In the past, Melbournians with dietary requirements such as vegan, gluten-free, or lactose-free would have to cook at home. Restaurants offered such limited options that eating out was a chore. Well, today things are different. More people are dining out as more restaurants expand their menus to cater to special diets. 

From Gluten Free four-cheese pasta and pizza to delicious Gluten Free Danish pastries and pecan tarts, Melbourne restaurants have lifted their game. 

A lifestyle choice or essential dietary requirement?

A gluten-free diet consists of eating meals that don’t contain gluten. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, rye, and barley, which is almost all cakes, biscuits, pasta, pastries, pizza, bread… basically all the good stuff. 

However, some people can’t tolerate gluten. It makes them feel bloated, tired, nauseous and gassy. If you’re gluten-intolerant, chances are you have also heard about Celiac disease. Just to make it clear, gluten intolerance and Celiac disease are not one and the same. 

Although the symptoms can be similar, Celiac disease is, in fact, an autoimmune disorder that damages the digestive tract. Needless to say, both gluten-related conditions require you to steer clear of gluten for health and well-being, and if you are Celiac, you’ll have to avoid gluten for life.

Discovering gluten-free food

Can’t tolerate gluten? Don’t despair! There’s so much gluten-free food out there that you wouldn’t even know where to start. For instance, you can incorporate GF substitute foods and other processed foods that don’t contain gluten; just make sure to read the labels carefully. Your gluten-free diet can consist of foods like rice, potatoes, legumes, fruits, veggies, meat, and many more. 

Fact: there are more gluten-free options than ones that actually contain gluten.

You shouldn’t miss out on exceptional dining experiences just because you can’t eat everything. Restaurants, bakeries, and fast-food chains have all included Gluten Free substitutes for their regular meals and have added new Gluten Free dishes to their menu. Whether you are gluten intolerant or have Celiac disease, you won’t stay hungry in Melbourne, especially not in our restaurant in Moonee Ponds.  

Gluten Free at Saros Bar & Dining: Chef’s Recommendation

At Saros Bar & Dining, we endeavour to cater to the needs of all our guests with gluten-free options a speciality. Here are some of the best gluten-free specialties on our new spring menu. Check out our chef’s recommendation the next time you visit us.

Grain Fed Riverine Eye Fillet (MB5+) 220g (Gluten Free)

This elegant main course features a 220g portion of high-quality, Grain Fed Riverine Eye Fillet (MB5+ marble score) known for its superb tenderness and flavour. It is served with Crispy Layered Potatoes and finished with house-made Café De Paris Butter—a rich, complex, herb-infused classic butter that melts beautifully over the steak.

Don’t forget to pair this hearty meal with some of our high-quality wines. Our wine recommendation for this Gluten Free meal is the Victorian Topsail Cabernet Sauvignon or Bruno Shiraz from The Barossa Valley. 

Freshly Shucked Seasonal Oysters with Lemon and mignonette Dressing (Gluten Free)

Seafood lovers rejoice! This gluten-free specialty is a great way to kick off your dining experience with us or with a drink at the bar. Pair your oysters with our Jack & Jill Pinot Gris from the Bellarine Victoria for a burst of flavours. 

Seafood Linguine Linguine Tossed With Spanner Crab, Mussels, Prawns, And Calamari, Finished With Golden Pangrattato

A true celebration of the ocean, this linguine is packed with fresh spanner crab, tender mussels, prawns, and calamari, all tossed in a delicate sauce. The golden pangrattato adds a beautiful texture and savory crunch. For a perfect pairing, we recommend trying the Cornelius Chardonnay from Bellarine, VIC, to complement the richness of the seafood.

Pan-fried Saganaki Served with Plum Jam, Toasted Macadamia Nuts and a Slice of Lemon (GF, VEG)

If you love cheese, this is the dish for you! The sweetness of the plum jam offsets the saltiness of the saganaki. The Snake & Herring Tough Love Chardonnay from Margaret River, WA is the wine that best pairs with this delicious cheesy gluten-free meal.

Great Ocean Duck – Gluten Free Duck Breast, Seasonal Berries, Asparagus And Barley

This dish celebrates tender Great Ocean Duck Breast, perfectly rendered and paired with sweet, Seasonal Berries and fresh Asparagus. The Barley provides a satisfying, earthy counterpoint. For a delightful pairing, try a glass of our Pinot Noir—its bright acidity and fruit notes beautifully complement the richness of the duck.

Sides

Complement your main dish with a side of Chargrilled Broccolini, Toasted Almond Flakes And A Touch Of Chilli (Gluten Free)

Desserts

Passion Fruit Pavlova (Gluten Free)

When dining with us, you must leave space for our rich and unique sweet treats. Our gluten-free dessert recommendation is the Passion Fruit Pavlova served with Meringue, Passion Fruit Curd And Chantilly. Bring out the flavours of your Passion Fruit Pavlova by pairing it with our Henschke ‘Five Shilling’ Shiraz Mataro from Eden Valley, SA.

Gluten Free Options For Everyone

Dedicated Gluten Free restaurants in Melbourne are hard to find, which is why we created a menu that will cater to the needs and requirements of guests with gluten-related conditions. 

Looking for delicious and gluten-free meals to satisfy your cravings? Or are you eager to see what’s on our latest à la carte menu? Join us at Saros Bar & Dining this spring to sample our hearty meals and decadent desserts. Bring your friends and family, as it’s true what they say: “The more, the merrier”.