A Gluten Free Guide to Sydney’s Northern Beaches by Jo Blagg
Jo Blagg of Coeliac Guide Sydney walk us through her home neighbourhood with the best gluten free options across the Northern Beaches. Images courtesy: Hello Manly, Sloppy Tee’s Collaroy, Best Restaurants Australia and See Taste Do.
I’m Jo, I live on the Northern Beaches and have been gluten free for 15+ years. I am a very sensitive coeliac, including cross-contamination. In 2022, my adult children helped me create Coeliacguidesydney to share safe places to eat in Sydney and beyond.
I only review restaurants that haven’t made me sick — because supporting the good ones matters more than shaming the rest.
Northern Beaches recommendations: Manly
For a special occasion
Nikkita
Every dish was superb as was the service. Nice wine list too. Everything we ordered was checked with the chef to be coeliac safe. Located in Manly next to Manly Beach.
Survey the excellent local seafood varieties at Nikkita. Image: Best Restaurants Australia
Hugo’s Manly
Perfect setting overlooking the water. Great service. Great vibe. Great food. Pizza cooked separately. Loads of options. Located in Manly next to Manly Wharf.
St. Alma
Open bright and airy, lovely decor. Staff very knowledgeable with coeliac. Separate fryer used for all our dishes. Such delicious tasty food. Located in Freshwater close to Freshwater Beach.
The Wine Room Balgowlah
The food here is as good as any fine dining restaurant I’ve been to. Presentation and balance of flavours so so good. Relaxed moody vibe with live music on weekends. Staff are knowledgeable about coeliac and helpful with the menu. Located in Balgowlah inside the Balgowlah RSL.
The Clareville
The majority of the menu can be made gluten free. For coeliacs they cook everything in a separate pan/fryer. The food here is outstanding. Bold flavours that were perfectly balanced. A delightful spot for a relaxed, intimate evening enjoying absolutely delicious food. Located in Clareville next to Clareville Beach on Pittwater.
For a great meal that doesn’t break the bank
Manly 16ft Skiff Sailing Club
Top spot on a sunny day. They have a separate fryer for chips and calamari. Located in Manly close to Manly Wharf.
Yok Thai Restaurant
Delicious, tasty and fresh food. Staff very knowledgeable with coeliac options. Equally nice to sit inside or out on a warm night. Located in Manly close to Manly Beach.
Nothing says Freshwater better than Harbord Hotel’s deliciously healthy menu. Image: Time Out
Harbord Hotel
The food is so good especially if you’re craving the fried stuff! I should also say their salads and other healthier options are also absolutely delicious. Located in Freshwater next to Freshwater Beach.
Harbord Diggers
A couple of options here Bau Truong has delicious Vietnamese. If you speak to the chef, they will show you the GF menu. Teddy Larkins has delicious steaks and has a separate fryer for chips. Ask Chef for coeliac safe options. Located in Freshwater close to Freshwater Beach.
Stowaway
Cosy bar upstairs in Freshwater. Great vibe and staff are all over coeliac needs. Love a separate fryer. Close to Freshwater Beach.
JC’s Pizza Harbord
I usually avoid pizza due to cross contamination but these guys understand coeliac and take all precautions seriously. Delicious pizza on a thin crispy base. My pizza was prepared in a separate area in a separate oven. I often eat here safely. Located in Curl Curl inside Harbord Bowling Club.
For Brekky
Ruby Lane
Healthy whole foods, loads of GF options. Excellent GF bread and buns. Salads, bowls, burgers and brekky all delicious. Eaten here safely many times. Close to Queenscliff Beach
Keep Tone Cafe & Pantry
100% gluten free what a treat! Great spot for brekky or lunch. Really tasty meals made with fresh ingredients. Close to Manly Beach
For take away
Banana Blossom
Safe, tasty, healthy salads and rice paper rolls. I eat here at least once a week and have never had a reaction. Located in Manly close to Manly Beach
Keep Tone Cafe & Pantry is a great Manly find at 100% gluten free! Image: Hello Manly
Fishbowl
Everything Gluten Free with the exception of their wasabi peas which may contain. Healthy, tasty salads and rice bowls. Fresh and delicious. I eat here at least once a month safely. Located in Manly close to Manly Beach.
Wholegreen Bakery
100% gluten free! Delicious pastries, sandwiches, cakes and coffee! Such a novelty being able to eat everything. Located in Manly close to Manly Beach.
Sloppy Tee’s Collaroy
Great treat for lunch with separate fryer for GF karage chicken and hot chips. Even had a nice coleslaw on the side. Lots more GF options on the menu to try next time. Located in Collary next to Collaroy Beach.
