The Joy of Gluten Free
Ottawa’s Original Gluten Free Bakery When Susan Phipps opened The Joy of Gluten Free on February 18th, 2012, she wasn’t just opening a bakery; she was pioneering a safe haven for the celiac and gluten-sensitive…
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Restaurants
Navigating the Gluten Free Dining Scene
Dining Out Without the Doubt
For those living with Celiac Disease or gluten intolerance, the prospect of dining out often comes with a side of anxiety. Will the server understand? Is there a shared fryer? Is “gluten-friendly” actually safe for me? At Gluten Free Journey, we believe that a restricted diet shouldn’t mean a restricted life. Our mission is to bridge the gap between your dietary needs and the culinary world, helping you rediscover the joy of eating out across Canada and beyond.
The Golden Rule: Communication is Key
The secret to a successful gluten free meal starts long before the food hits the table. It begins with advocacy. When you arrive at a restaurant, it is vital to distinguish between a lifestyle choice and a medical necessity.
Don’t be afraid to ask the “tough” questions:
- Do you have a dedicated gluten-free prep area?
- Are the fries cooked in the same oil as breaded items?
- Is the soy sauce in this dish traditional or tamari-based?
A restaurant that welcomes these questions is a restaurant that takes your health seriously. Our directory highlights establishments that go above and beyond to ensure cross-contamination is minimized.
Celiac Disease Safe vs. Gluten-Friendly: Know the Difference
In recent years, the term “Gluten-Friendly” has appeared on menus everywhere. While this is a step forward for visibility, it can be a red flag for those with Celiac disease. Often, “friendly” implies that the ingredients are gluten-free, but the kitchen environment is not controlled for cross-contact.
On this page, we categorize our recommendations to help you make informed decisions. We look for “Gold Standard” kitchens, those with dedicated gluten free fryers, separate pasta water, and staff trained by programs like the CCA’s (Celiac Canada) Gluten-Free Food Program.
Regional Gems and Trusted Chains
Whether you are looking for a quick bite on a road trip through Ontario or a five-course dedicated gluten-free experience in Vancouver, our community-driven database is here to guide you. We feature:
Dedicated Bakeries: Where you can walk in and order anything without checking a label.
Gourmet Dining: High-end eateries that treat gluten-free flour as a culinary tool rather than an afterthought.
Safe Fast-Food: The reliable spots where you can grab a burger in a lettuce wrap or dedicated fries on the go.
Hidden Gluten: The Usual Suspects
Part of your gluten free journey is learning to spot the hidden gluten culprits that even chefs sometimes miss. Be wary of:
- Sauces and Gravies: Often thickened with roux (flour and butter).
- Salad Dressings: Malt vinegar and thickeners are common.
- Sushi Rice: Sometimes seasoned with grain-based vinegar.
- Oats: Unless certified gluten free, these are often cross-contaminated.
Join the Gluten Free Journey
The landscape of gluten free dining is constantly evolving. New dedicated spots open every month, while old favourites might change their kitchen protocols. This is where you come in! If you’ve had an incredible (or disappointing) experience at a local restaurant, share it with us. Your reviews help keep this community safe and informed.
Together, we can turn every meal into a safe, delicious adventure. Explore our listings below and find your next favourite table!
Find Gluten Free Restaurants, Bakeries and other Gluten Free Specialty Stores!
Our gluten free directory offers an ever growing list of Restaurants, Bakeries and other Gluten Free Specialty Store options for you!
Struggling to find Gluten Free near you? Depending on where you live, there are an abundance of restaurants with Gluten Free menus available all across North America! The GlutenDude App provides even more!
Kinnikinnick Fresh
Goodies baked fresh daily by artisans at Edmonton’s only dedicated gluten free bakery & grocery store. Online ordering now available too!
Edible Options Bakery
Discover Edible Options in St. Catharines, ON. A 100% dedicated gluten free bakery specializing in vegan, dairy-free, and soy-free treats. Home of the legendary 7-day shelf-stable bread!
Gluten Free Specialties
A Rochester Hills Sanctuary For anyone living with Celiac disease or a severe gluten intolerance, the act of walking into a bakery is often met with hesitation rather than hunger. We are used to scanning…
Bitty Birds Bakery
The Heart Behind the Oven: Ashley’s Mission Bitty Birds Bakery wasn’t born out of a simple hobby; it was born out of a necessity that many in the Celiac Disease community know all too well.…
Celebrate Gluten Free Bakery & Cafe
A family bakery that offers you fresh gluten free baked goods in Edmonton, Alberta. Head to Celebrate Gluten Free Bakery & Cafe!
Senza Gluten
Senza Gluten is an amazing gluten-free restaurant located in the West Village in New York City & is 100% gluten free; safe for celiacs.
Bunners Bakeshop
Bunner’s Bakeshop is Toronto’s premier vegan and gluten-free bakery. Everything they sell is dairy-free, nut-free and gluten-free.
Around My Gluten Free Table
The Heart of Gluten Free Living in Barrie For those living with Celiac Disease or gluten sensitivity, the phrase dedicated facility is more than just a label, it is peace of mind. Around My Gluten…
The Gluten Free Epicurean
Fresh baked gluten free savoury and sweet delights. Donuts, pizza, pies and so much more at Vancouver, BCs must stop, The Gluten Free Epicurean!
Almond Butterfly – Toronto’s Gluten Free Bistro, Bakeshop & Cafe
Almond Butterfly, offering Toronto’s best gluten free treats, breakfast, lunch & dinner in two areas of the city. Harbord Village & Dundas!
Fairly Frosted Bakery
Fairly Frosted Bakery – Perfectly delicious baked goods and ice creams for you and your family to enjoy. Vegan, gluten-free, nut-free!
Swanlyn Specialties
Find Gluten Free Edible Eats and Treats with Swanlyn Specialties in Woodstock, Ontario! Locally made, family owned & run, serving Oxford County and beyond since 1997. They are a gluten-free food product business, offering gluten-free…
Beat the Wheat
Beat the Wheat is the place in Bracebridge, Ontario to buy fresh gluten-free and wheat-free products. You won’t believe it’s gluten-free!
The Parlour + The Fry’s The Limit
Welcome to Thornton’s Family Owned And Operated Ice Cream Parlour in the Big Green House with the Red Fry Truck Poutinerie! The Parlour The Fry’s the Limit Inc. Address: 245 Barrie Street, Thornton, Ontario Phone…
Lettuce Love Cafe
Lettuce Love Cafe serves, HEALTHY vegan & gluten-free cuisine to Celiacs throughout the Burlington, Ontario regions! Get location details now.
Reel Em In Fish And Chips
Enjoy foods freshly cooked on demand with Reel Em In Fish n Chips, Barrie’s Best GF Food Truck and the best gluten free catch in town!
Gluten Free Me
Welcome to Collingwood’s dedicated gluten free boutique bakery! Address 191 Hurontario St,Collingwood, ONL9Y 2M1 Phone (833) 436-4361 Gluten Free Me At Gluten Free Me they blend their own GF flours – break their own eggs…
The Butternut Baking Co.
The Butternut Baking Co. is Toronto’s first 100% all natural baking company that specializes in gluten-free, grainless, and naturally low-carb bakes.
Raw Aura Organic Cuisine
Raw Aura Organic Cuisine offering gluten-free dining in the heart of Port Credit, Mississauga! Call for take-out or to reserve your table.
Winnie’s Gluten-Free Kitchen
Winnie’s Certified Gluten-Free Bakery strives to provide fantastic sweet and savoury products with handmade, small batches and that are tasty!
Hype Food Co.
Hype Food Co. is an allergy-aware fast casual restaurant and bakery that is also nut-free, offering a selection of gluten-free baked goods daily.
de floured
View All Listings Hours Temporarily Closed Phone (416) 828-4169 Website https://www.deflouredbakery.ca/ Address 1250 College StreetToronto Ontario M6H 1C2 Location is temporarily closed Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on pinterest Share on reddit Share…
Crystany’s Brasserie
Crystany’s Brasserie in Canning, Nova Scotia is the first certified 100% Gluten-Free restaurant in Canada with the Gluten Free Food Program!
Continental Treat Fine Bistro
Continental Treat Fine Bistro is a south Edmonton Best Gluten Free, modern European, Germanic Restaurant. A century dining vision brought to life.
Linda’s Eating Place
From the greeting as you enter, to the smiling staff with the hot coffee and the fresh, piping hot meal… it’s all country, and that’s all good.
Qing’s Cuisine
Specializing in Szechuan and Thai cuisine. Most of their food can be modified to be gluten-free. Check out this Gluten Free Dining option!