The Best Wheat and Gluten Free Restaurants in Toronto

The best gluten free restaurants in Toronto may not, in fact, be totally gluten free, but they do have plenty of options for those with various degrees of intolerance. Even if we're fortunate enough to handle our fluffy white pasta in stride, chances are we know someone who would deal with a nasty reaction to that run-of-the-mill roll.

While there are lots of places in Toronto that cater to both crowds, many haven't made it on this list including Magic Oven, which paved the gluten free way with its alternate crust options, Cafe Shu with its gluten-free porridge, and Grindhouse with its gluten free bun. There's also gluten free waffles at Starving Artist and gluten free fish and chips at Off The Hook.

Still, the spots that have made it on this list have more than just a few Celiac-friendly options, some with an entire menu devoted specifically to gluten- free. How's that for something to stomach?! (Though really, we're talking about the small intestine.. hm..)

Here is the list of the best wheat and gluten free restaurants in Toronto.

Note: A previous version of this list was published on August 24, 2008. Comments below made up until September 17, 2011 are in reference to the old list. We've purposely kept most of the archived comments here because we believe they (mostly) add value to this topic. If you don't want to have to wade through all of them, simply hit the "sort by newest first" link at the top of the thread.

Live

Live has a whole array of gluten free menu options, starting with its New Grist gluten free beer. All of the salad dressings on the menu are gluten free, along with raw and cooked dishes such as its chickpea burger and black bean wrap. And since no one should be left out of one of Sunday's greatest pleasures, Live has many GF brunch staples including gluten free waffles and toast. More »

The Monarch Tavern

The Monarch Tavern proves that gluten free isn't just for the hippy-dippy raw food bar (plug your ears, Live). The upstairs Little Italy pub offers three types of gluten free beer (New Grist, Thornbury, and Nickelbrook) and all of its gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches (for which it is famous) and burgers can be made gluten free. No tempeh and organic kale salad, sadly. More »

Camros Organic Eatery

Camros Organic Eatery is one of my favourite spots for grabbing something filling before heading in Bloor Station. Much of the Persian-inspired menu is naturally gluten free, as well as also dairy-free, soy-free and organic. The sugar-free, flour-free cookie (what's left?) is certainly a favourite, and for something heartier, there's Camros' rotating menu of stews, salads, and bowls. More »

Arepa Cafe

The joy of the arepa, as many already know, is not just its delicious combination of fluffy and crispy, but also the fact that it is made of cornmeal and thus, gluten free. Arepa Cafe's Domino, Perico, Pulpo and other sandwiches are therefore good for everyone, except those with a corn allergy, of course. Calls for another list post? More »

Hibiscus Cafe

Ah, the delicious Hibiscus buckwheat crepe. Wrapped around mushrooms, spinach, and cheese, it makes for quite the satisfying Kensington Market lunch. The homemade soup (paired with gluten free cracker) is another Hibiscus must-try, along with any of its gluten free baked goods, but notably, the brownie. More »

Kensington Cornerstone

If you're worried about contamination, Kensington Cornerstone is one of the best places to go. Its menu is entirely gluten free, which means you don't have to worry about a little bit of something getting into your corn-battered chicken fingers or salmon fillet burger on gluten free bun. Also on offer are New Grist, Nickelbrook, La Messagere Blonde and La Messagere Red, all of which are gluten free beers. More »

Fressen

Fressen is good for all sorts of dietary restrictions. Its menu is vegan-friendly (obviously), with plenty of nut-free, wheat-free, and gluten free options. While it's mostly just the cold tapas and appetizers that are gluten free at Fressen, there is still plenty of choice that includes spicy red lentil balls, tempeh fish styx, and plantain cakes. More »

Burger Bar

No need for the Celiac-afflicted to miss out on the gourmet burger fun. Burger Bar in Kensington offers the option of gluten free buns with any of the burgers on its menu. There are also plenty of gluten free appetizers on the list, including its infamous saag poutine, on which the verdict is still not in. More »

Cardinal Rule

Cardinal Rule does a lot of stuffed and wrapped, and most of it (upon request) can be done in gluten free bread (plus $1). Still, some Cardinal items need no amendment, including the quinoa coconut pancake, mango cold rolls, or rice pasta noodle bowl. The fruit bowl, the menu helpfully points out, is also gluten free. More »

Riz Pan Asian

More than just an option or two, Riz Pan Asian at Bayview and Eglinton has an entire menu of gluten free dishes. Starting with appetizers, Riz offers spring rolls, soups, and salads, followed by curries, pad thai, stir fry, and ribs. You won't even miss out on dessert with Celiac-friendly deep fried banana and mango sticky rice. More »

Teatree Cafe

Can you say moist, chocolately gluten free mini cupcakes? Teatree owner Erin Pim is known to make wonderful gluten free and/or vegan takes on classic comfort foods such as shepherd's pie, quiche on quinoa crust, and citrus-infused French toast. Most sandwiches can be ordered on gluten free bread for an extra $1. More »

Villa Restaurant

Villa Restaurant does gourmet Italian with the option of brown rice gluten free crusts (plus $3.95) for any of its pizzas. Many of Villa's pasta dishes can also be amended to include gluten free spiral pasta (plus $1.95), even if it doesn't look quite as pretty. And just so nothing is left out, Villa offers a gluten free dinner roll as well. More »