Those living the gluten-free life will have no problem finding delicious dining options in Geelong.

Read on to discover 7 restaurants we believe have truly stepped it up for the gluten-sensitive and the coeliacs in our lives, offering diverse menus that we reckon could easily stack up to their gluten-y competition.

Emerge Steakhouse

A certified coeliac-safe option that should be on your radar is Emerge Steakhouse, where you can enjoy a perfectly cooked steak and all the trimmings without fear of gluten ruining your night.

Emerge’s ingredient-driven menu has a strong focus on ‘how guests feel and how they dine’ which is influenced by the owner’s background in naturopathy.

Arrive hungry so you can tuck into the best cuts of Australia’s top-tier beef and make sure you make room for dessert, too (butterscotch pudding anyone?). On the ‘rare’ chance that you’re not a fan of steak, Emerge’s diverse menu also features fresh seafood, alternative proteins and carefully considered vegetarian dishes.

Where: 31 Little Ryrie St, Geelong

MexiCam's Restaurant & Fiesta

Grounded by naturally gluten free ingredients such as corn, rice, beans and fresh vegetables, traditional Mexican cuisine is already a favourite among those on the GF life, and now you can enjoy all your favourites (and more) at the newly opened MexiCam's.

The menu – which is perfect for sharing – is 100% gluten free making it suitable for coeliacs. Think: tacos, aguachile, tostadas, and flautas. Can’t decide? The Trust the Chef menu offers a selection of hero dishes. Just let your friendly server know how hungry you are, and the team will take care of the rest.

Located in the historic Federal Mills Precinct, MexiCam's is more than just a restaurant – it’s also a fun night out. Here, you’ll find a bowling alley, karaoke rooms, digital darts, pool, and supercharged shuffleboard for a bit of friendly competition with your mates. Need a spot of social lubricant? The extensive cocktail menu’s got your back.

Where: E17/33 Mackey St, North Geelong

Black Sheep

Paying homage to the city’s historic roots as the wool centre of the world, Black Sheep–situated within the National Wool Museum–is a vibe-y gin bar and restaurant that knows how to take care of its gluten-free clientele.

All but one item on the menu is gluten free (or GFO), and lovingly curated using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Sharing is caring at Black Sheep, with their signature share plates giving you and your crew a little taste of this and that.

While you’re here, check out the Chamber of Gin where you’ll find an extensive collection of locally distilled gin from North Geelong, The Bellarine, Surf Coast, Great Ocean Road and wider Victorian regions.

Where: 66 Brougham Street, Geelong (ground level)

ALMA Restaurant

Plating up the vibrant flavours of South American fare (with a modern twist), ALMA Restaurant is sure to get a big thumbs up from your GF pals.

With a commitment to using locally sourced produce and ingredients where possible, the menu features dishes such as snapper ceviche with aguachile, grilled chorizo with heirloom potatoes, and crispy barramundi with moqueca sauce. More of a herbivore? No problem, there’s an entire vegan menu, too.

While the kitchen is not strictly GF, the entire menu (sans the empanadas) can be served gluten-free – just make sure you let the friendly staff know of any allergies before you order.

Psst…this one’s perfect for date night!

Where: 93-95 Ryrie Street, Geelong

frankie. Bar and Eatery

Grab your gluten free pals and head on down to frankie. Bar and Eatery, where you’ll find a curated menu comprising the very best flavours from across the Asian continent, created using fresh locally sourced ingredients.

The beef cheek curry, vegetable dumplings, chicken skewers, and chicken bao (among much more) can all be enjoyed by the coeliac crowd – but make sure you let your friendly server know of your allergies before ordering.

Oh, and the extensive cocktail menu is definitely one to write home about. There’s 30 cocktails to choose from, with the eatery most known for its espresso martini. We say to cheers to that!

Where: 26 Malop Street, Geelong

Recess Bar and Eats

Coeliacs (and those who love them) can dine with peace of mind at Recess Bar and Eats knowing every item on the menu is certified gluten free.

Bring a date or gather your mates and enjoy a delicious modern Australian menu featuring share style plates with normally-hard-to-find-GF gems such as buttermilk fried chicken (!). And don’t forget to pair your food with a playful cocktail.

In town on a Wednesday? Then don’t miss Recess’s Parmi Night where old favourites such as chicken schnitzel are back on the menu. And if you’re here on a weekend check out Bottomless Friday dinner from 7pm and Saturday Bottomless Brunch from 1:30pm.

Plus, Recess also serves up monthly Sunday drag brunches where you’ll enjoy 2 hours of sparkly entertainment with cocktails, wines, select beers and spirits and 5 shared courses!

Oh, and did we mention there’s also a rooftop bar?

Where: 247 Moorabool St, Geelong VIC

Felix Restaurant

From the same team behind ALMA Restaurant, Felix Restaurant offers just as much detail and care when it comes to providing gluten-free friendly eats - with a ceoliac chef their team gets it!

Specialising in French-inspired dishes, you can enjoy a large array of gluten-free (or able to be made GF) menu items like scallop soufflé, fried potato beignets and lamb backstrap with grilled cos, pea and mint.

As it's not a fully certified 100% gluten-free venue, make sure you let the server know your dietaries before ordering.

Where: 9 Downes Lane, Geelong