This summer I took my first EVER trip to the UK’s beautiful South Coast and our first stop was the quintessentially British beach town of Torquay. This lovely seaside town is located along the English Riviera and home to an insane selection of gluten free hot spots and I felt absolutely spoiled for choice when eating out. From the freshest of seafood to one of the best gluten free bakeries ever, you’ll want to add Torquay to your destination list at any time of year!
Jacksons Gluten Free Bakery
Tucked away in Torquay’s old market place, Jacksons Gluten Free Bakery is a family run bakery which has the most incredible selection of classic bakery style treats, including custard slices, deep fried doughnuts, Cornish pasties and award-winning loaves of gluten free bread. While these guys always have a selection on display to buy, I would recommend pre-ordering your treats online to avoid disappointment. I just wish I lived closer to this bakery! Open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Where?
Market Forum Market Street
Torquay TQ1 3AE
Hanbury’s Fish and Chips
This epic fish and chip restaurant has been serving up the goods for over three decades and it’s absolute music to any gluten free person’s ears that they have a dedicated fryer. Any fish can be fried in gluten free batter and comes with a mountain of crispy, fluffy chips. Be prepared to queue for your order as this restaurant gets popular, especially at dinner time! Closed on Sundays.
Where?
Princes Streetm, Babbacombe
Torquay TQ1 3LW
Kalipso Artisan Coffee
This delightful, independent coffee shop is a haven for coffee lovers in Torquay and also offers a lovely selection of gluten free cakes and sweet treats. We grabbed coffee and snacks to go and wandered to the seafront, which was the perfect pick me up!
Where?
45 Fleet Street
Torquay TQ2 5DW
On the Rocks
Located on the water front, this seafood brasserie has an extensive gluten free menu upon request and is home to the holy grail – A SEPARATE GLUTEN FREE FRYER! They offer lots of delicious seafood dishes including a Devon Crab Crumpet which blew my mind. Also available are gluten free burgers, pasta, gazpacho and more. All desserts can also be made gluten free. Highly recommend booking a table on the terrace if the weather is nice so you can take in the Riviera views with your meal.
Where?
1 Abbey Crescent, Torbay Road
Torquay TQ2 5FB
The Elephant by Simon Hulstone
Did someone say GLUTEN FREE TASTING MENU? Yes, you read right. This beautiful Michelin starred restaurant overlooking Torquay Harbour offers a gluten free version of their famous tasting menu and adapts all dishes so we get to partake in the fun too! Featuring eight courses of goodness with coffee and petits fours to finish, you will want to make The Elephant a location for a special occasion! The service is wonderful and the wine list fantastic. Booking well in advance is recommended to secure your table. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Where?
3&4 Beacon Hill
Torquay TQ1 2BH
Rockfish
Torquay is home to one of nine Rockfish restaurant locations and is somewhere you will want to visit over and over again. Accredited by Coeliac UK, this beautiful and casual seafood restaurant offers gluten free fish and chips, whitebait, fried squid and so much more (including dessert!). This eatery is located along Victoria Parade with views of Torquay Harbour, so if the weather is nice definitely grab a table outside! Closed on Mondays.
Where?
Victoria Parade
Torquay TQ1 2BB
Number 7 Fish Bistro
Serving up some of the best seafood I’ve had in the UK, Number 7 Fish Bistro is a paradise for seafood lovers. Almost the entire menu can be adapted to be gluten free and the staff are incredibly helpful and re-assuring. The specials on offer are bound to tempt you too, and change on a daily basis. With gluten free bread on offer to enjoy on the side of your meal too, it’s an absolute win win situation. The restaurant has an extensive wine list too and a wine bar upstairs if you fancy a tipple before or after your meal. Closed on Sundays.
Where?
7 Beacon Hill
Torquay TQ1 2BH
The Gluten Free Suitcase 
Published by