Abu Dhabi does many things loudly—towering brunch spreads, gold-covered desserts, valet parking at a juice bar. But gluten-free pizza? That used to be a whisper. A last-minute checkbox. Maybe a crust they could dig out from the back if you looked sad enough.
Not anymore.
In 2025, gluten-free pizza in Abu Dhabi is finally stepping into the light. And not with some half-baked excuse of a base, either. We’re talking proper, full-tilt, hold-it-in-your-hand slices that actually deliver. The kind of pizza that doesn’t need an apology or a disclaimer. The kind that just happens to be made without gluten.
If you’re on a gluten-free diet—by choice, by necessity, or because gluten makes your body throw a tantrum—Abu Dhabi’s got options now. Real ones. Spots where the kitchen understands what gluten intolerant means, where the pizza cutter hasn’t touched a wheat crust in days, and where you don’t have to explain yourself three times.
You’ll find pizzas built on blends of rice flour, quinoa, cornmeal, almond—each with their own vibe, none of them an afterthought. Some lean health-conscious and clean. Others go full comfort mode, bubbling with cheese and charred edges.
And it’s not just tucked away in health cafés. From sleek Italian joints to neighbourhood favourites, the city’s finally figured out that gluten-free eaters are, in fact, hungry.
So, whether you’re skimming the Corniche, killing time on Al Reem, or just need a proper pizza that won’t ruin your week, these are the places worth knowing.
Here’s where gluten-free pizza in Abu Dhabi finally earns its place at the table. No eye rolls. No caveats. Just good pizza, minus the gluten.
1. NKD Pizza
Sleek, modern, and built around health-conscious fast food, NKD Pizza isn’t just a chain with good branding—it’s a frontrunner when it comes to offering reliable gluten-free pizza in Abu Dhabi. With a focus on gut-friendly ingredients, this place goes far beyond basic dietary tweaks.
The gluten-free crust here is made from an “ancestral blend” of ten grains, including tapioca, amaranth, and quinoa. The result is a chewy, nutty, satisfying base that doesn’t fall apart under sauce. It’s not just a safer option—it’s a better one.
Staff are trained in allergy awareness, and every gluten-free pizza is prepped in a designated area with separate tools. While NKD isn’t an entirely gluten-free kitchen, the protocol in place should ease concerns, especially for those with intolerances or sensitivities.
The toppings lean classic but are done with quality. Their “Superbiotic” pizza includes chicken, garlic, spinach and probiotic yoghurt drizzle, while the “Green Lantern” goes all-in with artichokes, olives, and kale. Most options can be made gluten-free, and they’re not shy about customising either.
The vibe is fast-casual with a health food edge. You can dine in, but takeaway and delivery are where they shine. If you’re short on time but still want proper gluten-free pizza in Abu Dhabi, NKD Pizza hits the mark.
2. Il Forno
Step into Il Forno and you’ll feel like you’ve landed somewhere between Florence and Dubai Mall. This UAE-born Italian concept has become a household name, but its charm lies in its consistent quality and surprising attention to dietary needs—including one of the most accessible menus for gluten-free pizza in Abu Dhabi.
Their gluten-free base is imported from Italy and made from a mix of cornflour, potato starch and rice flour, offering that comforting softness with just a hint of chew. It holds up well to saucy, cheese-laden combos and doesn’t crack or turn soggy mid-meal. Gluten-free pizzas are prepared using separate utensils and trays to reduce risk, and staff are happy to answer questions about cross-contamination.
The pizza menu is expansive—think traditional options like “Quattro Formaggi” and “Capricciosa,” plus regional twists like the “Mexicana” with jalapeños and spicy beef. Most of them can be made gluten-free on request, and the switch never feels like a downgrade.
Il Forno’s aesthetic leans a little kitschy—arched windows, mock brick ovens and Venetian murals—but it’s all part of the experience. Families, date-night diners and solo regulars all find a place here, and the comfort food is predictably satisfying.
If you’re in the mood for a hearty sit-down meal and want gluten-free pizza in Abu Dhabi that feels indulgent and familiar, Il Forno delivers on all fronts.
3. Tawa Bakery
If you’ve ever felt like gluten-free means prepare to compromise, Tawa Bakery will change your mind. It’s not just one of the few fully gluten-free restaurants in Abu Dhabi—it’s the city’s coeliac-safe haven, the place where you can finally drop your guard and just enjoy.
Their pizza crusts are made fresh in-house with a mix of almond and rice flours that strikes the perfect balance between chew and crisp. There’s no hint of the dry or crumbly texture that often haunts GF bases. And because there’s zero wheat on site, you’re not just choosing a gluten-free pizza in Abu Dhabi—you’re choosing a kitchen built from the ground up with safety in mind.
But it’s not all about restrictions. Tawa’s pizzas are inventive, colourful, and just the right amount of indulgent. Their veggie-loaded Mediterranean pie features artichoke, zucchini, and a drizzle of pomegranate glaze, while a smoky chicken barbecue version comes layered with just the right hint of heat.
Tawa doesn’t shout about its food—it lets you discover it, and that makes the first bite even better. It’s stylish but calm, warm but uncluttered, and ideal whether you’re dining solo or bringing a hungry group. No raised eyebrows when you mention coeliac disease. No awkward caveats. Just damn good pizza—without the gluten, and without the stress.
4. Eatalian Pizza Restaurant
Some restaurants feel like they stumbled onto gluten-free options. Eatalian Pizza Restaurant feels like it took a seat at the table and asked, “How do we make this just as good?”
Tucked away off the usual tourist trails, this spot flies under the radar, but for those in the know, it’s one of the most relaxed places to grab a quality gluten-free pizza in Abu Dhabi. No drama, no gimmicks—just solid, honest food and a team that knows how to listen when you say, “No wheat, please.”
What stands out here isn’t just the crust (though theirs—made with white rice flour and a touch of tapioca—has a surprising lightness). It’s the attention to detail. No rolling eyes when you ask about flour blends or cross-contamination. No awkward pauses before confirming if it’s safe. Just informed, polite responses and a genuine effort to get it right.
Toppings lean Italian with the occasional Middle Eastern wink—think beef pepperoni, marinated mushrooms, and the odd za’atar-laced twist. Gluten-free pies are baked on separate trays and always served on distinct plates.
Inside, it’s stripped-back and unfussy: clean wood tables, chalkboard menus, and the scent of roasted garlic floating in the air. It’s not a “destination restaurant,” and maybe that’s what makes it so easy to love. It’s a neighbourhood spot with heart, where the gluten-free crowd isn’t an afterthought—they’re part of the family.
5. Pizza Di Rocco
There’s a certain confidence that comes with a place like Pizza Di Rocco. Not showy, not trendy—just quietly excellent. And when it comes to gluten-free pizza in Abu Dhabi, it’s hard to beat the care and precision they bring to the table.
Rather than treating gluten-free as a box to tick, Pizza Di Rocco takes the time to get it right. Their base is a house-made blend, light and crisp but with enough structure to carry generous toppings. It’s not trying to imitate wheat—it’s offering its own flavour and texture, and proudly so.
You won’t find a separate menu hidden at the back. Everything is customisable, and gluten-free options are integrated seamlessly. The “Diavola” with beef salami and chilli oil is a spicy standout, while the vegetarian “Ortolana” brings roasted veg and a balsamic glaze to life. Staff are well-informed and genuinely friendly—happy to explain how they prevent cross-contact, right down to separate baking trays and cutters.
The space itself is warm and casual, perfect for families or a quick midweek bite. It doesn’t scream fine dining, but it doesn’t need to—it just delivers food that speaks for itself. If you’re after gluten-free pizza in Abu Dhabi that doesn’t compromise on quality or comfort, Di Rocco’s the kind of place you’ll keep coming back to.
6. Pizza Express
Yes, it’s a chain. But don’t write off Pizza Express just yet. In a city where not every restaurant goes the extra mile for dietary needs, this global brand stands out for doing something refreshingly rare: getting gluten-free pizza in Abu Dhabi right, every single time.
The gluten-free crust here is certified, made in a separate facility and delivered to branches sealed and safe. Once it hits the restaurant, it’s handled with real discipline. Staff are trained, allergen protocols are enforced, and you can actually see the system at work. It’s reassuring—especially for diners who are tired of rolling the dice.
Menu-wise, you’ve got classics and twists. The “American Hot” with pepperoni and jalapeños still packs a punch, and their “Pollo ad Astra” with Cajun chicken, red onions and sweet peppers hits that comfort-food sweet spot. And yes—every one of them can be made gluten-free without a fuss.
Atmosphere-wise, this is Pizza Express as you know it: polished, reliable, a little corporate, but consistent. Whether you’re dining solo, on a lunch break, or bringing the kids, it’s easy, convenient, and you won’t leave hungry or stressed.
For those who want a safe and familiar place to grab gluten-free pizza in Abu Dhabi—without giving it a second thought—Pizza Express has your back.
7. Marco’s Italian
Marco’s Italian doesn’t do loud. It doesn’t chase trends or try to be the next viral dining experience. What it does offer, though, is a kind of quiet perfection that’s increasingly hard to find—especially when you’re after gluten-free pizza in Abu Dhabi that feels genuinely homely and considered.
This warm, welcoming spot leans classic Italian, but with a thoughtful twist: the team here understands that dietary needs aren’t just preferences—they’re part of people’s lives. That awareness flows through every part of the menu, including their house-prepared gluten-free bases. Made with a blend of corn, rice, and tapioca flour, the crust is soft yet crisp, rustic without being rough. More importantly, it’s safe.
The staff don’t flinch when you mention gluten. They nod, smile, and explain how your pizza will be prepared—on its own tray, with its own utensils, in a separate part of the oven. That kind of confidence matters, especially when you’ve spent years asking “are you sure?” at restaurants.
Pizzas range from subtle to bold. Try the “Truffle & Mushroom” if you like something earthy, or opt for the “Marco’s Special” with spicy beef, cherry tomatoes and caramelised onions. It’s indulgent, familiar, and full of flavour.
The setting is quiet and warmly lit—great for couples, solo diners, or small groups who want a meal that doesn’t feel rushed. Marco’s might not shout about its gluten-free credentials, but once you’ve tried it, you’ll know it’s one of the city’s most reliable options.
Why Gluten-Free Pizza in Abu Dhabi Is Finally Worth Shouting About
A few years ago, ordering gluten-free pizza in Abu Dhabi often felt like a compromise: limited choices, dry crusts, and the ever-present worry of cross-contamination. But fast-forward to 2025, and the landscape has changed dramatically—for the better.
Restaurants across the capital have started treating gluten-free as more than a footnote. From dedicated kitchens like Tawa Bakery to adaptable spots like Marco’s and Di Rocco, the city’s pizzerias are stepping up with smarter flours, safer prep methods, and menus that welcome everyone to the table.
What makes it special is the diversity. You can go bold and experimental, or stick to comforting classics. You can eat plant-based and gluten-free, or go all-in on spicy meat and gooey cheese. There’s no single “type” of gluten-free diner anymore—and Abu Dhabi’s food scene has evolved to reflect that.
So whether you’re here for a week or you’ve called this city home for years, you can now order pizza without hesitation. Gluten-free pizza in Abu Dhabi isn’t just available—it’s delicious, safe, and worth every bite.
FAQs
Is gluten-free pizza common in Abu Dhabi?
It’s becoming more common by the year. Many restaurants now offer gluten-free options, and several—like Tawa Bakery—specialise in them.
Are these options coeliac-safe?
Some venues, like Tawa, are entirely gluten-free. Others use dedicated tools and spaces, but it’s always best to inform staff of your needs when ordering.
What are the crusts made from?
Expect a range: rice flour, corn, quinoa, almond, buckwheat or even tapioca blends. Most venues create their own flour mix for flavour and texture.
Can I customise toppings on gluten-free bases?
Absolutely. Almost every venue on this list allows full topping customisation—even the chain restaurants.
Is it more expensive than regular pizza?
Usually yes, but only slightly. A gluten-free base will typically cost AED 5–10 more due to specialty ingredients and extra preparation steps.
