Everywhere I ate gluten free in Toronto

From Peking duck to Paris-Brest: Toronto’s gluten free scene did not come to play.

I had no idea Toronto was such a good gluten free destination.

I went into this trip knowing there were some good options, but - like any good gluten free person - keeping my expectations tempered. But wow. I was completely blown away by just how genuinely exciting the gluten free food scene is in Toronto.

Not only are there a ton of fully gluten free spots, but the range of cuisines is next level. Think: legit pan-Asian food, tacos, Italian spots, dim sum, mille feuille, croissants - I can keep going. Toronto isn’t just “good for gluten free,” it’s one of the best gluten free destinations in the world.

What really surprised me, though, was the gluten free community. Everyone I met, whether it was folks behind the counter or other creators, was incredibly welcoming and passionate. There’s a real sense of pride in the gluten free scene here, and it shows.

This post is a round-up of everywhere I ate on this trip, with notes on what was safe for celiacs, what blew my mind, and where I’d prioritize next time. Let’s get into it.

A note on the Gluten Free Food Program

I spent one day exploring Toronto with the Gluten-Free Food Program (GFFP), and it was a great reminder of how much intention goes into truly safe gluten free dining. GFFP certifies restaurants around the world using some of the strictest standards out there, and their mark, endorsed by the National Celiac Association, means a place is serious about gluten free safety.

Several of the spots I visited are GFFP-certified, and it was amazing to see the behind-the-scenes care: proper training, cross-contact prevention, and a real commitment to serving the gluten free community well.

Bakeries

The Bread Essentials

I am genuinely envious of anyone who lives close to The Bread Essentials. This place is a 100% gluten free grocery store, GFFP certified, and hands-down one of the most impressive gluten free spaces I’ve ever set foot in. If I lived nearby, I’d be in trouble, because they have everything.

We’re talking shelves stocked with pantry staples, pasta from around the world (including a broader Italian pasta selection that I can get living closer to Italy), and a freezer section that’s next-level. We’re talking hard-to-find frozen goods, including products from Riz (yes, you can take the dim sum and egg rolls home).

And if that wasn’t enough, there’s a full bakery onsite turning out fresh croissants, butter tarts (an Ontario must), corn dogs, crullers, galettes, breads, muffins, and so, so, so much more. It’s the kind of place you walk into with a shopping list, but leave with the store telling you what you need.

Josée and her team have absolutely outdone themselves. The variety, the quality, the care; it’s a one-stop shop for gluten free living, and I would make the detour every single time I’m in Toronto.

L’Artisan Delices Sans Gluten

I’m not being dramatic when I say this might be one of the most insane gluten free bakeries I’ve ever been to. Originally from Montreal, L’Artisan recently opened on Bloor Street West, and on walking in I knew it was special.

This bakery is entirely gluten and dairy free, and yet somehow manages to deliver some of the most technically perfect pastries I’ve had anywhere. We’re talking croissants(!), pain au chocolat(!!), mille feuille(!!!!), freshly baked breads, stuffed savoury pastries, actual sandwiches, and an overwhelming selection of sweets: eclairs, lemon tarts, Paris-Brest, and more.

The attention to detail, the texture, the flavor - this place is on another level. This isn’t just a great gluten free bakery. It’s a great bakery, period. If you’re anywhere near Bloor, go early, go hungry, and prepare to leave with a very full stomach.

Restaurants

Riz

If you know me, you know I’m a sucker for East Asian food, and Riz absolutely blew me away. Located in Midtown Toronto, Riz serves up pan-Asian cuisine in a 100% gluten free environment (certified by the Gluten Free Food Program!), and it’s not an exaggeration to say it’s one of the most impressive gluten free restaurants I’ve ever been to.

What makes Riz especially unique is the story behind it. The owner, Terry, doesn’t eat gluten free herself, but after years of requests from gluten free diners, she made the decision to convert the entire restaurant to gluten free.

The result? An extensive menu with dishes that taste exactly how they should, because Terry, who doesn’t need to eat gluten free, knows what the originals are meant to taste like and adapts the recipes accordingly.

We’re talking dim sum, gyoza, ramen, even fusion pierogi, and yes, the world’s only fully gluten free Peking duck experience, complete with house-made pancakes. Every dish I tried was balanced, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. Riz isn’t just “good for gluten free”, it’s a restaurant anyone would love, and an absolute gem for those of us who find Asian cuisine tough to navigate.

Riz is a world class gluten free restaurant. Honestly? I’d fly back to Toronto just for this meal.

Impact Kitchen

I literally could not stay away from Impact Kitchen and went four times. Four. That’s how good it is. Impact is a 100% gluten free restaurant focused on breakfast, lunch, and wholesome snacks. Everything is made with fresh, high quality ingredients, and the entire place is designed around eating well without compromise.

Their breakfast burrito was a moment for me, my first in years. It had that perfect balance of savory, soft-but-sturdy wrap, and the kind of flavors that remind you breakfast doesn’t have to be sad when you’re gluten free. I also tried the protein waffles (fluffy and filling), chicken bites, a kale caesar wrap (shockingly good), and chia pudding. Their multiple locations across the city, too, which made my repeat visits extremely convenient.

El Pocho

One of the highlights of my trip was dinner at El Pocho. It’s a dedicated gluten free Mexican spot, and I had the joy of going with Ronni, an internet friend of almost six years and the force behind Gluten Free Garage. It’s notable for being one of the first gluten free food festivals in the world, held annually in Toronto.

El Pocho nails that laid-back, neighborhood vibe while serving seriously good food. I could not get enough of the margaritas, they’re dangerously easy to drink. For food, the ceviche was fantastic, and the fried fish tacos were everything I want in a taco: perfectly crispy and flavorful.

But whatever you do, save room for dessert. Their churros are an actual revelation. Skipping them should be a crime.

YYZ airport: The Hearth

This was a shockingly good option before my flight to Boston - I got to the airport only to be met with a 2 hour flight delay, and after regretting not grabbing something in town for the airport, a quick search of gluten free spots showed The Hearth as having good reviews.

The burger and fries I got hit the spot, and the bun on the burger tasted really nice. It would be better with Josée’s burger buns from The Bread Essentials, though :)

I’m not sure I’d recommend this place for people with celiac disease as the waiter I had did not give me the most confident he understood why I was ordering gluten free. He did mention the fryer was safe, though as I have a gluten intolerance that isn’t sensitive to trace amounts in fryers I can’t say for sure if that’s true.

Dessert

On Third Thought

One of the sweetest parts of this trip, literally and figuratively, was finally meeting Ashley (@celiacandthe6ix) in person. We’ve known each other through Instagram since I first started in the gluten free space, and catching up at On Third Thought was such a full-circle moment. We got to commiserate about the Leafs- and have a proper gossip sesh :) - all over scoops of insanely good gelato.

On Third Thought is an allergen-conscious gelato and wine bar that’s completely free of gluten, dairy, nuts, eggs, soy, and sesame. Everything is handmade, inclusive, and delicious. Whether you’re vegan, celiac, or just looking for a treat you don’t have to overthink, go here. I loved the wine and gelato pairings and found this place to be such a treat. Don’t sleep on them!

Bonus spots in Barrie

One day, I popped up to Barrie to go see an old friend. Here’s where I ate when I was up that way.

Chez Kirsten

One of the most exclusive restaurants in Barrie is impossible to get a reservation at - it’s my friend Kirsten’s house!

Kirsten is a childhood friend from Bermuda who now lives in Ontario, and we hadn’t seen each other in way too long. She invited me over for dinner, and it ended up being a wonderful day.

She made this halloumi salad that I’m still thinking about. It was salty, crispy, fresh, and the perfect vibe for a sunset dinner. The chicken was cooked to absolute perfection - juicy, flavorful, zero notes - and closed it out with a blueberry cobbler that was so, so good.

Around My Gluten Free Table

When I looked up directions to Kirsten’s house and realized how close she lives to Around My Gluten Free Table, I almost crashed out. This is Barrie’s first 100% gluten free shop, and it’s absolutely worth the detour.

We stopped in for lunch and picked up a shepherd’s pie and a veggie salad, both of which hit the spot, but the real surprise was just how much they have packed into this space. I found tons of packaged goods, fresh in-house made Italian food and baked treats, frozen meals (including items from Riz), pastries from L’Artisan, cakes, and more.

I was honestly so impressed by their selection, it’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you can actually eat normally again (what a concept). This is a jackpot for the gluten free community in Barrie.

Where did I run out of time for?

As I only have so much stomach space (and time, for that matter) I couldn’t make it to everywhere on my list this time around. I’m already planning my next trip to Toronto, and these are the places I would prioritize when I’m back.

• Bunner’s Bakeshop: I’ve been here before, but back on a visit in 2016 this is where I had one of my first gluten free cinnamon rolls. It brought me to tears. I can’t wait to visit again for the nostalgia factor. As a bonus, everything is also vegan.

• Almond Butterfly Bistro: I was supposed to visit here with Ashley, but I was too full after visiting three GF spots in one day. The food here looks out of this world good.

• Holy Cannoli: I’ve heard nothing but praise about their gluten free cannoli and am so keen to try one (or four) for myself.

• Gud Daae: A 100% GF sandwich spot that I’m GUTTED I couldn’t visit. The chicken sandwich looks amazing.

• Cock-A-Doodle-Doo: Another gluten free bakery that looks like it has outstanding options.

• Wild Blue Bakery: I was meant to go here with Ronni on my last day, but my schedule got booked up with calls and I had to cancel last minute. The bagels look legendary here.. have you tried them?

Where are your favorite gluten free spots in Toronto?

Talk soon,

Matt x