My husband and I recently spent a week up the coast in Nerja — strolling around the old town and beaches, hiking in the nearby countryside, and, of course, enjoying the different food on offer.
Good Stuff Cafe
I couldn’t possibly write about gluten-free food in Nerja without starting with Good Stuff Cafe. This small, friendly café on the outskirts of the old town quickly became our go-to breakfast spot for most mornings we spent in Nerja.
Open for breakfast and lunch Monday to Friday, the warm and welcoming team are happy to adapt most of the menu to be gluten-friendly.
We first visited on the second morning of our trip (they weren’t open on the first day) — and after that, we didn’t bother going anywhere else for breakfast. The meals were delicious, generous, and, most importantly, I felt completely safe, knowing dietary restrictions were taken seriously.
Between us, we sampled:
- The breakfast muffins (an egg-based muffin with potato, sausage, jamón ibérico, a little chilli, and a sprinkling of cheese)
- The vegetarian muffins (sweet potato, chickpeas, spinach, and goat’s cheese)
- Bacon sandwiches on gluten-free bread
- All (I think!?) of the homemade gluten-free cakes
The standout for me was the coconut and raspberry bake — although the bakewell cake, peanut butter brownie, and lemon drizzle cake were all excellent. I’d recommend asking what’s just about to come out of the oven and hanging around for a slice!
I’m already plotting a return trip to Nerja — simply to spend more time at Good Stuff, trying more of their cakes and working my way through the lunch menu!
Inita Cafeteria
With the tagline “We Love Gluten Free”, Inita Cafeteria positions itself as a safe choice for breakfast and lunch in Nerja.
We visited on our first morning, and after checking with staff, we were pleased to learn that roughly 80% of the menu could be made gluten-free.
Service was friendly and efficient. Our waiter made sure I received gluten-free toast with my scrambled eggs and ham, which helped me feel confident about eating there.
It was a reassuring start to our holiday — and a reliable option we knew we could return to if needed.
The Steak House at Burriana
After a day of exploring the old town, kayaking along the coast, and sunbathing, we decided to treat ourselves to burgers at The Steak House at Burriana — one of Nerja’s best-reviewed steakhouses for gluten-free options.
The menu offered gluten-free buns, so I chose the Billy Goat (a beef patty topped with goat’s cheese, bacon, and caramelised onion), while my husband went for The Banging Blue (blue cheese and bacon).
The food was good, and I felt reassured knowing they use a separate fryer for gluten-free items. Staff seemed knowledgeable about allergens too.
That said, the meal itself was fine but not particularly memorable. I wouldn’t rush back — but it’s a solid, safe option for gluten-free diners.
Namaste Nepalese-Indian Restaurant
This was a slightly odd experience. Namaste is highly rated online for its gluten-free options, so we gave it a try.
The menu didn’t list allergens, but I felt confident checking in Spanish. I initially ordered a gluten-free dish, but the waiter strongly discouraged me — suggesting other options instead. (It was unclear whether he thought it would be too spicy, or if he just had personal preferences.)
Eventually, I went with a chicken jalfrezi and basmati rice — which turned out to be delicious: tender chicken in a rich, spicy, tomato-based sauce.
The waiter took care to warn me about cross-contamination risks (especially regarding my husband’s naan), which made me feel like my food was safely gluten-free — but the interaction overall left us feeling a little baffled. I’m glad we tried it, but probably wouldn’t hurry back.
Restaurante La Fuente
In Nerja’s charming “Little Italy” — our nickname for an alleyway full of Italian restaurants — we found La Fuente, the only spot with a dedicated gluten-free menu.
Almost the entire menu was available gluten-free, including fresh pasta dishes — but I was craving pizza.
The gluten-free base here was one of the better ones I’ve had: light, crisp, and not at all soggy. Toppings were fresh and plentiful.
They even had gluten-free tiramisu on the dessert menu — and stealing a few bites of my husband’s, I can confirm it was delicious!
Bella Roma
A few nights later, we found ourselves back in “Little Italy,” tired and hungry. We ended up at Bella Roma, lured in by a sign outside claiming they had the best gluten-free pizza.
The pizza was… fine. It didn’t quite live up to La Fuente’s standard — a bit paler and floppier — but it filled a gap for two tired tourists. Sometimes, that’s all you need.
Esquina Paulina
This tiny bar in the old town offers a small but delightful menu — cheese plates, ham and cold cuts, canapés, tomato salad, and smoked salmon.
We ordered ham and cold cuts, sheep’s cheese, and a tomato salad. When I explained I couldn’t have bread, they warned about potential cross-contamination in the small kitchen — but thoughtfully brought the bread separately and provided gluten-free crackers for me.
The cheese and tomato salad, in particular, were outstanding. We enjoyed the experience so much that we ended up dining here twice, ordering exactly the same meal both times.
Merendero Cobos
No seaside trip is complete without a meal by the sea.
After exploring Nerja Cave, we headed to Playa de la Torrecilla for lunch at Merendero Cobos, a well-reviewed gluten-friendly beachside spot.
While fried fish was off-limits due to batter, the grilled fish was safe. Staff were familiar with allergen concerns, and the menu was clearly labelled.
We had grilled rosada, langostine pil-pil, and a mixed salad. The grilled fish and salad were deliciously fresh, although the langostines were overcooked. I’d happily return — next time picking something other than the pil-pil!
Merendero Jose Cruz
Located on the promenade next to Burriana Beach, Merendero Jose Cruz was a convenient and tasty option for our last seafood lunch.
We ordered grilled swordfish and grilled rosada, both served with fries. I double-checked with our waiter that everything was gluten-free — and felt absolutely fine after eating.
The fish was tasty and filling — with the rosada being my favourite.
Final Thoughts on Gluten-Free Dining in Nerja
Nerja is a beautiful old town, best enjoyed outside of the high season. Spending the week following Easter there was a real treat: the town was lively but not overcrowded, and service everywhere was friendly and efficient.
Finding safe gluten-free food felt easy, and I appreciated the efforts that many restaurants made to accommodate dietary needs without fuss.
If you’re planning a trip, I highly recommend making Good Stuff Cafe your first stop — and don’t be afraid to venture out and explore. Just make sure to double-check allergen information when you can, and consider booking tables in advance during busier months.
My Gluten-Free Kitchen 
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