Eating Italian when you avoid gluten should not mean a sad side salad. At Fiena, our family-run cafe, bar and restaurant at 4 Medway Court on Judd Street, gluten-free penne is available for every pasta dish, and we offer a gluten-free pizza base. Here is how to order with confidence at our Italian restaurant near King's Cross.
Pasta, swapped to gluten-free penne
Our main menu lists gluten-free penne as an option across the pasta section. That means favourites such as spaghetti bolognese, carbonara with smoked pancetta, egg yolk and parmesan, Linguine Fiena with chicken, mushrooms, garlic and cream, penne arrabbiata, linguine frutti di mare, linguine vongole and spaghetti pesto can all be requested with gluten-free penne. Ravioli and lasagna use filled or layered fresh pasta, so ask your server which current dishes can be adapted on the day.
Guests come back for these plates even when they are not ordering gluten-free. Robin wrote: The Linguini Fiena was honestly one of the best pasta dishes I've ever had.
(Robin W., Google review). Derek said of the carbonara: Food of the highest quality with my carbonara being one of the best I’ve tasted!
(Derek P., Tripadvisor review). Tell us you need the gluten-free penne when you order so the kitchen can prepare it properly.
“Food was great, arrived quick, service was lovely.”
Neil C., Google review
Pizza on a gluten-free base
From midday, our pizza list runs from Margherita with fior di latte and basil to Diavola with pepperoni and spicy nduja, Capricciosa, Vegetarian, Buffalo and Pizza al pollo with goat cheese and caramelised onion. A gluten-free base is available; ask when you order. Guests often single out the crust even on the standard dough: My partner and I had pizzas and they are absolutely delicious. The dough is amazing.
(Google review). An OpenTable diner described The pizza was perfectly baked with a crispy crust and generous, fresh toppings
(OpenTable review).
C. J. kept it simple after a family visit: Pizzas were excellent, and the service was relaxed and friendly.
(C. J., Tripadvisor review).
Starters, grill and desserts that often work
Many dishes outside the pasta and pizza sections are naturally a better fit, though you should always check with your server. Caprese with buffalo mozzarella, grilled meats such as lamb cutlets or saltimbocca alla Romana, whole sea bream, sea bass with capers, and simple salads are common choices. Antipasti such as olives and certain grilled vegetables can work well to share, depending on preparation.
On the dessert menu we serve a vegan and gluten-free chocolate brownie with blood orange sorbet, plus gelato in vanilla, wild strawberry or salted caramel, and mango, blood orange or lemon sorbet. Affogato (espresso over gelato) is another simple finish if it suits your needs. James paired pasta with cheesecake on a Friday night; if cheesecake is not right for you, the brownie or sorbet are the clearer gluten-free path.
Nasipa's note on service applies here too: The service was warm and helpful without being intrusive.
(Nasipa E., Google review). Use that conversation. Our kitchen handles gluten and other allergens, so we cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free environment, but we will talk you through the safest options on the day.
How to order safely
- Mention coeliac disease or a gluten intolerance when you book, and again to your server before you order.
- Ask specifically for gluten-free penne or a gluten-free pizza base.
- Check sauces, toppings, garlic bread and fried sides if you are highly sensitive; some preparations may not be suitable.
- Detailed information on the 14 major allergens is available on request.
- If something is not right, tell us at the table so we can put it right while you are still with us.
Breakfast and the rest of the day
Breakfast and brunch run from 8am until 2pm. Egg dishes, yoghurt bowls and many coffee drinks are often easier starting points than toast-based plates, but please ask every time, because recipes and suppliers can change. We are open Monday to Saturday until 22:00 and Sunday until 21:00, so there is time for a gluten-free pizza after work as well as a careful lunch.
Book your table
Book a table at Fiena, browse the menu beforehand, and tell us what you need. You will find us at 4 Medway Court, Judd Street, London WC1H 9QX, a few minutes from King's Cross. We would rather answer three questions before you order than leave you guessing.