Since the Middle East’s first fully gluten-free restaurant, Seva Table, opened in Dubai in 2014, the city has steadily expanded its range of non-gluten dining options. Today, Dubai offers a wealth of eateries serving everything from international cuisine and healthy bites to indulgent desserts, catering to every gluten-free guest – and no neighbourhood does it better than Downtown Dubai. Read on to discover the most popular gluten-free restaurants in this iconic neighbourhood.
BohoX
While not explicitly a gluten-free restaurant, this chic Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard all-day breakfast eatery offers a range of top-notch dishes. Fresh, organic and wholesome meals are the order of the day here, across multiple menus, which offer plenty of non-gluten options.
As one might imagine, considering the theme of the restaurant, the breakfast menu is an expansive journey across some of the world’s most iconic morning meals. Gluten-free options include the Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bowl, as well as the Gluten-Free Granola. Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of additional plates, such as the Kimchi, Avocado, Cheese Platter, Veal Bacon, Scrambled Eggs, or Smoked Salmon, among many more refined options like the Bohemian Turkish Breakfast.
The main menu continues with plenty of gluten-free options, such as the Seabass with Pepolatta Sauce and a delectable Salmon Quinoa. To finish, the Gluten-Free Caprese Cake is one of the most popular options, in addition to the delicious Peach Tart.
Wild & The Moon
Also located on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, this charming option has positioned itself as “Your Favourite Vegan Food” establishment in Downtown Dubai. Organic, home-made and gluten-free, the menu stands as proof that modern dining does not need gluten to flourish, each dish crafted with creativity and care.
With an expansive selection of cold-pressed juices, nutmylks, smoothies, salads, soups, desserts, super bowls, and snacks, all designed for a balanced and healthy lifestyle, Wild & The Moon is the ideal spot for the modern urban crowd on the go. Cold-pressed juices are made from organic produce and contain no added sugar or preservatives. These premium beverages are crafted on-site to order, ensuring maximum freshness, and are thoughtfully enriched with superfoods like spirulina and maca.
The food menu is no less impressive, with a vast range of Superbowls, Hot Meals, Sandwiches, and even an All Day Breakfast section. The Six Pack Bowl is a particular highlight, packing a serious nutritional punch, while the Wild Tacos – complete with homemade taco shells – evoke the warmth and familiarity of childhood comfort food, reimagined with a healthy, contemporary twist. For breakfast food lovers, the Orange Blossom Pancakes, undoubtedly, are not to be missed. Just be sure to leave some space at the end for a little indulgence - the Blueberry Scone, perhaps?
MONDOUX
A restaurant which prides itself on quality and honesty, MONDOUX is not explicitly a celiac-friendly eatery, but it has a few exquisite options to satisfy the non-gluten visitor.
Located in Dubai Mall and with two more locations around the city (and a global expansion in the works), this new-generation concept boasts a pleasant atmosphere and a wide-ranging menu, making it the ideal place to enjoy a catch-up coffee with friends, or a leisurely lunch.
Dishes such as the Acai Smoothie Bowl are a particular breakfast highlight for those with a gluten intolerance, while the lunch & dinner menu showcases favourites such as the delicious Mixed Quinoa Vegan Bowl, as well as a Wild Rice Vegan Bowl.
While the menu here is not as expansive as other gluten-free establishments in the area, MONDOUX offers a relaxed atmosphere with attentive service; a fine addition to any list of gluten-free restaurants in the area.
Le Pain Quotidien
An inviting all-day bakery and restaurant in Dubai Mall, Le Pain Quotidien strives to provide as many non-gluten options as possible, with all of their tartines coming on gluten-free bread upon request. The establishment also offers a range of salads and desserts, each with their own gluten-free options.
Le Pain Quotidien translates from French to English as ‘the daily bread’, and the focus here is squarely on the loaves – freshly baked to ensure a perfect balance of crust and crumb, embodying the artisanal simplicity and wholesome goodness that define the brand’s philosophy.
The Avocado Toast – which of course comes on gluten-free toast – is a time-honoured classic, while the Roasted Cauliflower Salad is another intriguing option. The Spicy Scrambled Egg is another high point, whereas the Acai Bowl is a vibrant, nourishing choice, as delicious as it is energising.
It’s worth noting that while all tartine options can be prepared with gluten-free bread upon request, this accommodation does not extend to every dish. Guests with sensitivities are therefore advised to exercise caution and confirm ingredients with the staff before ordering.
Krave
Another Dubai Mall option, Krave is a modern, forward-thinking restaurant with health at the core of everything it does. The eatery boasts a promise of “healthy food made to order from homemade recipes”, and it does not disappoint.
Their commitment to natural, healthy ingredients is so extensive, it seems as though every dish has been crafted by Mother Nature herself. Hormone-free, natural-fed chicken is one of the key promises, while low-calorie, premium, lean meat features throughout the menu. Low-fat dairy products, fibre-rich whole grains and fresh produce (sourced daily) are other key hallmarks of the restaurant, in addition to a pledge of no deep-frying – ideal for a modern, health-focused lifestyle.
The Spinach Egg White Omelette is a popular choice for breakfast, while the Asparagus and Broccoli Soup is a refined choice for those looking for something light before dinner. The Grilled Chicken Breast is an excellent gluten-free main option, or the Salmon Pistachio also serves as an elevated offering. For those who enjoy a slightly more exotic dish, the Thai Green Curry and the Chicken Tikka Masala stand as excellent, gluten-free choices.
The restaurant also offers a wide selection of non-gluten wraps, smoothies, salads and bowls, positioning Krave as one of the most comprehensive celiac-friendly establishments in the Downtown Dubai area.
Circle of Crust
What better way to round out a list of Downtown Dubai’s gluten-free options than by showcasing some of the best non-gluten pizza in town?
Circle of Crust offers an extensive pizza menu, featuring 13 classic favourites and 13 speciality options, each available in small, medium, and large. What sets this restaurant apart is its inclusive approach: every pizza can be made with a gluten-free crust, ensuring that diners with dietary requirements are never treated as an afterthought.
Of course, pizza toppings are a highly personal choice, but the Cajun Chicken and the Super Meat Deluxe are particularly appealing options. Another fantastic addition to the gluten-free scene in Downtown Dubai.
Dining in Dubai, particularly in Downtown, has evolved significantly since the economic boom of the early 2000s. Today, the neighbourhood stands out as one of the city’s best-equipped areas for gluten-free dining. While not every restaurant is entirely gluten-free, a growing number of establishments now offer a variety of options, ensuring that those with specific dietary requirements are exceptionally well catered for – a welcome trend that shows no signs of slowing.
