Six gluten-free restaurants in Abu Dhabi, from cafes to gourmet restaurants

In people who cannot digest gluten, intolerance may manifest as an allergic reaction to proteins commonly found in wheat, rye, barley, and oats. In extreme cases, gluten intolerance can lead to celiac disease, which can lead to abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. People with this condition do not absorb nutrients well and may experience weight loss, fatigue, rashes, and other problems.

Whether you have celiac disease or are gluten intolerant, here are some restaurants in Abu Dhabi where you can dine without worry.

Fire Pizza

This artisan pizzeria from California opened in the capital in 2019 and has since gained popularity for its pies baked in a burning open oven and its do-it-yourself concept. Gluten-free dough is part of this personalisation option, and while priced at Dh55, it’s Dh10 more than a regular crust, and diners can add any number of fresh toppings for the same price.

Open daily; 10am-1am; Galleria Al Maryah Island; 02 492 6842

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Billed as a “sophisticated lounge”, Mazi is the brainchild of Greek restaurateurs Christina Mouratoglou and Adrien Carre, specializing in Greek cuisine.The restaurant offers shareable plates, as well as a dedicated gluten-free menu, including dishes such as Chicken Thigh Kebab (Dh135) and Artichoke risotto a la polita (Dh115).

Open Wed-Mon, noon-3pm, 7pm-11pm (closed on Tuesdays); Regis Saadiyat Island Resort; 02 498 8955

grocer jones

The Australian chain replaces the bread on mashed avo toast with roasted sweet potatoes (Dh58) and offers gluten-free white toast with a wide selection of wheat-free options. These include gluten-free salad, chili shrimp with pineapple and saffron yogurt (Dh52), and desserts such as macaroons (Dh6), almond orange slices (Dh31) and Valhrona Chocolate Pecan Mousse Caramel (Dh28). Jones the Grocer also offers a variety of breakfast and main course options for gluten-intolerant diners.

various locations; 800 56637

Sanderson’s

It’s rare to see benny (the Canadian version of eggs Benedict) and quesadillas under the “gluten-free” listings on restaurant menus, but Sanderson’s has since created the dish with a healthy “eating on purpose” policy. There are also options in the GF box at this picturesque cafe, such as puffed rice and buckwheat bowls (Dh57) and cashew and coconut pancakes (Dh59), as well as some chicken, steak and seafood options.

Open daily; 8am-10pm; The Walk at Al Seef Resort & Spa by Andalus; 02 222 1142

Tawa Bakery

“Eating gluten-free never means sacrificing taste or quality.” That’s the rationale behind the founding of this 100% gluten-free bakery and cafe in Abu Dhabi in 2016. Brick-and-mortar cafes are now closed, but Tawa still offers delivery.

The completely gluten-free menu includes burgers, musakhan rolls, pasta and wraps, as well as desserts like luqaimat, jalebi, waffles and pancakes.

Tawa also offers a box of frozen products for AED 199, which includes three types of snacks (18 to 30 pieces) such as beef and vegetable samosas, mozzarella sticks, chicken nuggets, risotto balls, sesame cheese Rolls, spinach fat and beef croquettes.

Orders can be placed via WhatsApp on 800 8292 between 10am and 8pm.

Tuscan Villa

Fine Italian restaurant Villa Toscana has created a menu called Senza Glutine (Italian for “gluten-free”), which includes a variety of pastas. You can choose from tomato gnocchi (Dh90), pesto pasta (Dh110), porcini risotto (Dh95), puttanesca-style pasta (Dh115) and eggplant casserole (Dh75).

Open daily, noon to 3pm, 7pm to 11pm; Regis Saadiyat Island Resort; 02 694 4553

Updated: September 2, 2022 3:49 AM