This blog post was originally posted on May 27, 2015, and was updated on July 31, 2018.
We might be in the land of‘tostada,’ but eating gluten free in Seville doesn’t have to be difficult!
When people think of Spanish food, they’re often reminded of bread and flour—especially in Seville, a city known for itswonderful sandwiches. However, Spainis actually the most gluten free-friendly country in Europe. And with a range of local traditionaldishesthat are naturally gluten free,Seville is possibly the best city in Spain for celiacs and others who choose to avoid gluten. You just have to know where to look!
Here are our top picks when it comes to eating gluten free in Seville. From traditional bars with a range of gluten free tapas to cozy bakeries with gluten free breakfast, we’ve got you covered!
An important note
Though awareness of gluten-free dining is on the rise in Spain, do proceed with caution! Cross-contamination is a concern in many of the small, traditional kitchens across the country, so we always recommend that those with an allergy or celiac disease consult directly with the restaurants before ordering. Here are some useful phrases in Spanish from theFederación de Asociaciones de Celiacos de España:
- Enfermedad celiaca= celiac disease
- Yo soy celiaco/a= I’m celiac.
- No puedo comer productos que tengan como ingrediente: trigo, centeno, cebada o avena= I cannot eat things that contain wheat, rye, barley or oats.
- Libre de gluten= gluten-free
- Almidón de trigo= wheat starch
- Soy celiaco/a y debo seguir una dieta sin gluten = I’m celiac and must follow a gluten-free diet.
- ¿Esta comida contiene trigo, centeno, cebada o avena?= Does this dish contain wheat, rye, barley, or oats?
- Puedo comer alimentos que contengan arroz, patatas, verduras y frutas, huevos, queso, leche y pescado= I can eat dishes with rice, potatoes, vegetables, fruit, eggs, cheese, milk, and fish.
- Sin salsa por favor= No sauce, please!
- Gracias por tu ayuda!= Thank you for your help!
Typical gluten-free dishes
Even if you don’t go to a restaurant or bar that brands itself as gluten free, you could still find plenty of great celiac-friendly options on the menu. You just need to know what to look for! Here are a few of our favorite typical Spanish andsevillanodishes that are naturally gluten free.
- Carne/pescado/pollo a la plancha:A simple yet delicious option, this simple refers to grilled meat, fish or chicken. Your protein of choice is typically seasoned with fresh herbs and grilled to perfection—no gluten necessary!
- Jamón: Celiacs, rejoice! Spain’s iconic cured ham happens to be gluten free!
- Ensaladilla rusa: As its name implies, this classic salad has its roots in Russia, but no Spanish tapas menu would be complete without it. This tasty mayo-based tuna and potato salad is a great choice for gluten-free diners. Just be sure to order it without picos, the crunchy little breadsticks that sometimes get stuck in the top of a serving for decoration.
- Patatas bravas:Check to make sure no flour was used, but in general these spicy fried potatoes tend to be perfectly safe for celiacs.
- Tortilla de patatas:The quintessential Spanish dish! The classic potato and egg (and occasionally onion, too) omelet is as simple as it gets, and a great gluten free option.
Bar Alfalfa
We totally understand that breakfast in Seville can be a gluten free nightmare. Not if you’re in the historicAlfalfa neighborhood of the city, though! At Bar Alfalfathey offer gluten free bread at no extra cost so you can enjoy your traditional Spanishtostadas. We recommend the “tostada andaluza” with tomato, hamand olive oil. You can’t get much more authentic than this when it comes to eating gluten free in Seville!
Address:Calle Candilejo, 1
BarSacramento
While Bar Sacramento doesn’t market itself as a gluten free bar, the majority of dishes here are coincidentally gluten free. These options are clearly marked onthe menu and they also servebottles ofgluten free beer. With theirhigh quality traditional tapas and lively local atmosphere, this place will please celiacs and gluten eaters alike!
Address: Calle Feria, 141
Zarabanda
Zarabandais agreat little spot tucked in a back street in the center of Seville. Again, you won’t see them marketing themselves as a gluten free restaurant, but the menu ensures that gluten free guests are well looked after.
Gluten free bread is available upon request, nearly all of the tapas are celiac friendly, and even the desserts are almost entirely gluten free! Not only is the market-fresh, Mediterranean style food incredible, but the owner and staff are friendly and the wine list has been carefully curated. One bite and you’ll see why this is one of our favorite options for eating gluten free in Seville!
Address: Calle Padre Tarín, 6
Orfeo Cafe Bar
Craving something sweet? Look no further than Orfeo Cafe Bar, one of our favorite places for eating gluten free in Seville when we’re craving a treat. The elegantly minimalist interior provides a perfectly cozy atmosphere for enjoying delicious gluten free delicacies such as brownies, cheesecakes and more. They even provide board games if you and your group are looking for a little fun while you enjoy your coffee and sweet treats!
Address:Calle Jesús del Gran Poder, 19
Al Solito Posto
While they don’t serve typical Spanish fare, this wonderful Italian restaurant in Seville’s bohemian Alameda district deserves a mention. It’s more than justa great place for eating gluten free in Seville. It’s celiac heaven!
The owner and restaurant staff at Al Solito Posto are highly educated about a strict gluten free diet and are happy to explain thespecial features they have in place. They use an entire gluten free kitchen that’s completely separate from the main cooking space, and cover all gluten free dishes in order to prevent cross-contamination. They even give gluten free customers a different colored place mat to ensure that they are properly served. This place is way ahead of the curve when it comes to eating gluten free in Seville!
Address:Alameda de Hércules, 16
Mano de Santo
It’s no surprise that the trendy Alameda neighborhood is famous for two things when it comes to food: excellent international fare and inclusivity when it comes to all dietary needs! Like nearby Al Solito Posto, Mano de Santo prioritizes the needs of celiac guests. In fact, everything on their authentic Mexican menu is 100 percent gluten free! The brightly colored, inviting space is the perfect place to chow down on delicious tacos and homemade co*cktails in good company.
Address:Alameda de Hércules, 90
Freiduría Poseidon
Nothing says “Seville” quite like a serving of perfectly crispy fried fish. And when it comes to eating gluten free in Seville, Freiduría Poseidon is the best place in town for this local delicacy. This humble little seafood bar is a true hidden gem and highly praised among locals. Everything on their menu can be made gluten free—they even offer a few options for gluten free beer! All dishes are prepared and served by extremely friendly staff who will go out of their way to ensure that guests who avoid gluten are well taken care of.
Address:Avenida de Kansas City, 96
Dulce Trazo
Blink and you’ll miss this cozy little breakfast spot tucked away in the backstreets of the city center. Dulce Trazo can get quite busy in the morning, but the ambiance of locals chatting away as they stop by for breakfast adds to its charm. Plus, it’s one of the best options when it comes to eating gluten free in Seville for breakfast. The gluten free cakes are light enough for a sweet breakfast but will also make your sweet tooth happy. They also offer plenty of vegan, dairy-free, egg-free and sugar-free options to make everyone feel included.
Address:Calle Méndez Núñez, 7
