Being gluten-free in Madrid isn’t easy, but it is easier in Madrid than in most other cities in Spain.
When I give recommendations for gluten-free people of where to go in a city, I try to focus on where it’s possible to purchase freshly baked bread and other baked items, as these are generally the hardest to find.
After all, there’s nothing that can replace the joy and simplicity of a loaf of freshly baked bread. The packaged stuff is ok in a pinch or when there is no other option but if at all possible wouldn’t we all prefer a nice crusty fresh loaf we can take on a picnic or bring with us to mop up that delicious sauce left on our plate at dinner like all of the rest of our gluten eating friends?
While I don’t need bread every day, I do find it much harder to live without bread in countries like Spain, Italy and France where the diet is so heavily focused on bread. Everywhere you look people are biting into bocadillos, tearing off chunks of baguettes to eat with their jamon and cheese, wiping their plates with big hunks of warm bread from the bread basket, or being served tapas (almost always on top of slices of bread) with their drinks.
Spaniards love bread. For many meals-it is the main component. For example, a typical Spanish breakfast is just toasted bread with tomato sauce and olive oil (pan con tomate).
So when I’m in Spain, I like to figure out where I can get some fresh gluten free pan for myself! That’s why I made it a goal to find a few great gluten free bakeries in Madrid, when I was living there.
These gluten free Madrid bakeries will make your life easier and more delicious!
0% Gluten- Gluten Free Madrid Bakery
This gluten-free bakery and dining establishment in Madrid’s Chamberi district is part of a small franchise with locations in major cities throughout Spain. 0% Gluten was created with the intent to provide a space that is ‘free of’ allergens like gluten, lactose, or eggs. A place where celiacs and those with allergies can come and enjoy all kinds of food–from bread or pastries to salads, hot chocolate, etc. without worry. They guarantee that everything is 100% gluten-free and freshly baked (on the same day you purchase). Among their bakery items, 0% Gluten normally offers biscuits, tarts, muffins, cakes, brioches, cookies, pizzas, and focaccias. They also offer sandwiches, pizza, salads, beverages, and other items.
Something unique about 0% Gluten’s bakery and eatery spaces is that the kitchens are in full view of customers so that you can watch how the bakers prepare the items they are baking.
Casa Brioche-Gluten Free Madrid Bakery
Situated between the Castellana and Vallehermoso neighborhoods, Casa Brioche offers something unique for celiacs and those who are gluten-free in Madrid: gluten-free brioche! Lauded for their chewy, buttery brioche, baked fresh every morning, Casa Brioche also offers a variety of fluffy, decadent, and delicious cakes as well as bagels, brioche burger buns, dinners rolls, focaccia bread, and croissants. All of Casa Brioche’s products are both gluten-free and lactose-free.
Note: Casa Brioche is a relatively short walk from both the 0% Gluten bakery/restaurant and the MARQUÉS Free From bakery/confiteria. If you take a trip to this area, you’ll find yourself in a veritable gluten free paradise!
Location: Calle de Bretón de los Herreros, 6
*You can walk here in a couple of minutes from the Rias Rosas, Canal, or Alonso Cano metro stops.
Celikatessen Gluten Free Madrid Bakery (Calle de Valderribas, 30)
The bread at Celikatessen is phenomenal. The ingredient and the quality are the highest I’ve seen anywhere in Madrid. Sergio doesn’t just bake basic, dry, nutrition-less gluten-free baguettes. He started the bakery because he’s a celiac and didn’t see any other bakeries doing whole grain or healthy high-quality gluten-free breads.
He bakes (and serves) up dense, nutty, healthy, and delicious loaves of many kinds that are chock full of nuts, grains and organic whole grain flours. No crap. No white flour fillers (unless it’s one of his desserts which he uses a combo of flours in to get the best consistency like any good GF baker does!).
The health-conscious crowd, vegans, and some celiacs in Spain are hip to the benefits of consuming more complex carbs than simple, despite this not at all being the norm in Spain and will pay a premium to get better quality products. And, at Celikatessen, pay a premium you will. They have the most expensive gluten-free bread I’ve bought anywhere in Europe. 12 Euros for a whole round loaf. 6 euros for a half loaf. Wowza.
Location: Mercado de Pacífico (planta baja, C. de Valderribas, 30 (in the Pacifico area of Madrid)
Celioso Gluten Free Madrid Bakery (Calle de Hortaleza, 3)
Celioso is an uber-popular gluten-free bakery in Madrid and its popularity stems from the fact that they make cupcakes and cakes and sweets (macaroons, cookies, tarts….) that are both pretty to look at and delicious.
In the past (when I was living in Madrid), Celioso really only did sweet stuff. However, they’ve really expanded their offering over the past couple of years (I most recently visited in early 2023) and now offer a wider range of items including savory gluten free dishes like salads, sandwiches, and tacos (dependent upon the day/week you visit), smoothies and juices, and a nice assortment of breakfast items.
As Celioso is located in a very popular, central areas of Madrid (Gran Via and Chueca) their stores/restaurants get a lot of traffic. This is good for those seeking a gluten-free bakery that can stand the test of time though, as it’s hard to stay in business as a gluten-free bakery unless you can do a pretty high volume of business. It also means that you’re likely to get something that’s been pulled out of the oven recently!
In short, If you are craving gluten-free sweets or a casual bite somewhere where everything is 100% gluten free, Celioso Madrid gluten free bakery is a great place to stop and have a cappuccino and a sweet treat or a light dish such as a sandwich, salad, etc. And yes, they have wifi and are happy to provide the password to customers.
La Celiacateca Gluten Free Madrid Bakery
La Celiacateca, located in the Lista area of Madrid, is not too far from Sana Locura (one of my top 2 favorites, mentioned below on this list).
What La Celiacateca is best known for is their absolutely scrumptious, decadent, and freshly baked sweet items like donuts (chocolate covered, bars stuffed with custard, etc.), butter cookies, magdalenas, cakes, pies, and pastries. Seriously, do not come here if you are too hungry or you will leave with way. too. much.
However, beyond the sweet stuff, La Celiacateca also makes delicious empanadas (there are normally several different kinds to choose from), great crusty boules of bread, and other savory items. Check their Facebook page for specials. Last time I was there they were serving something like a French toast that was insanely good.
Location: Calle de Eraso, 3 (in the Lista area of Madrid)
Sana Locura Gluten Free Madrid Bakery, Calle del Gral Oraá, 49
I’ve listed this gluten-free Madrid bakery first because it is, in my opinion, the best overall for selection, quality, and price point. Not only does this bakery have great multi-grain (a rarity in Spain!) gluten-free breads and pastries but their prices are very good compared to other bakeries and they have a huge assortment of savory (not just sweet!!) items (tarts, pizza, foccaccia, empanadas, etc).
Also, their breakfast deal is great for those of us who are used to NEVER being able to stop and just have a coffee and gluten-free pastry for less than 10 Euros. You can choose your muffin or pastry and a coffee beverage for only 3.50 (euros). I dragged my boyfriend here on quite a few Sundays just to get that ‘normal’ feeling of popping into a cafe or bakery on a weekend morning and munching on a fresh pastry (not biscuits out of a box!) with my coffee while reading the news. I will miss this place!
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