Amsterdam: The Gluten Free Suitcase Guide

UPDATED IN JUNE 2022!

If canals, culture and good gluten free food are your thing then you will not be disappointed by Amsterdam. Every time I venture to the Dutch capital I count myself lucky, not least because of the spiffing public transport which allows me to hop from gluten free destination to gluten free destination with relative ease. Feast your eyes upon the diverse options in my guide, which I have pulled together after several trips to this gem of a city! From traditional Dutch fare to Italian delicacies – Amsterdam has it, so eet smakelijk!

G in West

This beautiful 100% gluten free convenience store and cafe will blow your mind. Not only do they have two rooms of gluten free pantry items, snacks and frozen goods, G in West offers up fresh sandwiches, toasties, hot empanadas in several flavours and an array of cakes to choose from to accompany your coffee. You can also browse the gorgeous gifts for sale and local crafts, which makes this store so much more than just a mini supermarket! You’ll recognise many of the brands of gluten free products on sale here and will enjoy seeing a few new and less widely-available names on the shelves too! Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Where?
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 76
1053 GS Amsterdam

Loulou Pizza Bar

This place is a brand new gem I was delighted to try when I ventured back to Amsterdam in 2022 after several years of postponed trips. While not a 100% gluten free kitchen, this place offer coeliac-safe gluten free pizzas, which are prepped ahead of time in a gluten free facility and then cooked safely in the restaurant kitchen. I was super sad to see my previous favourite Mastino V close down but having Lou Lou Pizza Bar is the next best thing.  Delicious GF bases and toppings as well as a gluten free beer on offer to wash it down with. Perfection! This restaurant has two locations but I would recommend booking at both and letting the team know in advance you will be ordering a gluten free pizza just to make sure they don’t run out!

Where?
Weesperzijde 42A
1091 EE Amsterdam

Maasstraat 18
1078 HK Amsterdam

Luza’s Caffeine Club

Forever searching for the perfect sandwich, I was delighted to come across Luza’s – a new gluten free friendly café – on my most recent trip to Amsterdam. This gorgeously quaint café will serve you Parisian vibes with your sandwiches and tea and is the perfect place to enjoy a quiet moment in the Dutch capital. While most sandwiches can be made on homemade gluten free bread, you may wish to try one of the gluten free quiche options, which alongside a number of free from cakes are proudly displayed in the café window. All food is prepared in an open kitchen in the corner of the restaurant and could not be fresher!

Where?
Van Woustraat 47
1074 AC Amsterdam

Miuz Gelato Artigianale

A BRAND NEW and 100% GLUTEN FREE gelateria, Miuz is worth the queues. I managed to get there the week they opened in June of 2022 and it was absolutely incredible. An array of delicious homemade flavours including gluten free apple pie, straciatella, pistachio and so many more are on offer as well as a selection of beautiful ice cream lollies. This place only has gluten free cones so no need to worry about cross contamination. I would recommend going here early to avoid the crowds and to also make sure you’re served before they close!

Where?
Overtoom 117
1054 HE Amsterdam

Stroom

In case you fancy a brunch or a sandwich on delicious, homemade gluten free bread you should definitely head to Stroom. Located in the De Pijp area, this Brooklyn style coffee shop come sandwich bar has one of the most gluten free friendly menus in Amsterdam. Almost all sandwiches can be prepared on free from bread, including toasties, which can be paired with a variety of soups too. Perfect spot for a lazy or working lunch.

Where?
Ferdinand Bolstraat 151
1072 LH Amsterdam

Pesca

One of the best dinner experiences I’ve ever had in Amsterdam, Pesca is a true treat of an evening. For seafood lovers only, this place allows you to choose your own fish from the fresh fish counter, where the gluten free options are extensive. Once you’ve chosen your fish, the staff will recommend how it should be cooked and will also suggest sides to match. Fear not – Pesca fries its chips separately so they’re coeliac safe (just be sure to tell the staff of your dietary requirements when ordering). We feasted on the most sensational razor clams in seafood broth (pictured), home cured salmon, whole freshly grilled seabass, chips and the freshest gem salad. You’ll be asked to pay a deposit online when you book but fear not, they make this up by serving you a chilled glass of Cava upon arrival to drink while you peruse the fish display!

Where?
Rozengracht 133
1016 LV Amsterdam

Loetje

Famous Dutch steak restaurant Loetje knows its stuff when it comes to gluten free dining, and lists all allergens in its clearly marked and accessible menu. As this eatery is known for its meat, staff will urge you to try the traditional Dutch beef steak, which comes swimming in a rich and delectable gluten free gravy. French fries, naturally, are the perfect accompaniment to this meat fiesta, and here they are fried in their own oil to avoid any risk of cross contamination with other fried items served onsite. Vegetarians needn’t shy away however as they will be catered for too. Loetje now has several locations across the city but my favourite is listed below.

Where?
Ferdinand Bolstraat 188A
1072 LV Amsterdam

The Meets

Another new spot to add to your De Pijp list, The Meets is a gluten free, vegan haven with plenty of free from options which not only are delicious but healthy too. It’s the perfect spot for breakfast or lunch with incredibly allergy-aware staff who triple check everything for you according to your allergy or dietary requirement. Take your pick from the clearly labelled menu from a selection of soups, salads and wraps or if you’re feeling something sweet opt for a vegan twix bar and wash it down with a beautifully instagrammable turmeric latte.

Where?
Cornelius Troostplein 3,
1072 JJ Amsterdam

Pancakes Amsterdam

With three Amsterdam locations, gluten free tourists won’t have to skip the quintessentially Dutch pancake experience when they are in town! Here, most pancakes on the menu – both sweet and savoury – can be made using the house gluten free batter, which is buckwheat-based. Gluten free pancakes are prepped in separate pans, according to staff, and so risk of cross contamination is very low. I can never resist a savoury pancake when I am here and often leave no room for dessert so sharing is highly recommended! Get ready to queue – Pancakes Amsterdam is highly popular with gluten free and non gluten free patrons alike!

Where?
Berenstraat 38
1016 GH Amsterdam

Prins Hendrikkade 48
1012 AC Amsterdam

Prinsengracht 277
1016 GW Amsterdam

Lottie’s Bar at The Hoxton Hotel

The perfect place to come for pre-dinner drinks and snacks, Lottie’s bar is one of the hottest bars in Amsterdam. Situated inside the stunning Hoxton Hotel, this bar has a beautiful drinks menu, which puts a spin on well-known classics. If you’re peckish, the wait staff will mark up on the menu what they have available gluten free. I opted for a delicious seasonal soup and then we shared a gorgeous burrata with heritage tomatoes and the freshest homemade basil. Walk-ins available but if you fancy dining in the restaurant I would recommend calling ahead to book.

Where?
Herengracht 255
1016 BJ Amsterdam

Omelegg

Never have I seen such an homage to eggs! Omelegg (if you hadn’t guessed from the name) serves up everything egg-based and has a humongous menu to boot. While this institution of a restaurant does not have any gluten free bread, the omelettes are so generously sized that you won’t miss it. Just about every omelette combination can be served with delightfully dressed mixed leaves on the side instead of toast to make a delicious breakfast, brunch or lunch. The restaurant also serves Shakshuka and fry ups for those egg fans wanting something a little different to the traditional fare. Luckily for us, Omelegg has two locations. Go early to avoid disappointment!

Where?
Ferdinand Bolstraat 143
1072 LH Amsterdam

Nieuwebrugsteeg 24
1012 AC Amsterdam

Blushing Amsterdam

If you’re looking for a decent coffee spot in Amsterdam near to all the museums, Blushing is great for allergies. They have a variety of gluten free snacks and cakes on offer to go or eat in and even have several gluten free breakfast and brunch options on the menu for those with a bit more time. The staff were very conscious of dietary requirements and took extra care when preparing my coffee.

Where?
Paulus Potterstraat 30A
1071 DA Amsterdam

Cafe Piazza

In case you’re in the mood for pasta, Cafe Piazza has a number of delicious options on its gluten free menu. Sit down and mention you are gluten free and a long list will be reeled off by staff – something which made me feel immediately at ease in this modest Nieuwmarkt eatery. As well as fresh starters and main dishes starring different types of meat and fish, gluten free diners can tuck into a rustic lasagne or a simple spaghetti with homemade pesto sauce, to name but a few of the heavenly carb-loaded options. Save room for dessert – chocolate lovers won’t want to skip the Tartufo Nero.

Where?
Kloveniersburgwal 5
1011 JT Amsterdam

Vapiano

Sometimes all you need is a chain to get your pizza fix. International restaurant group Vapiano does exactly what it says on the tin – fast, cheap and tasty pizza in a number of locations across the city. Gluten free pizzas are cooked separately and on their own special foil tray to avoid cross contamination and can be enjoyed straight out of the box with a decently priced glass of wine onsite or taken to go for those not wanting to sit in the middle of the hustle and bustle. For your closest restaurant, check out the company website.

McDonald’s

Yes, Amsterdam is one of the few cities that offer the Mcdonald’s experience to gluten free visitors and I can confirm it is fantastic. Most classic burgers can be made on a fluffy, sesame seed gluten free bun, served with the classic french fries which I can’t seem to get enough of. If you don’t want to miss out on the more quintessentially Dutch food options during your stay in the city, save this indulgent stop for your route home and enjoy at the Amsterdam Schipol Airport branch. For your closest restaurant, use the online store locator.

Haesje Claes

Typical Dutch cuisine is known for being hearty, warming and often laced with wheat flour. At one of Amsterdam’s oldest restaurants Haesje Claes however, gluten free folk needn’t feel left out – there is a whole menu for you! From a selection of naturally gluten free fresh fish starter plates to filling stews and fried dishes – this canal side restaurant has it all! I asked the waitress what she recommended last time I went and was not disappointed. I started off my meal with some salted herring, smoked salmon and a gluten free beer, before moving on to a Stamppot stew loaded with meatballs, sausage and bacon. Those wanting lighter fare can opt for pan fried fish if they need to ensure room is left for gluten free dessert pancakes!

Where?
Spuistraat 275
1012 VR Amsterdam

Bagels and Beans

This long-standing Netherlands chain became accessible to gluten free diners a few years ago when it introduced a gluten free bagel. Bagels and Beans now make breakfast or lunch as a gluten free tourist incredibly easy. Stop by and choose from a number of cream-cheese flavours or more sandwich-like fillings, all of which can be prepared on a toasted gluten free bagel. With over 20 locations in Amsterdam, how can you go wrong? Use the online store locator to find your nearest branch.

De Glutenvrije Winkel

Not only is Oostpoort’s gluten free hot spot De Gluten Vrije Winkel your one stop destination for every single gluten free pantry or frozen item you might ever want, it also offers fresh cakes, bread and amazing sandwiches you can eat in or take away, with a number of dairy free options. Owner Nadia has been passionate about bringing the best of gluten free to her customers ever since her son was diagnosed a coeliac. Wonderful family business which I already can’t wait to visit again! Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Where?
Pretoriusstraat 37
1092 EZ Amsterdam

Meanwhile, general supermarkets in Amsterdam are often fantastic for gluten free options, with the wonderful Albert Heijn firmly in the lead. Here you can stock up on an array of gluten free pantry items, including gluten free caramel waffles or Stroopwafels, which I highly recommend you fill your suitcase with on the way home!

Marqt, meanwhile, is home to a vast array of gluten free and organic products, including more widely available goods from labels like Schar and Genius. Don’t forget to pick up a packet of chocolate-covered gluten free waffles here by Damhert Nutrition!