Best Restaurants in Essex for Eating Out Gluten Free

The term ‘gluten-free’ has become something of a buzz-word in recent years, with more and more people choosing not to eat or finding that they are actually intolerant to the gluey protein. This used to make eating out really difficult, but luckily an increasing number of restaurants and eateries are recognising the need for gluten-free food and adapting their menus accordingly.

We have put together this blog to help you find some of the best restaurants in Essex for eating out gluten free style!

The Angel & Harp

Great Dunmow, CM6 2AD

Set within a beautiful Grade II Listed building, The Angel & Harp boasts a stylish yet relaxed pub environment with a reputation for great food and service. There are two gluten free menus, one for daytime and one for evening service, and they feature some fabulous dishes including a wide range of pizzas, burgers and dogs and desserts such as a toffee and hazelnut sundae. There are also dairy free menus available.

With special offers such as 2-for-1 pizza every Monday and 2-for-1 burgers and dogs every Tuesday, eating out gluten free can be tasty and great value at The Angel & Harp. Drop by and check it out for yourself!


Spaghetti Junction

Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 9SU

A popular local restaurant, Spaghetti Junction proves that even traditional Italian food can be made gluten free. Each menu now contains a number of gluten free dishes including spaghetti, tagliatelle or penne pasta with a range of sauces such as bolognese, carbonara and di pesce. There are also several gluten free dessert options such as their much loved banana split!

Don’t take our word for it. For great gluten free Italian food in Essex visit Spaghetti Junction.


Six Bells

Boreham, CM3 3JE

A gorgeous traditional English pub with a gluten free and coeliac friendly kitchen, the Six Bells is a Greene King establishment with more than 30 years experience in serving top quality homemade food. Their special gluten free menu includes a range of delicious dishes such as chicken curry, slow roasted belly of pork, and our personal favourite toffee meringue sundae.

A Cask Marque award makes the Six Bells a popular choice with real ale fans as well as the perfect place for some gluten free grub! Head on over this weekend and try it for yourself!


Armstrong’s

Clacton Pavilion, CO15 1QX

With stunning views out to sea, Armstrong’s; part of the multi-million pound redevelopment of Clacton Pavilion, is a restaurant that caters for every taste. The majority of the dishes on their newly created menus are gluten free or can be adapted to make them so, and includes favourites such as sausage and mash and cod and chips. Delectable desserts include a pear and almond tart, and blueberry and vanilla cheesecake.

For great gluten free food by the sea then look no further than Armstrong’s bar and restaurant.


The Wooden Fender

Ardleigh, CO7 7PA

A family run pub nestled in the village of Ardleigh, The Wooden Fender blends relaxed, contemporary and sensibly-priced fine dining with a traditional English pub environment. Their specially-created gluten free menu contains a variety of mouth-watering food including Jamaican Jerk chicken curry, hunter’s bbq chicken and a selection of steaks and sides.

A popular venue with the locals, The Wooden Fender is the perfect place for a quiet meal for two or a celebration with the whole family. Make sure you visit soon to try out their delicious gluten free grub for yourself!


Smith’s Restaurant

Ongar, CM5 0AL

This exquisite contemporary fine dining restaurant is well known for its extensive fish menu. However Smith’s also boasts an a la carte menu packed full of sumptuous gluten free dishes. Examples include oven roasted Scottish salmon served with hollandaise sauce, Cornish monkfish fillets and baked wild Norwegian halibut with cherry tomatoes, roasted garlic and thyme. Supremely tempting desserts include woodland berry Eton mess and Cambridge burnt cream.

With gluten free set menu’s also available; there is something to suit every palate and budget at Smith’s. Make your reservation today to avoid disappointment.


As you can see gluten intolerances now no longer have to limit what or where you can eat. We hope that this blog has given you some food for thought when it comes to finding the best restaurants for eating out gluten free in Essex! Catch you soon!