100 % Gluten Free
Unfortunately, there are no 100% gluten free restaurants nor bakeries in Arendal. I searched high and low, both online and in the city itself, but could not find a single such place. If you do come across one, do let me know!
Places with Gluten Free Options on the Menu
These are places that have “GLUTEN FREE” marked specifically on their menus, either in a separate section or through allergen marking (always keep in mind that cross contamination could be a risk for Celiacs at any establishment that is not 100% Celiac friendly).
BAKER JØRGENSEN
Where: Various location in Arendal, including two downtown
This is a bakery in Arendal with a long history (dating back to 1904). Personally, I have fond memories of sharing some delicious “Napoleonskake” with my grandmother when I was a child. To my despair, as I became a Celiac, I could no longer eat my favorite cake. Just recently I learned, however, that they now serve a gluten free version of the cake every Wednesday. Not only that, but they also have gluten free chocolate and cream cake (“bløtkake”), bread buns (“rundstykker” and “horn”), bread and “purke”. It is a great place to try some local bakery treats, even as a Celiac. Click to read more about one of them here.
DRØMMEPLASSEN
Where: Downtown, near the library
This cafe is spacious and cosy. Besides serving good coffee, they also have sandwiches and salads. All of their sandwiches can be ordered with gluten free bread and the staff use gloves when preparing the meal. The salads can also be ordered with the same type of bread. You can find more details here.
EGON
Where: Downtown, next to the cinema
Egon is a restaurant well-known for taking allergies seriously. So much that they have a separate allergy BOOKLET. Yes, it is so big that I must name it as such. They have not only listed all ingredients of each dish, but also explain what you can substitute the various ingredients with. Read more here.
MARCO POLO
Where: Downtown, near the library
Marco Polo is a restaurant that serves Asian dishes (but with some Scandinavian ones as well). It is a popular choice among many locals, especially because of its reasonable prices, big portions and cozy atmosphere. They also have gluten free marking on the menu and offer to prepare dishes in a gluten free version. Read more here.
MCDONALDS
Where: Downtown, near the Culture House
As a native Norwegian, I have tasted the evolution of the McDonalds bun in Norway. It used to taste like rubber, while it now actually tastes like a normal hamburger bun. Read more here.
MØNSJ
Where: Downtown, along Langbrygga
Looking for something gluten free in Arendal? Mønsj is a relatively new restaurant in Arendal. Located in the city center by the water, it is in a prime location for a nice view if the weather permits sitting outside. Read more here.
JORDBÆRPIKENE
Where: Downtown, inside Amfi mall
Jordbærpikene is the biggest cafe inside the downtown mall. It is always pretty busy, but finding a seat never seems to be a problem. They provide you the option with ordering some of the menu items gluten free, such as sandwiches, hamburgers and warm meals. I personally enjoy the gluten free apple cake with whipped cream. Read more here.
TYHOLMEN KOLONIAL
Where: Downtown, near the cinema
A fairly new establishment selling various products, as well as serving coffee and sandwiches. I have already had the tuna sandwich twice, and I have to say I really like it! Read more here.
FISKEBRYGGA
Where: In Pollen, downtown Arendal
If you are craving for fish, there really is no better place than Fiskebrygga. Famous for it’s fish shop, you can either buy fish products or choose to sit down in the restaurant. A very pleasant place to enjoy a gluten free meal in the sunshine. A must try is the local fish cake (“fiskekake”. Remember to inform staff that you are Celiac. Read more here.
KITCHEN & TABLE
Where: Inside Tyholmen hotel, downtown Arendal
Many items on the menu of Kitchen & Table contain gluten (the menu is allergen marked), but there are a few treats. Such as fresh fish (pictured). A trendy place located inside a hotel along the river. Remember to inform staff you are Celiac. Read more here.
PRANA KAFE
Prana Kafe is a vegan cafe, so if you are a meat lover you will be disappointed. It is located inside a co-working space and is thereby also a great place to do some work. The menu seems to keep changing, but if you inform the staff you are Celiac and need a gluten free meal, they will whip something up for you. Read more here.
Final notes
There are a lot of restaurants in Arendal, and majority of them have something gluten free or the option of providing gluten free bread. I have not listed them all as I have only listed down the ones I have been to that I felt were especially good on gluten free offers. I know that some places for instance offer gluten free crepe, but since I have personally seen the crepe being prepared directly on the same heated plate as gluten versions, the risk of cross contamination is too high for such places to be mentioned here.
In Arendal, as in most of Norway, it is mandatory by law to display allergens either on the menu or through signage somewhere in the establishment. If you come across a place without this, I would suggest you ask about the allergens list as it may be they have it somewhere hidden. Enjoy!
