The end of 2023 saw a huge adjustment for our family as Thumper got diagnosed as having Celiac disease (simply explained is your body is unable to process gluten which is found in Barley, Rye, Oats, and Wheat products) so after a year of tests we finally had the confirmation in November that she will now have to eat a gluten free diet including Gluten Free Restaurants.
We decided it was easier for both kids to go gluten free at home, so we have been able to change out all our snack foods to gluten free options. However, finding gluten-friendly restaurants can be difficult depending on your location, however I have collected tips from others who are eating gluten free to come up with a Guide to Gluten Free Restaurants in Ontario.
Now we are a family that is often on the go and like to stop for guilty pleasures like Timbits at Tim Hortons or Breakfast at Mcdonalds… however since our family is now gluten free this is no longer an option. For Christmas I bought a Dash Timbit maker so we will be experimenting with our own recipes at home.
We live in Southwest Greater Toronto Area so most of my recommendations will likely focus on this area first and I hope to keeo expanding as we encounter new hidden gems and as I learn more from my fellow celiacs in some of the awesome Online Groups I have found.
Gluten Free Restaurants and Bakeries in Ontario
- Map of Gluten Free and Celiac Friendly Bakeries and Restaurants
- Gluten Free Restaurants and Bakeries in Toronto
- Gluten Free Restaurants and Bakeries in Mississauga
- Gluten Free Restaurants and Bakeries in Brampton
- Gluten Free Restaurants and Bakeries in Burlington
- Gluten Free Restaurants and Bakeries in Oakville
Tips for Eating out at Gluten Free Restaurants in Ontario:
- Call Ahead:
- Before heading to a restaurant, it’s a good idea to call ahead and inquire about their gluten-free menu or options. This can help you gauge how knowledgeable the staff is about gluten-free needs…. my first call was too Swiss Chalet and I asked if there fries were Gluten Free and his answer was “there only potatoes”… so I have learned it takes quite a bit of prompting questions to get the answers your looking for.
- Look for Dedicated Gluten-Free Menus:
- Some restaurants have dedicated gluten-free menus or clearly mark gluten-free options on their regular menu. This can be a good indicator that the establishment is aware of gluten sensitivity. Although restaurants offer gluten free items there is also a risk of cross contamination.
- Choose Gluten Free Restaurants:
There are many restaurants popping up that gave entrirely gluten free menus. Certain cuisines naturally have more gluten-free options. For example, many Asian cuisines, such as Thai or Japanese, or Mexican often have dishes that are naturally gluten-free.
Gluten Free Restaurants and Bakeries in Toronto
- du Jardin
- Terroni
- Chotto Matte
- Chica
- Wahlburgers
- Vela
- Oretta King West
- Almond Butterfly Bistro
- Hugs and Sarcasm
- Queen Mother Cafe
- Twisted Indian Wraps
- El Poncho Anjitos
- Five Guys
- Riz Asian Kitchen
Gluten Free Restaurants and Bakeries in Brampton
- Fanzorelli’s
- Copper Branch
- Five Guys
Gluten Free Restaurants and Bakeries in Mississauga
- Barbq Tonite
- BarBurrito
- Basil Box
- Ming Room
- South Street Burger
- Five Guys
- Potato Bar
Gluten Free Restaurants and Bakeries in Oakville
- French Lunch
- Sugar Suites
Gluten Free Restaurants and Bakeries in Burlington
- Judge and Jury (Mondays only)
- Burro
- Turtle Doves Bakery
- Real Burger
- Royal Cumin Burlington Indian & Hakka Bistro
- Nats Yummies (GF Home Based Bakery)
- Amaya Express Burlington
- Lettuce Love Café
- Bombay Grill
- Stacked Pancake House
- Barra Fion
- Rust Bistro Bar
- QB Sports Bar Grill Games (Mondays)
Map of Gluten Free and Celiac Friendly Bakeries and Restaurants in the Greater Toronton Area:
Disclaimer: I cannot guarantee that the restaurants and bakeries listed are completely aware of the cross-contamination issues involved when preparing gluten-free food. Please ask all appropriate questions when visiting any restaurant or bakery.
The restaurants I have choosen to include are based on my own experiences, or recommendations of others who are eating gluten free for a variety of health reasons.
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is a gastrointestinal issue that adversely affects the small intestine, impeding the absorption of nutrients from ingested food. Sensitivity to gluten may indicate the presence of celiac disease. In individuals with this condition, the consumption of gluten-containing foods triggers an immune system response, leading to damage to the small intestine so individuals must change their diets to Gluten Free Foods.
You can find lots of great Resources at Celiac Canada.
Want to stay in the know with all things local? Don’t forget to join our locally focus Facebook group: Parents Resource – Open to any parents in Greater Toronto Area
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