Eating out can be a challenge when you have dietary requirements, especially if they are severe. Coeliac disease and gluten intolerance are common these days and it can be a challenge to find a restaurant or takeaway place to go to where you feel safe to eat. Or to find something on the menu you actually like. If this is you, or you have friends or family with food allergies, and you want to head out for a bite to eat, keep on reading for some safe taste bud inspiration.
Lombardis
Situated at the top of Trafalgar Street amidst the dinning precinct this is a wee gem. Lombardis serves Italian inspired meals with the most amazing pasta menu. They have gluten free options galore and it’s a great idea to call a day ahead and make a booking, letting them know you are gluten free to ensure they have everything on the menu available to you. There is a Children’s menu available too. Pop over to their page and check out the desert menu, yum!
The Vic Brewbar
A great spot to have a few drinks and a meal. They even have a completely gluten free menu, just ask your wait staff. The gluten free burger buns are fantastic too as anyone gluten free would know, they can sometimes be a bit hit a miss. Not here!! Great cider selection and indoor or outdoor dining on offer. Live music happens often, follow the link and see what’s coming up next.
Smugglers
This is another establishment that makes things easy for gluten free diners. They too have a separate menu to choose from, making it super easy. With a quirky pirate theme and indoor or outdoor dining on offer, it is also very close to Tahunanui beach for a nice evening stroll afterwards.
Saltwater bar and kitchen
This new bar and kitchen at the beach front area in Tahunanui is now open and ready for business. The menu clearly states what is gluten free, and that’s just about everything! Get in early and make the most of happy hour starting every day from 4.30pm. They also offer a catering service, might be just the thing for your next big event.
McCashin’s – Brewery, kitchen and bar
A nice big open space inside for dining and a beer garden outside. Perfect for little ones with the toy chest inside and room on the grassy area to play. Many items on the menu can be made gluten free. A great spot for a coffee and breakfast on the weekend.
And for the Summer, why not head along to see the McCashins team at their new home at Founders Park. They have recently opened their second cafe there too. A beautiful spot to enjoy a glass of cider or beer amongst the garden, then take a stroll around the park. Free entry at the gate if you are heading into the cafe.
They also do a beer called NPA which has only 3ppm of gluten in it making it safe to drink. Proper crisps on the counter for sale, perfect with a pint. As well as the beer they also have a brilliant range of ciders including the ever popular Rochdale Three Berries cider. They sell on site if you taste something you would like more of to take home.
Cod and Lobster Brasserie
Situated at the top of the Trafalgar street this is the perfect spot to celebrate, indulge or just have an amazing meal. To say the cocktail list is extensive is putting it lightly, it is pages and pages long and each one sounds simply scrumptious. Nearly all the items on the menu can be made gluten free, talk with your wait staff on the night. Everything is made to order so you know it will be just delicious. Indoor and outdoor dining. Give them a go for your next night out, they won’t disappoint. Give them a call in advance to make a booking and advice of any dietary requirements at the time.
The Lemongrass
Fresh and healthy Asian fusion cuisine is their tag line and they really are delicious. The Lemongrass has so many options on the menu to choose from to suit gluten free and takeaways also. Be sure to try the Thai iced tea with lemon.
The Sands
Fish and Chips at their best. Tables out the front to enjoy with the ocean just over the road, or grab them to takeaway and head to the beach to enjoy. They have an extensive gluten free menu with a dedicated fryer. Every burger on the menu is gluten free too.
Sushi House
“Oh how I miss sushi” was something I heard all the time from one of my friends who has coeliac disease. She was super excited to learn there was something on the menu for her here. This gem is tucked away down Bank Lane in Nelson City. Small and friendly, you can dine in or take away. The salmon sushi is gluten free and an amazing Yakatori Chicken Donburi, delicious! Remember to ask for the Tamari gluten free soy sauce, it’s behind the counter.
About the Author: The above article on Dining Gluten Free in Nelson Tasman was written and provided by Brent Palmer, a local leader in the field of Richmond and Nelson Real Estate sales, marketing, advanced technology for home selling, and social media. You can contact Brent Palmer here, or at 027 544 9921.
He has helped many people buy and sell homes in the Nelson, Stoke and Richmond areas for years, and would love the opportunity to help you as well.
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I help people buy and sell real estate in the following Nelson and Tasman towns & neighbourhoods: Wakefield, Brightwater, Hope, Appleby, Redwood Valley, Mapua, Stoke, Tahunanui, Atawhai and of course, Richmond and Nelson City. Connect with Brent on Facebook and pretty much everywhere else.
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