Last updated on May 22, 2025

When your Disney Cruise ship docks in Hamburg, you're stepping into Germany's maritime heart and one of Europe's most vibrant port cities. It's a destination that seamlessly blends historic charm with modern energy. We were both surprised and endlessly delighted by this blend of old world and new world and enjoyed exploring the city’s many sites — from the red-brick warehouses in the UNESCO World Heritage Speicherstadt, Europe's largest warehouse district to the bustling HafenCity with its cutting-edge architecture. But if you're navigating your visit gluten free, you might be wondering if you'll be able to enjoy some of the amazing German cuisine that Hamburg has to offer.

Isabella Free Patisserie in Hamburg / Photo ©️ Gluten Free Disney Cruise

The good news is that you don’t have to worry about missing out. We found amazing options during our two days in Hamburg, including gluten free pretzels, pastries, and more. This post will highlight some planning tips, restaurant suggestions, and information about our experience.

Before You Go: Planning Your Gluten Free Day in Hamburg

The key to a successful gluten free day in any foreign port starts before you even step off the ship. Unlike the Disney cruise dining staff who know your dietary needs by heart, Hamburg restaurants won't have your preferences on file, so preparation is your best friend.

**Do Pre-Cruise Research**
Before we even boarded the ship, we spent a lot of time doing pre-cruise research. We reviewed YouTube videos, Instagram, Facebook groups, blogs (like ours!), and GF food apps to help us make a list of potential restaurants to dine at, and tips unique to Germany. We included this information in our Smartphone during our trip, so we could easily refer to it.

After doing a lot of pre-cruise GF food planning and research, we also downloaded Google Translate and ordered translation cards created specifically for gluten free and food allergy travelers. We especially like Equal Eats, which includes multiple and custom special dietary needs, and Legal Nomads. While both of these are paid options, we found them to be worth the small fee as we traveled internationally. There are also a lot of free translation card resources available online too.

The primary language in Germany is German. Because of this, we made sure to write down simple words or phrases both in German, such as “Glutenfrei” to help us both quickly say or look for language that we recognized indicating something was GF.

Unlike our experience in Belgium, English was not the default language spoken at most restaurants, shops, and museums in Hamburg. While most people did speak some English, we made sure to use phrases and general greetings, which were always welcome. This also gave us some experience practicing our German language skills too, especially Brandon who took several years of German during high school and whose family roots are German.

**EU Food Allergy Laws**

Did you know that in the EU has a list of 14 food allergens that must be declared if they are present or if they are used as ingredients in a prepared or packaged food? You will find that restaurants indicate these on their menus. The allergens may vary slightly from US allergen lists, so we always recommend reviewing these before you go.

Don’t forget to pack any GF or special diets essentials in your bag before you head out for a long day of sightseeing. While Hamburg does have excellent gluten free options, we always travel with backups, like protein bars, just in case. While pre-packaged and sealed items can be taken off the ship, be sure to read DCL’s policies about what food can or cannot be taken off the ship. Some items, like fruit and vegetables can incur hefty fines. If you have questions, we always recommend asking a crew member.

If you do have other special dietary needs considerations, like EpiPens or medications, be sure to pack them in a safe and easy to find place during your port day.

Where We Ate in Hamburg

We spent two days in Hamburg (one 9-hour day and one 1/2 day), and that was definitely enough time to eat all the things and see all the places that we wanted to. We absolutely loved the energy of the city and would love to visit again, especially with some amazing food options. Here are some of the spots we ate at on our visit.

Isabella Glutenfreie Pâtisserie

If you stop at one place in Hamburg, it’s Isabella Glutenfreie Pâtisserie. This 100% gluten free bakery and restaurant is the stuff of gluten free dreams. From decadent pastries to hearty breads, we absolutely loved being able to choose what we wanted with abandon. We highly recommend their incredible breads, especially the classic pretzel bread. No trip to Germany is complete without it!

On our visit, we had the great fortune of traveling during the grand opening of their new, large full service restaurant location conveniently located next to the Hamburg Rathaus (city hall) — only a few minutes walk from where our Disney bus transportation dropped us off in the city. We highly recommend this location for convenience and variety of gluten free food options, including breakfast.

On our first day, we stopped by their small pop-up location about a 15-minute walk through the city.* There we enjoyed coffees, breakfast pastries (including the most incredible cinnamon roll) and chatting with the staff. They let us know about the new location, which we popped by for a full breakfast the next day. It did not disappoint, and we even came back to the cruise ship with a bounty of GF pastries and breads to enjoy on the ship.

*Note: This location may no longer be open. We couldn’t find any current information about the status.

Frittenwerk

As potato lovers, we can’t pass up the chance to try fries in any destination we visit. In researching options in Hamburg, Frittenwerk rose to the top as one of the best spots in the city to get fries. And, they did not disappoint. The restaurant itself is limited to fries and a few currywurst options, so the fries themselves are made in a dedicated fryer just with fries (lots of them!). Most of the sauces are gluten free, but we recommend reviewing not only the allergen guide at the restaurant but also online before you go. We chose a classic mayo and a vegan lemon aioli on our visit. By far, these were our favorite fries of the trip (including stops in Bruges and London). If you go, be sure to dine up on the 2nd floor which has fantastic decor and lovely views.

Other Gluten Free Friendly Restaurants in Hamburg

With limited time in Hamburg, we definitely get to as many restaurants as we would have liked. Here are some of the places that were on our short list or came highly recommended.

Rudolph’s

Located in HafenCity, this restaurant is conveniently located to many sightseeing destinations, like the Maritimes Museum, which we visited. Rudolph’s has a strong reputation of being celiac friendly, as they have family members who are celiacs. They serve gluten free pizza, pasta, and desserts — taking care great to avoid issues of cross-contamination. Due to time constraints on our visit, we missed out on this location, but it’s a must visit the next time we go to Hamburg.

Grilly Idol

With a clever name and eclectic vibe, Grilly Idol is a good go-to spot for casual dining. Serving up a simple menu with burgers and fries, the restaurant has a good reputation for providing safe and tasty options for guests who are gluten free. We didn’t stop by this location due to timing and the location. Grilly Idol is a bit more off the beaten path compared to other locations we found, but based on the reviews we saw, this could be worth a visit.

Nord Coast Coffee Roastery

This is another location that I wished we would have had more time for. Not only is it a charming coffee shop, but it also has some breakfast items, including gluten free and dairy free waffles. Though the menu and options are somewhat limited, the reviews of Nord Coast Coffee Roastery were solid. If you’re sightseeing in the Speicherstadt or HafeCity areas, this could be a good place for a cup of coffee and a light mid-day meal.

Practical Tips for Your Port Day

When visiting any international destination, setting yourself up for success with gluten free dining requires some preparation. Before you travel, research your destination using the tools we've recommended and prepare translation cards that clearly explain your dietary restrictions in the local languages.

Once you arrive, don't hesitate to communicate openly about your needs. Carry those written cards explaining your dietary requirements – restaurants often appreciate this clear communication as it eliminates confusion and demonstrates that you're a prepared traveler. Ask detailed questions about preparation methods and cross-contamination protocols. While busy kitchens can present challenges, most established restaurants will take extra precautions when they understand the importance of your dietary needs.

With thoughtful preparation and clear communication, you can enjoy exploring new cuisines safely and confidently during your travels.

Eating in Hamburg Gluten Free Made Easy

Exploring Hamburg's gluten free dining scene while on your Disney cruise doesn't have to be overwhelming. You’ll find countless opportunities to experience authentic German flavors safely. We were absolutely delighted by the traditional bakeries and GF options available throughout the city. Like us, we know you’ll fall in love with Hamburg’s rich culture and delicious food…without having to miss out on those GF pretzels and beer.

Want to learn more about our Disney Cruise Line gluten free food adventures? Be sure to check out our Destinations page to explore other places that we have been and what we ate at those locations gluten free.

Eating Gluten Free in Hamburg: Complete Disney Cruise Port Guide [2025]