EUROPE . SPAIN
Madrid
Gluten-free places we’ve tried!
In May 2025, I returned to what remains my favorite Spanish city: Madrid. I spent three relaxing days enjoying tapas, patatas bravas, and gluten-free Mahou beer. Spain is truly advanced when it comes to gluten-free options, and Madrid is filled with gluten-free-friendly restaurants and eateries. With this guide, you won’t have to worry—there are so many options to keep you satisfied for days!
Click on the arrow to learn more!
Lalina Bravas y Tapas restaurante
At first glance, I thought this place might be a tourist trap heavily promoted on social media, but I was pleasantly surprised. They have two locations in the city: one in La Latina and another in Chueca. At both, we indulged in croquetas, patatas bravas, and crispy calamari rings, all washed down with gluten-free beers, tinto de verano, and affordable red wine.
Senza paura recommends: The calamari is delightfully crispy, and the squid ink croquetas are particularly tasty!
Downside: The La Latina location has limited seating, so you might have to wait for a table.
TAPAS | RESTAURANT
Méntrida
This tapas bar offers an entire menu dedicated to gluten-free options, including various fried dishes and gambas al ajillo (shrimp cooked with oil, parsley, and, of course, garlic). We stopped by for a quick beer and some olives, but from my research, it seems like a great spot to enjoy gluten-free fried seafood.
TAPAS BAR
Celicioso Gluten Free Bakery
This bakery chain has several locations in Madrid, all conveniently near the city center. It’s the perfect spot for breakfast (or a second breakfast, as they open at 9:30 AM) or an afternoon snack. The display cases are filled with muffins, cakes, cookies, and pound cakes in various flavors, many of which are also lactose-free or vegan-friendly.
Senza paura recommends: The cheesecake paired with a café con leche (similar to our cappuccino) was truly delicious!
Downside: Prices are a bit on the higher side, but that’s often the case with pastries.
PASTRY SHOP
Churrería Chocolateria 1902
While wandering through the city center, we found this centrally located spot offering an entire gluten-free menu. We tried both the classic churros with hot chocolate and the ones served with ice cream. They were freshly fried and tasty! The menu also includes bocadillo de calamares (a sandwich with fried calamari rings), though we didn’t try it ourselves.
PASTRY SHOP
Solo de Croquetas
If you’re looking to indulge in a variety of croquetas, this is the place for you! From traditional to vegetarian to sweet versions, you can enjoy a diverse selection of hot and crispy Spanish croquettes here.
CROQUETAS
Hotel Principe Pio
We stayed at this hotel and I must commend it. Our booking included breakfast, and every morning, after informing the staff, I received a lovely plate with a medium-sized slice of toasted bread, a small loaf of bread, and a chocolate muffin. Allergens were clearly indicated on the dishes in the dining area, with appropriate tongs and separations. The place was clean, the staff courteous, and the location excellent!
HOTEL
Llagar La Llobera
Craving something different and eager to try dishes from the Asturian region? This traditional restaurant is for you. Here, you can sample unique dishes (don’t worry, they also have jamón croquetas on the menu!) and enjoy the Cachopo de ternera con queso y jamón (a large breaded veal cutlet stuffed with cheese and ham) served with plenty of fries. It’s ideal for mixing things up, especially if you’re in a large group.
Senza paura recommends: Try their cider—it’s a distinctive taste that pairs well with traditional dishes.
Downside: Portions are quite generous, so being in a group allows you to sample various dishes without getting too full by the second course!
ASTURIAN RESTAURANT
Casa San Juan
A selection of tapas, traditional Spanish cuisine, and a glass of sangria—what more could you ask for during lunch? Here, we also sampled patatas bravas, croquetas (we were on a mission to find the best in the city), and pan de queso. It’s a delightful spot to enjoy a meal.
SPANISH RESTAURANT
Ardemos. Hamburguesas sin gluten
Head to this particular burger joint after walking for miles—you’ll be starving! The soft bun, paired with juicy meat and melty cheese, will fill your belly and put a big smile on your face. The menu features three gluten-free beers to accompany these American-style burgers.
HAMBURGER
Burger King Madrid & Aeroporto T1
Well-known fast food chain. All their restaurants offer gluten-free options. It can save your lunch when you have a 1 PM flight and find yourself at Terminal 1 of the airport! Personally, I find it much better than McDonald’s, which serves Schar bread just like in Italy.
HAMBURGER
McDonald’s
Once again, please don’t hate me. I know there are tons of better options, but in my defense, I was curious to try a Big Mac again for research purposes. Compared to the one I tried five years ago, though, I was a bit disappointed—the bun was from Schär, which I personally don’t really like. It’s a fallback option when you’re choosing between hunger and quality.
HAMBURGER
Alternatives for celiacs we haven’t tested
Unfortunately, we didn’t get the chance to try them ourselves, but maybe they can serve as inspiration!
Click on each name to learn more!
Le Sweet Pastelería
PASTRY SHOP
Celicioso Callao
PASTRY SHOP
Celilocos
PASTRY SHOP
NICOLINA
PASTRY SHOP
Atuel Sin Gluten
PASTRY SHOP
Pastelería La Oriental
PASTRY SHOP
Sana Locura
PASTRY SHOP
0% Gluten – Krümcoffee
PASTRY SHOP
Maestro Churrero
CHURROS
Manolo Bakes
CAFE
dequeso – Tartas de queso en Chamberí
CHEESE CAKE
As De Bastos Madrid
RESTAURANT
Restaurante Urumea
RESTAURANT
Pizza Natura
RESTAURANT
Restaurante Katz
RESTAURANT
La Bistroteca
RESTAURANT
SINCIO MADRID
RESTAURANT
La Tape
RESTAURANT
Can Bonet – Cocina Catalana
RESTAURANT
Naked&Sated Estébanez Calderón
RESTAURANT
La Raquetista l Restaurante Retiro
RESTAURANT
Sidrería El Antoju Boadilla del Monte
RESTAURANT
Grosso Napoletano
PIZZA
Taberna LA CONCHA
TAPAS BAR
Okashi Lavapies
JAPANESE
Okashi Sanda
JAPANESE
Leon The Baker
BAKERY
La Celiacoteca
BAKERY
Holy Grain Bakery
BAKERY
ARDE SOCIAL COOKING
HAMBURGER
Pink’s!!
HAMBURGER
Junk Burger
HAMBURGER
LA CARBONERA
BAR&GRILL
Williamsburg Grill and Beer – RIVAS
BAR&GRILL
Take a look at the map!
