Stingray’s Ocean & Grill serves up brilliant gluten-free fish and chips. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
On a trip to the coast I usually have one thing on my mind: fish and chips. But for many coeliac and gluten-free folks, this beachside staple is fraught with danger. The result is usually a piece of grilled fish, with no chips, because of deep-fryer contamination and a lack of a gluten-free batter.
But increasingly, there is a growing wave of restaurants, cafes and takeaways from Batemans to Eden servicing all kinds of dietary requirements.
Here are a few of our favourite places for gluten-free dining down the coast.
Opposite the iconic Boat Shed, Stingray’s offers a fully gluten-free battered fish and chips in dedicated gluten-free fryers: a total gamechanger. And as a non-gf diner I can confirm that these fish and chips aren’t merely ‘pretty good for gluten free’, they’re a legitimately good option for anyone. A dusting of paprika and scattering of fresh parsley is also a nice touch. We’ve also heard that the steaks at Stingray’s are epic.
You can enjoy your lunch in the restaurant, but there’s also some lovely picnic tables across the road.
Note: there are other glutenous dishes served in the kitchen, but they are prepared in a separate area.
All menu items at The Oyster Farmer’s Daughter can be made gluten free. Photo: Oyster Farmer’s Daughter.
Adjacent to Coxon’s Oysters around the back of the Wagonga Inlet, The Oyster Farmer’s Daughter – run by Natasha Coxon, daughter of oyster farmer Brian Coxon – is a thoroughly charming location. Oysters are obviously the name of the game here, but there are plenty of other food options with a strong focus on locally sourced seafood. All the dishes on the menu are gluten free, or can be made gluten free.
The outrageously aesthetic space is the perfect spot to relax with a cocktail in hand, snacking on grilled Skull Island prawn and green goddess bites, slurping down fresh oysters with ponzu dressing or hoeing into some fish and chips made with locally caught flathead.
Nori dusted fish and chips – yes please! Photo: The Rivermouth Instagram.
In 2024 husband-and-wife team Brendan and Bridgette Sly moved back to the coast for a different kind of lifestyle. Bridgette has a background in Melbourne’s fine-dining scene and brings a wealth of experience to The Rivermouth: Tomakin’s General Store turned community cafe.
The menu spans the brunch regulars with plenty of flair. Don’t miss the slow cooked smoky black beans served on grilled, house-made cornbread (gluten free, of course). They also serve a gluten-free fish and chips made with Australian whiting and seasoned with nori. The kind of cafe where locals feel at home, and visitors feel like they’ve struck gold when they stumble upon it.
Flaky, house-made sausage rolls are a favourite at the fully gluten-free Cafe Beyond. Photo: Cafe Beyond Facebook.
A totally gluten-free establishment, Cafe Beyond in Bega has a loyal following. The team make all their own gluten-free bread in-house, and their menu features many dishes that coeliac diners won’t have tasted in years. Flaky, house-made sausage roll, house-crumbed chicken schnitzel and focaccia are just some of the favourites.
Describing itself as a community hub, Beyond Cafe has become a gathering place for local events and community connections.
Gluten-free fritters are a signature dish at Pambula Cafe. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
This buzzing local cafe is a delightful brunch spot with great food and excellent coffee. And it has a solid gluten-free offering!
Most of the bread-based menu items can be replaced with gluten-free bread, and it also has a number of great dishes that come gluten free as standard. The signature dishes include gluten-free pumpkin and kale fritters which are served with a vibrant beetroot hummus, tabouli, and gluten-free yoghurt pancake stack served with lemon curd and blueberry compote.
Even better, the same team also runs The Eddy in Merimbula and Eden Ground further south. Each cafe has a slightly different menu but the commitment to catering for diverse dietary requirements is consistent.
What are your favourite gluten-free friendly cafes and restaurants down the South Coast?