Check out our comprehensive guide to gluten-free dining
Written by Laura Nierengarten
Newcastle and Lake Macquarie’s hospitality scene has actively joined the gluten-free foodie conversation, and have raised the bar for local gluten-free restaurants across a range of cuisines, serving dishes that look as good as they taste - dare we say even better without the gluten?
The list below highlights venues across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie known to dish up flavourful gluten-free meals and careful coeliac-safe practices.
Note: For venues marked “coeliac-friendly on request,” please contact the restaurant directly to confirm they can meet your dietary requirements.
Newcastle
Dedicated Gluten-Free Venues
Meantime
Where: 104 Beaumont St, Hamilton
Gluten-free diners can confidently order anything from this 100% gluten-free, coeliac-safe kitchen. Their schnitzel rivals any full-gluten schnitty.
The Blind Baker
Where: 89 Regent St, New Lambton
Newcastle’s 100% gluten-free baked goods haven, offering breads, pies and sweet treats so good you might mistake them for full-wheat. Coeliac-safe kitchen.
The Butchery on Brunker
Where: 262 Brunker Rd, Adamstown
Not a sit-down venue, but worth a mention as New South Wales’ first and only gluten-free-accredited butcher (Coeliac Australia). A 100% gluten-free environment with ingredients so good even Sydneysiders order from this Hunter gem.
G-Free Donuts
Where: Shop K5/30 Pearson St, Charlestown
100% gluten-free cinnamon doughnuts served hot and fresh daily, with five flavoured syrups to pair with these guilt-free treats.
American
Rascal
Where: 1/266 King St, Newcastle and 36 Pearson St, Charlestown
Authentic American-style diner and burgers, with almost every menu item available gluten-free on request. Coeliac friendly on request
Texas Bar-B-Q Grill
Where: 32 Industrial Dr, Mayfield
Smoky American barbecue serving plenty of gluten-free meats alongside its signature apple coleslaw.
Wings and Tins
Where: Level 1/88 Darby St, Cooks Hill
Over 20 flavours of chicken wings, with several gluten-friendly wing sauces and fries for gluten-intolerant diners.
Asian
Light Years
Where: 7 Darby St, Newcastle
Modern Asian menu with gluten-friendly options for every course, all served in a lively, party-style atmosphere.
Banana Blossom Salads
Where: R15/165 Hunter St, Newcastle
Salads, rice bowls and rice-paper rolls with plenty of gluten-friendly choices.
Menya Makoto
Where: 301 Hunter St, Newcastle
Authentic ramen restaurant offering a gluten-free noodle option and other gluten-friendly dishes.
Nagisa
Where: Shop 2/1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
Fusion of traditional and contemporary Japanese dishes with a large range of gluten-free options and items available on request. Coeliac friendly on request
OHMYPAPA
Where: 169 Hunter St, Newcastle
Asian flavours for all the senses, with a long list of gluten-friendly dishes and the ability to accommodate gluten-free requests. Coeliac friendly on request
Susuru
Where: 140 King St, Newcastle
Newcastle’s popular, authentic izakaya serving three types of gluten-free ramen made with shirataki noodles, plus gluten-free donburi options. Coeliac friendly on request
Bars
Bartholomew’s
Where: 145 King St, Newcastle
Offers a variety of gluten-free food and alcoholic options. Staff are known for taking extra care to ensure a coeliac-safe experience. Coeliac friendly on request
The Blind Monk
Where: 76 Beaumont St, Hamilton
Gluten-free pizza bases, platters, mains like oven-roasted chicken and pan-fried salmon, plus their tasty Halloumi Burger.
Harbour Bar
Where: 1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
Classic bar food with plenty of gluten-free-friendly options and gluten-free beer. Coeliac friendly on request
MoneyPenny
Where: 1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
Honeysuckle’s vibrant waterfront bar and restaurant offers a variety of gluten-free choices, including dedicated gluten-free pizzas. Coeliac friendly on request
Urban Restaurant & Wine Bar
Where: 143 Darby St, Cooks Hill
European-inspired deli and wine bar offering a variety of gluten-free tapas and mains, along with a gluten-free pasta substitute.
Breweries & Distilleries
Earp Distilling Co.
Where: 41a Darling St, Carrington
Locally distilled spirits, most are naturally gluten-free. The ultra-modern distillery restaurant also offers a broad gluten-free menu, perfectly paired with their drinks.
Grainfed
Where: 1/52 Young Rd, Lambton
All beer is brewed locally with Brewers Clarex, making most varieties suitable for gluten-intolerant drinkers.
Foghorn Brewery
Where: 218 King St, Newcastle
While not brewing gluten-free beer themselves, they stock gluten-free options. The menu features gluten-free pizza bases and substitute mains on request.
Modus
Where: 20 Merewether St, Merewether
Not all beers are gluten-reduced, but the Hard Soda line contains no traces of gluten. The brewery-door kitchen also serves plenty of gluten-free dishes.
Shout Brewing
Where: 22 Clyde St, Islington
Trendy Newcastle brewery using Brewers Clarex, offering local craft beers safe for many gluten-intolerant drinkers.
Cafes
Arno Deli
Where: 179/181 King St, Newcastle | 289 Brunker Rd, Adamstown
Almost all panini can be made gluten free (except #28 and #40), If you have dietary requirements, check with the team in-store and they’ll help you find or adapt the panino that works best for you.
Autumn Rooms
Where: 127 Darby St, Cooks Hill
Darby Street favourite redefining traditional cafe classics with a variety of gluten-free breakfast options.
Equium Social
Where: 1-5 Maitland Rd, Mayfield East
Modern brunch cafe with several gluten-free options. Coeliac friendly on request
Local Customs
Where: 513 Glebe Rd, Adamstown
Coffee-focused cafe and social space offering a wide variety of gluten-free and gluten-free-on-request brunch items.
Momo's Wholefood Cafe
Where: 227 Hunter St, Newcastle
A heritage-listed gem serving up healthy, laid-back eats, Momo's offers an extensive range of gluten-free menu options.
Fusion
Âpé Chilean Nikkei Restaurant (Chilean & Japanese)
Where: 16 The Boardwalk, 1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
Japanese and South American fusion (Nikkei) with plenty of gluten-friendly dishes and adaptable banquet menus. Coeliac friendly with advance notice
Finn Poke Bowl
Where: 352 Hunter St, Newcastle
Hawaiian poke bowls with fresh seafood and vibrant ingredients. Many signature bowls are gluten-free, or build your own with gluten-free options. Coeliac friendly on request
Italian
Bella Italia
Where: 545 Hunter St, Newcastle West
Sicilian-inspired menu with 25+ gluten-free options, including pastas, pizzas, salads, and sides.
Danny’s Pizza
Where: 80 Beaumont St, Hamilton
New-York-style pizzas with gluten-free bases and sides for gluten-free diners.
Market St Basement
Where: 2/2 Market St, Newcastle
Cosy Italian restaurant offering gluten-free mains, pastas, and risottos on request.
MIINE
Where: 13 Darby St, Newcastle
Features a dedicated gluten-free pasta alternative and gluten-friendly banquet options. Coeliac friendly on request
Indian
Raj’s Corner
Where: 116 Beaumont St, Hamilton | 126 Darby St, Cooks Hill | 317B Pacific Hwy, Charlestown
One of Newcastle’s most popular Indian restaurants. A large portion of the menu is gluten-free, and all authentic curries are gluten-free.
Latin American
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Where: 11 Steel St, Newcastle West | 235 Maitland Rd, Mayfield
Authentic Mexican street food with a variety of gluten-free and coeliac-safe options, including their mouthwatering tacos. Coeliac friendly on request
Bocados Spanish Kitchen
Where: 25 King St, Newcastle
Lively Spanish food with an incredibly accommodating gluten-free menu, the gluten-free paella is a must. Coeliac friendly on request
Charlie’s Rooftop
Where: 529 Hunter St, Newcastle
Casual Mexican-inspired spot with gluten-free shared plates and rice bowls.
The Lass O’Gowrie
Where: 14 Railway St, Wickham
Wickham’s Latin American-inspired pub serves several gluten-free menu items.
MEET
Where: 9 Darby St, Newcastle
Iconic Brazilian churrasco restaurant with an almost entirely gluten-free tasting menu, even the legendary cheese bread is gluten-free. Coeliac friendly on request
Mediterranean
Blanca
Where: 2/11 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
Coastal Mediterranean dining with a gluten-free option for every course of your European-style escape.
Rustica
Where: 2/1 King St, Newcastle
Ambitious Mediterranean menu offering gluten-free starters, mains, and desserts. Banquet menu available gluten-free on request.
Pubs
Commonwealth Hotel
Where: 35 Union St, Cooks Hill
Classic pub menu with a substantial gluten-free offering and gluten-free beers. Coeliac friendly on request
General Roberts Hotel
Where: 258 Lambton Rd, New Lambton
A dedicated gluten free menu that includes all your favourite pub classics.
The Grand Hotel
Where: 32 Church St, Newcastle
Traditional pub atmosphere with an extensive gluten-free menu; all fried dishes are gluten-free. Coeliac friendly on request
The Greenroof Hotel
Where: 71 Tudor St, Hamilton
Modern pub fare featuring many pub favourites, gluten-free and gluten-free-on-request.
Hotel Jesmond
Where: 182 Newcastle Rd, Jesmond
Home-style cooked pub meals, including gluten-free pizzas and burgers on request. Coeliac friendly on request
Islington Barracks Hotel
Where: 139 Maitland Rd, Islington
Traditional pub food where most wood-fired rotisserie and classic dishes are gluten-free or can be adapted.
The Kent Hotel
Where: 59 Beaumont St, Hamilton
Classic pub dishes with gluten-free and gluten-free-on-request items such as pastas, risottos, and burgers.
Lambton Park Hotel
Where: 19A Morehead St, Lambton
Plenty of gluten-free pub classics, including schnitzels, fish and chips and burgers, available on request. Coeliac friendly on request
The Lucky Hotel
Where: 237 Hunter St, Newcastle
Modern coastal pub with an extensive gluten-free menu, including pizzas and burgers gluten-free option on request. Coeliac friendly on request
Norma’s Bistro
Where: 132 Bridges Rd, New Lambton
Comprehensive gluten-free pub menu with highlights like gluten-free fish and chips, and lasagna. Coeliac friendly on request
The Oak
Where: 207 Maitland Rd, Tighes Hill
Old-school pub featuring gluten-free options such as grilled chicken wings, pork belly bites, lamb shoulder, and slow-braised beef short rib.
Steakhouses, Seafood & Fine Dining
Chophouse Grill
Where: 88 Hobart Rd, New Lambton
Classic steakhouse with multiple gluten-free options, including Gorgonzola Polenta, Woodfired Chicken, Tomahawk Steak, and Confit Duck Legs.
The Kingfish
Where: Unit 19/17 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
Honeysuckle’s relaxed seafood venue offers a wide gluten-free seafood selection, including an entirely gluten-free fish and chips. Coeliac friendly on request
7 Cutz Steakhouse
Where: 33 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle
Wide selection of naturally gluten-free mains, including steak cuts, lamb shank, beef cheeks, and Portuguese-marinated chicken, served with gluten-free sides.
Peregrin
Where: 99 Frederick St, Merewether
Elevated Australian bar-and-grill inspired by the Steel City. Enjoy some of the best views in Merewether along with an extensive gluten-free menu.
Roundhouse
Where: Level 9/282 King St, Newcastle
Modern Australian cuisine with most dishes and desserts available gluten-free.
Lake Macquarie
Asian
The Grateful Thai
Where: Level 1, Charlestown Square
Flavour-packed curries, stir-fries, salads and noodle dishes, with plenty of gluten-free options.
Fukusui Japanese Restaurant
Where: 568 The Esplanade, Warners Bay
Family-run teppanyaki that can adjust its entire menu for gluten-free diners.
Seaview Malaysian
Where: 21 Beach Rd, Redhead
Local favourite with a comprehensive Malaysian menu. Gluten-free diners can eat here with confidence. Coeliac friendly on request
Sesame’s On The Lake
Where: 63 Maude St, Belmont
Casual modern Asian spot where most rice-noodle dishes, stir-fries and curries are suitable for gluten-free diners. Coeliac friendly on request
Cafes
Cafe Napoleon
Where: 5/87 King St, Warners Bay
Charming cafe offering endless gluten-free choices, from soft bacon-and-egg rolls and arancini to sweet baked goods. Coeliac friendly on request
Cassowary Café
Where: 4/600 Pacific Hwy, Belmont
Extensive gluten-free menu catering to multiple food allergies. Highlights include freshly baked gluten-free banana bread, Eggs Benedict and bruschetta. Coeliac friendly on request
Food Farmacy
Where: Floor 1, Unit 1, 52 Ada St, Cardiff
The meals at Food Farmacy's cafe and dessert bar are free from meat, dairy, and eggs, and other items like their French pancake bowl,Waffle Bowl, and Felafel Bowl are gluten-free as well with other items having gluten-free options. They also serve gluten-free sourdough.
Good One
Where: 36 Brooks Parade, Belmont
Airy, coffee-focused cafe serving a range of gluten-free baked goods and toastie alternatives.
Mama - P Wholefoods
Where: 142 Pacific Hwy, Charlestown
Lake Macquarie’s go-to health-food cafe with dishes for every dietary need - think gluten-free waffles, toastie options and homemade raw cakes. Coeliac friendly on request
The Villa Cafe
Where: 19 Beach Rd, Redhead
Relaxed coastal cafe offering gluten-free breakfasts and lunches, from açai bowls topped with gluten-free granola to hearty brekkie bowls.
The Yoga Place Cafe
Where: 6 Mitti St, Blacksmiths
Plant-based cafe set in a lush garden, serving plenty of gluten-free breakfast favourites such as berry pancakes, toasties and a breakfast wrap.
Pubs & RSLs
Bluey’s Smokehouse
Where: 45 Macquarie Rd, Cardiff
Smokehouse menu packed with smoky gluten-free options and a strong focus on allergy awareness. Coeliac friendly on request
Club Charlestown
Where: 5 Lincoln Street, Charlestown
Head to Bistro on the Green for a menu of pub classics. A wide selection that is either gluten-free, or comes with gluten-free options.
Mediterranean
Martha
Where: The Parade, Belmont
Lake-front Mediterranean dining with gluten-free options for every course. The banquet menu can be adapted for gluten-free diners.
Modern Australian
8 At Trinity
Where: 81 Trinity Point Dr, Morisset
Waterfront modern Australian with European influences, offering a selection of gluten-free seafood and meat dishes, plus gluten-free pasta on request.
Brownsugar Restaurant
Where: King St & The Esp, Warners Bay
With sweeping lake views, Brownsugar features many gluten-friendly meat and seafood dishes, including lamb shank with truffle mash, pork cutlet and maple-glazed pumpkin.
Crusoe’s on the Lake
Where: Lake Macquarie Yacht Club, Ada St, Belmont
Waterfront marina dining with plenty of seafood-focused gluten-free options, including gluten-free battered items and flourless desserts. Coeliac friendly on request
TINTA
Where: 690 Pacific Hwy, Belmont
Contemporary coastal cuisine showcasing locally sourced produce, with naturally gluten-free dishes and gluten-free alternatives throughout the menu. Coeliac friendly on request
The businesses featured within this article have not paid to be featured, the content has been curated by the HUNTERhunter editorial team. We only promote businesses we love and think our readers will love too!
The above information was valid at the time of publishing. Please contact individual venues for up-to-date information.
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