Celiac Havens: The 10 Best Gluten-Free Restaurants for You
Jessica McNamara
| Last Updated: March 2024 Did you know that more than 1 in 100 people worldwide have celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten? That’s right: millions navigate a world where fluffy bread and decadent pasta are off-limits.
Thankfully, Auckland is brimming with restaurants that cater to gluten-free needs, and not just tolerating them. I recently went around town with my best friend – who has celiac disease – trying all Auckland has to offer when it comes to gluten-free dining and I have to say… we were pleasantly surprised by the options we found.
Anyway, I’ve put together a list of the very best spots in town where gluten-free doesn’t mean flavor-free.
1. Tokki
Address: 87 Kitchener Road, Milford, Auckland 0620, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 5 PM to 10 PM
Phone: +64 9 488 0888
This hip Korean eatery is a gluten-free haven where you can finally say bye-bye to menu FOMO.
What’s especially impressive is that Tokki doesn’t just slap a gluten-free label on a few sad options. The entire menu is celiac-safe.
Tokki’s dishes are bold, vibrant, and bursting with complex Korean flavors. We’re talking tokki ssam filled with melt-in-your-mouth pork galbi and tangy oiji.
Or, crispy eggplant drizzled in a sweet and spicy Korean soy sauce, and flat noodles dancing with chilli and doenjang pork. Drooling yet?
Pro Tip: Feeling indecisive? No worries! Tokki’s house menu is the perfect solution.This multi-course feast brings a little bit of everything to your table, showcasing the best of their seasonal creations.
2. Prego
Address: 226 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 10:30 PM
Phone: +64 9 376 3095
Prego is here to smother your gluten-free woes in a blanket of warm, delicious Italian goodness.
We’re talking pizzas with pillowy, gluten-free bases that won’t crumble under the weight of your fork (or your dreams!), pastas that sing with flavour,and desserts that’ll have you questioning reality (seriously, is this gluten-free?).
Here are some gluten-free main dish must-tries: their costolette, primavera, and costata di manzo.
Pro Tip: And for dessert? From flourless chocolate cakes to gluten-free tiramisu, Prego has your sweet tooth covered. Trust us, you won’t miss the gluten one bit.
3. The Bridgman
Address: 234 Dominion Road, Cnr Valley Road, Mount Eden, Auckland 1024, New Zealand
Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 4 PM to Late
- Saturday and Sunday- 12 PM to Late
Phone: +64 22 649 4813
This ain’t your average sad-sack GF joint. From epic burgers to fish and chips that’ll make mermaids jealous, The Bridgeman should be your next gluten-free go-to.
The Bridgeman’s smashed double cheeseburger comes on a pillowy,gluten-free brioche that holds its own against the juicy, double-stacked goodness. Add bacon (because, why not?)
The market fish and chips are a gluten-free dream come true. Crispy,golden batter hugs fresh, flaky fish, served with perfectly fluffy (and GF) fries.
And their tapioca pudding is the perfect way to end your Bridgeman meal on a sweet, guilt-free note.
Pro Tip: Get the Bridgman platter. It’s a gluten-free feast featuring garlic focaccia, buffalo chicken wings (yes, gluten-free!), salt and pepper squid, onion rings, spiced cauliflower, and house-made sauces. You’ll thank me later (and maybe your stretchy pants).
4. Masu
Address: 90 Federal Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 5 PM to 9:30 PM
Phone: +64 9 363 6278
At Masu, you can get all your favourite Japanese foods without any guilt.
Hit up the sushi bar. Say goodbye to gluten worries thanks to their amazing selection of gluten-free rolls, soy sauce, and wasabi.
And the robata grill—gluten-free skewers galore! Don’t miss the six-month-old beeswax Japanese wagyu.
Pro Tip: Take your experience up a notch with their private dining options: the obi room and the chef’s kotatsu table.
5. Nanny’s Eatery
Address: 492 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland 1021, New Zealand
Hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday – 5 PM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM
Phone: +64 9 282 1632
First things first, this ain’t your grandma’s tea party (unless your grandma’s a Jamaican Yardie with mad cooking skills). Nanny’s is all about bringing authentic Caribbean and Mexican flavours to the table, with a generous helping of good vibes and reggae beats.
Jerk chicken is so good it’ll make you want to do the limbo, pork belly that’ll melt in your mouth like island sunshine, and coconut curries that’ll have you dreaming of sandy beaches.
Must-try dishes for the gluten-free crew include: the nanny burger, the ital burger, their jerk chicken, and the ital coconut curry.
Pro Tip: Ask for the curry goat if it’s available, and ask about Nanny’s Lost Barrel Rum. It’s smooth, it’s flavorful, and it’s the perfect way to end your time at Nanny’s (responsibly, of course!).
6. Phat Filly’s
Address: 5/14 McDonald Street, Morningside, Auckland 1025, New Zealand
Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM
Phone: +64 22 568 3074
This ain’t your average sandwich shop.This is where Philly cheesesteaks get Phat with a capital P, and celiac sufferers can finally join the party.
Phat Philly’s uses proper, delicious gluten-free hoagie rolls that hold up to all the melty cheese and meaty goodness. No more disintegrating disasters here!
Their menu clearly marks all the gluten-free options, so you can order with confidence. No need to play detective or interrogate the staff (although they’re super friendly if you have questions).
Not a meat lover? No sweat! Their good phat is a veggie dream filled with juicy mushrooms and melty cheese, all safely gluten-free.
Pro Tip: Who doesn’t love tater tots? Phat Philly’s serves up crispy, golden beauties that are naturally gluten-free. Plus, their cheese punnet for dipping your sandwich is a game-changer (and yes, it’s GF too!).
7. Atelier
Address: 292 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Friday – 12 PM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 5 PM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 5 PM to 10 PM
Phone: +64 27 269 9306
Atelier takes gluten-free dining to a whole new level, ditching the sad salads and cardboard-like bread you might be used to. We’re talking French-inspired dishes bursting with flavour and creativity.
Dive into the smoked trevally rillettes for a smoky, savoury start, or indulge in the cured salmon with beetroot and gin.
Or if you’re feeling bougie, get the 250g prime angus rib eye cooked to juicy perfection and drizzled with a rosemary jus that will have you licking your plate.
Pro Tip: Get the omgoodness walnut and honey goodness gluten-free loaf with their black garlic butter or brown butter. Seriously, this bread is so good, you could have baskets.
8. Catroux
Address: 129 West End Road, Westmere, Auckland 1022, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 2:30 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 8 AM to 3 PM
Phone: +64 9 376 3590
Catroux is a flavour fiesta, a haven for both gluten-sensitive folks and anyone who appreciates good, honest food.
The menu clearly marks gluten-free options, and the staff is super knowledgeable about their ingredients. No more awkward side-eyeing or ingredient quizzes!
They’ve got fluffy almond flour cakes,hearty chickpea fritters, and vibrant veggie bowls that won’t leave you hungry. Reall, whether you’re craving breakfast, brunch, lunch, or a sweet treat, Catroux has you covered.
From their legendary chorizo dish (sauteed baby potatoes, chilli jam, fried egg, and thick yoghurt) to the power-packed fitness bowl (smoked salmon, avocado, halloumi, beetroot sauerkraut—hello,immune system boost!), your options are endless.
Pro Tip: They also have catering options, so you can spread the gluten-free love at your next gathering.
9. Tok Tok
Address: 129 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland 0622, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday – 5 PM to 9 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 9:30 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 8:30 PM
Phone: +64 9 489 3988
Tok Tok boasts Asian fusion flavours that explode in your mouth. We’re talking melt-in-your-mouth duck pad Thai, tangy tom yum diamond clams, and crispy hapuka swimming in a spicy red curry. Seriously, gluten who?
And here, gluten-free doesn’t mean dessert-free. Get their mango and pineapple pannacotta—it’ll make you forget all about gluten woes.
Pro Tip: Make a reservation, especially on weekends. This place gets busy!
10. Honey Bones
Address: 480 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 2:30 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 8 AM to 2:30 PM
Here, gluten-free isn’t an afterthought. It’s a way of life (and a damn tasty one at that). Almost their entire menu can be adapted to be GF, so you won’t be stuck with the gluten-free special that’s basically air with a side of sadness.
Get their zesty zucchini fritters. Crispy and fluffy, these bad boys are a must-try, even if you’re gluten-free by choice, not necessity.
And get their halloumi bowl if you want something more filling. When you get thirsty, get their strawberry swing smoothie, a yummy blend of strawberry, date, banana, chia, and coconut.
Pro Tip: Honey Bones gets busy, so be prepared to wait for a table. But trust me, the wait is worth it.
