Top 24 Gluten-Free Kid-Friendly Spots to Explore in Southbank

Rebecca Mitchell

This is not the first time we’ve been here - our previous visit for a birthday celebration was amazing and we were very keen to return. This time was to celebrate our wedding anniversary - booking online we asked to be seated in the balcony if available. This was ignored, even though there were plenty of free tables on the balcony and being a Monday night it wasn’t particularly busy. When we asked about it afterwards, we were dismissed with “it was wet today” even though there are blinds protecting the area and the rain had cleared by lunchtime, plus other people were sitting out there. The food was as delicious as we remembered, and their ability to cater for gluten free outstanding. The lady who served us was lovely…when she was waiting on us. However the general service was appalling this time around. We waited close to 15 minutes before we were even given a menu. Throughout the evening we witnessed other tables being looked after very well, being served before us, finished their meal before us even though they came in much later than our booking. Our waitress was topping up other tables’ water then not even checking our glasses. Our meals sat on the middle serving table waiting to be dished up for long enough for them to be lukewarm, and our dessert ice cream melting. At the end of our meal we didn’t get any hot towels (every other table we watched did). Overall we felt very invisible and ignored. The table behind us had 4 businessmen who had had far too much to drink, being very loud with extremely inappropriate language - swearing their heads off. Saying quite inappropriate derogatory comments. At the end of our meal (that took 2 hours and 40 minutes to get through because of the lack of service), Simon (we assume the manager) brought over the eftpos machine and almost insisted we give a tip (in Australia a tip is not customary). When we said not today, he appeared annoyed and when we mentioned the behaviour of the table behind us, he was very dismissive and didn’t seem to care. Overall, not a great experience this time and disappointing given our previous experience.

Ellen M

Great lunch meal (gyros plate) my god it was huge - great GF chips and Pita.

Antonio Errico

We ate last night in this lovely Italian restaurant. It was a beautiful surprise. They have a lot of options for celiac people as my wife. I highly recommended the spaghetti Marinara. Service was great, attentive and friendly.

Carlos Aberasturi

Gluten burger buns and pizza base available. Although they can't state that it is gluten free as there is pizza flour in the air due to the constant demand for their fantastic food. Well done folks. Well done!

niharika minocha

Would not recommend this place for a coeliac. Even for mocktails they say that they cannot ensure its coeliac safe.

Laura Martin

Bottomless brunch experience served by Laura. Understand coeliac requirements and brought a wonderful experience. Would highly recommend for an outing on Southbank.

jake prosser

Thank you for an enjoyable meal and the quality food Is amazing Being a coeliac they have made it a safe place to eat and accommodated me for all my requirements. Totally recommend this restaurant .

Aamer Ahmed

A friend and I popped into Maiz Y Cacao last night after a comedy show at the Malthouse and it was such a great experience. The team greeted us warmly and continued amazing service throughout our dinner. As soon as we sat down and saw the Mexican flag hung proudly on the wall we knew this dinner was about to get REAL and we were not disappointed in the slightest. The food was incredible! We ordered the Ceviche Acupulco (so fresh and so balanced), Molotes (insane! so good, are you kidding me!? we nearly ordered it again…) , my friend got the Pork Gordita (he looooved it) and we shared the Tlacoyo Azul (fresh and filling perfection). And the classic Margarita (stirred) was spot on. Definitely one of the best I’ve had ngl. Dietary notes: The menu offers Vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian and gluten free options. Thank you for a delicious time, Maiz Y Cacao! I will definitely be back :)

Arthur Trebelas

Today we had lunch at Gradi Crown 8 of us. I must say the service was very very good, from the min we sat down at the table until we left. We had one person with a gluten intolerance which was catered for with Gnocchi Ragout. The rest of us, from Pizza through to pasta. Dessert and coffee as well. Food was great Atmosphere casual relaxed and quite Service was exceptional from a young Spanish Lady Anouk, from being greeted at the table until the end. From getting our orders with notable detailed knowledge of the menu on Celiacs (Gluten Free), we received all our meals correctly in sequence, took our drinks order again all in sequence. Topped up our water glasses each time we drank a little water, collected the emptied beer bottles within mins of been emptied along with the Pepsi bottles. Collected the dirty plates and cutlery from our entrees and reset the entire table for our mains. Always with a smile, never just standing around, helping other staff, cleaning tables down, resetting tables, looking after patrons. Well presented, bright, always radiant, well mannered, always engaging and setting a high standard in work ethics. Well done Anouk I have 35+ years in the Hospitality industry and I don’t often write any reviews, but on this occasion I believe it needs to be noted Keep up your your high standards Anouk

Cheryl Herman

The Gluten free pizza base was the best I've ever had.❤️ Only complaints from those with me was the ham on the pizza was ordinary and the gnocchi bolognese was over cooked and sauce average.

Alan Anderson

Wonderful! Attentive friendly staff, absolutely gorgeous food, and catered for one of our party being Coeliac. The meals were beautiful .

McIntosh Family

Party of seven for breakfast with two reactive coeliac children. Server double checked ingredients and was very aware of cross contamination. Everyone was very happy with the delicious meals and no gluten pains for my babes.

Samson Shi

Had dinner with colleagues and their misses last Wednesday night. Wonderful night views of city. We ordered the sharing menu The duck breast and lamb rack was tasted so beautiful. Strato also do vegetarian and gluten free options. The service is promptly attended during our dining in.

Jesse Barbour

Staff seemed to have a good understanding of celiac but all items listed gluten friendly so still some risk

Angela Henningsen

Amazing pizza. Wonderful service. Excellent Low Gluten base that didn't taste like cardboard

Manna Jorga

Located inside the NGV art gallery, is a real find. The potato gnocchi with lamb ragout is out of this world—rich, tender, and absolutely delicious. The carrot dip is also fantastic, offering a fresh and tasty experience. The restaurant stands out with its wide range of gluten-free and vegan options, making it a great choice for everyone. The menu’s design, matching the Egyptian art exhibition, adds a unique touch. The service is top-notch, with staff that are both friendly and attentive. However, the restaurant’s decor could be improved to better match the art gallery setting, and adding some flowers could enhance the ambiance. As locals who dine out often, Garden Restaurant has quickly become one of our favorite spots. It’s definitely worth a visit!

Lidia Alejandra Romero

Let me tell you… As always Sundays we love to eat out with our lovely grandchildren, the boys love pizza, we tried different restaurants in Southbank searching for gluten free meals, luckily for me we came to this bistro where they cater for coeliacs, the Margherita pizza was quite bland, however the chorizo pizza was delicious. We also had a cocktail and some great snacks. Thank you for the delicious food!!

Alexandros Karvounis

I had a lovely breakfast at Mesh Restaurant. The buffet is self-serve and impeccably organized, offering a plethora of options for everyone, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. The dining area is spacious, and the environment is very pleasant. It’s definitely a great choice for breakfast when you’re staying at the hotel.

Zachary Rawlings

The gluten free pizzas are perfect. Burgers amazing. Pizzas very tasty.

Natalie Craig-Vassiliadis

Fantastic experience dining with family. The service was outstanding and the food was terrific! Thank you for providing a copy of the menu that highlighted all of the gluten free options (much appreciated by the two gluten intolerant diners).

Adi

Don't miss out on the chicken pate with gluten free bread, or the moules et frites. For dessert, I had gluten free creme brulee

Stephen Simmons

Excellent breakfast. I had poached eggs on sourdough. My ceolic partner had an omelette on gluten free bread. The coffee was great and the service was first rate. Highly recommend.

Hannah Stack

Super delicious and very accomodating, to coeliacs

Adele Parli

1000000/10 I love this place! This is my go-to quick, affordable lunch option in Melbourne. It's perfect every time, fantastic value for money, the poke bowls are huge and filling and there are SO many sushi options. There are gluten-free sauces and so many delicious fresh ingredients to choose from - really something for everyone here.