Tropic Now's guide to the best gluten-free food around Cairns and the Far North

Wawawa Izakaya

One of our favourite Japanese eateries, Wawawa has earned a name for delicious, street-food style food. 
Quite a few dishes are also gluten-free, and some vegan!

TRY: ‘KFC’ with Jappyslaw

GO THERE: 92 Lake Street

Samgasat Thai Cuisine

One of the city’s worst kept secrets, Samgasat serves some seriously tasty, authentic Thai food.

A large part of its menu is gluten-free, including some of the restaurant’s new takeaway lunch packs.

TRY: Poached chicken and crab salad

GO THERE: 271 Pease Street, Edge Hill

Guyala Cafe

Owner Oliver James is all about inclusivity and his varied menus match that ethos.

His award-winning Cairns North establishment has a huge gluten-free selection, or meals can be adjusted to suit.

TRY: Good Morning Vietnam

GO THERE: Cnr Smith Street and the Esplanade

Dundees at the Aquarium

There are two Dundees restaurants in Cairns and both have gluten-free options, but the Aquarium venue has the most choice.

TRY: Native peppered kangaroo loin

GO THERE: 5 Florence Street

Falafellicious 

One of Cairns’ most authentic Middle Eastern eateries, Falafellicious has moved from its humble Kuranda beginnings to Smithfield, and now, to our delight, the Cairns CBD.

While their pita isn’t gluten-free, the falafel is and all but one of their flavour-packed salads.

Everything’s 100 per cent vegan too!

TRY: Leaf falafel

GO THERE: 49 Grafton Street

Pantry 15

100 per cent gluten-free, it’s open for breakfast and lunch right in the heart of the CBD.

You can also pick up ready-made meals.

TRY: Wagyu burger

GO THERE: 15/62 Grafton Street

Vitalia’s

All entrees are gluten-free, plus most mains, including homemade gnocchi.

TRY: Any one of their specialised gnocchi dishes 

GO THERE: Shop G9, Pier Point Road

Wild Thyme

Everything on the menu can be converted to gluten-free.

TRY: Zucchini, corn and chickpea fritters

GO THERE: 41 Shields Street

Ochre Restaurant

Known for its unique take on native ingredients, this popular marina-side venue also has a huge range of gluten-free food. 

TRY: Salt and pepper quail, fresh chilli, compressed watermelon, finger lime

GO THERE: 6/1 Marlin Parade

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Tropic's northern quick picks 

The Mexican

TRY: Cauliflower asada or tacos 

GO THERE: 4/43 Macrossan Street, Port Douglas

Seabean Tapas Bar

TRY: One of their four paella dishes (or all of them) 

GO THERE: 3/28 Wharf Street, Port Douglas

The Little Larder

TRY: Zucchini and halloumi falafel

GO THERE: Shop 17, 53-61 Macrossan Street, Port Douglas

Tropic's southern quick picks 

Health Healing & Harmony

TRY: Rice paper rolls or walnut sushi 

GO THERE: 46 Rankin Street, Innisfail

PepperVine 

TRY: Potato skin tacos 

GO THERE: 2 David Street, Mission Beach

Shanti Café

TRY: Shanti mushies on gluten-free bread 

GO THERE: 37 Porter Promenade, Mission Beach

Buko at Castaways Resort 

TRY: Lemongrass prawn lollipops

GO THERE: 2 Pacific Parade, Mission Beach 

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Tropic's western quick picks 

Fruibies

TRY: A margarita pizza with homemade mozzarella 

GO THERE: 1-3 Coondoo Street, Kuranda

Petals and Pinecones 

TRY: Corn and zucchini fritter stack 

GO THERE:  6-8 Herberton Road, Atherton

The Hungry Pug 

TRY: A homemade gluten-free pie 

GO THERE: 97 Byrnes Street, Mareeba

Earth’s Kitchen 

TRY: Puttanesca pasta

GO THERE: 3/303 Byrnes Street, Mareeba