Yes, many steakhouses in Amsterdam offer gluten-free menus. Most premium steakhouses have extensive gluten-free options, since pure steaks are naturally gluten-free. You’ll often find adapted menus at these restaurants with clear markings for gluten-free dishes. The most important thing is to indicate when making your reservation or upon arrival that you eat gluten-free, so the kitchen can be extra careful about cross-contamination.
What Does Gluten-Free Dining Mean in a Steakhouse?
Gluten-free dining in a steakhouse means choosing dishes without wheat, rye, barley, or other gluten-containing grains. The good news is that pure steaks are naturally gluten-free, as are many other meat dishes. What you especially need to watch out for are sauces, marinades, and side dishes that often contain gluten.
In Amsterdam steakhouses, gluten sources mainly appear in bread rolls, fried dishes with breadcrumbs, sauces with flour as a binding agent, and marinades with soy sauce. Cross-contamination in the kitchen also poses a risk, especially when using the same grills, cutting boards, or kitchen utensils.
Professional steakhouses take gluten-free requests seriously. They use separate preparation areas, clean grills, and separate kitchen utensils to prevent cross-contamination. Kitchen staff are trained to understand which ingredients contain gluten and how to safely prepare gluten-free meals.
Which Steak Dishes Are Naturally Gluten-Free?
Most steak dishes are naturally gluten-free when prepared purely. Grilled steaks such as ribeye, entrecote, tournedos, and bavette contain no gluten. Carpaccio, steak tartare, and grilled chicken are also safe choices, provided they’re served without gluten-containing additions.
In preparation, grilling methods make the difference. Grilling over charcoal or gas is gluten-free, as is cooking in butter or oil. Avoid dishes with coating, breadcrumbs, or tempura. Be careful with pre-marinated steaks, as marinades may contain soy sauce or other gluten sources.
Safe herbs and spices include pepper, salt, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and most fresh herbs. Spice blends may contain gluten-containing fillers, so always ask about ingredients. Pure rubs with only herbs and spices are usually safe.
What Should You Watch for with Gluten-Free Side Dishes?
With side dishes in a steakhouse, you need to be extra careful. Fries seem gluten-free but can become contaminated in frying oil where breaded products are also cooked. Always ask if the fries are cooked in separate oil or choose baked potatoes as a safer alternative.
Salads are usually gluten-free, but watch out for croutons, fried onions, and dressings. Many ready-made dressings contain gluten as a thickener. Ask for oil and vinegar or a homemade vinaigrette without added flour.
| Side Dish | Gluten Status | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled vegetables | Gluten-free | Check marinades |
| Baked potatoes | Gluten-free | Without coating |
| Fries | Possibly contaminated | Ask about separate frying oil |
| Salad | Usually gluten-free | Without croutons, check dressing |
| Bread | Contains gluten | Ask for gluten-free alternative |
Good gluten-free alternatives are available for bread nowadays. Many steakhouses offer gluten-free bread, though you sometimes need to request this in advance. Other safe choices are corn tortillas or rice crackers.
How Do You Ask for Gluten-Free Options in a Steakhouse?
Communication is important when eating gluten-free in a restaurant. Tell them directly when making your reservation that you eat gluten-free, so the restaurant can prepare. Upon arrival, repeat this to your server and specifically ask about the gluten-free menu or options.
Ask concrete questions about the preparation of your dishes. Ask if the steak is marinated and what ingredients the marinade contains. Inquire whether the grill is cleaned before gluten-free dishes and if separate pans are used. Also check if sauces are thickened with flour or if gluten-free alternatives are available.
The difference between celiac disease and gluten intolerance is important to mention. With celiac disease, even a crumb of gluten can cause serious health problems, while people with gluten intolerance can sometimes tolerate small amounts. Be clear about your situation so the kitchen can take appropriate precautions.
What Are the Best Gluten-Free Choices at Vlees & Co Amsterdam?
At our location in Amsterdam-Noord, we take gluten-free requests very seriously. Our pure steaks such as the USA Prime, Scottish Angus, and Japanese Wagyu are all naturally gluten-free. We prepare them on our charcoal grill without gluten-containing marinades, unless you specify otherwise.
Our trained staff, certified as meat sommeliers, can perfectly advise you about gluten-free options. They know exactly which sauces and side dishes are safe and can suggest alternatives. We ensure separate preparation to prevent cross-contamination, especially important for guests with celiac disease.
On our menu you’ll find clear indications for gluten-free dishes. Popular gluten-free choices are our dry-aged steaks with grilled vegetables, fresh salads without croutons, and baked potatoes. We also have gluten-free bread available upon request.
Visit our location in Amsterdam-Noord for a worry-free gluten-free experience. We recommend indicating when making your reservation that you eat gluten-free, so our kitchen is optimally prepared for your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I ensure my steak doesn't come into contact with gluten during grilling?
Ask specifically if the grill is cleaned before your steak is prepared, or if a separate grill section is used for gluten-free dishes. Professional steakhouses often use aluminum foil on the grill or have a dedicated gluten-free zone. When in doubt, you can ask if your steak can be cooked in a clean pan instead of on the shared grill.
What questions should I ask about sauces with my gluten-free steak?
Always ask if sauces are thickened with roux (flour and butter), if they contain soy sauce, and if there's modified starch in them. Safe alternatives are usually butter sauces, chimichurri, salsa verde, or reduction sauces based on wine. Also ask if sauces can be served separately, so you can taste and decide for yourself.
Can I safely dine out as a celiac patient in a busy steakhouse?
Yes, but preferably choose quieter times and reserve well in advance with mention of celiac disease. Ask to speak with the chef to discuss the seriousness of cross-contamination. Many premium steakhouses have protocols for celiac patients, including separate kitchen utensils, new gloves, and a separate workspace for preparation.
What are hidden gluten sources I should watch for in a steakhouse?
Watch out for herb butter (may contain breadcrumbs), appetizers like oxtail soup (often thickened with flour), fried onion rings as garnish, and even some types of bacon treated with gluten-containing spices. Homemade hamburgers may also contain breadcrumbs as a binder, so always ask for 100% pure meat.
How do I handle social situations like business dinners in a steakhouse?
Contact the restaurant in advance to communicate your dietary needs, so you don't have to explain extensively during dinner. Choose simple, pure dishes like a grilled steak with vegetables. Download a gluten-free restaurant card app on your phone for quick reference, and don't be afraid to be assertive about your health needs.
Are there specific steakhouse chains in Amsterdam known for their gluten-free service?
Besides local restaurants like Vlees & Co, international chains like The Butcher and Loetje often have standardized gluten-free protocols. Search online for recent reviews from gluten-free diners, check the Dutch Celiac Association website for recommendations, and consider restaurants with gluten-free certification. Smaller, artisanal steakhouses are often more flexible in their approach.