Seven places for a gluten-free date night in Canberra
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When it comes to organising a first date, choosing where to go for dinner and drinks can be tricky.
From the ambience to the location, to the cuisine, it’s easy to feel overloaded with options. Add in gluten-free dietary requirements on top of that and you have a recipe for overwhelm.
But that’s where we come in. All seven of these restaurants in Canberra not only tick the box for a night of white tableclothed romance, but they all also serve delicious gluten-free food to match.
What’s not to love?
Clover Dining (City)
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A must-visit for those seeking a unique dining experience, Clover Dining in the city is both unexpected and delicious – a combination that is sure to impress.
Serving Wafu (meaning Japanese-inspired) Italian, their à la Carte dinner and tasting menu is 90 per cent gluten free – from the oysters with bonito extract and finger lime to the Linguine alle Vongole. And with gorgeous green interiors and an extensive cocktail list, it’s the perfect mix of intimate and elegant.
197 London Circuit, Civic | cloverdining.com.au
Raku (City)
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This award-winning sleek, modern Japanese bar and restaurant has a menu designed to be shared. And with a separate dedicated gluten-free menu, you’ll win lots of brownie points by booking a table here.
If you’re feeling indecisive, the tasting menu is always a good choice, but other highlights include the Wagyu amiyaki, Kumogani tempura, and matcha or mandarin sorbet for dessert. Did we mention that it’s romantic, moody, and incredibly luxurious?
Shop DG36C/148 Bunda Street, City | rakudining.com.au
Bar Beirut (City)
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A vibrant bar with something always happening, your date night will be taken up a level at Bar Beirut. Serving a share-style Middle East meets Mediterranean menu, the flavours are bold and punchy, and most of the food is (or can be) gluten-free.
On the menu you’ll find mezze with hazelnut falafel, small plates like spiced calamari with chilli mayo, and bigger plates ranging from braised lamb shoulder with tarator and sweet potato to roasted eggplant with lentil, mushroom and zhoug. Make sure to order some cocktails and book your table for Friday or Saturday night to see a Belly Dance show.
25 Garema Place, City | barbeirut.com.au
Dada (Woden)
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The menu here is designed with dietaries in mind, making it an ideal spot for a delicious meal everyone will enjoy – and its Phillip location makes it a quiet spot for a romantic night.
Serving Asian fusion, many of the dishes are or can be gluten-free, from the Peking Pork Croquettes to the Wombok Pancake. Taking a twist on the classic dishes you know and love, it’s a delicious reminder that serious food can be simple.
G4, 12 Furzer Street, Phillip | dadarestaurant.com.au
Andre’s Osteria (Weston Creek)
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With a warm, welcoming atmosphere and interiors that will transport you to Europe, this small but mighty eatery is the perfect alternative to another night dining in the CBD.
While most of the menu (which is inspired by the Mediterranean) can be done gluten-free, it’s the lamb shoulder ragu made with gluten-free pasta that you really need to try. The team at Andre’s orders in it freshly handmade and it has almost the same taste and texture as the non-gluten-free option.
Another highlight? The Pistachio Crème Brûlée. But this is one dessert you won’t want to share…
35 Brierly Street, Weston Creek | andresosteria.com.au
Mínima (Yarralumla)
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Another suburban gem with a very extensive gluten-free menu, Mínima is the perfect example of when choosing a place to eat isn’t just about the food – it’s about the experience. From the brothers behind rebellious Thai restaurant Morks, this intimate 22-seater restaurant serves third-culture food that celebrates the Chinese diaspora in Southeast Asian cuisine.
What does that mean? Dishes that include a Vegemite profiterole with sea urchin butter, Rendang-inspired beef cheek curry and softshell crab with salted duck egg sauce. It promises a dining experience you won’t find anywhere else in Canberra.
3/29 Bentham Street, Yarralumla | eatminima.com.au
Cartel (Belconnen)
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For those who prefer something a little bit more casual, we suggest booking a table at Cartel in Belconnen. Overlooking Lake Ginninderra and with a vibrant and fun-filled atmosphere (the interior of the restaurant is wall-to-wall dramatic Mexican vibrancy), the food here has a cult following for a reason.
The best part? It’s all coeliac friendly, with most of the menu options available to be swapped to gluten-free. It might be messy, but it will be memorable.
5/114 Emu Bank, Belconnen | carteltacos.au
Feature image: Ben Calvert Photo.
