Is gluten-free on your mind when choosing a travel destination? Are you perhaps concerned or worried as to whether you can dine out, or where you can go if you choose to visit Gothenburg? Then allow me to clear the air for you, as you should feel safe and secure in choosing Gothenburg as your next gluten-free travel destination! Before you know you’ll think of Gothenburg as Gluten-Free Gothenburg!
Is Gothenburg a great place to visit if you’re suffering from Celiac or Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity?
Yes! Short, and simple. Like many other cities in Sweden, such as its capital Stockholm, Gothenburg has many options for eating out when it comes to finding gluten-free restaurants. You’ll find that staff is both knowledgeable and receptive when it comes to the subject of eating gluten-free.
Most restaurants don’t treat it as an afterthought. In Gothenburg, it’s really common for restaurants to know a lot about food allergies, especially gluten. This means that you’ll see signs about it, the people who work there know how to help, they think carefully about what’s on the menu, and the food is good and safe to eat.
Supermarkets are well stocked with gluten-free products and you can even settle your sudden cravings by visiting a McDonalds or Burger King as they also serve gluten-free buns. Although I would highly recommend you try out a Max establishment instead if you’re in the mood for some ‘fast food’.
Quickly navigate through this post for recommendations, resources and tips for a Gluten-Free Gothenburg experience:
Restaurants
- Göteborgs Glutenfria Bageri
- Bord 27
- Brisket & Friends
- Kajutan Stora Sulahallen
- The Old Beefeater Inn
- Bar Italia
Supermarkets
Gluten-Free Allergy Card for Sweden
Where we ate gluten-free in Gothenburg!
In anticipation to our travels I reached out to the Swedish Celiac Society (Svenska Celiakiförbundet) who were so kind to provide me with a list of restaurants. I did some research online, scoured through Google Reviews, and the profiles of the reviewers, and got in contact with some locals.
Ultimately the list of restaurants we visited was in part also defined by my partners personal history to revisit her memories. It just happened to be the case that most of it was accessible to us both.
Göteborgs Glutenfria Bageri (Gothenburgs Gluten-Free Bakery)
As far as I can tell, there’s only one completely gluten-free bakery in Gothenburg and that’s Göteborgs Gltenfria Bageri. What you have to keep in mind is that this bakery is only open 3 days a week from Thursday until Friday.
That being said, they’ve got some delicious breads and pastries with my personal favourite being their ‘Tebirkes’. Traditionally this Danish pastry is filled with cream but theirs was just empty and utilised the same dough as a croissant.
Bord 27
Although not everything is strictly gluten-free, the staff was very informed and the chef was able to make changes to the dishes in order to facilitate a gluten-free experience. I’m not talking about store-bought replacements, but made to order improvements.
Naturally, some of the dishes were free from gluten to begin with, but I believe that’s part of what gluten-free dining should be about. Don’t try to find a replacement for everything, explore new dishes and get accustomed to a different way of eating.
Brisket & Friends
The BBQ here boasts a delightful flavor, complemented by a rotating selection of beers on tap. The menu also features several intriguing cocktails and an extensive array of sides.
The staff exudes friendliness, perhaps a tad excessively, in line with the American BBQ theme. This place is perfect for groups, families, or a cozy dinner for two.
The food is priced per 100 grams, which can quickly escalate in both weight and cost, so it’s wise to carefully plan your order initially and consider a second round only if you’re still hungry.
All items are clearly marked for allergens, ensuring a wide selection of gluten-free and lactose-free options for those with dietary restrictions.
Kajutan Stora Saluhallen
Dining at the markthall enhances the allure of this restaurant, distinguishing it from neighboring dining spots. Its unique appeal lies in the second-floor seating, offering a vantage point over the bustling crowd below as you enjoy your meal.
The fish soup gets my recommendation! Enhanced with fennel, a mix of seafood, herbs, and oils, it’s a dish that impresses with its freshness and complex flavor profile.
You’ll find that most, if not all, dishes are gluten-free. Including a gluten-free bread starter option, as well as a gluten-free beer.
The Old Beefeater Inn
Both the food and the service delivered, with gluten-free being made available upon request.
The Old Beefeater Inn features a calm, yet eccentric-looking environment where you’ll get your money’s worth.
Start off with a salad buffet before digging into a generous portion of food.
Great prices, great food, and great service!
Bar Italia
Great place to grab a coffee, on some days they’ll have a gluten-free cannoli with a base made from nuts. Swing by if you’d like to try it, I recommend having a taste.
Supermarkets in Gothenburg, and their gluten-free selection!
No matter where I am, I love to visit supermarkets. Probably because I’m a fan of cooking, but I’ve noticed that whenever I mention this to anyone, the opinion is shared. With that said, you’ll not be disappointed if you visit a supermarket in Gothenburg looking for gluten-free products.
ICA Nära, ICA Kvantum, ICA Maxi
For ICA Supermarkets in Gothenburg, gluten-free travellers will find a welcoming selection. Although specific products vary by location, larger ICA stores typically offer a more extensive range of gluten-free items. From baked goods to pasta, the variety caters to various dietary needs, ensuring a comfortable self-catering experience for visitors.
Hemköp
Hemköp provides a convenient stop for those on a gluten-free diet visiting Gothenburg. With an emphasis on health and well-being, Hemköp stocks a variety of gluten-free products including snacks, bread, and ready meals. Their commitment to quality and variety makes it easier for travellers to find suitable options.
COOP
At COOP, gluten-free options are part of their broader commitment to cater to diverse dietary requirements. Travellers will appreciate COOP’s selection of gluten-free goods, ranging from breakfast cereals to frozen meals, all aimed at making the gluten-free lifestyle more accessible while exploring Gothenburg.
Celiac / Gluten-Free Restaurant Allergy Card
Although you’ll find that the majority of Swedish people you encounter are perfectly able to speak English, sometimes that’s not always the case. Whenever you run into this challenge, show them this Celiac / Gluten-Free Restaurant Allergy Card.
The idea behind this allergy card that you simply download the picture on your phone and show it restaurant staff wherever you are in Gothenburg. You’ll find other places offering allergy cards at a cost, but I think this is something that should be provided free of cost. It’s expensive enough dealing with a Celiac-, NCGS-diagnosis, as everything is more expensive on a gluten-free diet.