Today we wanted to bring you to Laredo, which, alongside San Vicente, Castro Urdiales, and Santander, makes up the “four maritime jewels” of Cantabria. And, of course, to share with you our personal list of gluten-free restaurants in Laredo.
The name Laredo comes from “glaretum” and evokes the sandy and unique essence of this corner. The most precious treasure of Laredo is its exceptional nature: the Regatón beach, an inland corner in the Treto estuary, and the spectacular “Salvé”, a ballet of beaches and dunes facing the Cantabrian Sea, awarded the “Q” for Quality. The 8,400 meters of coastline that house the municipality’s beaches are well worth visiting.
In the past, it served as an authentic royal port connecting with Europe. Nestled between the Treto estuary and the Santoña bay, Laredo is crowned as the tourist epicenter not only of Cantabria, but of the entire Spanish coastline!
The town unfolds into three fascinating districts: The Old Town (Puebla Vieja) and the Suburb (Arrabal), the modern Ensanche, and its extension to El Puntal.
Calle Ruamayor in Laredo
The Old Town and the Suburb, declared a historic-artistic site in 1970, represent the medieval heart of Laredo. Winding alleys, known as “rúas,” give life to this network, where iconic houses from the 16th to 18th centuries, such as that of the Mar family or the Marchioness of Arcentales, attest to its splendor. The Gothic jewel, the Church of the Assumption, rises majestically with its nativity retable, a marvel of polychromed Flemish sculpture.
In the vibrant Ensanche, up to the Plaza de Carlos V, beats the commercial, administrative, and service heart. Between this hustle and bustle and the Old Town lie the Villa’s great ports: the fishing port, where departing boats chase the treasures of the Cantabrian Sea, and the modern Laredo Marina, with more than 850 berths and amenities expected of a prominent marina.
Do you want to delight yourself with Cantabrian gastronomy?
Further on, between the Plaza de Carlos V and El Puntal, three winding avenues hug the town’s beaches. There, elegant residences and green spaces, witnesses to the urban boom of the 60s, give way to the hospital. Art and life merge in the squares and parks that populate the area, crowned by the Yacht Club at El Puntal, the cradle of Laredo tourism and host to prestigious nautical competitions.
Laredo’s festivities shine brightly, especially the passionate “Flower Battle” (Batalla de Flores) on the last Friday of August, a nationally renowned event that displays a parade of floats. And we cannot forget the feast of the Landing of Charles V, which attracts regional tourists in the second half of September.
We hope that everything we have told you serves as enough of an excuse for you to come and discover this picturesque corner that was immortalized in the cantigas of Alfonso X the Wise, and whose lineage was even praised by Don Quixote himself.
Gluten-free rabas (fried squid) at La Parra Bistró, Laredo
And because we want you to enjoy your visit to this seaside town in an exceptional way, we cannot leave without giving you our suggestions so you can taste its gastronomic delights.
We have put together a top 3 list of gluten-free restaurants in Laredo that we liked the most and where we were able to enjoy eating GLUTEN-FREE.
If you are looking for a unique place to disconnect and discover all the amazing…
But be very careful! None of them have the ACECAN seal. As far as we know, no restaurant in Laredo has a completely sealed/dedicated kitchen and, therefore, cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed.
Even so, and always based on our personal experience, we reveal to you the discovery of these 3 charming restaurants:
Before your trip to Laredo
Don’t forget to get travel insurance with IATI (Glutendtrotters readers get a 5% discount), activate your Holafly eSIM (also 5% off for our readers) if you’re coming from abroad, and book your rental car with Discover Cars to get around Cantabria’s eastern coast at your own pace.
In the alleys of the Old Town (Puebla Vieja) you will find this great restaurant—not for its size, but for the quality of its people. The service was exquisite and completely sincere. Rice dishes, fried squid (rabas), grilled fish, and even plated burgers (they have gluten-free bread but not burger buns) were some of their highlighted suggestions. Their attention to detail, such as bringing the bread to the table in its original packaging, really impressed us, and we will certainly return to this establishment.
On a corner just before our first recommendation, this unique restaurant is located. Very cozy, with a very special decor featuring a grapevine climbing to every corner of its ceiling. The service is very friendly and attentive. Rabas (fried squid), beef cheeks, or steak tartare are some of the gluten-free recommendations they made to us. They have a separate fryer for gluten-free dishes and provide bread as well. A place to return to without a doubt.
Located in an area very close to the port is this long-standing restaurant in the seaside town where you can taste some of the best fish and seafood in the area. With a large terrace where you can enjoy the views in addition to the food, it is well worth a stop. The rabas and croquettes there contain gluten. We recommend that when you make the reservation, you ask for the gluten-free bread to be served sealed.
We know that there are other establishments that offer gluten-free dishes or adaptations of their menus, but we have not been able to try them all yet. We hope that at least this list of gluten-free restaurants in Laredo contributes to making your experience on the eastern coast of Cantabria unforgettable.
Come and feel the energy of Laredo, a true coastal paradise, and let us know about it!
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Glutendtrotters and its team wish to ensure a safe and pleasant experience for all diners. Although we take every precaution possible, it is important to emphasize that we are not responsible for any potential cross-contamination that may occur in the mentioned restaurants. Therefore, we strongly recommend informing the restaurant at the time of making your reservation if any of the diners require a gluten-free meal. This way, the establishment can take the necessary measures to properly cater to your dietary needs and ensure a safe, gluten-free meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are there any 100% gluten-free kitchens in Laredo?
No. None of the three restaurants in this list (El Faro, La Parra Bistró, and Casa Silvino) hold the ACECAN seal or have a fully dedicated gluten-free kitchen, so cross-contamination can’t be 100% ruled out. We always recommend mentioning it when booking.
Which restaurant in Laredo has a separate fryer for gluten-free dishes?
La Parra Bistró, on Calle Ruamayor, has a dedicated fryer for gluten-free dishes and also offers gluten-free bread. Their gluten-free picks include rabas (fried squid), beef cheeks, and steak tartare.
What gluten-free options does El Faro in Laredo offer?
At El Faro, in the heart of the Old Town, we enjoyed gluten-free rice dishes, rabas, and grilled fish; they also have gluten-free bread, though not for burger buns.
Can you eat gluten-free at Casa Silvino?
Yes, with a few caveats: their rabas and croquettes contain gluten, but the grilled fish and seafood are excellent. Ask specifically for the gluten-free bread to be served sealed.
Do I need to book ahead if I’m eating gluten-free in Laredo?
Yes, it’s a good idea. None of these three restaurants has an exclusively gluten-free kitchen, so letting them know when you book helps them take the right precautions.
¡Hola, soy Rita! Cofundadora de Glutendtrotters y experta en turismo con más de 20 años en el sector hotelero. Apasionada de los viajes y mamá de tres hijas, comparto destinos y consejos para disfrutar aventuras inclusivas, especialmente para celíacos. Me encanta el teatro, la moda y una copa de vino al final del día.
