10 Best Restaurants For Gluten-Free Food In Toronto, Canada

Impact Kitchen, started by two nutrition and fitness junkies, is a hip breakfast, lunch and dinner joint on the east end. It prides itself on offering a clean-eating menu with minimally processed, nutrient-rich dishes. There’s a full espresso bar with holistic teas, cold-pressed juices and smoothies, house-made chocolates and freshly baked goods. Most of the options here vegan, raw and paleo-friendly. The entire kitchen is also a gluten-free facility, so those with coeliac: have no fear. For breakfast, go for the power breakfast bowl or coconut chia seed pudding. For lunch or dinner, the power bowls are where it’s at, though salads are also available. Chicken, fish or steak is also offered for those in need of a protein boost.

Riz Pan Asian, now known as Riz Restaurant On Bayview, is a certified gluten-free restaurant serving up Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine in Leaside. From dim sum, soups and curries to wok-fried dishes, pho, vermicelli ‘buns’, noodles and fried rice, there’s something here for every gluten-free diner. While gluten-free diners have their own menu, those without restrictions can choose from a lengthier menu that includes gluten ingredients. There are also plenty of vegetarian options and all-you-can-eat available – even for gluten-free diners. Favorites include the coconut peanut chicken, the Vietnamese spring rolls, the chicken satay, and the crispy beef.

The Beet is the spot for herbivores, carnivores and those with dietary restrictions to unite. Dining is made easy here with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options or substitutions. There is also a stunning list of dishes featuring local and certified organic meats, eggs, cheeses and produce. Choose from all-day breakfast items like huevos rancheros or a gluten-free breakfast sandwich. Appetizers include gluten-free mac and cheese, salads, wraps, bowls, burgers and sandwiches. There’s also a menu for the kiddies and vegan Daiya cheese for substitution. Diners can take pride in grabbing a bite at an eco-friendly space that only imports Certified Fair Trade goods.
*Note: this is not a gluten-free facility; please inform the waiting staff upon your arrival if you have an allergy.

Cardinal Rule, a Roncesvalles favorite, is the go-to spot for innovative comfort fare. Here, you’ll find loads of gluten-free and vegan options alongside meat-focused dishes, so feel free to bring your carnivore friend. Plus, there’s a full bar, beer on draft, house-made desserts, vegan brunch, trivia and game nights, art shows and weekly specials that aren’t to be missed. These are all set within a diner-inspired space. The breakfast/lunch menu is served Monday to Friday until 4pm. Options include appetizers, salads, sandwiches and burgers (on gluten-free bread), and select brunch items. At the weekend, brunch takes over, featuring dishes like the bacon-crusted breakfast pie and coconut pancakes. Dinner is served every day from 4pm, and delivery is available through Foodora. Favorites include the squish squash quesadilla and the baked mac and cheese (available vegan and gluten-free).
*Note: this is not a gluten-free facility; please inform the waiting staff upon your arrival if you have an allergy.

At Doug’s Public Kitchen, head chef Doug McNish serves up weekend brunch and lunch dishes that highlight healthy and organic vegan fare. Most of the dishes are gluten-free, or available gluten-free. This places uses only the highest quality produce and plant-based ingredients from local farmers – what is imported is all certified organic and fair trade. Choose from brunch items like banana French toast, vegan Benedict, avocado toast, loaded breakfast potatoes and smoothies. Lunch items include the salad of the day and the tempeh mushroom veggie burger. Keep in mind that the menu changes seasonally. Don’t miss Doug’s Evergreen Brickworks farmer’s market stand (Saturdays from 9am-1pm) where you can find vegan, raw vegan, and gluten-free salads, dips, sauces and dressings. If you love Doug’s recipes, test your skills with one of his cookbooks.
*Note: this is not a gluten-free facility; please inform the waiting staff upon your arrival if you have an allergy.

iQ Food Co., now serving Toronto at five locations, is a walk-up service type spot with a sustainably sourced and seasonal menu. Most of the items are from local farms and purveyors, but diners can check out their ‘local list’ on the website for specifics on what produce is from where. iQ is all about fresh ingredients with dishes made from scratch. It offers breakfast and lunch in the way of snacks like chia seed pudding, smoothies and salads. There are also coffee, tea and baked goods. Everything here is gluten-free with the exception of a few items on the snack menu. Vegan diners can enjoy smoothies, baked goods and a few items from the snack menu; favorites include the ‘100k’ box (seasonal) and ‘lima’ box. Please note: this is not a guaranteed gluten-free facility, so please let iQ know if you have an allergy upon ordering. http://instagram.com/p/5Z2oI5xGhH/?taken-by=iqfoodco

Located in the heart of Kensington Market, Hibiscus Café is a gluten-free restaurant serving up organic vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Choose from house-made soups, salads, vegan buckwheat crepes – available in both savory and sweet flavors. There are also vegan desserts made in-house, including cookies, squares, brownies, and the famous dairy-free, soy-free organic vegan ice cream served in a gluten-free cone. Go for the house-made chocolate-hazelnut spread with banana or the vegan dulce de leche with kiwi. If you’re into the savory, opt for the blue cheese and pear, brie cheese and pecan or the vegan mozzarella with tomato, basil, spinach, and mushroom.

Live Organic Food Bar is known for their flavor-packed vegan cuisine and raw bar. However, it’s also a gluten-free, preservative-free and refined sugar-free space. This makes dining that much easier for those with intolerances, allergies and dietary restrictions. Many of the dishes are also nut and soy allergy-friendly, which are easily distinguished by ‘NF’ and ‘SF’. Live highlights the beauty of high-quality, non-GMO plant-based ingredients and organic produce from sustainable, local (when available) farmers. Choose from a selection of appetizers like kimchi fries and guac toast, salads, burgers, burritos, hot bowls and wraps. Mains include pizza, samosas, tacos and noodles. There are also smoothies, fresh organic juices, kombucha, beer, wine, cocktails and desserts. Favorites include the pad thai, zucchini manicotti with cashew dill ‘ricotta’, nachos, and black bean burrito.

Fresh has been a long-time competitor on the Toronto health scene, serving up vegan dishes made from scratch since 1999. There are now four locations across Toronto. Everything here is made without the use of any animal products, including dairy, eggs and honey. However, raw honey and chyawanprash – a cooked mixture of sugar, honey, ghee (clarified butter), gooseberry jam, sesame oil, berries, herbs and spices – are available as smoothie add-ons. There’s even a menu dedicated to those who are gluten-free with options like appetizers, dips, burrito bowls, tacos, salads, brown rice bowls, brunch (hello, gluten-free pancakes), desserts, smoothies, shakes and juice. Please note, this is not a gluten-free facility so there is no guarantee for those who have a severe allergy. If you love Fresh just as much as we do, there are four cookbooks to choose from for testing out your favorite dishes at home. http://instagram.com/p/BHUezjxhdxC/?taken-by=freshrestaurants