! The only penne they serve is gluten-free, so you can dine with peace of mind.
There are also several gluten-free desserts, though they tend to be dairy-heavy, so whilst I haven’t tried them myself, I’ve heard nothing but great things about them from friends and family I’ve dined here with.
Recommended for:
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Special Occasions
Edinburgh Arms (Naval Hospital Road)
The Edinburgh Arms is a surprising find—an old-fashioned pub with a full gluten-free tapas menu! Everything on the menu is safe for gluten-free diners, with the only gluten-containing item being the side bread. Even more surprising, their ‘normal’ bread is your standard sliced loaf, whilst the gluten-free bread is a warm baguette, which is far more satisfying than the usual gluten-free offerings.
There’s not only the menu on your table, though there’s plenty of choice there, but keep your eyes peeled for the various specials boards dotted around the place. We spied at least four different boards, with veggie and vegan specials, fish and seafood specials, and meat specials – all of which contained items not on the ‘regular’ menu. It’s a busy, noisy places, but the staff are friendly, efficient and reassuring.
I visited the Edinburgh Arms last weekend with a couple of friends, and over-ordered out of sheer excitement. It’s such a treat to enjoy dishes I usually have to avoid, like fried calamares, rosada, and fried aubergines with honey. When the Russian salad arrived with breadsticks, I was reassured they were gluten-free, just like everything else on the table.
Similar to Quattro Stagioni, when it comes to desserts, they tend to be dairy-heavy items like cheesecake, though I recommend asking for the daily specials. My friends went for chocolate cheesecakes, which were a delicious and light way to round off the meal.
We found our meal to be excellent value for money – having ordered calamares, rosada, lamb pinchitos, russian salad, fried aubergine, a round of soft drinks, two desserts and a glass of wine the total came to around £60 between three of us (before adding a tip).
With its extensive gluten-free options, and having only had great experiences so far, I’m really keen to visit the Edinburgh Arms more often, to explore the menu further and make the most of having such a gorgeous gluten-friendly option on my doorstep.
Recommended for:
- Lunch (open for lunch at weekends)
- Dinner
My Gluten-Free Kitchen 
Leave a comment