Where to Eat With Your Gluten-Free Friends in Toronto

Celiac? Press here

Ok, so it’s Saturday night and you want to go out for a nice meal with your friends. The problem is, some of them are gluten-free, and some of them aren’t. What do you do? Do you go somewhere completely gluten-free? Do you make them bring their own meal? Do you skip out on the dinner altogether?

No!

As someone who is gluten-intolerant, I’ve had this problem a number of times. However, Toronto does have some wonderful restaurants that can accommodate people with varying diets and dietary restrictions. Here is a roundup of my favourite places with an equally delicious menu and gluten-free options.

Please note: All locations on this list are safe for gluten-sensitive and gluten-intolerant individuals. Some are very aware of cross-contamination, however, the guaranteed celiac safe places I recommend are featured in my Celiac Specific post.

Pizzeria Libretto

Pizzeria Libretto is the real deal when it comes to Toronto-based Neapolitan pizza. Their regular crusts are fluffy, light, and just slightly charred. Surprisingly, so are their gluten-free crusts!

With a menu that adheres to many different diets (in their words: “We offer a gluten free, dairy free, nut free, vegetarian, vegan, and accepting of all dining experience), it’s a wonderful restaurant that easily accommodates any and all of the diners in your group. The best part? It genuinely tastes incredibly delicious, and I’d eat here even if I wasn’t gluten-intolerant.

Location:
155 University Avenue
545 King Street West
221 Ossington Avenue
589 College Street
550 Danforth Avenue

pai

A Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant of a mostly flourless cuisine with extensive gluten free options? Yes, please!

Popular Chef Nut is at the helm of this Toronto restaurant with a midtown and downtown location. Fresh and authentic Thai food is served alongside refreshing drinks.

The interior is eclectic and bright, conjuring up images of a colourful Thai street. All diners in your party will love it, and will leave feeling satisfied.

Do note - book reservations early! This place regularly has over an hour wait for walk-ins on weekends and evenings.

Location:
18 Duncan Street

pizzeria defina

For award-winning Napoletana style pizza, head over to either of Defina’s locations!

The best part of this pizzeria is the abundance of choice. Their toppings are truly incredible; you will have a hard time deciding what to order (good way to ensure you’ll be back)!

Defina offers hand-crafted, and wood-fired ‘normal’ and “gluten-free” pizzas and pastas. You can try the prized “Pizza Expo Winner” for yourself, which won the Best Traditional Pizza in the International Division in Las Vegas. On top of that honour, Define won Best Non-Traditional Pizza, International Region and placed in the Pan Division, Sicilian Style. The Italian authority of restaurants Gambrel Rosso (Food and Wine) even presented them with the renowned ‘Slice’ - wow!

Vegan/ vegetarian/ lactose-free options available.

Favourite Pizza: Pompeii or Vegan Love

Location:
321 Roncesvalles Avenue
1485 Dupont Street

vela

Vela Toronto is my new favourite restaurant in King West area. No contest.

The offspring of a gluten-free and non-gluten free couple, this is a perfect spot for mixed dietary restriction diners. The majority of the menu can be modified for Gluten Free, including all the pastas. They also have dairy-free options, and nut-free options. Vela really is the place for inclusive dining!

Their brunch, offered only on Sundays, is worth booking. Exclusive items like a Salmon Tower, Brown Butter Hollandaise, and even a Korean-inspired eggplant omelette are a treat for the palette.

Bonus? There’s live jazz!

I also need to shoutout their gluten free desserts - they are insanely good. There is choice, and they don’t feel like an afterthought (side-eyeing sorbets and fruit…).

Above all, the opera cake is sublime. It’s better than opera cakes I had before I went gluten free. I even went with a non-gluten free diner, who was blown away. Trust me - it’s a must.

Vela is pricey, bur worth it. Give it a go!

Favourite Dish: Brown Butter Hollandaise

Location:
90 Portland Street

musoshin ramem

Toronto has many ramen places. While some have konjac noodles as a wheat-free alternative, the broth still has gluten in it. Not Musoshin!

This new ramen place has gluten-free noodles (not konjac noodles, but actual noodles) along with two gluten-free broths. The interior is minimalistic, and ideal for intimate conversation.

Do note the gluten free broths are both vegan. You can add eggs or animal add-ons on top should you wish!

Location:
9 Boustead Avenue

Khao San Road

I confess - I’ve only ever ordered takeout from Khao San Road! However, I’ve done it more than once, and it’s the type of place that been’s a smash hit when I’ve needed to eat with others who aren’t following a gluten-sensitive diet.

Fresh and spicy Thai and Vietnamese dishes with lot’s of flavour take centre-stage, and you don’t need to worry about much cross-contamination as the “carbs” they use are mainly rice-based. I highly recommend the “Gluten Free Green Curry” and the “Gluten Free Vegan Fresh Rolls”. Yum!

Location:
11 Charlotte Street

selam

Ethiopian cuisine relies heavily on teff flour, which is naturally gluten free. If you’re flourless, enjoy choice at this Ethiopian restaurant with meat, vegan, and vegetarian options. This makes Selam perfect for large groups.

Hearty fillings you can customize nestle atop the injera at Selam. Except meat or beans, along with vegetables cooked in a multitude of ways.

Selam is a great choice!

Location:
812 Bloor St West

La Carnita

La Carnita is the coolest and most trendy restaurant on this list. Although they are not strictly gluten-free, the Mexican dishes they make are naturally flourless. If you’re looking for a great place to bring your friends for cocktails and delicious bites while you’re all dressed up, La Carnita delivers on both the food and hip-factor.

GOOD FOR: Spicy food, Healthy food, Delicious cocktails

Location:
106 John Street
501 College Street
780 Queen Street East

insomnia RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE

Insomnia, true to it’s name, is open late!

As someone who isn’t always awake for a 3:00p.m. brunch on the weekend (who is?!), I really appreciate being able to grab my salmon-and-egg fix later ing the day. Great for hangouts any time of day!

There are vegetarian options, vegan options, and of course, gluten-free options all clearly marked on the menu. This establishment is very keen on tailoring your order to you, so rest assured all of your dietary needs will be taken care of with a smile.

The low-lighting is also appreciated.

Favourite Dish: Charlotte Eggs Benedict

Location:
563 Bloor Street West

Pi Co

If you have a large craving for pizza but don’t feel like going out for a fancy meal, Pi Co serves up budget-friendly pizzas in only 90 seconds (they have an infrared oven). These aren’t exactly Neapolitan pizzas, but they’re tasty, offer a gluten-free crust, are ready in a jiffy, and they let you customize your order.

GOOD FOR: Takeout, “Fast” pizza

Location:
2177 Yonge Street (Midtown)
1200 Bay St #4 (Downtown)
537 Bloor Street West (Downtown)
60 Colborne Street (Downtown)
170 University Avenue (Downtown)
130 Spadina Avenue (Downtown)

A custom “white” pizza with 5 cheeses, kalamata olives, and mushrooms

The Works Gourmet Burger Bistro

You may be hard pressed to find a burger joint that has a gluten-free bun that doesn’t crumble the moment you bite into it. That is not the case at The Works Gourmet Burger Bistro, where they have a great gluten-free bun.

Their burgers are delicious, customizable, and all the gluten free options are listed on the menu.

This burger joint is also good if you’re dining with anyone who is vegan or vegetarian - there are loads of delicious options for them, as well. Whether you prefer beef, a veggie burger, or just a large chargrilled Portobello mushroom, they’ve got you covered!

N.B. THE FRIES ARE NOT CELIAC SAFE. They are not fried in a separate fryer.

GOOD FOR: Burgers, Trendy location

Location:
2245 Bloor Street West
60 Wellington Street East

enoteca sociale

Since 2010, Enoteca has made a dent on the Toronto Italian cuisine scene. Obtaining a well-earned Bib Gourmand is made even more impressive knowing their menu can cater to diners with various dietary restrictions.

In their words, they are “built on the philosophy of making simple & honest Roman cuisine that can be shared with friends and family.” It comes as no surprise that their gluten-free food is of the same caliber as their non gluten-free offerings.

To further illustrate the loveliness of the food, read this line from their menu: “sense glutine, made in house by hand”. HAND. MADE. ‘Nuff said.

Many items can be modified, and while the gluten free pasta takes longer to cook, it’s well worth it.

Favourite Pasta: Bigoli del Diavolo

Location:
1288 Dundas St W