Feb 23rd, 2024, 05:30 PM

How to be Gluten-Free in Paris?

By Bettina Levente
Image Credit: Unsplash/Sergio Arze
A fun and diverse food guide, for my gluten-intolerant companions

Being gluten intolerant anywhere is difficult, but with all the beautiful pastries around, Paris makes it nearly impossible. This is a guide for all gluten-intolerant people or those who simply want to cut gluten from their diet. Finally, you can enjoy the beautiful croissants, pain au chocolates, and all other gluten-based options; these bakeries and restaurants will make you feel like a true Parisian. 

Bakeries:

1) Noglu

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Noglu (@nogluparis)

Locations: 69 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris and 15 Rue Basfroi, 75011 Paris

Noglu is a 100% gluten-free bakery in Paris. Therefore, you do not have to fear cross-contamination or choosing the wrong option for a delicious treat. They offer fresh pastries, sweet or salty; it is up to you. It is the perfect grab-and-go place; however, if you have extra time, I highly recommend you sit in and enjoy the gourmet brunches they offer.

2) Chambelland

Location: 2 Rue Jacquard, 75011 Paris

Do you love to walk around the 11th arrondissement? The good news is that there is a bakery and coffee shop just for you. Chambelland has accommodating and friendly staff who will assist you in any way. With their wide selection of pastries, you will fall in love with this bakery. Their delicious gluten-free éclair offers the perfect Parisian Pastry experience. You may notice that Chambelland is a bit pricey. However, that is unfortunately true for most gluten-free products and places. So don’t let this stop you; treat yourself and allow yourself to feel like a true Parisian.

3) Copains

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by COPAINS (@copains.paris)

Locations: 60 Rue Tiquetonne, 75002 Paris / 8 Rue des Abbesses, 75018 Paris / 90 Av. Victor Hugo, 75016 Paris / 29 Rue des Blancs Manteaux, 75004 Paris / 26 Rue Linois, 75015 Paris

Finding gluten-free, so-called "aesthetic" places is nearly impossible in Paris. At Copains, you can have the best gluten-free pastries and take the best Instagram pictures simultaneously. If you are not sweet-toothed, don't worry; they offer excellent sandwiches, breads, and croissants for those keen on savory foods. The service and staff are fantastic; they'll have you forgetting about the typical difficulties of being gluten intolerant. Personally, this is my absolute favorite bakery in Paris. And the locations? Don't worry about them. They offer plenty of stores in Paris' most walkable and picturesque neighborhoods, so you can stroll around with your gluten-free takeaways (there is something that you do not hear enough).

Streetfood:

1) Aji Dulce

Location: 19 Rue Notre Dame de Lorette, 75009 Paris

I don't know about you, but when I crave street food, I always look for something unique and exotic. Aji Dulce is a Venezuelan street food restaurant where everything seems so good you'll want it all. The most challenging thing about this place is choosing what not to order. The staff is very cautious about making your gluten-free food, so if you are a celiac (like me), you can let go of your worries about cross-contamination. I probably miss street food the most, and I have been struggling to find sufficient options since going gluten-free. However, this place revokes all disappointment and worry. The foods and drinks are all ethical, friendly prices, and more than generous portions.

It is important to note: the only thing that is not gluten-free is the air-fired fries (yuca fries), so no Yuca fries for you!

2) Cococo 

Location: 35 Rue Coquillière, 75001 Paris

We love Cococo for its simplicity on the outside and its diversity of foods on the inside. Cococo is a Japanese restaurant in Paris offering vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free options. You will be mesmerized by their natural and homemade flavors. The staff is just as pleasant as the food. It is a must if you like Japanese food.

3) MAP - Marché aux Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen

Flea marketing in Paris is a crowd favorite of locals and tourists alike. The only thing that could enhance the experience even more is gluten-free hamburgers. Take a break from the dizziness of the flea market and have a burger and some fries, of course, while exploring the diverse space of Marché aux Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen. They offer delicious gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. The buns are made solely from potatoes, so no worries there!

Restaurants :

1) Little Nonna

Location: Little Nonna, 12 Av. Niel, 75017 Paris

Let's face it: the biggest drawback of the gluten-free life is not being able to eat all the heavenly foods of Italian cuisine. Little Nonna is the perfect exception to this. Pizza? Pasta? Tiramisu? You can eat whatever your heart desires. I hadn't been able to eat pizza for over a year; then, I found out that Little Nonna offers the most amazing gluten-free pizzas. The place is quite hectic, but staff members work very hard to give you a great dining experience. Furthermore, it is absolutely affordable; you do not have to worry about spending a fortune there. It is all worth it, no questions asked.

Tip: you must try the pistachio tiramisu for a well-rounded experience :)

2) Kapunka 

Location: 30 Rue Delambre, 75014 Paris

Let’s travel to the topic of Asian food. I personally always crave a good pad Thai. If you want a great gluten-free option, you must try the restaurant Kapunka. Gluten-free curries, spring rolls, and pad Thais are available. You must try their homemade ginger tea and lemonade. The restaurant is very authentic, and the staff is super friendly. Furthermore, if you like mixing it up, you can enjoy one of the tasty gluten-free beers they offer! End the experience by walking around the beautiful Montparnasse with a full and happy stomach.

3) Café Mareva

Location : 27 Rue de Clignancourt, 75018 Paris

If you like low-key but delicious places, Café Mareva is the place to go. It has fantastic aesthetics, as well as delightful dining options. Plenty of their meals are very healthy; however, if I were you, I would try their waffles and pancakes. They are the definition of a gluten-free, but guilt-full pleasure. I do not remember the last time I was able to eat waffles, especially ones this incredible. The prices are somewhat high but in sync with the food quality. Their gluten-free options are absolutely worth it and will make you want to visit again. I highly recommend you start your day by having a calm, delicious, and fun experience at Café Mareva.

Paris offers rich and diverse culinary experiences for those seeking gluten-free options. From quiet boulangeries to beaming restaurants, enjoy the incredible gluten-free experience without compromising  taste or quality.