With all the food intolerances, allergies and digestive ailments that affect a great percentage of our nation (and it’s growing), it’s so good to see restaurants accepting that this isn’t just a ‘trend’ and are instead making suitable dishes to cater for these types of eaters.
Whether you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, or simply looking for food that’s more raw and natural than your average bistro, Manchester has some excellent options for you on their menus. Here are some of the best free-from-friendly restaurants myself and other Manchester-native IBS sufferers have voted as their favourites!
“Winner of the best gluten free burgers in Manchester, hands down” – Catherine, IBS sufferer
Gourmet Burger Kitchen
If you’re in Manchester and you’re searching for a burger, you definitely won’t be short of them in this city. For the best gluten-free burger offerings with some of the most extensive combinations between two buns, GBK has excellent choice.
From the Dippy Hippy (Grilled aubergine, pineapple, satay sauce, tomato, red onion, alfalfa sprout) to the Wellington (Grilled mushroom, horseradish sauce, rocket, pickled onion, truffle mayo), to my personal favourite, the Blazing Sombrero (Smoked Cheddar, chorizo relish, tortilla chips, mayo, rocket, pickled onion) you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find a dedicated gluten-free menu with all these incredible options, with each burger served on a fluffy gluten-free brioche bun.
“The best homemade free-from comfort food in Manchester” – Gia, IBS sufferer
Oak Street Café Bar
Situated in Manchester’s Craft & Design Centre, this nice little hub offers delicious main dishes and homemade desserts. All allergies and intolerances are accounted for here, and the menu even states whether it’s used wheat flour or not in its dishes. Try their homemade banana cake for a wealth of free-from deliciousness.
“My favourite place to get a wholewheat gluten-free pizza” – Hannah, celiac
Dough Pizza Kitchen
You’ll find this pizza mecca in trendy Northern Quarter, where their speciality is homemade gluten-free, dairy-free and wholewheat pizza base options. Instead of regular flour they use rice flour, and the healthier options mean you can enjoy a pizza base with a lower-GI than any other around.
“Incredible free-from ranges, especially incredible in an oriental restaurant” – Jess, lactose intolerant
Sweet Mandarin
These guys specialise in dairy-free and gluten-free Chinese dipping sauces, including barbecue, sweet chilli and sweet and sour. They also offer a specialist gluten-free menu, with some of their best offerings including their Sweet & Sour King Prawns in gluten-free batter.
“This is where you get the best gluten-free cakes for miles” – Carol, celiac
Tea 42
Known as one of the hottest spots for free-from cuisine and what the owners term “for foodie Coeliacs”, Tea 42 offers free-from treats including wheat-free scones, cakes and other confectionaries and is open 7 days a week serving breakfasts and gluten-free produce on their menus all-day. Try their homemade gluten-free crumpets for a hearty breakfast, you can even get these served with sausage, bacon, black pudding and fried egg.
“The best take-away option for wheat intolerance sufferers” – Izzy, wheat intolerance
Home Sweet Home
This dainty café has something of the upper-crust about it, specialising in homemade cakes and other delicacies. All their fresh sandwiches can be served on gluten-free bread, making this a hot spot for those needing a pick-up-and-go lunch with none of the fuss.
My Wellbeing Journal 