Gluten Free Amsterdam: Complete Travel Guide for Celiacs

So You’re going to Amsterdam. Your flights are booked. You know where you’re staying. But you need to figure out where to find the best gluten free Amsterdam eats. First of all, CONGRATS! Amsterdam is one of my favorite cities in the world. There is something about the canals that makes me want to wander around the city at all hours of the day and night, taking in the sights and sounds of one of the most vibrant cities in Europe.

As a Celiac who is obsessed with food, I also love the diverse selection of gluten free Amsterdam restaurants. I had never had Indonesian food and experienced a Rijsttafel (literally, “rice table”) until exploring Amsterdam. And guess what? It was Celiac-friendly!

If you’re worried about the language barrier, here is a Dutch Gluten Free Restaurant Card that communicates everything you need to say to eat safely in Amsterdam, including cross-contamination – all translated by a native speaker.

Update May 2022: Unfortunately, over the course of the past couple of years, many of the gluten free restaurants that I knew and loved have sadly closed permanently. However, all hope for eating gluten free in Amsterdam is not lost! There is a new crop of gluten free restaurants opening up in Amsterdam. While I haven’t been to all of them (though I am planning a trip to revisit Amsterdam in the fall of 2022), I went through and updated this guide with them to help you find safe gluten free food on your trip.

Disclaimer: this post may contain affiliate links. If you’re reading this free content that I wrote and click through to buy something, I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. A win-win if you ask me.

Tips for Traveling to Amsterdam Gluten Free

In Amsterdam, the main supermarket is Albert Heijn and they have a wide variety of gluten free snacks. It is a perfect place to stop before a picnic in Vondelpark. Marqt is another great place to shop with tons of gluten free groceries.

I believe, based on my own experience, that you can travel gluten free anywhere in the world if you are willing to cook for yourself on your trip.

I always recommend using gluten free translation cards with you on your trip if you’re traveling with Celiac Disease. I started taking them with me years ago, and they have played a huge role in unlocking gluten free travel for me, and allowing me to safely and confidently travel to places like Germany, Chile, and Mexico City 100% gluten free.

Here is a Dutch Gluten Free Restaurant Card from Jodi at Legal Nomads that communicates everything you need to say to eat safely in Amsterdam – all translated by a native speaker. Buy one before your trip to eliminate the language barrier, and confidently communicate your needs to restaurants in Amsterdam. It will make gluten free travel easier than ever. Click here to buy one now.

Gluten Free Amsterdam: The Complete Guide for Traveling Celiacs

I created my Gluten Free Travel Guides to simplify gluten free travel and take the guesswork out of traveling with Celiac Disease. I want you to be able to confidently and safely travel around the world with Celiac Disease and have unforgettable travel experiences.

And that’s why I wrote this guide – to help you do just that in Amsterdam, one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe.

It has everything you need to confidently and safely travel to Amsterdam with Celiac Disease. All in one place. No more asking “is the food there safe?” No more scouring apps for reviews within the last five years. You’ll get the best Celiac-safe gluten free eats, the best things to explore in Amsterdam, and a perfect itinerary for first-timers. 

So let’s get to the best gluten free restaurants in Amsterdam, and make planning your trip a breeze.

Here are the best gluten free restaurants in Amsterdam based on my two trips over the past two years, and scouring the internet. Check out the exact process I use to find safe gluten free food when I’m traveling on my gluten free travel page, including the exact email I send restaurants ahead of time.

Here is a map of all the spots you should visit in Amsterdam. If you want to make your very own Google Map for your trip, here’s a guide on how to do it.

My Top Gluten Free Amsterdam Picks

Don’t have time to read the entire guide? Here’s the summary.

Note for 2022: I haven’t gone through and updated this list with the places that have closed / newly opened because I haven’t been to the newer places, and don’t have an opinion on the “bests” just yet. I will update this section when I have a chance to make it back to Amsterdam!

• Best gluten free pizza in Amsterdam: Mastino V (with De Italiaan as a close second)
• Best gluten free bakery in Amsterdam: Croque Madame
• Best Celiac-friendly restaurant in Amsterdam: Puri Mas (Indonesian)
• Best gluten free brunch in Amsterdam: Pancakes Amsterdam
• Best wine bar in Amsterdam: Glou Glou
• Best cocktail bar in Amsterdam: Tales & Spirits
• Best place to find cider in Amsterdam: Apples and Pears Craft Cider and Poiré
• Best gluten free shop in Amsterdam: De Glutenvrij Winkel
• Best coffee in Amsterdam: Naked Espresso or Scandinavian Embassy

Dedicated Gluten Free Restaurants in Amsterdam (and Bakeries)

As a Celiac, there is almost nothing better than walking into a place and being able to order anything off the menu. Without any worries about cross-contamination.

To this day, 10 years after my diagnosis, I still get giddy and a little overwhelmed. Can I just order everything? Good news – there are several places in Amsterdam to get that amazing feeling.

Here are the best dedicated gluten free restaurants in Amsterdam.

Croque Madame: a 100% Gluten Free Cafe in the Red Light District

This place is relatively new, and I haven’t actually been there yet. However, next time in Amsterdam, it might be my first stop.

Croque Madame is in the middle of all the action in the Red Light District, making it a perfect stop for breakfast or lunch while you’re exploring in Amsterdam. In fact, because it is so close to Amsterdam Centraal, the train station, it should probably be your first stop when you arrive. I know you’ll be hungry. You’ll find burgers, sandwiches, and a variety of baked goods – all 100% gluten free, so you don’t need to worry about cross-contamination.

Gluten Free Groceries at De Glutenvrije Winkel

De Glutenvrije Winkel translates roughly to “the gluten free store” in Dutch. It’s the perfect place to stop for groceries, or if you are planning on a picnic in Vondelpark and need some supplies!

They have an in-house bakery making delicious gluten free bread, cakes, pizzas, and other food. They also work with a bunch of local companies to source high quality gluten free packaged goods like pasta, chips, crackers, and even gluten free beer!

Make sure to stop by at some point on your trip to stock up, and grab some snacks for your travels ahead!

Gluten Free & Vegan Pizza at Mastino V (CLOSED)

Mastino V is a centrally-located, 100% gluten free pizza restaurant in the heart of Amsterdam. Their pizzas are also vegan, although you can substitute full dairy mozzarella, which is a huge plus for those of you who are gluten free, but love cheese. Like me.

If you’re trying to go here over Christmas, like I did, be aware that they will likely be closed. However, at all other times of year, you should stop in. Gluten free pizza in a shared kitchen is always a little risky. Out of every ten places that say they can do it, you’ll find one that is actually celiac-friendly.

You don’t have to worry at Mastino V – it’s all gluten free. It is a must-stop for Celiacs in Amsterdam who love pizza.

New Dedicated Gluten Free Restaurants in Amsterdam

While several of my go-to gluten free restaurants in Amsterdam have closed over the course of the past few years, there’s a new crop of exciting gluten free options popping up to replace them, which is great!

I haven’t personally eaten at any of these places, but they’re on my list for my next trip, and they should probably be on yours too.

Craft Coffee & Pastry: I mean, we’re suckers for pastries, and this place looks AMAZING. I was turned onto them by the Sightseeing Coeliac on Instagram, and one look at their photos of delicious gluten free pastries made them an immediate add to my list. Their story follows a similar arc to most of the best gluten free places around the world – the owner was diagnosed with Celiac Disease and felt like she could do better than the gluten free baked goods on the market at the time (which was in 2014, and the options weren’t exactly great). Today, lines around the block tell you that this is the place to go for gluten free baked goods in Amsterdam.

Dèsa: One of our favorite experiences in Amsterdam was trying Indonesian food, which is something we had exactly zero experience with before visiting Amsterdam a couple of times. However, our go-to Indonesian place closed recently, only to be replaced by this restaurant. Reviews claim everything is gluten free, but you’ll need to make sure to double check with the staff to ensure nothing has changed. If you’re interested in trying Indonesian food, this is the place to do it.

SUE Bites: 100% gluten free cakes and cookies in a bright, airy space right in the heart of Jordaan. They’re originally from Rotterdam, but they recently opened a location in Amsterdam, and let me tell you, the location is fantastic. It’s right in the center of all the action, and is a good spot for breakfast and a coffee before a day of sightseeing.

Bloem Eten & Drinken: 100% gluten free AND vegan, this is a great spot for a meatless lunch. For dinner, it’s a three-course menu with various vegan options to choose from for each course. It’s a little further out, over in eastern Amsterdam near the zoo, but if you need to eat gluten free and vegan, this is probably your best bet in Amsterdam now that Mastino V closed (RIP).

Celiac-Friendly Gluten Free Restaurants in Amsterdam

I have personally eaten at each of the restaurants below. While they are not dedicated gluten free, they answered my questions thoroughly, and made me feel comfortable that they have processes in place to minimize cross-contamination.

That being said, your mileage may vary and I’m not a doctor. You’ll need to ask questions and make a decision for yourself. I recommend sending an email ahead of your trip with all of your questions to each restaurant you are interested in to confirm that they can meet your particular needs.

Gluten Free Dutch Restaurant Haesje Claes

When I’m traveling, I always make it a priority to experience local food as much as I can. Amsterdam is a really interesting mix of cultures and cuisines, which muddies the water of what “local” really means. In this case, I wanted to try dutch cuisine, whatever that means.

If you want to experience more traditional dutch food prepared in a safe environment for Celiacs, look no further than Haesje Claes. I would prioritize this place while you’re in Amsterdam, and recommend making a reservation as both times I’ve been it was pretty busy.

The food is really good, and the ambiance is equally warm and inviting. They have a separate gluten free menu (in English if needed) and they didn’t miss a beat when I mentioned Celiac Disease. They even bring out gluten free bread for you to enjoy! A real treat.

I have tried the “Hotchpotch Stammpot” and the Beef Stew with apple compote, both of which were fantastic. You should also order the fish selection starter for a unique food experience. It was the first time I had ever tried mackerel and salted herring, which was really interesting. I don’t know that I would necessarily order it again, but it’s definitely worth trying at least once.

Pancakes Amsterdam: A Must-Stop for Gluten Free Travelers

Another great example of a gluten free Amsterdam restaurant where you can experience local Dutch food in a safe environment for Celiacs! Pancakes Amsterdam is another place you should prioritize. This time for a phenomenal gluten free breakfast in Amsterdam.

Dutch pancakes are a must. When I say pancakes, you’re probably thinking of American pancakes. What you should be thinking about instead is a cross between those pancakes you grew up eating and a french crepe, topped or filled with delicious sweet or savory options.

Pancakes Amsterdam has several locations, but the one near the train station and the one in Jordaan near the Anne Frank house are the two most convenient.

I have now been to Pancakes Amsterdam three times, and each time I mentioned Celiac Disease and they gave me the same information, which is always a good sign. Your pancake will come out with a little coin that signals that it is gluten free and distinguishes it from the gluten-filled alternatives. They will warn you that there is flour in the air, but they take every precaution to avoid cross-contamination, like separate pans and utensils. Use your best judgment based on your needs!

They have a page on their website talking about the preparation process for gluten free pancakes.

I have gotten a bunch of the pancakes on the menu. The standouts have been the cheese and apple traditional dutch pancake, and the pancake with goat cheese, pine nuts, garlic oil, and spinach. Fantastic! Make reservations if you can! It can get really busy, so try to get there early if you don’t get a reservation.

Gluten Free Indonesian Food at Puri Mas (CLOSED)

Indonesian food is not something you see everyday here in the United States, so when I came across a place that could accommodate celiac disease, I went for it. I emailed them ahead of time asking about cross contamination, and they said that they use gluten free ingredients in almost all dishes as it is, and they can modify and replace as needed.

Aside from the food being incredible, the thing that impressed me most about Puri Mas was the service. When I mentioned that I was a celiac, the chef came to talk to us to talk through the menu, and we ordered the rijsttafel (“rice table”) for two. They walked through each of the dishes, and then the food started pouring in.

The rijsttafel was a great dining experience. They bring the food in waves, and it’s kind of like tapas, where each plate is relatively small so that you get a taste, but there are a TON of plates.

Highly recommend Puri Mas if you’re looking for a slightly different gluten free dining experience in Amsterdam. Fantastic service, too!

Foodhallen: A Unique, Indoor Food Market in Amsterdam

The Foodhallen was another really cool food experience in Amsterdam. It feels straight out of Brooklyn to me. There are a couple of places that can accommodate Celiacs, but it is just as much about the vibe as anything else.

There are a bunch of different restaurants that seem almost like pop-ups around the outside of a big, cavernous warehouse-like space. In the middle of the space is a bar, complete with spirits, wine, and cider.

I ate at Fento, which advertises local, gluten free, probiotic food. I had the nachos, and when I ordered and said I was a celiac, the man taking my order mentioned that the cashew crema they use to top them has oat milk in it, so I should get the nachos without it. That was super helpful, and I appreciated the knowledge of dealing with allergies that they had.

The food is good, and you can find a Bear Cider at the bar, which is a local craft cider produced in the Netherlands (allegedly the first one!)

Planning a trip to Europe? Check out my other European Celiac City Guides

De Italiaan: Celiac-safe Gluten Free Pizza in Amsterdam

De Italiaan is a gluten free Amsterdam highlight. They take celiac disease seriously, and it is one of the few places serving gluten free pizza in Amsterdam. If you need a pizza fix, look no further than De Italiaan.

It gets packed, especially later in the week for dinner, so try to make a reservation if you can. It’s a small, cozy atmosphere with great service. The gluten free pizzas, cooked in a separate oven, take a little longer to prepare, but it is well worth the wait.

They make delicious pizza, topped with a wide variety of traditional Italian toppings, and more innovative offerings. You can also get gluten free pasta, salad, and even dessert!

De Italiaan is well-informed on Celiac Disease, prepares the gluten free food in a separate part of the kitchen, and cooks the gluten free pizza in a dedicated oven. That, combined with a nice wine list and delicious food, makes it the perfect place to get your gluten free pizza fix in Amsterdam.

Celiac-Friendly Indian Food at Koh-I-Noor

I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but I love Indian food.

Indian curries are gluten free 99% of the time. Sometimes you have to watch out for flour added as a thickener or a flour-based inclusion, but that is very much the exception not the rule.

In Amsterdam, you can find gluten free Indian food steps away from the city center and the lovely Jordaan neighborhood at Koh-I-Noor.

They have two locations in Amsterdam, both are right in the heart of all the action.

Avoid the naan, and you will be in great shape. 99% of the menu is gluten free, the curries are cooked in separate pans, and the staff is more than willing to help you navigate the menu.

Koh-I-Noor is a solid stop for celiacs in Amsterdam.

Centrally Located Gluten Free Italian at Café Piazza

The food at Café Piazza is good, not great, but what makes it great is the central location and the thorough understanding of how to serve Celiacs. They don’t do gluten free pizza. They do have a separate gluten free menu on their website, complete with an acknowledgement of the precautions they take when serving Celiacs.

The Cold Pressed Juicery: Juices, smoothies, and bowls in a 100% gluten free facility. Solid place to get breakfast before visiting the Anne Frank House, which is across the street (canal?)

Vurger: 100% gluten free and vegan facility with burgers.

What to Do in Amsterdam (besides, you know, eat)

Here is a list, in no particular order, of my favorite things to experience in Amsterdam. My best recommendation is to walk. A lot. Everywhere. Don’t miss my Amsterdam itinerary for exactly how to to do that, and see the best of Amsterdam.

Do a Walking Canal Tour
I always suggest doing a walking tour on your first day in a new city to get your bearings. In Amsterdam, I’d recommend doing a canal tour by boat instead for a different perspective of the city.

This 3 hour guided bike tour also looks great – Amsterdam is so bike-friendly, and it’s a cool way to see the city.

Visit the Rijksmuseum (and the Amsterdam sign!)
One of the most interesting art museums that you’ll find in Europe, between the paintings, ship models, and armor, it can keep you busy for hours.

The Best Bars in Amsterdam
Drink Bear Cider at Arendsnest, Cocktails at Tales and Spirits, and natural wines at Glou Glou.

Stroll through the Albert Cuyp Market.
Don’t forget the gluten free stroopwafels!

Wander the canals at all hours of the day and night.

Visit the Anne Frank House
For a sobering look into Amsterdam’s past.

Devour local cheeses and buy some to bring home (they’re vacuum packed to travel!) at Henri Willig or Reypenaer.

Final Thoughts on Gluten Free Amsterdam

You’re going to love Amsterdam. It’s a great city full of interesting things to do, places to see, and it has a plethora (I try to fit that word in whenever I can, along with “ameliorate”) of fantastic safe gluten free options for those of us who need to travel 100% gluten free.

Get a Dutch gluten free restaurant card to make your life easier if you are worried about the language barrier. A lot of people speak English. But sometimes it’s better safe than sorry. It’s well worth the $9 to be able to eat safely.

If you’re not already following me on Instagram, head over and give me a follow to stay up to date on my travels. And for ALL the gluten free food pics.