A Canberra girl’s gluten-free guide to Brisbane
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Well, Fortitude Valley, to be precise.
Planning a trip to Brisbane? Not only is the city home to beautiful sunny weather, the relaxing river and glistening skyscapes, but it also has an amazing food scene.
Especially if you’re a gluten-free foodie like me.
And after spending a week in Fortitude Valley, I feel like I can attest that the Valley is not only home to some beautiful boutiques and heritage-listed buildings – it also has some amazing places to eat.
Here are six places to treat your tastebuds to some amazing gluten-free food in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley.
Nodo
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Whenever I visit Brisbane, there’s one thing I always must get: a doughnut from Nodo. Specifically, the Breakfast Doughnut. So, it was very convenient (*cough* thoughtfully planned out) that my hotel was a five-minute walk away from the Newstead Nodo café.
All 100 per cent gluten-free, the doughnuts here are all baked using artisan methods and using naturally gluten-free ingredients. Having tried six of their nine flavours (…no judgement please…) I can attest that the doughnut that started it all – a combination of banana, maple cream cheese and pecan crumb – is hands down the best. I think I had about three of them in one week.
But they have more than sweet treats on the menu. Also offering a range of all gluten-free café classics, even my gluten-eating partner rates the food at Nodo and is just as obsessed with the offerings. Other highlights? The toasties are to-die-for.
1 Ella Street, Newstead | nododonuts.com
Colin’s Speciality Coffee, Eats and Treats
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Home to one of the best matcha lattes I’ve had (made with vanilla bean syrup), this café has a fresh and wholesome menu that ticks every foodie’s box.
From a chilli scramble with fried chicken thigh to crispy corn fritter, the menu isn’t big but it’s mighty. I tried the Avo On Toast with fresh avocado, pickled vegetables, roasted pumpkin hummus, chili oil, soft herbs on toasted buttered bread and not only was it fresh, but the gluten-free bread didn’t require a hacksaw to cut through it (if you know, you know).
Also making salads and sandwiches fresh daily, there’s not a lot offered for gluten-free foodies (although I did note a few cakes) but what they do have is delicious.
Shop 7/1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley | colins.com.au
Industry Beans
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Can you tell that I love brunch? Seriously though, with a specialty coffee roaster a short walk from James Street, it felt rude not to check it out.
Roasting coffee for over a decade you can find an Industry Beans café in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. The Newstead location is light and bright, hidden on a backstreet, away from the bustle of the main Valley.
Along with trying a range of blends (along with some special offerings like Bubble Coffee – you read that right), they also have flavoursome food menu. There was a lot of options for dietaries for both breakfast and lunch and there’s plenty there that I want to try.
18 Proe Street, Newstead | industrybeans.com
Emme
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One of the best things I put in my mouth in Brisbane was charred broccoli topped with creamy macadamia and a hint of pomegranate molasses – and it was at Emme on James Street. A beautiful Mediterranean-inspired restaurant with dishes designed to share, the food here was simply amazing.
From charcoal baby squid served with pineapple, herbs, and paprika to spiced lamb rib with date tamarind ketchup that just fell off the bone, every bite was an experience. And as a little bonus? They also serve breakfast and lunch if one meal isn’t enough.
3/22 James Street, Fortitude Valley | emmejamesst.com
Gemelli Italian
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Craving Italian? Here you can eat your way through gluten-free pizza and pasta without giving up the flavour.
Serving handmade, traditional dishes made with love, not only is the quality of the food drool-worthy but the atmosphere makes it a must-visit dining destination. And with the option to carb load on gluten-free goodness…why wouldn’t you?
15 James Street, Fortitude Valley | gemelliitalian.com.au/gemelli-james-street
James Street Bakery
Looking for something you can grab to go? Here they have gluten-free quiches, cakes and breads. Shut up and take my money.
22 James Street, Fortitude Valley | jamesstbakery.com
