Dare The Rocks

Dare, which stands for Delicious and Responsible Eating, is one of my favourite places to eat gluten free. Not only that, but it’s located in one of my favourite places to visit in Sydney – The Rocks.



Maintaining an ideal that all their food should be tasty, healthy and made from the best ingredients possible; Dare is a popular place to eat for many visitors to The Rocks. Easy to spot with its distinct lime-green chairs and wooden tables, you’ll very rarely find it empty of customers. That’s because what they do, they do so well.



It might seem a big call to say that Dare has the best pancakes in Sydney, however it’s one I’m ready to make and stand by. All of their pancakes are gluten free, and you can either have a savoury option with smoked salmon, avocado and feta; or a sweet option with coconut pancakes served with fresh fruit salad, maple syrup, and the creamiest yoghurt you’ll ever find. I always go for the sweet pancakes, and often have trouble finishing them. Dare is very generous with their serving sizes.



Another favourite for myself, and for many people who are Coeliac or eat gluten free, are the kebabs. It’s not often you'll find a place that does gluten free kebabs. That in itself is a novelty. However, these kebabs are delicious too, so much so that I've seen people line up and wait as soon as the kebab rotisseries are turned on. You can choose from beef, chicken or a combo of beef and chicken (sounds extravagant - yet so delicious), and they will always ask if you want cheese. You also choose exactly what salads you would like on it, with the staff being very knowledgeable as to what does or doesn’t have gluten in it. There are around ten sauces to choose from as well, most of which are gluten free. Best of all, the staff are very clued-in on cross contamination issues. Gluten free kebabs are made on a separate plate, and if you choose to have cheese on yours, it will be melted in a microwave instead of on the grill where other gluten-filled products have been.



There are so many other gluten free options to choose from as well, such as Turkish pide, quinoa salads, and smoked salmon and fetta omelettes served with gluten free toast. Savoury frittatas, pear and raspberry bread, and a full bacon and eggs breakfast are also gluten free options. Dare even serves gluten free beer, which anyone who has ever eaten gluten free will know is a very rare treat.



Freshly squeezed juices are also a highlight of the menu. Or, if you prefer a more tropical flavour, you can buy fresh coconuts to sip from every single day. Of course, a variety of coffees and teas are available too, as is hot chocolate made with real chocolate buttons.



For those who don’t need to eat gluten free, the options extend even further. Curries made with free range chicken and served with both rice and salad, and baked potatoes with delicious toppings are just a couple of examples. There are also a large number of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as preservative free food. Therefore, there is something for everyone. Unlike many other places that make the same claims, the food here is so tasty that you wouldn’t know it was ‘free’ of anything.



Dare also does a stand at The Rocks Markets, which run every weekend. Given that their market stall is only a few metres from their actual store, it’s a testament to the popularity of the food that Dare serves. They can also do catering for events, easily incorporating gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options without sacrificing on taste.



The food is so good that even Steven Tyler, of Aerosmith fame, has eaten there, proof of which can be found on their Facebook page. However, I certainly don’t need a celebrity to tell me that the food there is good. The cravings I get for their pancakes and kebabs tell me that on a regular basis. Well worth a visit; especially for those looking for tasty gluten free options for breakfast or lunch.

Rating: 10/10

Where: The Rocks Centre, Playfair Street, The Rocks NSW.
Why: For all the gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options.
Cost: Prices range from $4.90 for a freshly baked muffin, to $14.90 for a full breakfast.
When: Mon-Thurs 7:00am-4:30pm, Fri-Sun 7:00am-5:00pm.

Good for kids: Yes
Take away: Yes

Categories:

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#_vegan_restaurants
#_cafes
#_breakfasts

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