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Like dozens of culinary hubs in Europe, discovering high quality meals that’s solely gluten-free in Lisbon is simpler than ever these days. Many eateries supply tasty gluten-free dishes, whereas devoted gluten-free spots permit celiac guests to dine with out the worry of cross-contamination.
Within the years I’ve been internet hosting my Lisbon meals excursions, I’ve seen a surge in gluten-free eating places, bakeries, and cafes throughout town. In case you have celiac illness, it’s pure to really feel apprehensive forward of any journey, however you’ll be able to dine exceptionally properly in Lisbon whereas nonetheless avoiding wheat!
All through this information to going gluten-free in Lisbon, I’ve outlined my must-visit spots for gluten-free meals, together with quaint cafes and ambient bistros.
The Meals for Actual Alcântara
Picture credit score: The Meals for Actual Alcântara
For those who’re gluten-free or making an attempt to keep away from particular allergens, The Meals for Actual Alcântara in Santo Amaro close to the Belém district is a should.
This little eatery has a charming rustic vibe, and the out of doors patio full of picket tables was a stunning place for an off-the-cuff noon meal.
A few associates of mine raved concerning the veggie and vegan choices right here, however I had no concept this cafe was additionally utterly gluten-free. Once I stopped by for brunch, I went for the beetroot hummus, which got here with a hearty serving of tofu and arugula.
The tofu had a stunning smokey taste and a agency texture that was softened by the sleek, garlicky hummus. On high was a handful of contemporary arugula that gave the dish a pointy chew.
The Meals for Actual Alcântara (€) – R. dos Lusíadas 51 A, 1300-366 Lisboa, Portugal – Open each Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to three:00 pm, closed each Sunday
Despensa N.6
Picture credit score: Despensa N.6
Serving mouthwatering pastries with out gluten, refined sugars, or synthetic substances, Despensa N.6 is a haven for anybody with a candy tooth. This gluten-free bakery and cafe is located north of town close to Campo Pequeno.
Its glossy picket options and mint inexperienced coloration scheme make the inside really feel as mild and ethereal as its tempting, gluten-free choices!
For those who’re on the lookout for a lightweight brunch, the pancakes, omelets, and crepes will probably be proper up your road. Nonetheless, after I visited, I knew I used to be headed straight for the baked items. After spending far too lengthy looking, I made a decision to attempt the lemon muffin.
The moist consistency and mixture of saccharine and zesty flavors made such an impression that I instantly ordered a second to tuck into later! Despensa N.6 actually proves you don’t must compromise on style to make more healthy decisions.
Despensa N.6 (€€) – Av. Sacadura Cabral 6A, 1000-274 Lisboa, Portugal – Open each Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm and each Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Zenith
Picture credit score: Zenith
Zenith isn’t one of many absolutely gluten-free eating places in Lisbon, but their wheatless dishes are among the many finest within the enterprise. I used to be strolling across the Santo António neighborhood, near the bustling Avenida da Liberdade, when I discovered this taking place spot.
This place is as hip and stylish as they arrive. The inside is decked out with purple brick partitions, a split-level design, and shiny inexperienced crops.
Although the menu had a ton of my favorites, like eggs benedict and shakshuka, I took my server’s suggestion and went for the breakfast-style tacos.
Inside every of those corn tortillas have been helpings of fried eggs, guacamole, sundried tomato, and spinach. I wasn’t positive how the flavors would come collectively, however the tart tomatoes and bitter spinach have been a stunning distinction towards the nutty guacamole and crispy, wealthy eggs.
Zenith (€€) – R. do Telhal 4A, 1150-346 Lisboa, Portugal – Open each Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to five:00 pm and each Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to six:00 pm
Bali do Cais
Picture credit score: Bali do Cais
Bali do Cais in Cais do Sodré is strictly what it feels like, because it serves up genuine Indonesian meals whereas giving a nod to Portuguese delicacies.
The restaurant itself is very Bali-esque, with tropical wallpaper, bamboo-covered partitions, and a number of the friendliest employees within the metropolis.
It’s simply considered one of Lisbon’s finest gluten-free institutions for Asian meals, and I’ve been dreaming of their beef rendang ever since I visited. Whereas it might look like a peculiar pairing, additionally they have a number of the tastiest gluten-free custard tarts I’ve discovered in case you have room for dessert.
This to-die-for dish consisted of fork-tender beef, a creamy however fiery coconut curry sauce, and floral jasmine rice. After I’d let the intense flavors of the rendang go down, the wealthy pastel de nata filling and crispy pastry made for the proper candy deal with.
Bali do Cais (€€) – R. Bernardino Costa 21, 1200-052 Lisboa, Portugal – Open each Monday and Wednesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm and each Tuesday to 9:00 am to six:00 pm
Totale Pizzeria
Picture credit score: Totale Pizzeria
Totale Pizzeria has a bunch of places scattered round Lisbon, however I’ve solely made it to their Saldanha restaurant up to now. I’ve sampled a few gluten-free pizzas within the Portuguese capital, however none have impressed me as a lot as Totale’s choices.
Earlier than I even knew that was on the menu right here, the spray-painted wall artwork and upbeat music caught my consideration.
There are 5 various kinds of pizza bases out there right here, together with an possibility for anybody following a gluten-free weight loss program. Selecting the bottom you need is tough in itself, however choosing what toppings proved to be much more of a problem.
After studying that their Roman-inspired pizza was amongst their best-sellers, I needed to attempt it. A beneficiant portion of gentle mozzarella, savory bacon, salty pecorino, and meaty mushrooms sat on high of a super-thin, crusty base smothered in a layer of juicy tomato sauce.
Totale Pizzeria (€€) – Praça José Fontana 17A, 1050-129 Lisboa, Portugal – Open daily from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Rice ME
Picture credit score: Rice ME
Rice ME close to Parque Eduardo VII is accredited by the Portuguese Celiac Affiliation, making it a perfect eating spot for anybody involved about cross-contamination.
I like the easy however trendy aesthetic right here. The golden lighting created a heat, stress-free environment, whereas the polished picket decor gave the restaurant an air of sophistication.
In the case of the menu, I used to be bowled over by the varied array of native and worldwide influences. Portuguese classics like duck fried rice and bacalhau sat alongside Spanish croquettes, Thai noodles, and Chinese language gyozas.
Their Italian dishes sounded too good to withstand, so I opted for the mushroom and asparagus risotto. This meal was the epitome of consolation meals, as the velvety rice combination seamlessly blended the tender, grassy mushrooms and buttery asparagus.
Rice ME (€€) – R. Carlos Testa 18A, 1050-046 Lisboa, Portugal – Open each Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, Saturday from 9:30 am to six:00 pm, and each Sunday from 9:30 am to five:00 pm
La Trattoria
Picture credit score: La Trattoria
Simply south of Parque Eduardo VII is La Trattoria, a must-try spot for those who’re on the hunt for some gluten-free pasta.
The inside is darkish and moody, filled with partitions coated in fantastic wines, low, wood-paneled ceilings, and monochrome tilings.
By likelihood, I arrived when their noon buffet was in full swing, so I used to be fortunate sufficient to pattern a number of pastas, gluten-free breads, and salads. My private favorites have been the garlic bread and truffle pasta.
Gluten-free bread usually will get a nasty rap, however this crumbly, toasted selection was scrumptious and had simply the correct quantity of punchy garlic butter. I adopted this up with a bowl of truffle rigatoni. Every chew mixed al dente pasta, earthy truffle sauce, and tangy parmesan.
La Trattoria (€€) – R. Artilharia 1 79, 1250-038 Lisboa, Portugal – Open each Monday to Thursday from 12:30 pm to three:00 pm and from 7:30 pm to 11:00 pm, Friday from 12:30 pm to three:00 pm and from 7:30 pm to 12:00 am, Saturday from 7:30 pm to 12:00 am, and Sunday from 12:30 pm to three:00 pm
Kong
Picture credit score: Kong
Kong in Chiado is a 100% vegan restaurant, however it’s additionally the place I’ve discovered a number of the most interesting Portuguese meals that’s completely gluten-free in Lisbon.
Stepping inside Kong felt like strolling right into a gallery, as daring artwork installations and murals are dotted all through the restaurant. I grabbed a seat close to the doorway, which was a way more laidback nook with pale inexperienced and picket furnishings.
The francesinha in Kong gave the impression to be an enormous hit with prospects, and I used to be eager to attempt a vegan and gluten-free model of this decadent sandwich.
Dripping in gooey vegan cheese and brimming with silky tofu, umami mushrooms, and candy caramelized onions, this sandwich had a slew of strong flavors. On the skin have been two thick slices of soppy, delicate, gluten-free bread that held all of the parts collectively.
Kong (€€) – Rua do Corpo Santo 2, 1200-129 Lisboa, Portugal – Open each Monday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm, closed each Sunday
Conclusion
With this gluten-free information to Lisbon, you’ll be assured of a memorable gastronomic journey all through your keep. Set your tastebuds alight with gluten-free takes on Portuguese dishes like pasteis de nata, francesinha, and açorda!
