There are more gluten-free eaters in Argentina than you might think. According to the Argentine Health Ministry, upwards of 280k Argentines suffer from an illness known as Coeliac Disease, which causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue when it detects the presence of gluten. That’s roughly the population of Cincinnati, Ohio. 

For years, the dining options in Buenos Aires whose kitchens pose no risk of cross-contamination have been limited at best. No longer. Today, there are restaurants aplenty, whether you’re grabbing a bite on the run or looking to have a sit-down meal that’s more than just a salad.

Here are a few of our favorite joints across the city, all of which are 100% gluten-free.

Our favorite gluten-free restaurants

Cucina Paradiso Senza Glutine (Castañeda 1873, Arevalo 1538, 9 a.m. to 12 a.m. all week) — Founded by Italian-Argentine chef Donato de Santis of MasterChef fame, Cucina Paradiso Senza Glutine features an array of Italian standbys, from pizzas and pastas to more delicate fare like risotto and focaccia sandwiches. The eatery has too many dishes to recommend just one, but we’re especially partial to the milanesa alla salernitana — a delicious twist on an Argentine classic. When you’re finished, be sure to make your exit through the restaurant’s in-house shop, where you can purchase an assortment of gluten-free delicacies to prepare at home.

Las Flores (Gorritti 5870, 9 a.m. to 12 a.m., Tuesday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Saturday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday) — With a garden featuring 40 species of flora and 600 plants, Las Flores is not so much a brunch spot as it is a slice of paradise in the urban jungle of Buenos Aires. The floral-themed menu is no less heavenly, offering a range of treats that are perfect for a breakfast bite or an afternoon merienda. We’re addicted to the crackers with hummus and grapefruit chutney, but if you’re looking for something sweeter, the brioche with pastry cream and fruits is downright ambrosial. 

Sintaxis (Nicaragua 4849, Bucarelli 2181, Pueyrredón 2461, Calle 4 N932, days and hours vary according to location) —  If variety is what you’re looking for, Sintaxis is the answer. First established in 2012, the eatery has become a gluten-free staple in Buenos Aires, with 4 locales around the city. The chain is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as for meriendas, but we recommend an afternoon or evening meal so you can take advantage of its amazing selection of sandwiches, burgers, and pastas. Don’t miss the tortilla de papa, which you won’t be able to believe is gluten-free. 

TaccOff (Nicaragua 5977, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday to Thursday; 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Friday; 12 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday) — With its light blue walls, green seats, and gold ornaments, TaccOff is easily the most beautiful gluten-free restaurant on this list. As charming as its decor is, however, its baked goods are a cut above — particularly its cakes, which include classics like cheese, carrot, red velvet, and tiramisu, as well as raspberry and pistachio. If you want to give yourself a little treat without going overboard, the pepas — quince cookies — are out of this world. TaccOff is more than just its pastries, however. It also offers typical Argentine dishes, including pizza, empanadas, and provoleta, as well as gluten-free Japanese fare like salmon geishas and yakisoba.

Gout (Federico Lacroze 2117, Montevideo 1480, Av. Pedro Goyena 123, Juncal 2124, Suarez 1673, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. all week) — If you like to indulge your sweet tooth, Gout should be at the very top of your list of vegan eateries. This bakery has five locations in the capital, as well as twelve total across the country, and its eclairs and macarons are among the very best the city has to offer. Gout operates on a “to-go” basis, so this is a better option if you’re on the move or ordering in from a delivery service like Rappi. Don’t sleep on the eatery’s frozen gluten-free kitchen staples like milanesas, empanadas, and breads.

A few of our favorite things

As should be clear by now, you really can’t go wrong at any of these restaurants, so we recommend you follow your antojo or craving. If you’re in the mood for Italian, Cucina Paradiso’s raviolis and maccheronis are bound to hit the spot. Hankering for something sweet? You can’t go wrong with a cake pop or a slice of cheesecake topped with raspberries from Gout.

Gluten-free dining is no longer exclusively for those with Coeliac Disease — it’s part of living a healthy lifestyle — so give these spots a try! You’ll be pleasantly surprised by just how delicious gluten-free cuisine can be.