Where to Eat Gluten Free in the UK: Best Chain Restaurants for Coeliacs

Eating out gluten free in the UK can still feel overwhelming, especially if you have coeliac disease and need to avoid cross contamination as well as gluten ingredients. It has been 11 years for me and I still sometimes throw a strop because I can't eat just anywhere. While more restaurants now offer gluten free options, not all chains provide the same level of safety, choice, or understanding of coeliac requirements.

I eat at a fair few chains, sometimes it is just easier to find a chain you know caters than choose a more independent place - something I prefer to do when I can.

In this guide, I’ve listed the best chains restaurants I personally think are top tier for gluten free in the UK based on menu choice, what I know of their allergen procedures, my experiences and what I hear across various social media platforms for other coeliacs experiences. As someone with coeliac disease who regularly eats out across the UK, I’ve personally visited most of these chains, some quite frequently.

This list focuses on UK national restaurant chains that offer reliable gluten free menus or choices and have procedures designed to reduce cross contamination risk. From dedicated gluten free kitchens and accredited restaurants to chains offering extensive gluten free menus, these are the places where coeliacs can feel most confident eating out.

Whether you’re looking for gluten free brunch, pizza, burgers, Italian food, or casual dining there is a bit of all sorts on this list.

It isn't based off anything solid, just the 10 I would personally say are the best, so you might have a very different top 10!

My list of the best 10 UK chain restaurants for gluten free

The Loungers / Cosy Clubs
Loungers chain has to be the best out there for me. I always check to see if there is one near me especially if I need breakfast out or I have a toddler with me as I know we will both be fed well.

• Huge gluten free menu
• Nearly 300 branches, plus 30 or so Cosy Clubs too
• Manager takes order and food comes with flags
• Happy to go through and check for may contains
• Options are at all branches

View more Loungers infomation

Pizza Express
Not one I have personally ate at, however the come in VERY strongly from the Coeliac community. Apparently their doughballs are very good.

• Coeliac UK accredited
• Food is clearly marked when is brought out
• They have great procedures when it comes to preparation
• Lots of choices, most of the menu is available gluten free

View more Pizza Express info

Pho
Pho is one of my personal favourites, I absolutely love their curry and it is a place I always go when I am out with Mum.

• Bar two items the whole menu is gluten free
• I have always found staff helpful
• So much choice!

View more Pho info

Nandos
I am quite partial to a Nandos, hubby would eat there every night if I let him and surprising they are very good for Coeliacs, I have eaten at multiple around the country and never had an issue.

• Except for bread products, most things are gluten free
• NO gluten free wraps or rolls
• Very clear allergen folder
• Manager takes orders and oversees kitchen production of meal
• All sauces and marinades are gluten free
• Any chicken type and 99% of "sides" are gluten free

View more Nandos info

Bill's
If you haven't had Bill's pancakes then you are missing out! Bills's are great for gluten free breakfasts as well as lunch and evening meal.

• Coeliac UK accredited
• Great gluten free menu
• One of few places that offer gluten free pancakes
• Staff always seem knowledgeable

View more Bills info

Honest Burger
If you love a burger then Honest Burger is the place to be, they are mostly London based but they are popping up in other parts of the country as well now.

• Everything gluten free except buns....just need to ask for a gluten free bun
• Offer both chicken and beef burgers as well as veggie options
• No gluten in the fryers
• Always been great knowledge of allergens when I have been

View more Honest Burger info

Miller & Carter
Miller and Carter are really great when it comes to gluten free, not all branches have dedicated gluten free fryers though, it is something they generally point out on their menus though.

• Very allergy aware
• Coeliac UK accredited
• Great gluten free menu
• Most branches have a dedicated fryer now
• Have a great gluten free desserts

View more Miller and Carter info

Cote Brasserie
I have only ever eaten at one Cote Brasserie but it is a very popular choice among the gluten free community.

• Used to be a separate menu but recently started trialling listing gluten free options on main menu
• Knowledgeable staff
• Good choice of French inspired dishes including dessert
• Coeliac UK accredited

View more Cote Brasserie info

Bella Italia
Bella Italia is one of my favourite Italian chains to visit, definitely a go to for us as they have a great kids menu too.

• No separate gluten free menu but all marked on main menu
• Gluten free pizza and pasta options
• Gluten free desserts
• Staff always knowledge and food comes with flags

View more Bella Italia info

Zizzi
Another strong chain when it comes to gluten free, not one I have personally tried though.

• Gluten free menu
• Pizza and pasta options
• Pasta steam cooked in bags
• Very allergy aware

View more Zizzis info

I want to give some honourable mentions to other chains too which also offer gluten free but are outside of the ones I would class as being the best 10 for gluten free.

Carluccios - offer gluten free pasta
Browns - have a gluten free menu
Frankie and Bennys - gluten free menu but chips not gluten free
Giggling Squid - thai gluten free menu
Toby Carvery - can do carveries with gluten free gravy
Wagamama - restricted gluten free menu
Wildwood - gluten free pizza and pasta and can oven cook chips

Eating out with coeliac disease in the UK is becoming easier as more restaurant chains as well as many independent eateries improve their gluten free menus, allergen procedures, and understanding of cross contamination. While no restaurant can ever guarantee a completely risk free environment unless it is 100% gluten free, the chains in this guide consistently provide some of the safest and most reliable gluten free dining experiences nationwide.

Why not explore more places to eat on my eating out guide and app - with almost 4,000 places listed across the UK there is sure to be something wherever you are.

See my full where to eat guide!

Have you tried any of the restaurants on this list? Let me know your experiences and recommendations - the gluten free community relies on shared knowledge to help make eating out safer for everyone.

PS I have a new updated app, check it out on Apple and Google stores!
Check out my updated UK eating out app!