Gluten-Free Guide

[Last Updated – 7th February 2024]

As one of the most popular posts on our website, and with family members who have gluten-free diets or coeliac disease, we understand the importance and demand for produce and restaurants that serve gluten-free food.

From being limited for choices at restaurants, to struggling to find somewhere to go that caters for the whole family, it can be difficult to find those venues that are gluten-free friendly.

So, we have done our research and are very happy to introduce to you this gluten-free page. May your dining and eating adventures in the North-East be better for it!

(This list is by no means comprehensive, and we are happy to add to it. Please contact us in the comments section below or via email at scobberlotchblog@gmail.com if you want to be added to this page).

Newcastle City Centre

Blackfriars, Newcastle City Centre
Serving British cuisine in impressive surroundings (a 12th century friary), this lovely restaurant has a lot of gluten-free options clearly marked on their menus.

Cote Brasserie, Newcastle City Centre
We love Cote, yes it’s a chain, but it has a great range of menus with GF options marked clearly, and is perfect for pre-theatre dining before seeing a show at the Theatre Royal.

Dabbawal, Newcastle City Centre & Jesmond venues
As many gluten-free diners will know, Indian restaurants are much better to dine at than a lot of other cuisines like Chinese or Italian – and Dabbawal is a great Indian restaurant with a street food vibe. You’ll find that nearly all the dishes are gluten free, and with it’s pre-theatre menu and close proximity to the Theatre Royal – it’s another good option before seeing a show.

El Coto, Newcastle City Centre
This Spanish restaurant serves delicious home-cooked-style tapas and is clued up on allergens and cross-contamination, with gluten-free dishes clearly labelled on their vast menu.

Miller & Carter, Newcastle City Centre
Miller & Carter have a vast gluten-free menu that covers starters, mains and desserts, and the menu is accredited by the Coeliac Society – giving you peace of mind.

Monsieur Crepe Cafe, Heaton
We love this place – it’s our go-to with friends for breakfast! They have a clear understanding of allergens and they can use a gluten-free batter for your crepe/galette. The hot chocolate alone is worth a trip!

Olive and Bean, Newcastle City Centre
I love this café, and any sandwich option on their menu can be made gluten-free. I find the staff are clued up on allergens, and they always seem to have a choice of gluten-free sweet treats on offer too! If you’re really worried about cross-contamination, speak to their staff first.

Zizzi, Newcastle City Centre
Yes, it’s a chain restaurant – but I tell you, sometimes you have more trust in a bigger chain where allergens are clearly labelled and there is a lot of choice. Their dedicated non-gluten pizza and pasta section is great too.

Gateshead

Bell’s Fish and Chips, Team Valley
This popular fish and chip restaurant and takeaway does gluten-free fish and chips.

Sorella Sorella, Sunniside
This very popular Italian restaurant in Sunniside has a dedicated gluten-free menu where you can tuck in to all your favourite Italian dishes.

Zizzi, MetroCentre
Yes, it’s a chain restaurant – but I tell you, sometimes you have more trust in a bigger chain where allergens are clearly labelled and there is a lot of choice. Their dedicated non-gluten pizza and pasta section is great too.

South Tyneside

The Clifton, South Shields
This coffee shop is great for breakfast or lunch, and can easily cater for gluten-free diets. They also gluten-free afternoon teas!

Fisherman’s Catch, South Shields
Found along Ocean Road, Fisherman’s Catch is a 100% gluten-free fish and chip shop where everything on the menu is gluten free.

Durham

Bell’s Fish and Chips, venues in Durham City Centre, Framwellgate Moor & Gilesgate
This popular fish and chip restaurant and takeaway does gluten-free fish and chips.

The Cosy Club, Durham City Centre
We are seriously impressed with the gluten-free menu from this stylish venue in Durham city centre. The gluten-free breakfast menu is extensive, and there are delicious and plentiful options for brunch and dinner too.

Hollathan’s, Chester-le-Street
This bar and restaurant in Chester-le-Street is great for gluten-free diners with gluten-free pizza and pasta available, and most dishes on the menu are able to be adapted for a gluten-free diet when ordering.

The Nook, Durham Market Hall, Durham City Centre
A gluten-free bakery serving up sweet treats and savoury items. Fresh and different items on the counter every day.

South Causey Inn, Tanfield
This welcoming restaurant and hotel on the outskirts of Durham has a fantastic menu that clearly shows gluten free dishes, or adapted gluten free dishes, as well as offering a gluten-free afternoon tea!

Tia’s Mexican, Durham City Centre
This restaurant in Durham is well-loved by those with a gluten-free diet thanks to its impressive gluten-free menu with a range of tex-mex dishes, pizzas, kebabs and skewers.

Vennels Cafe, Durham City Centre
Found in the heart of Durham City Centre, Vennels is full of old-fashioned charm. Serving cafe staples like jacket potatoes and sandwiches (with gluten-free bread as an option), as well as a selection of gluten-free cakes – it’s the perfect lunch stop in the city.

Zizzi, Durham City Centre
Yes, it’s a chain restaurant – but I tell you, sometimes you have more trust in a bigger chain where allergens are clearly labelled and there is a lot of choice. Their dedicated non-gluten pizza and pasta section is great too.

Street Food

FlipnFast
A mobile creperie that is all gluten free! Find them at Durham Market on Saturdays and scheduled events throughout the year! (They are also available to hire for weddings and private events). Find them on Facebook.