Eating gluten‑free in Cantabria is more than possible—it’s delicious and safe too! If you’re looking for gluten‑free restaurants in Cantabria, you’ll be surprised by how many options are available, from cozy bakeries to family‑run restaurants serving local Cantabrian cuisine without gluten.
The fear of eating something that might make you sick, the frustration of not being able to enjoy events with loved ones as before, the uncertainty of knowing whether you’ll find a place to eat in a new city… we know exactly how you feel!
In this post, we want to share our experience on where to eat gluten‑free in Cantabria. If celiac disease has taught us one thing, it’s that eating gluten‑free should never limit our travels or adventures. We’ve already shared a bit about our story and the reasons that led us to create this blog. Now, we want to help you explore Cantabria safely, deliciously, and worry‑free.
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Before your trip to Cantabria
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RESTAURANTS CERTIFIED by ACECAN in Santander
Through the FACE app and backed by the Asociación de Celiacos de Cantabria (ACECAN), we bring you a list of restaurants in Santander that offer 100% gluten‑free options and guarantee no cross‑contamination.
Nachos & Co
Address: Josefina de la Maza, 6, 39012 Santander, Cantabria
Located near the beaches and with easy parking, this Mexican restaurant is known for its wide variety of gluten‑free dishes. Perfect for enjoying on the terrace or ordering for delivery!
Abra Sardinero
Address: Plaza Brisas, 1, 39005 Santander, Cantabria
Have you booked the visit to the Magdalena Palace and El Sardinero and do you want to keep enjoying its beauty? Continue with an experience for all the senses. In a privileged location with sea views, right on the Sardinero beachfront, offering a wide menu and an exceptional quality‑price ratio.
Asador Montaña
Address: C. Francisco Tomás y Valiente, 11b, local, 39011 Santander, Cantabria
A restaurant close to El Corte Inglés, in the outskirts of Santander, easily reached by municipal bus. Specialists in chicken, with very competitive prices and 100% gluten‑free products.
La Ventana
Address: C. el Somo, 114, 39012 Santander, Cantabria
Their gluten‑free menu is the best recommendation for this cozy restaurant. Located near the San Román de la Llanilla, La Albericia, or Virgen del Mar areas, it offers an intimate and welcoming atmosphere enhanced by its beautiful patio. You won’t regret the experience.
Ágave Azul
Address: C. del Sol, 40, 39003 Santander, Cantabria
Right in the heart of Santander, close to the nightlife area, this cozy Mexican restaurant offers a special menu for celiacs. Almost the entire menu is gluten‑free, except for a couple of dishes that are clearly marked. All desserts contain gluten except one. They serve gluten‑free beer. We highly recommend trying a margarita—they’re delicious!
FOR THE SWEETEST TOOTH
Pastelería Panadería Amelia-HnasPuente
Since 1895, the Hermanas Puente have delighted us with their pepitos, pastries, empanadas, cakes, tarts, sobaos, palmiers, and sponge cakes. A true 100% gluten‑free paradise right in the heart of the city, close to the famous Fishermen’s Quarter (Barrio Pesquero).
Address: C. Federico Vial, 12, 39009 Santander, Cantabria
Cookiliacos
In the Gran Centro Comercial Zoco in Peñacastillo, a 100% gluten‑free bakery has opened, where you’ll find cookies, sponge cakes, muffins, and the delicious sobaos from our homeland, all at very affordable prices.
Address: Av. Primero de Mayo, 64, local nº 110, 39011 Santander, Cantabria
Restaurants CERTIFIED by ACECAN in Cantabria
El Galeón by Agus y Nuria
Address: Barrio LA LLOSUCA, Polígono Trascueto, 22, 39600 Revilla de Camargo, Cantabria
An iconic spot for fish and rice dishes, it offers a 100% gluten‑free culinary experience in Revilla de Camargo. Even the homemade desserts are carefully prepared for celiacs.
La Villa
Address: Pl. Gándara, 1, 39330 Santillana del Mar, Cantabria
Also in Santillana, you’ll find this restaurant right in the heart of the most famous medieval village in Cantabria, where you can enjoy an authentic gluten‑free feast of flavors. Although the venue is small, its menu—100% suitable for celiacs—is impressive and features all the typical dishes of Cantabria. And if you visit the area, you can’t miss the Altamira Cave. Book a day trip to Altamira, Santillana del Mar and Comillas and complete a perfect day.
Read also: Things to do in Santillana del Mar
FOR THE SWEETEST TOOTH
Confitería Las Quintas
Here you’ll find gluten‑free sobaos and quesadas, perfect for sweetening your trip! Don’t leave Santillana without stopping by one of the best gluten‑free pastry shops in Spain.
Address: Calle de Juan Infante, 20 39330 Santillana del Mar, Cantabria
La Partera
Address: Barrio Las Huertas, 40, 39650 La Cueva, Cantabria
Hidden away from Cantabria’s main tourist circuits, this restaurant is an ideal spot to enjoy with children in Castañeda. With a gluten‑free menu and a dedicated kids’ area, it delights the little ones.
Ágave Azul
Address: C. Padres Páramo y Nieto, 11, 39520 Comillas, Cantabria
Yes, there’s no mistake: they have another restaurant in the same Plaza de la Constitución in Comillas. We know you won’t want to miss the visit to Gaudí’s El Capricho, so you can enjoy a meal here afterwards. Although small in size, it features a terrace right on the square, perfect for soaking up the town’s best atmosphere and savoring its delicious Mexican food.
If you would rather have traditional Cantabrian cooking in Comillas, you can also eat at Gurea Restaurante (Calle Ignacio Fernández de Castro, s/n). It does not hold the ACECAN seal, but according to reviews on the Celicidad directory, the kitchen adapts several dishes, including the cachopo, and offers gluten-free beer and desserts; however, it does not have gluten-free bread. As always, let them know when you book that you need to eat gluten-free.
Dulce y Saladito
Address: Av. Trasmiera, 1, 39140 Somo, Cantabria
Have you booked a surf course in Somo? This is the perfect place to refuel! They have a pleasant terrace where you can enjoy their wide gluten‑free menu with very friendly service.
Do you want to discover more options?
We’d like to suggest some restaurants that are NOT certified by ACECAN (but that we do recommend).
We’ve had very positive experiences at the following restaurants.
Restaurants NOT CERTIFIED by ACECAN in Santander
El Mar de Cortés
Address: Pl. Rubén Darío, 39005 Santander, Cantabria
Located in the privileged area of the Segunda Playa del Sardinero, this Mexican restaurant is a real festival of color and flavor. Almost the entire menu is gluten‑free, and the customer service is excellent.
Max Sport Café
Address: Av. los Infantes, s/n, 39008 Santander, Cantabria
Close to the First Playa del Sardinero, this café with a terrace is perfect to visit with little ones. It has multi‑screens for watching sports events and offers a decent variety of gluten‑free dishes.
Solo Masamadre
Address: Calle Marina, 1, Esquina Calle Del Medio, 39003 Santander, Cantabria
Located right in the heart of Santander, in the nightlife area, this restaurant offers gluten‑free options that you’ll love. Set on one of the city’s oldest streets, it has a special charm. If you’d like to learn more about Santander’s history, book a free tour—it’s well worth it!
Las Olas
Address: Bo. Monte-Corbanera, 98, 39012 Monte, Cantabria
A restaurant located on La Maruca beach offers a menu where you can find classic lobster and clam rice dishes, as well as a delicious oxtail‑meat rice. Their mussels are especially recommended, with an outstanding sauce. Nearly the entire menu is gluten‑free, including many of their desserts, and they also provide gluten‑free bread.
Restaurants NOT CERTIFIED by ACECAN in Cantabria
La Loma del Chonuco
Address: Barrio Solia, 28, 39690 La Concha, Cantabria
Are you looking for a cozy spot near Cabárceno to eat after your visit to one of the most beautiful natural parks in Spain? This restaurant is perfect, with a spacious terrace and parking for your car. They offer several gluten‑free options, although they still don’t have a gluten‑free cachopo—their signature dish according to their diners!
La Cagigona
Address: Bo. la Iglesia, 16A, 39690 La Concha, Cantabria
Also in the surroundings of Cabárceno, this family‑run restaurant has a small terrace and a wide variety of gluten‑free options, including desserts. It gets very busy on weekends, so we recommend visiting it on weekdays. Remember that the best way to explore this huge park is by car, so if you don’t have one, rent a car to make the most of your experience.
El Caserío
Address: C. de Acacio Gutiérrez, 159, 39340 Suances, Cantabria
With spectacular views over Playa de Los Locos in Suances and close to the Punta del Torco de Afuera Lighthouse, this restaurant comes highly recommended for its location and the professionalism of its staff. Don’t leave without trying their gluten‑free rabas. Also, if you love the sea, you can book a bodyboard course or a surf course here, in a place with a fantastic surfer vibe.
Casa Cofiño
Address: Lugar, Bo. Caviedes, 0 S N, 39593 Caviedes, Cantabria
A small family‑run business in Caviedes, sublime in both quality and price. It offers wonderful service and a wide selection of gluten‑free dishes. Its glass‑paned wine cellar, decoration, and surroundings complete the experience. One thing is clear, though: you must book in advance!
El Cenador del Capitán
Address: C. Cervantes, 3, 39570 Potes, Cantabria
An authentic venue in every sense, from its decor to its food. Located in the heart of Potes, it transports you back in time with its unique style.
The service is excellent, making it an ideal place to eat gluten‑free right in the centre of Liébana; the waiters have a solid understanding of cross‑contamination.
We highly recommend the Liébana stew (cocido lebaniego). Almost the entire menu is adaptable to gluten‑free, including some desserts, and they also offer gluten‑free bread.
Make the most of your visit by taking a guided tour of Potes, a trip to the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana, or, if you love hiking, a trek into the Picos de Europa.
Mesón Río Argoza
Address: Barrio el Puente, 68, 39518 Bárcena Mayor, Cantabria
Right in the heart of Cabuérniga, this restaurant stands above the river that gives the village its name. Its hearty spoon‑food dishes and other options for celiacs will allow you to enjoy the magic of one of Cantabria’s oldest villages, Bárcena Mayor.
La Fonda de Clint
Address: C. San José, 6, 39300 Torrelavega, Cantabria
A bar inspired by the legendary Clint Eastwood. Here you’ll find a wide variety of gluten‑free options. We highly recommend their croquettes—they’re out of this world! Located in Torrelavega, it’s a must‑stop.
Hostería Restaurante Sol
Address: Bo. la Maza, 43, 39192 San Miguel de Meruelo, Cantabria
This restaurant, recommended by a Glutendtrotters reader, offers everything from gluten‑free pizzas to Mexican dishes and a wide variety of desserts. Located in San Miguel de Meruelo, it’s the perfect place to eat if you’re planning to explore the eastern coast of Cantabria.
Bar Quinto Pino
Address: Calle La Rúa, 8. Castro Urdiales, Cantabria.
Has the boat tour in Castro Urdiales made you hungry? This classic bar offers a wide variety of tapas, from anchovies to squid in onion sauce, without forgetting its delicious mixed plates. They have options for those on a gluten‑free diet and the ability to adapt some dishes. While they provide gluten‑free beer, they do not offer gluten‑free bread. The highlight is the excellent service from the staff, especially the grandmother, who is always attentive and chatty as she goes around the bar.
La Toba Maliaño
Address: José, C. Gutiérrez Solana, 39, 39600 Maliaño, Cantabria
A traditional restaurant in Maliaño where you can enjoy smash‑style burgers made with gluten‑free bread, as well as gluten‑free fries. The quality of the meat is excellent.
Restaurante Conde
Address: Juan Infante,18. Santillana del Mar
It is a small restaurant with a cozy rear terrace. The menu includes many dishes that can be adapted to be gluten‑free, and we especially recommend the delicious “sartenes” (skillet dishes). They also offer gluten‑free beer, which is always a welcome plus.
Although tables cannot be reserved, the wait is well worth it. The waiters were very attentive throughout and we especially appreciated that they told us from the start that our food would take a bit longer, as they were taking special care to avoid any possible cross‑contamination. That detail gave us a lot of reassurance and confidence.
Tips for enjoying Cantabria gluten‑free
We know that in Cantabria there are many more gluten‑free restaurants than the ones we currently know. During your trip, you can find gluten‑free restaurants in Cantabria using apps such as Find Me Gluten Free or the FACE app itself. Social media are also a great ally for checking information and recommendations from other people with the same dietary restrictions, as well as suggestions from associations such as ACECAN.
Let’s help more people discover that eating gluten‑free in Cantabria is possible. Will you let gluten hold back your desire to get to know this beautiful region?
Do you know of any other restaurants in Cantabria? Please share them with us! Tell us about your experience in the comments so help other celiac travelers enjoy Cantabria to the fullest. You can also share this article with friends and family—solidarity is our best ally.
We recommend you read the following posts:
Gluten-free restaurants in Santander
Cantabria y Gastronomía: recorrido por los mejores platos y productos
Find the restaurant on the map.
Disclaimer
Glutendtrotters and its team want to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all diners. Although we take every possible precaution, it is important to note that we are not responsible for any possible cross-contamination that may occur in the restaurants mentioned. Therefore, we strongly recommend informing the restaurant when making the reservation if any of the diners requires a gluten-free meal. This way, the establishment can take the necessary measures to properly meet their dietary needs and ensure a safe gluten-free dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which restaurants are ACECAN-certified in Cantabria?
In Santander, the ACECAN-certified restaurants we recommend are Nachos & Co, Abra Sardinero, Asador Montaña, La Ventana and Ágave Azul. Outside the capital, the ACECAN seal is also held by El Galeón by Agus y Nuria, La Villa (Santillana del Mar), La Partera, Ágave Azul (Comillas) and Dulce y Saladito (Somo).
What does it mean for a restaurant to have ACECAN certification?
ACECAN certification (from the Cantabria Celiac Association) means the establishment has been assessed by the association and follows specific handling protocols to prevent cross-contamination with gluten, adding an extra layer of safety for celiac diners.
Is it safe to eat out in Cantabria if I’m celiac?
Yes. Cantabria has a growing number of certified restaurants, plus others that, without an official seal, offer adapted gluten-free options and informed staff. We still recommend confirming gluten-free availability when booking and checking the FACE app for more options.
Where can I find more gluten-free restaurants in Cantabria beyond this list?
You can check the FACE app (Federación de Asociaciones de Celíacos de España) and ACECAN itself, both of which keep listings of recommended establishments across the region.
What are the best areas to eat gluten-free in Cantabria?
Santander has the largest certified offering, but there are also good options in Santillana del Mar, Comillas, Somo, Potes and Castro Urdiales, among other towns covered in this guide.
Where can I eat gluten-free in Comillas?
In Comillas you can eat at Ágave Azul, the ACECAN-certified Mexican restaurant on the Plaza de la Constitución. If you prefer traditional Cantabrian cooking, Gurea Restaurante does not hold the ACECAN seal, but according to the Celicidad directory it adapts several dishes (including the cachopo) and offers gluten-free beer and desserts, although it has no gluten-free bread. Always let them know when you book.
