You only have one weekend in the sunny Queensland state, where should you eat? I recently went and compiled a list of the places I managed to visit in just two days. The best thing about Brisbane is that it’s smaller and there’s minimal traffic (compared to Melbourne). We travelled from one side of the city to the other in under 20 minutes! That is unheard of in Melbourne.
I would recommend jumping on a free river ferry to explore the city. Make sure you hop off to see the man-made beach in the middle of the city – known as Streets Beach, and the nearby Epicurious which is an edible vegetable garden. Then hop on a Lime electric scooter, and scoot around to all the gluten free eateries.
1. Nodo Cafe
Locations: Café in Newstead, Café in Camp Hill or Quick eats in CBD
2. Birds Nest Restaurant
Locations: West End, Fortitude Valley or Toowong Village
95% of the menu is gluten free! I recommended this place to another Coeliac, and they were confused as they couldn’t see gluten free anywhere on their menu. That’s because it’s easier for them to say what’s not gluten free, which is one dish under the ‘To finish’ section. I highly recommend the Tori Karaage (gluten free fried chicken), the Sasami chicken skewers with mayo and crunchy garlic and the zucchini skewers. But really everything we tried was delicious! A must visit if you’re in Brisbane.
3. Marche du Macaron
Locations: Gordon Park or Ashgrove
Good coffee, croissants, cinnamon scrolls, takeaway salads and countless flavours of macarons. This place is takeaway only, but still has some seats. I’d highly recommend the cinnamon scrolls and salted caramel macaron.
4. Dovetail on Overend
Location: Normand Park
We rocked up here at 10am on Sunday, and it was busy! But the owner was so nice, and accommodating to get us a table. It is outdoor seating only, but they are under cover and have heating. But really does Brisbane even get Winter? 21 degrees for the whole weekend. The owner is Coeliac so understands gluten free, and the best thing, there is no extra charge for gluten free food ever! Make sure you enjoy one of their special gluten free donuts.
5. Covent Garden
Location: West End
A 100% gluten free restaurant with over 200+ gins. I think I found heaven. If you know me, I love a good gin and didn’t know what to pick. The food was also delicious. Especially the mezze board, goats cheese churros and the salmon with lentils. Plus the cheesecake for dessert. I highly recommend if you’re in Brisbane, especially if you’re looking for a late night feed, as they have an after 9:30pm menu to satisfy your gluten free needs.
6. Wilde Kitchen
Location: Teneriffe
Last but certainly not least on my Brisbane gluten free extravaganza weekend was the one and only Coeliac Australia Accredited café in QLD. Absolutely everyone loved their lunch here. It was fresh, filled with vegetables and did I mention the homemade sirracha sauce. Great coffee and also great service.
If you have time:
We didn’t have time to visit everything in two days, as Brisbane has alot of gluten free options! Some others that I really wanted to try and would recommend if you have time:
1. I Heart Brownies – 100% gluten free
Locations: Wintergarden or Bowen Hills
2. Caso Cibo – Italian
Location: Chernside
