There are so many great cafes/restaurants that cater for coeliacs in Torquay, here are a few of my favourites.
We moved from Ballarat to Torquay two years ago, and I was so excited to start exploring our new local cafes and restaurants that cater to coeliac disease and a strict gluten-free diet. Since then, we’ve found a few favourites that we keep going back to and always recommend to anyone visiting.
Doc Hughes
NOTE: This is not a 100% gluten-free restaurant, so always advise staff if you have coeliac disease.
Doc Hughes is one of our favourite places to dine for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The menu is great, with plenty of delicious gluten-free options, and the staff are well-versed in all things coeliac. They have a dedicated gluten-free fryer, which is a huge win for us coeliacs!!
Anytime we have friends or family visiting, this is where we take them because the menu caters to everyone. It’s right on the Esplanade with a calm, beachy vibe, and the food is incredible with very generous portions. Some of my personal favourites are the avocado toast, usually with a side of bacon. They source their gluten-free bread from the Geelong Gluten Free Bakery, it’s unreal!! Their BBQ Pork Ribs are incredible along with the Kilpatrick Oysters. You can view their website HERE
One of the best parts about Doc Hughes is their staff and how knowledgeable they all are about coeliac disease. Anytime I mention it, they fully understand and make sure it’s noted on the order. As always though, make sure you mention your dietary requirements when ordering.
Phoklore
NOTE: This is not a 100% gluten-free restaurant, so always advise staff if you have coeliac disease.
A restaurant that is always busy regardless of the weather or if its school holidays or not is Phoklore. The menu has recently changed, so it’s worth noting that dishes like pho and laksa no longer automatically come with gluten-free rice noodles, and you now need to select the gluten-free option when ordering. They do have a gluten-free fryer, which is great, but I always recommend double-checking with staff before ordering.
There have been times when I’ve asked, and they’ve confirmed the gluten-free fryer had been used for gluten-containing items or another fryer was out of action. The team is very aware and always happy to check, but like anywhere that isn’t 100% gluten-free, it’s best to confirm on the day.
Some of my personal favourites are the Pho Laksa, either Chicken or Seafood, and if the gluten-free fryer is about, the Tuna Tartare is UNREAL!
Pollo Rotisserie
NOTE: This is not a 100% gluten-free restaurant, so always advise staff if you have coeliac disease.
If you’re after something quick to grab and take to the beach, or an easy takeaway dinner, Polo Rotisserie is another one of our favourites. It’s like a classic roast chicken and chip shop, but elevated, with plenty of options. While most sandwiches aren’t gluten-free, their chips and roast chickens are all gluten-free, and there are also other salads and sides that are too. I’ve never had any issues here, and it’s one of those super reliable, easy options we come back to all the time.
Torquay Taphouse (Great Ocean Road Brewing)
NOTE: This is not a 100% gluten-free restaurant, so always advise staff if you have coeliac disease.
Torquay Taphouse is another great place to dine. They have a gluten-free fryer, a great menu and also have super comfy booths to sit in. You can order via a QR code on your table or head up to the bar, as always, I recommend chatting to staff before ordering to make them aware if you have coeliac disease.
They offer a range of items from gluten-free pizzas, burgers and also have gluten-free sweet potato chips, which are unreal!
It’s one of those places that feels really reliable, and somewhere we’re always happy to recommend if you’re after a relaxed, gluten-free friendly option in Torquay.
Sweetground
NOTE: This is not a 100% gluten-free restaurant, so always advise staff if you have coeliac disease.
If you’re looking for a fresh salad that’s not only delicious but actually filling, you need to check out Sweetground. Located just off Baines Crescent, up from the surf outlets, it’s a small shop but perfect if you’re heading to the beach or want something quick and easy.
You can also order online so your food is ready when you arrive, which makes it super convenient. My personal favourite is the Green Goddess salad.
When we first moved down here, I shared a video featuring their salad and it went crazy viral, really hitting the right audience. To the point where the next time I went in, they told me I didn’t have to pay. It just shows how powerful social media can be.
Lovehouse Anglesea
NOTE: This is not a 100% gluten-free restaurant, so always advise staff if you have coeliac disease.
About a 20-minute drive from Torquay is Lovehouse, and I highly recommend it!
They are incredible when it comes to coeliac disease and gluten-free dining, and the view/location is perfection.
The food is phenomenal, and you can also choose a Feed Me option that lets you select 5 dishes plus they bring out accompanying sides.
We’ve stopped in for drinks before, and they also have a function space, so if you’re visiting the area and want somewhere a little more special, I would highly recommend booking in.
