Gluten Free in Greece | Athens

I have some great news for you, sticking to your gluten free diet in Greece is totally manageable and actually enjoyable.

Many Greek dishes naturally lack gluten, as they typically feature vegetables, meats, and herbs. You will find that for dishes that have gluten in them many restaurants will have GF alternatives on their menu, such as GF bread and pasta. This means you can try the majority of Greek foods, I know how hard it can be missing out on some amazing food due to dietary requirements.

As a member of the EU, Greece follows EU food laws, so they label all food with allergens, making it much easier in food shops.

What is Greek Food

Greek people typically follow the Mediterranean diet, a diet famous for its life-extending health benefits. The main components of a Greek diet are as follows:

• Healthy fats such as high-quality olive oil.
• A wide variety of fresh vegetables from tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, and zucchini, to lot of fresh herbs.
• Legumes such as lentils and chickpeas
• Feta cheese is used in salads, and pastries, it is often sprinkled as a topping on fries
• Red meat served in small quantities
• Greece’s vast coastline makes it a prime location for a wide range of seafood including squid, cuttlefish, octopus and lobster
• Greek yogurt is often used in sauces, as a dip or as a dessert
• Desserts often contain phyllo dough, honey and nuts

Download A FREE Greek Coeliac Gluten Free Restaurant Card

Gluten Free Greek Food

So, what exactly can you eat that is gluten free in Greece? The following are some of the most popular dishes with zero gluten in them.

1. Tzatziki

Tzatziki main ingredients are thick Greek yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice and garlic. It is served as a dip and goes very well with dolmas.

You can use it as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise, and it pairs well with just about anything.

2. Dolmas

This my favourite gluten free Greek appetizer. Dolmas are made of sticky rice wrapped in a vine leaf, they are usually served with a healthy dollop of tzatziki and a drizzle of olive oil.

Sometimes Dolmas are stuffed with tabbouleh which is made of bulgar wheat, this is not gluten free. Make sure to check they are stuffed with rice.

3. Souvlaki

Souvlaki are small pieces of pork, chicken or lamb on a skewer, these are mostly gluten free as long as the meat marinade contains no gluten. These make being gluten free in Greece much easier.

4. Gigantes

So simple but oh so delicious! Butter beans baked in a flavourful tomato, garlic, and oregano sauce.

5. Greek Salad

My personal all time favourite salad, fresh greens, red onion, crunchy cucumber (deseeded), tangy feta cheese, olives and a healthy drizzle of olive oil. It is usually seasoned with lemon, salt and oregano. It is the perfect side or add a bit of chicken or fish to make it into a main meal.

6. Greek Yogurt with honey and walnuts

Another simple and healthy dish that is incredibly tasty. Known as ‘Yiaourti me meli’, you will find this on the dessert section in many restaurants.

Where To Eat Gluten Free In Athens

Greek Stories: EVERYTHING on the menu is GF. Here you can taste gluten free versions of Greek food that is usually off limits such as gyros, mousaka, saganaki and baklava.

Trattoria: traditional Greek restaurant with plenty of gluten free options that are clearly marked on the menu.

Ella Greek Cooking: gf dishes are clearly marked on the menu. Traditional Greek food with many options available such as saganaki, oven baked lamb, souvlaki and dolmadakia.

Nudie Foodie Psiri: everything on the menu is gluten free. This place is also a great brunch spot serving GF pancakes, cakes, bread and pizza.

La Pasteria: Italian restaurant serving gluten free pasta, risottos and salads.

nice n easy: many gluten free options that are clearly marked on the menu

The Frankie: gf pizzas and pasta

Veganaki: vegan + gluten free menu. Try dishes like GF moussaka, pizza and rice pita bread.
Menu states food is made from naturally gluten free ingredients and therefore may contain traces of gluten and therefore severe coeliacs should avoid.

Greek Food that is NOT Gluten Free

• Gyros – fresh flour pita stuffed with pork or chicken, tzatziki, fries, red onion and tomatos
• Spanakopita – filo pastry filled with spinach and feta cheese
• Saganaki – fried greek cheese usually dipped in flour and served in a pool of honey.
• Moussaka – eggplant casserole that has bechamel sauce which contains flour.
• Keftedes – meatballs made from pork or beef, usually contain breadcrumbs
• Baklava – layered filo pastry filled with finely chopped nuts and honey
• Kataifi – redded phyllo pastry, butter, pistachios and walnuts, cinnamon, and spiced syrup
• Bougatsa – custard in a golden brown buttery filo pastry
• Samsades – crispy filo pastry and filled with almonds and sesame seeds and walnuts flavoured with almonds, loves and cinnamon.