Every time I plan a vacation, I am trying to find the right spots to eat at weeks if not months in advance. I will type ‘gluten-free’ in the Google Maps search bar, hover over the area where we will be going, and click on everything there is to click. By the end of the numerous hours I spent there and on Google in general, I now have a map full of possibilities. I enjoy doing it, as it gets me in that vacay-mood, and when we finally get there, I enjoy it even more, because now I know where I can eat wherever I go!
This might sound fun to you, going crazy planner mode, but it might also sound like a lot of work. And how do you know whether a place truly caters to your needs? Only by going there and seeing it for yourself of course! Lucky for you though, I have put all my efforts into creating my Ultimate Gluten-Free Map of the World (or any other epic title you could think of) where I have gathered my all-time favorites around the world, so you don’t have to. And if the map still looks empty to you, don’t worry! I am continuously updating it as I travel around the world.
As a little sneak peek, I have gathered my top 5 of the moment: gluten-free hotspots that have left an impression on me. From my hometown of Amsterdam to the streets of Patan in Nepal, and the beautiful ambiance of Rome, I hope this gives you the inspiration you need. But most of all, I hope this makes your mouth water! So, without further ado, keep scrolling to read my top five, in no particular order.
La Soffitta Renovatio, Rome, Italy
I visited Rome and the most sacred of all gluten-free restaurants before I started Amber Eats Abroad. Literally sacred, as it lies right next to Vatican City. I had read about this place online, probably over on Tripadvisor, and could not be more thrilled. After having bought tickets to the Holy City for the next day, I nearly ran to the restaurant. Almost everything on the menu could be made gluten-free, and as the waiter told us, would be made in a separate gluten-free kitchen.
I wanted to order everything of course, but I stuck to a calzone that first day in Rome: and it was absolutely amazing! The dough was fluffy, crispy, and everything a pizza should be. Wessel tried a bite and said he could not taste the difference. A little worried I researched the place, and found out they had won several awards for being one of the best GF restaurants in Italy. No joke, we went back the next day to try the focaccia and ravioli. Guys, picture this: fresh. gluten-free. ravioli. Trust me, La Soffitta must be at the top of your gluten-free bucket list!
Craft Coffee & Pastry, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
I told you about this quaint little bakery last week, and if you read the entire article, you know why it deserves to be in the gluten-free top five. Because, oh my god, those croissants were sent from heaven! Located in De Pijp, one of my favorite neighborhoods in Amsterdam, it is in the perfect spot to grab some snacks and walk around the Albert Cuypmarket or even head into the city center with a croissant in one, and a coffee in the other hand. Want to know more about what my favorite bakery in the world has to offer? Then you should read the full article here.
The Yellow House, Patan, Nepal
If you have been reading my blog since the beginning, you probably know about this one. I went here every single day when I was in Patan to work and get a proper cappuccino. Literally a yellow house with a cute and tranquil garden terrace, it is the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and work on your digital nomad lifestyle. Try their gluten-free oat pancakes, or their equally gluten-free buckwheat momo’s! And make sure to come back every day when you’re there, just like me, so you can try everything on the menu. Whether you are working, or you just came back from your trek, The Yellow House is the place to be.
Gandarias, San Sebastián, Spain
I am in LOVE with Gandarias, the pinxtos bar and restaurant in San Sebastián, Spain. It is everything you want as a gluten-free traveler and more. Although you will not be able to eat the pinxtos on display, they have a large menu of pinxtos which they cook separately to avoid cross-contamination. With the fabulous wines they offer (our favorite was the albariño) it was the perfect place to enjoy our first night in this famous culinary city. The pinxtos were delicious, which was proven by how busy it was at any time during the day. If you want to know more about this magical place, then read up on my San Sebastián article!
Levante Gelato Artiginale, Siracusa, Sicily, Italy
We actually stumbled upon this place by accident, because we just arrived, and I had to go to the bathroom. Wessel and I figured we would order some coffee here, so I could use the bathroom, and when we did, I saw that they had gluten-free cannoli! Although we just had breakfast, I was so excited because I never had cannoli before, which is a typical Sicilian sweet. Thus, I ordered one with fresh ricotta cream, and absolutely loved it. The place itself had lots of delicious gelato too, and even brioche buns which you could fill with cream and gelato. The shop was decorated in pastel colors, and really gave us a good start to our delicious day in Siracusa. Want to know more about where to eat gluten-free on the island of Sicily? Then head over to my detailed article on the place!
Stop! Don’t waste your breath trying to remember it all. I have gathered all these places and more. Click here or sign up for my newsletter below, and the Ultimate Gluten-Free Map of the World will be yours in no-time. Bon appetit, baby!
