Everybody knows that Berlin is a great place to visit, but for those who need to eat gluten-free, it can also be a bit daunting. The city offers an increasing number of options for those who suffer from celiac disease, gluten-intolerance or simply prefer to follow a gluten-free diet. However, scouting out the best places is a bit tricky. This guide will help you navigate your way around the different neighborhoods without having to browse the internet for hours. Here we’ll focus on Prenzlauer Berg, Friedrichshain and Neukölln; for gluten free goodies in Schöneberg, Charlottenburg and Mitte, check out part 2 of our post.
Prenzlauer Berg
You definitely do not want to miss out on this part of town if you are avoiding gluten. Start your day at Jute Bäckerei, a completely gluten-free and organic bakery that offers a wide range of breads, sweet treats, and sandwiches. Take your purchases home or sit down and relax with a nice cup of coffee while you enjoy your goodies. Betty’n Caty is another option for those seeking a decent breakfast. While not completely gluten-free, the café still offers a notable variety of gluten-free breakfasts, sandwiches, soups and cakes. In addition, there is an excellent range of vegan and lactose free meals on offer.
Selection of gluten-free breads at Jute Bäckerei. Photo by Jute Bäckerei.
This neighborhood is also the right place for a delicious dinner. You have the choice between Breton galettes, Korean fare, and gourmet paleo dishes. Crêperie Suzette cooks up hearty Breton galettes – pancakes made with buckwheat flour – with a range of fillings that manages to please both vegetarians and meat eaters alike. If you fancy Korean BBQ or other Korean specialties, check out Juki. They offer most of their dishes in a gluten-free version; you just need to ask. If you really want to treat yourself, spend an evening at Sauvage. This gourmet paleo dining establishment is completely gluten-free and offers sophisticated main courses, unconventional desserts, and unique drinks. Sauvage is beloved by the Berlin gluten-free community and even serves brunch on the weekends.
Friedrichshain
Feeling hungry after scouring the flea market at Boxhagener Platz or walking down the socialist monument Karl-Marx-Allee? No worries, Friedrichshain is a great place to savor some delectable gluten-free fare: Aunt Benny will fulfill your grilled sandwich desires or warm you up with a tasty soup. Indulge yourself and top off your meal with a dessert – several options are usually on offer. Sit down at Funk You – Natural Food for an energizing meal; this health food café prepares a wide range of juices and smoothies, breakfasts, sandwiches, salads, and sweet treats. Most meals can be prepared gluten-free and/or vegan. Another must is Ohlala, a highly recommended vegan café and bistro offering a great selection of pastries, quiches, and cakes. If you get the chance, check out their weekend brunch, which is 100% gluten-free.
Flea Market at Boxhagener Platz. Photo by La Citta Vita.
Neukölln
So, you’ve found your way to this hip neighborhood with its boisterous charm, artsy events, and vintage boutiques – but where can you grab a tasty bite without suffering any repercussions? On your way from the subway to Tempelhofer Feld, make sure to stop at Erste Sahne – Otivm. This Italian ice cream parlor sells delicious ice cream, semifreddi, cakes and sweet treats, all of which are completely gluten-free. Further north in Neukölln, you can find the Paleothek, Sauvage’s more casual sister, a paleo street food restaurant. This location’s small menu changes regularly and is 100% gluten-free as well. If you just want to grab a little snack on the go, descend the stairs to U-Bahnhof Schönleinstr. and get your hands on some Japanes onigiri from Rice Up. These filled triangular rice snacks are all gluten-free and can also be found in many organic supermarkets all over the city in case the hunger pangs hit you (at all Berlin Biocompany, LPG, and Basic locations).
Gluten-free Paleo Burger at Sauvage.
For more gluten-free delights in other parts of the city, check back here soon for the second part of this post. We’ll tell you where to find traditional Berlin Currywurst, gluten-free pizza, and the biggest selection of cakes that you can choose from without any worries. Disclaimer: If you have celiac or a severe gluten intolerance, we advise you to always inform the staff of any location of your condition. That way, you can make sure they are aware of cross-contamination issues and will point out the safe items on the menu for you. If you want to delve deeper into what this city has to offer to gluten-free folks, these are valuable resources: Glutenfrei in BerlinAllergy ExplorerGluten Scout
