As everyone knows by now, gluten is a food compound found in certain cereals like wheat, barley, and spelt, as well as rye, barley, and often oats.
It is equally well known that consuming this substance causes more or less severe adverse reactions, and those who suffer from this condition are called “celiac.”
Hence, the production of gluten-free products, which are devoid of gluten.
It goes without saying that the presence of gluten-free dining options (restaurants, bars, pizzerias, pubs, etc.), offering dishes without cereals and similar ingredients on their menus, is now widespread, especially in tourist areas. The French Riviera is no exception, offering its visitors a wide variety of accessible and comfortable dining choices.
Without claiming to be exhaustive but citing the most famous and visible restaurants, let’s start, of course, with Monte Carlo. Only the names of the venues will be mentioned to keep the reading light: a quick search on the Internet will provide all the necessary details (address, phone number, days, and hours of operation).
EQVITA is an organic/vegan restaurant offering various gluten-free options on the menu. Gluten-free beers are also available. The dishes are carefully prepared, with particular attention to the quality of ingredients. Fixed lunch menus are also available. House specialty: Quinoa with broccoli, sweet potatoes, and mushrooms.
Mozza. An Italian restaurant specializing in mozzarella, from which it gets its name. Gluten-free options available. Suitable for any occasion, from lunch to dinner, or weekend brunch. Excellent cocktails. High-quality products.
Graziella, located at the Fontvieille harbor, is an Italian restaurant offering some gluten-free options. Excellent wine list with a wide selection. Broad offering of fish dishes. Scallops and sirloin steak are the most exquisite dishes.
Avenue 31. High-quality Italian restaurant. Gluten-free options available on the menu. Excellent wine selection.
For those who love the exotic, there’s Buddha-Bar, an Asian restaurant where the flavors of Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Southeast Asian cuisines meet Western ones. Gluten-free options available on the menu, including gluten-free soy sauce.
Moving on to Nice, we must mention GiGi TAVOLA: a cozy restaurant near the port, renowned for its excellent gluten-free pizza and delicious burgers with tasty sides. The curated atmosphere, friendly service, and excellent location make it an ideal stop for those visiting the city.
A stop in Cannes offers a choice among well-known gluten-free restaurants.
Le MANTEL – TABLE 22 is a gastronomic gem in the heart of Suquet, the old town center of Cannes, just above the port. “Mantel – Table 22” is a simple and refined restaurant, perfect for couples or special occasions. Recommended by the Michelin guide, it’s a very popular location, so booking in advance is advisable (and notify for gluten-free dishes).
COOL PLACES, located downtown, is one of the best restaurants for eating meat in Cannes, also renowned for its seafood cuisine. A well-maintained and well-known venue, where the aesthetic extends beyond design and into the presentation of the dishes.
LA CHUNGA is a renowned spot where good cuisine is combined with a youthful and welcoming atmosphere, which turns into a real club with music and a dance floor after dinner, while still maintaining a refined side. Gluten-free options are available (it’s recommended to notify the staff of any allergy), for an evening of relaxation and fun. Prices are quite high but average for most Cannes restaurants.
And at the end of the French Riviera, let’s take a look at Saint-Tropez. Located in the heart of the city, BAR DU PORT is an excellent choice for a quick lunch in an informal setting. You can find gluten-free salads, meat, and fish dishes; it’s recommended to inform the staff of any intolerance. As in most places in the city, prices are not low.
RESTAURANT LA PONCHE (also in the port area) is one of the historic venues in Saint-Tropez, run by the same family for generations. It offers interesting seasonal menus, which recently also include vegan options. Among the offerings, the grilled meat and fish dishes are gluten-free; it’s recommended to inform the staff about the allergy.
And here too, a taste of the Orient: GANDHI. Indian cuisine is one of the safest when looking for gluten-free foods. In Saint-Tropez, this restaurant is undoubtedly an excellent choice. Traditional location, decorated with typical Indian elements, with the option of outdoor dining with a view of the port. Rice and chicken dishes are the most recommended.