Food is something I think everybody looks forward to as a part of their study abroad experience. While London is not Italy, it still has a phenomenal food scene and is a lot more diverse. As someone with specific dietary needs, finding meals while studying abroad can seem a bit daunting but in a city as vast as London, there are numerous options. You would be surprised how many places cater to food interferences and allergies. I decided I wanted to document some of the best places and food I have had while being in London as someone who doesn’t eat gluten or dairy. 

This was taken at Happy London in the West End. Super fun atmosphere and a good place to get a taste of American food from home. 

Getting some cream tea with friends at Clarence Brasserie & Tea Room where we each got our own different patterned teapot. 

These are my favorite macarons. Highly recommend visiting the storefront in Covent Garden and then listening to the street performers. 

2. La Porchetta: A little hole-in-the-wall, family-run Italian joint that can be found in Soho next to the theater that runs “Harry Potter and The Cursed Child.” While they did not offer GF pizza, they did offer GF pasta for an extra charge and it did take additional time as well, which is common. The service was great and my friends said the non-GF pizza was phenomenal. 

This pasta at La Porchetta was one of my favorites. Super quick service in the heart of the theater district. 

3. Italian Bear Chocolate: This place is a fun photographable spot for tourists. While the hot chocolate was not the best I have ever had, they did offer GF dessert options which made it so worth it. I would recommend going just for the atmosphere. It's charming on the inside and the extra chocolate is worth it. 

    

Get a chocolate overload at Italian Bear Chocolate. A good place for an afternoon pick-me-up, but would definitely recommend a reservation. 

4. ASK Italian: My friends and I enjoy frequenting Italian restaurants so it's not a surprise another one is on the list. ASK Italian is a chain but has a fun environment and nearly everything on the menu can be accommodated for food intolerances. They even place stickers on dishes on the menu to indicate which are suited for dietary requirements. Do not leave without getting the lemonade. It is some of the best I have ever tried and I would go back just for that. 

    

This carbonara from ASK Italian was so good! My friend Madison loved her pasta as well and the lemonade was phenomenal. 

Amalfi Ristorante was yet another Italian restaurant that had GF bread, pizza, and pasta. It was packed the whole night with locals which is when you know it’s the best spot. 

5. The Melody Restaurant: This high tea is not given enough credit! While it may not be hugely popular the service and experience were wonderful. It is located in a boutique hotel in Kensington and their portions were so generous, especially the GF. Hidden gem for sure! 

    

Our first outing was getting tea at The Melody Restaurant. So quaint and the GF (gluten-free) scones were the absolute best! 

6. Where The Pancakes Are: Last but most certainly not least, Where the Pancakes Are was a huge hit. This restaurant is celiac friendly and they have a few locations. We opted for the one near Borough Market because of availability. I would recommend the one in Soho but plan to book far in advance. 

    

Where the Pancakes Are is such a fun concept with a few different locations. The one in Soho is by far the best! 

The list could go on and on! Every corner you turn in London is going to be filled with pubs, cafes, and restaurants that have something catering to dietary requirements. It has been so fun to try so many things I would never get the chance to in the U.S. I am already thinking about what I want to bring back with me!