The Story: From the Gym to the Griddle
Almond Butterfly didn’t start in a traditional kitchen; it began in a CrossFit “box” in Montreal back in 2011. Founders Melody Saari and David Piesina shared a passion for fitness and high-quality nutrition, but they also believed that a healthy lifestyle shouldn’t mean sacrificing the joy of a perfect treat. The name itself is a nod to this balance: “Almond” for their love of nut-based ingredients, and “Butterfly” for the butterfly pull-up, a movement symbolizing grace and power.
What started as Melody sharing gluten-free treats with fellow gym members quickly transformed into a Toronto staple. Today, Almond Butterfly has spread its wings across the city, proving that gluten free food can, and should, taste just as good (if not better) than its conventional counterparts.
One Brand, Two Unique Experiences
Whether you’re looking for a quick caffeine fix or a leisurely three-course meal, Almond Butterfly offers two distinct ways to enjoy their 100% gluten free menu:
1. The Harbord Village Bakeshop & Cafe (100 Harbord St.) This is the original Toronto location, a cozy, “brick and beam” sanctuary that smells of freshly baked cinnamon buns and roasted espresso. It’s the perfect spot for university students, locals, and gluten free travelers to grab a quick breakfast sandwich on a house-made bagel or pick up a box of their famous cupcakes. The atmosphere is homey and welcoming, featuring a small patio for sunny afternoons.
2. The Trinity-Bellwoods Bistro (792 Dundas St. W.) For those who want to sit back and stay a while, the Bistro is Almond Butterfly’s flagship full-service restaurant. This location takes gluten-free dining to the next level with a licensed bar, an upbeat vibe, and an extensive menu that covers everything from “power lunches” to romantic date nights. It’s famous for its all-day brunch, often cited as one of the best in Toronto.
A Menu Built Without Compromise
The magic of Almond Butterfly lies in their “from scratch” philosophy. They don’t just buy gluten-free substitutes; they craft their own recipes using premium ingredients like nut flours and natural oils to ensure a moist, decadent texture that never feels “dry” or “crumbly.”
- The Sweet Stuff: Their cupcakes are legendary, having been recognized by celebrity chefs as some of the best in the city. Flavours range from classic vanilla to indulgent chocolate, with many dairy-free and vegan options. Don’t miss their paleo muffins or the chewy ginger snap cookies.
- The Savoury Side: The Bistro menu is a gluten free dream come true. Imagine eating crispy onion rings fried in a gluten free beer batter, or breaded chicken fingers that are safe for Celiac Disease. Their brunch features lavender-infused ricotta French toast and loaded breakfast bagels that have earned a cult following.
- Sips & Spirits: Both locations serve locally roasted coffee from Social Coffee & Tea Co. At the Bistro, you can pair your meal with a signature cocktail made with gin or potato vodka (to ensure they stay GF), or enjoy a cold Glutenberg beer or Brickworks cider.
Why We Love Almond Butterfly Bistro
For the Gluten Free Journey community, Almond Butterfly represents safety and inclusivity. You never have to worry about cross-contamination or “the look” from a server when asking about ingredients. It is a 100% dedicated facility where “No Gluten, No Wheat, No Soy” is the standard, not the exception. Whether you are Paleo, Vegan, or have Celiac Disease, Almond Butterfly welcomes you with open arms and a full plate.
We love that Almond Butterfly Bistro, Bakeshop & Cafe are all about offering the Greater Toronto Area great gluten free food and great times!
https://www.almondbutterfly.com/
Bistro Address
792 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON
(416) 862-2030
Bakeshop & Cafe Address
100 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON
(416) 792-7994
Frequently Asked Questions About Almond Butterfly
Yes. Both the Harbord Bakeshop and the Dundas Bistro are 100% dedicated gluten free facilities. You never have to worry about cross-contamination with wheat flour in their kitchens.
Harbord St. (Bakeshop & Cafe): A cozy, counter-service spot focused on cupcakes, quick breakfast sandwiches, bagels, and coffee. It’s best for grab-and-go or a quick casual bite.
Dundas St. W (Bistro): A full-service, licensed restaurant featuring a larger menu including all-day brunch, burgers, cocktails, and “sit-down” comfort foods like chicken fingers and onion rings.
Absolutely. A large portion of their baked goods (including many cupcakes, cookies, and brownies) are dairy-free or vegan. At the Bistro, you can find vegan-friendly brunch items and dairy-free milk alternatives for all coffee beverages.
Yes. Almond Butterfly is famous for its Paleo Muffins (made with almond and flax flour). They also offer Keto-friendly smoothies (like the Keto Fit) and low-carb options for those looking to avoid refined sugars and grains.
Many of their recipes are intentionally soy-free, including their house-made bread and several baked goods. If you have a soy allergy, simply inform the staff so they can guide you toward the safest choices.
No. While they are gluten-free, they use a variety of tree nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts) and peanuts in many of their recipes. Because they are a small bakery, they advise that cross-contamination may occur and do not recommend their products for those with anaphylactic nut allergies.
Almond Butterfly does not offer custom baking or recipe modifications. However, they have a beautiful selection of pre-set “Celebration Cakes” and “Wedding Cakes” available through their online pre-order store.
Reservations are available for the Dundas Bistro via OpenTable. Please note that they do not take reservations by phone. The Harbord Bakeshop is walk-in only and has limited seating.
For larger orders, cupcakes, or whole cakes, you generally need to place your order 1 to 2 days in advance through their online store. Same-day cupcakes are available in-store while supplies last.
Yes. You can order same-day delivery through apps like UberEats or SkipTheDishes. For larger pre-orders (like catering or bulk cupcakes), they offer delivery across the Greater Toronto Area within a 20km radius of their Harbord location.
Yes. Both locations are cashless. They accept Visa, Mastercard, and Debit. (Note: Amex is currently not accepted).
Yes! The Dundas Bistro can be reserved for private events or large parties (up to 25 people) during specific windows, such as weekday mornings or after 3:00 PM on weekends.
Really delicious bakery options (and everything is gluten-free to boot)! Items stay good for 3-4 days at room temperature, and even the breakfast bagels were tasty. Only area with room for improvement is seating; definitely not enough for their breakfast hours.
Absolutely fantastic cafe with some of the nicest, friendliest staff in the city (they even skip the tip option on the machine when you only order a baked good!). The paleo muffin and breakfast cookie are my personal faves. Highly recommend.
I’ve never been to a bakery dedicated to gluten-free with so many vegan options. They taste better than most cookies. I’d put them up as the top tier cookie experience. Just fantastic baked goods. They kindly explained to me how they make their baked goods, what kind of flours they use, and some recommendations for me. Highly recommend you try out their gluten-free vegan stuff, it tastes just as good as any excellent baked goods!
Absolutely amazing! The food was so good, the onion rings are divine and my friend loved the Mac and cheese. The paper crane drink was delicious and the staff were so kind. They were very accommodating to my other numerous food allergies. 100/10 if I lived in the area I’d go all the time.
Tasty food, large portions, and friendly service. My friend and I came for brunch and we really enjoyed the traditional breakfast. I liked the lavender lemonade.
We went on a Sunday at 12 pm and it was very busy. Brunch reservations are highly recommended on weekends and holidays.
Update: I came back for brunch with my fiancé. I loved the chai latte. The pumpkin pancakes were delicious, fluffy, light, and gluten-free! Although they were a bit too sweet for me, I still really liked them.
The food was absolutely scrumptious! I had heard great things about Almond Butterfly and wanted to check out a GF restaurant I could suggest to friends and family. I am very pleased there is such a fantastic option. I can even bring my vegans- and we can relax and enjoy a lovely worry-free DELICIOUS meal.
Delicious Gluten Free Restaraunt in Toronto! I got the Farmers Breakfast with delicious Eggs, Bacon and a pancake! Great place to have a great time and get a great meal!
Unbelievable. Was in the area for a conference and searched some gluten free options. This place is gold. By far the best food I’ve ever eaten. We had the onion rings, mac and cheese, fish and chips, chocolate chip cookie, and apple crumble and I left feeling awful but because I ate it all 😂. My husband just kept repeating “I can’t believe this is gluten free” and “we need to tell everyone” 😂😂
Second time here. The burgers were incredible! The dairy free cheese was a perfect compliment to the BBQ sauce. The buns were nice and fluffy, not dry. The staff were kind and the service was quick! The restaurant was accessible but the bathrooms were not.
Amazing brunch with delicious cocktails! The whole menu was gluten free and tasted incredible!!
Fantastic! The food is always amazing, the cocktails are always unique and delicious. The atmosphere and vibe inside is also quite beautiful.
We came for dinner on a super busy Saturday – we had to wait a bit longer for our food and the manager more than made up for it. Great experience and very friendly staff. 🙂
The food was amazing! I had a traditional breakfast, and the gluten free toast was something I only dream about. It was so good!
It was super busy because of a certain musical act in town, but they seemed to be on top of the crowd.
I loved the hallway down to the bathroom so much I had to take a pic. Also the waiting area is super cute!
This place is amazing! As a mom of a celiac it was so nice that everything is gluten free it was so good we went back the next day! Will definitely be back when I’m in Toronto!
We showed up without a reservation and were super lucky there was a cancellation.
Service was very friendly and fast.
Fiancee and I got the Pumpkin Pancakes and they were absolutely delicious. The pumpkin flavor was not overwhelming and the maple butter really enhanced the flavors. Strongly recommend getting it. If you’re going for brunch in the fall.
Fantastic food and service. Amazing gluten free food, great atmosphere and personable service. Thank you to Sofia for making our night special and memorable! We appreciate you
I was diagnosed with Celiac a year ago and the hardest part for me is feeling inconvenient when trying to eat out. My sister and I were in Toronto for Taylor Swift and knowing we’d be eating out a lot I pre-googled gluten free restaurants before we arrived and found this sweet little spot. Arriving, seeing how fulsome and delicious the menu is and having that moment of realization that I could eat anything I wanted to — I felt normal for the first time in a year! It was actually my birthday too, and our server made a point to bring over a cupcake with a candle. Your business has created something special for people like me, and I can’t thank you enough for the experience. Unfortunately, I don’t live close, but I know I will be back next time I’m in Toronto. Thank you!
I’ve been a customer of Almond Butterfly for more than 10 years. I met Melody at a CrossFit competition in Montreal when she was just starting to sell her amazing baked goods. I started ordering custom cakes from her and she would deliver them door to door herself. When she opened the bake shop in Toronto I wasn’t surprised at all that it was successful – everything is SO GOOD. Most things you try that are gluten free or free of “other things classically deemed important for baking” are dry and taste a little different than you’re expecting. Almond Butterfly is different. I just ordered an assortment of cupcakes and they are moist and so yummy. I especially love the icing. I love this place!
Really good and safe ✌️gluten-free!
The sandwiches were delicious; I went there three times. I customized them: honey mustard, bacon, egg, and onion pickles! It’s worth the detour!
The only downside is the wait, but the sandwiches are really good and made live, amazing!
Really good and safe ✌️gluten-free
The sandwiches were delicious; I went there three times. I customized them: honey mustard, bacon, egg, and onion pickles! It’s worth the detour!
The only downside is the wait, but the sandwiches are really good and made live, amazing!
Such a great gluten free spot in Toronto. Their gluten free food tastes amazing and not gluten free at all. There are so many options it is almost overwhelming (in a good way). Their baked goods are divine!! It’s not the basic gluten free options other places have, they are much more elevated and decadent. Another big plus – you can bring your non-gluten free friends and they will also enjoy their meal. The only thing I don’t love is that it is a bit crowded and crammed especially during brunch time. I would still come back next time (and the time after next!).
Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5
Normally almond butter butterfly is a 10/10, 5 stars but today one of my cinnamon buns arrived half the size of the other :/ kind of bummed but happy I had them. They’re still delicious just a shame that one is so much smaller
The food is really good!! Most things are fried so take that into account but if you’ve been missing a delicious burger and onion rings and you have gluten dietary restrictions don’t skip this place. We had wings, fish and chips, and the smokehouse burger and fries and they were delicious. After we shared the tiramisu for dessert and it was incredible! There’s plenty of transit options and some green p and on street parking near by.
The service was outstanding, with all staff going above and beyond to make us feel welcome. As a newly gluten-intolerant couple, our server was incredibly reassuring. The food was perfectly prepared, full of flavor, and the portion sizes were generous. The warm, inviting atmosphere made for an unforgettable dining experience. If we ever come back to Toronto, this will definitely be on our list of stops!
A celiacs dream, the food is incredible and with very good portions. Was so happy to be able to safely indulge – Ceaser, sandwich and even the option for fried chicken! Was able to take my non-celiac friends here without feeling bad for having them have a gluten free meal.
Almond Butterfly is a charming spot with friendly servers, generous portions, and great value for money. The brunch menu offers several tasty options, and the intimate seating adds to the cozy vibe.
The only downside was waiting nearly 35 minutes for food after ordering, and parking can be tricky with limited street spots. Still, the overall experience was worth it—highly recommend for a relaxed brunch!
A dream! Everything was gluten-free. I had a burger with fries and apple crumble cheesecake for dessert. ULTRA DELICIOUS. (My boyfriend, who doesn’t have to eat gluten-free, loved it, too.)
Mia, our server, was prompt, friendly, and courteous.
It was a dream for me, a celiac, to be able to eat everything, swap with my boyfriend, and not have to worry about contamination.
We ABSOLUTELY need this in Karlstadt.
Loved the pancakes and fresh fruit ! the pancakes were super cute and delicious! My friend mentioned the beans were a bit on the spicy side, but overall it was an amazing breakfast. Definitely coming back!
Visited for the first time while visiting family from Guelph and it was absolutely amazing.
The decor and the vibe as well as the food were all amazing.
We ordered the breakfast hash, along with steak and Eggs and the traditional breakfast. Everything was so delicious and the portions are so generous.
Coffees were very good.
minor feedback on one of the chairs that had quite a bit of stains (dirty hand prints) which would be easily removed with a magic eraser- other than that everything was so good.
First time ever being there and the service, atmosphere, and food were exceptional! We had an incredibly server named Mia, who greeted us from the very beginning and served my family and I! Highly recommend going (especially if Mia is your server:))
Amazing. My daughter can’t eat gluten and I’ve never seen her so happy to be able to relax and eat whatever she saw on the menu and be confident that she wouldn’t get sick. The food was excellent: we were a party of 6 and amongst us we had beers, smash burgers, crispy chicken sandwich, steak, Cali salad and fish and chips. Everything looked good. I tasted the bistro steak (which had a very nice sauce), and the chicken sandwich and both were very good. I ordered the fish & chips and it was fantastic- perfectly cooked and obviously fresh. Would not know it was gluten free. Portions were substantial. Excellent value for money and for gluten free food I would say it was extremely reasonable. The atmosphere was nice and relaxed but still special. Our server was very very good – courteous, knowledgeable and kind. We will definitely be back. I’ve already recommended it to a celiac friend.