Eating Out Gluten-Free: Easier Than Ever, But Still Room to Improve

Gluten-Free Dining, less stress more options

After going out for a lovely meal at The White Horse in Old, I had a little time to reflect on how much things have changed when it comes to eating out gluten-free. Years ago, a meal out meant stress, a million questions, and the constant worry that something might be safe but actually wasn’t. But sitting there, enjoying a meal without that underlying panic, it really hit me—things have improved a lot.

The Difference Is Huge

Compared to even ten years ago, eating out is so much easier. More restaurants have gluten-free menus, staff are better trained, and some places even have dedicated gluten-free kitchens (which, let’s be honest, is the dream). Big chains have jumped on the gluten-free bandwagon, and even takeaways—once a complete no-go—now offer safe options.

I mean, I can actually order a gluten-free pizza now without someone looking at me like I’ve just asked for pineapple on a steak. That alone is progress.

Looking Back… What a Mess

Thinking back to the early days of being coeliac, I remember:

• Being That Person – You know, the one who asks a million questions and gets eye-rolls from the waiter. It was either that or take a gamble with my intestines.
• Salads for Days – If a place didn’t know what gluten was, their default “safe” option was always a sad, lifeless salad. No dressing. No croutons. No joy.
• No Takeaways, Ever – The idea of ordering a Friday night takeaway was laughable. Unless you fancied plain rice or chips (if they hadn’t been dunked in the same oil as battered fish).

Still Some Work to Do…

Don’t get me wrong—things are way better, but there are still a few things that need sorting out:

• Cross-Contamination Confusion – Some places still don’t get it. A gluten-free burger on a regular bun? Gluten-free pasta cooked in the same water as normal pasta? No thanks.
• Independent Restaurants Catching Up – Big chains have improved, but smaller places are hit-or-miss. Some are brilliant, while others still think gluten-free means just taking the bread off a sandwich.
• Menus That Actually Help – You’d think by now we’d have clear, reliable gluten-free labelling on all menus. But nope—some places still slap a “may contain” warning on everything, just to be safe.

We’re Getting There!

Despite the challenges, eating out as a coeliac is a hundred times easier than it used to be. We’ve gone from feeling like an inconvenience to actually having decent options. And while there’s still room for improvement, I really do think we are moving in the right direction.

I would also like to point out that this is based on my own experiences over the last year as out of the many restaurants and pubs I’ve been to, only one stands out as a bad experience and for me that is a massive improvement from 5 years ago. I know some of you might have a different tale to tell but I hope that reading my experiences gives you a little hope for the future.

So how do you feel about eating out these days? Easier? Still a struggle? Let me know—I’d love to hear your experiences!