
Central may be the fast-paced heart of Hong Kong’s culinary scene, but for those dodging gluten, it can often feel like a minefield of hidden soy sauce and flour-dusted snacks. Central is deinitely Hong Kong's leadeing district for gluten free dining, offering everything from Michelin-starred subterranean dens to high-energy pasta bars that have perfected the art of the wheat-free substitute.
Whether you’re looking for the charcoal-grilled mastery of Persian skewers, refined Cantonese classics, or a dedicated gluten free bakery for your afternoon fix, this guide cuts through the noise. We have hand-picked venues that don’t just "accommodate" dietary restrictions but celebrate them, ensuring that every meal on this list is as good for your gut as it is exciting for your palate.
Tucked away on the charming slopes of Aberdeen Street, The Lob is a hidden gem for the health-conscious eater who refuses to sacrifice the joy of a good pastry. Specializing in meticulously crafted keto and low-carb creations, this boutique cafe has become a local pilgrimage site for those seeking sugar-free and gluten-friendly alternatives in the heart of Central. Their expertise extends from signature Keto Scones served with sugar-free jam to innovative bakes like their Salted Egg Yolk "Fake" Lotus Seed Buns, reimagining classic Hong Kong flavors for a modern, wellness-focused lifestyle.
The atmosphere at The Lob is intimate and welcoming, offering a quiet escape from the frantic energy of nearby Soho. Beyond their famous whole cakes and muffins, they are celebrated for their Keto Catalana and sugar-free ice creams, making it one of the few places in the city where you can enjoy a full "high tea" experience while staying strictly on track with your nutritional goals. Whether you’re a dedicated keto follower or just a curious foodie looking for a light, high-quality treat, The Lob provides a delicious masterclass in how Hong Kong’s creative bakers are evolving to meet the demands of the health-savvy generation.
The Lob is completely focused on providing gluten free meals and desserts! It's a must for those looking for a quick brunch spot, or a gluten free treat
For travelers seeking a taste of Hong Kong’s high-society history, Yung Kee Restaurant on Wellington Street is more than just a dining destination, it is a piece of living cultural heritage. What began as a humble dai pai dong over 80 years ago has evolved into a world-renowned institution that once famously earned a spot on Fortune magazine’s "Top 15 Restaurants in the World." In 2026, the restaurant remains the gold standard for authentic Cantonese cuisine, centered around its signature Charcoal Roasted Goose. Known as "The Flying Goose" because of the thousands of tourists who buy it specially packaged to take home on their flights, the dish is prized for its shatter-crisp skin, succulent meat, and the unmistakable smoky depth that only a real charcoal oven can provide.
The Yung Kee experience begins the moment you sit down, traditionally starting with their iconic Century Egg with Pickled Ginger, a dish that has spent seven decades as the city’s favorite appetizer. Beyond the roast meats, the menu is a masterclass in classic Cantonese technique, featuring "lost" recipes like Goose Liver Sausage and double-boiled soups that have nourished generations of locals and celebrities alike. Whether you are dining in the casual ground-floor hall or a refined upper-level suite, a meal at Yung Kee offers a rare, opulent window into the resilient and flavorful spirit of "Old Hong Kong" that continues to thrive in the heart of the modern financial district.
Yung Kee Restaurant offers gluten free options upon request, and can cater to a wide range of sensitivities. It is easy to check with the staff, who are knowledgeable on intolerances, and arrange accordingly.
In the heart of Soho’s vibrant "cool-kid" corridor, The Pizza Project on Peel Street has mastered the art of the perfect, uncomplicated night out. Launched by the team behind Pici, this pizzeria strips away the white tablecloths in favor of a buzzing, retro-inspired atmosphere and a focused menu that prioritizes quality over quantity. It remains the definitive go-to for travelers and locals alike who want artisanal sourdough crusts that are perfectly charred and chewy, without the pretense.
The concept is refreshingly simple: choose from a curated list of "classic" or "creative" toppings, all served on a base that is fermented for 48 hours to ensure a light, airy finish. From the spicy, Nduja-loaded 'Nduja' to the crowd-pleasing Rustica with pancetta and baked potatoes, every pizza is a masterclass in balanced flavors. With its open-front seating that spills out onto the iconic slopes of Central, The Pizza Project offers a front-row seat to the city's nightlife energy. Whether you’re fueling up with their famous Tuna Mousse and Caper antipasti or grabbing a seat at the bar for a quick Neapolitan-style feast and a cold Peroni, it’s the place where the spirit of an Italian neighborhood joint meets the relentless pace of Hong Kong.
And if you have food sensitivites, don't despair! The Pizza Project caters to a very wide range of intolerances and diets such as (surprisingly) gluten and dairy free.
Perfect for those who believe breakfast is a full day affair, Green Waffle Diner serves up some of the fluffiest, most customizable waffles in town. Whether you’re after a savory skillet of hash browns to cure a hangover or a pandan-infused waffle for a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, this spot delivers rustic charm and consistent flavors that keep the Central and Causeway Bay crowds coming back for more.
An extensive gluten free menu and Keto menu are available. Staff are knowledgeable, and best of all the food is delcious!
In the heart of Hong Kong’s business district, Oolaa Central stands as a sprawling, Mediterranean-inspired oasis that refuses to rush. Tucked into the ground floor of the sleek 28 Stanley Street building, this flagship venue has perfected the art of "all-day drinks and dining" for a sophisticated, global crowd. With its bright, airy interior and signature oversized booths, the space feels like a chic living room for the neighborhood, equally suited for a power breakfast with Illy coffee at 7:00 AM as it is for a late-night cocktail under the glow of its modern chandeliers.
In 2026, Oolaa remains the undisputed king of the Central brunch scene, famous for its legendary Wagyu Beef Burgers, Pizza breakfast, and a free-flow weekend vibe that has become a local rite of passage. Beyond the weekend indulgence, the restaurant serves as a vital hub for the city’s "working-lunchers," offering bi-weekly rotating set menus that blend healthy, plant-based options with hearty European classics. Whether you’re stopping in for a post-work Happy Hour with colleagues or settling into a plush sofa for a leisurely Sunday feast, Oolaa Central captures that rare, easy-going spirit that makes the hustle of the city feel worlds away.
Oolaa is a fantastic brunch and all day dining spot. While they don't have a dedicated gluten free menu, they do have the option to change toast to gluten free toast, and staff are well trained - able to advise on the best gluten friendly dishes. Staff will also confirm which dish is gluten free while placing, for that added confidence.
For those looking to trade the typical Soho scene for something truly transportive, Saffron Persian Cuisine offers a rare, high-definition taste of Iranian heritage. Tucked away on Graham Street, this intimate, Halal-certified gem was the first in the city to champion the complex, floral, and savory notes of Persian cooking. A cult favorite for its "no-shortcuts" approach to sourcing premium saffron and spices directly from Iran to anchor a menu that feels like a warm invitation into a Tehran family home.
The heartbeat of the kitchen is the traditional grill, churning out succulent skewers of Lamb Koobideh and Joojeh Kabab (saffron-marinated chicken) that are widely praised for being some of the juiciest in the territory. Beyond the meat, the menu dives deep into the soul of Persian comfort, from the smoky, garlic-rich eggplant dip Mirza Ghasemi to the jewel-toned Saffron Rice that accompanies every main. With its vibrant, patterned menus and friendly, neighborhood vibe, Saffron isn't just a place to eat but a sensory escape. Whether you're cooling off with a glass of rose-scented Doogh or ending your night with a slice of honey-soaked Baklava, this is the definitive spot for a "Noosh-e-Jaan" (bon appétit) experience in Central.
SAFFRON has an extensive range of gluten free items clearly marked on the menu!
In the heart of the city’s concrete jungle, Pici Central serves as a warm, gluten-filled (or gluten free!) embrace for anyone seeking authentic Italian flavors without the stuffy formalities of fine dining. Since its arrival on Aberdeen Street, this flagship location has defined the "Pici style": a focused menu of fresh, hand-rolled pasta made daily, served in a crowded, vibrant space that feels like a non-stop dinner party. Pici Central is local powerhouse, beloved for its simple philosophy of high-quality ingredients and generous portions that capture the true essence of Italian home cooking.
The menu is a rotating celebration of texture and tradition, featuring cult favorites like the silky Cacio e Pepe, the indulgent Pappardelle with Slow-Cooked Beef Cheek, and their signature Truffle Tagliolini, which arrives at the table cloaked in a fragrant, creamy sauce. At Pici Central, the street outside is often a social hub in itself, filled with hungry diners waiting for a coveted stool at the pasta bar. Whether you’re sharing a board of creamy burrata with friends or ending your meal with what many consider the city's best Tiramisu, Pici Central delivers a loud, delicious, and unpretentious experience that reminds you why simple food, done perfectly, always wins.
Pici offers a decent gluten free menu with quite a few items to choose from, including appetizers, mains, and desserts. Staff are also knowledgeable and are able to help answer any questions. It is worth noting that Pici does pose a large risk for cross-contamination for those with very sensitive gluten intolerance or celiacs.
For over two decades, Chilli Fagara has reigned as Central’s definitive temple of spice, challenging even the most daring to navigate its legendary "Ma La Tang" menu. Tucked away on Old Bailey Street, this family-run mainstay led by the formidable Chef Chan Kai-ying fuses 50 years of Chongqing culinary heritage with a sophisticated, modern Soho edge. Celebrated for its ability to balance the intense, tongue-tingling electricity of the Sichuan peppercorn with deeply layered, soulful flavors that cater to both die-hard chili heads and those seeking a more refined, aromatic experience.
Chilli Fagara's signature approach divides the dining journey into three distinct sensations: start with the Tang (neutral) dishes to ground your palate, progress to the Ma (numbing) for that iconic vibrating tingle, and finish with the La (burning) for a true capsaicin kick. From the viral Crispy Caramelized Shredded Beef which tastes like savory-sweet candy, to their masterfully smoky Jasmine Tea Smoked Duck, the menu is a masterclass in texture and heat. With an expansive "Chilitarian" menu for vegetarians and a sleek, moody interior perfect for high-energy group gatherings, Chilli Fagara proves that authentic Sichuan cooking isn't just a meal - it's an unforgettable, "orgasm-on-the-tongue" event.
Chilli Fagara is a gluten free paradise! With a dedicated gluten free menu, you can indulge in as much as you like. Check out the gluten free menu beforehand on Chili Fagara's website, and if the stars align, have a wonderful spicy night out.
Hidden beneath the Standard Chartered Bank Building in Central, Mott 32 is widely considered one of the most beautiful dining rooms in the world. Named after the first Chinese convenience store in New York, this award-winning restaurant is a masterclass in "East-meets-West" luxury, blending New York industrialism with intricate Chinese motifs and cinematic lighting. Mott 32 remains at the pinnacle of Hong Kong’s fine-dining scene, renowned for its commitment to ethical sourcing and a culinary philosophy that elevates humble Cantonese, Szechuan, and Beijing recipes into sophisticated, modern masterpieces.
The undisputed protagonist of the menu is the Apple Wood Roasted Peking Duck, which is custom-ordered 24 hours in advance and carved tableside with precision. Beyond the bird, the kitchen excels in "progressive" dim sum, featuring decadently plump Iberico Pork Shanghainese Soup Dumplings and the legendary Crispy Sugar-Coated BBQ Iberico Pork. Whether you’re sipping a "Forbidden Rose" cocktail in the moody, silk-paneled bar or hosting a banquet in the "Money Bag" private room, Mott 32 offers a sensory-rich journey through the evolution of Chinese cuisine. It’s the ultimate destination for those who want their dinner served with a side of high-fashion atmosphere and unparalleled culinary theater.
With a dedicated gluten free menu, Mott 32 is a destination for those looking to indulge in the best Chinese food on offer!