A Gluten Free Guide to The Blue Mountains by Caitlin Manning
Blue Mountains local Caitlin Manning showcases her favourite coeliac-friendly gluten free spots
GUEST BLOG: Caitlin Manning
Outside the city isn’t so often blessed with the likes of 100% gluten free bakeries and cafes. Luckily, the Blue Mountains has a close-knit coeliac and gluten free community who back venues with owners and staff who go the extra mile to offer the safest (and tastiest) experience.
Glenbrook
For coffee and a sweet treat, check out Kickaboom, arguably the best (specialty) coffee in Glenbrook, alongside treats including from Little Secrets Bakery. Gluten free is kept on the top shelves and handled separately.
If you’re after something more substantial, head around the corner to Elsie’s and enjoy Nonie’s charcoal bread served up alongside the most delicious baked eggs.
If you’ve got the kids in tow and fancy a playground, 2773 have something on the menu for everyone and their menu is marked with both ‘gluten free’ and ‘can be made coeliac friendly’.
Springwood
For gluten free share plate delights, visit Reminiscence Tapas Wine and Whisky. Image: @coeliacsnacker
Visit Eden Cafe for a coffee and tart, or their gluten free savoury crepes (the owner’s daughter is coeliac). One of the only places open in Springwood after lunch, Eden also win MVP for serving up an afternoon coffee.
For a quick, fresh and delicious lunch, there’s plenty on offer at Saint Sushi - including gluten free soy sauce! Take a seat while your choice is freshly prepared.
Looking for somewhere for a long lunch or dinner? Get to Reminiscence Tapas Wine and Whisky. Walls adorned with whisky choices, they are pumping out the most delicious share plates for family and friends with a great and vast selection of gluten free. Nab yourself a table under the back fairy lights.
Lawson
Maprang Thai have got you covered for dinner with the best Thai in town, and a gluten free menu. Their original location (having opened a second near Penrith) serves up the best chilli basil fried rice a gal can dream of. A booking is suggested as it’s a small venue and popular with locals.
Wentworth Falls
For spectacular food and mountain views, Conversation Hut Cafe has you covered. Image: @coeliacsnacker
From the team behind ‘2773’, the Conversation Hut Cafe will quench your thirst and fill your stomach after you trek up from one of the most spectacular walks in the mountains through the Valley of the Waters. Not keen on leg day? Skip the stairs and enjoy the best views of Wentworth Falls over brunch, again with coeliac friendly marked options.
No bookings required but it’s a very popular spot with tourists and locals alike and fills up quickly.
For on the go, Mountain High Pies on the highway is known for their delicious choices, and they have three (separately stored) potato top gluten free pies: lamb, chicken and veggie. Lamb and shiraz wins every time.
Leura
Head to most cafes in Leura and you will find they offer plenty of options, but the locals adore Lily’s Pad Cafe. Another favourite is Red Door Cafe, which is quaint and has all your brunch options able to be modified to gluten free.
If you’re around on a Saturday morning be sure to head to the markets outside the Country Women’s Association where you will find Peter selling the most wonderful gluten free sourdough cob loaf.
Katoomba
Katoomba as the epicentre of the mountains has quite a few selections to choose from. Aunty Ed’s is serving up burgers and diner food with a serious amount of modification availability – all in a retro fit out and great kick back vibes. Basil Nut Cafe and Restaurant is a local’s (and coeliac’s!) haunt for a hearty Thai meal. The Bootlegger Bar Katoomba provides southern BBQ - almost all of which is gluten free.
Cattlefish will look after your take home fish and chips (seperate fryer!), while Pho Moi will warm your bellies with fresh Vietnamese curries and soups (be prepared to wait for a table in busy periods!). For an authentic Korean experience, check out the gluten free menu at Sanwiye, which you’ll almost definitely need to book yourself a table for due to their intense popularity.
Unique Patisserie have got you covered for sweet treats with separately stored gluten free choices (try their Opera Cake!)
Medlow Bath
Never underestimate the power of a pass through town option. Potbelly at Medlow is another local’s favourite for their gluten free options, especially the scones. Keep an eye out in town for this sweet cafe as a breakfast or tea spot.
Blackheath
Stop by the New Ivanhoe Hotel for a delicious outdoor family lunch at the beer garden. Image: @coeliacsnacker
For a special occasion in the village, nothing beats Ates. They’ve been around for a while for good reason and their delicious Mediterranean share plates will leave you satisfied, and planning your next trip back. PS. Mention while booking that it’s a special occasion if so!
BLAQ have earned their reputation as a foodie spot, and their recent change to a Mexican inspired menu, led by Michelin-starred chefs (think: Noma, Denmark) means there’s just as many coeliac friendly choices as the venue’s predecessors provided. Kick back and enjoy the award winning wine list.
For something more casual, the New Ivanhoe Hotel will satisfy yours’ and the kids’ tastebuds, with a retro renovation and a beer garden to enjoy the sunshine. Dig into a gluten free burger and enjoy those separately fried chips.
About the Author Caitlin Manning
Caitlin is a Blue Mountains born and bred local, who was diagnosed as a coeliac nearly 5 years ago. Caitlin has lived in and around Sydney and Melbourne, testing out her favourite foodie joints, before settling back home with her dog Millie and husband in the Blue Mountains (recently having added a little addition to their family who Mum and Dad are hoping hasn’t inherited Mum’s gluten free genes! But are well prepared with knowledge of separate fryer locations if that’s the case).
Catch Caitlin around town drinking a strong skim latte at her favourite cafes, enjoying international cuisine and packing her own lunch on the road, because you never want to get caught out hungry.
Caitlin is on Instagram sharing her favourite gluten free spots in and around Sydney, and on her travels as @coeliacsnacker.
