Gluten free restaurants in Toronto

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Are you looking for a lively restaurant where you can grab a gluten free meal with friends? Or maybe you are looking for a more casual spot where you can grab a gluten free meal on the go? Well either way, you are in the right place! In this article, we discuss all of our favorite restaurants in Toronto that offer gluten free options.

We start out by laying out the characteristics we will use to describe each gluten free restaurant that we discuss in this article. This includes things like whether the restaurant is dedicated to gluten free food, whether it has options for people with other dietary restrictions, and where it is located. After that, we will discuss our favorite sit down restaurants in Toronto that offer gluten free options. We follow that up with a discussion of our favorite fast casual restaurants in Toronto.

Characteristics of gluten free restaurants in Toronto

Before we start talking about our favorite restaurants in Toronto, we will talk about a few different characteristics that we will use to describe each of the gluten free restaurants we discuss below. These characteristics will help you find the right restaurant for you – no matter what the occasion.

Gluten free status. First, we will discuss the gluten free status of each restaurant. Specifically, we will discuss whether the restaurant is dedicated to gluten free food or not. If a restaurant is not dedicated to gluten free food, we will discuss how many options there are on the menu that do contain gluten. We will also provide context on other factors that may increase or decrease the risk of cross contamination.
Other dietary restrictions. After we discuss the gluten free status of the restaurant, we will also discuss other dietary restrictions that the restaurant caters to. Some of these restaurants cater specifically to gluten free diners, whereas others also cater to vegan or dairy free foodies.
Cuisine. Next, we will provide more detail on what cuisine the restaurant serves. Some of these restaurants are strictly dedicated to one type of cuisine, whereas others serve a variety of different options.
Location. After that, we will provide more information on the location of each restaurant. This will include information on where the restaurant is located, what popular attractions the restaurant is located near, and how easy it is to get to the restaurant via public transportation.
Atmosphere. After we discuss location, we will provide more information on the atmosphere of each restaurant. Some of these restaurants are very laid back and casual, whereas others are more lively and upbeat.
Seating. Finally, we will provide information on the seating that is available at the restaurant. We will also discuss whether seating is competitive and whether you should plan to make a reservation ahead of time.

Gluten free sit down restaurants in Toronto

We will start out this discussion of gluten free restaurants in Toronto by talking about our favorite sit down restaurants in Toronto. These are fun spots that are a great option if you are looking to have a nice meal with friends and family.

Campechano Taqueria

Campechano is a quaint little taco spot that offers some of the best food in Toronto. Last time we were in the city, every local we spoke to mentioned Campechano as one of their favorite spots to grab a bite. After hearing so much praise, we knew we had to check it out – and we were absolutely blown away! While the overall atmosphere is relatively laid back, the service is excellent and the food is out of this world.

Note that while there are multiple Campechano locations, we are most familiar with the Adelaide location. Many of the remarks that we make on the location and atmosphere of Campechano are based primarily on our experience at the Adelaide location. Another thing to note about Campechano is that they do not offer takeout or delivery. If you want to try Campechano’s famous tacos, you should plan to dine in. That being said, the service at Campechano is fast and it can be expedited if you let them know that you are in a rush.

Gluten free status. Campechano is not a dedicated gluten free restaurant. That being said, the vast majority of the items on the menu are naturally gluten free. There are only one or two items on the menu that do contain gluten. The menu is not labeled, but the staff are knowledgeable and can flag the items that do contain gluten to you.
Other dietary restrictions. Campechano offers multiple vegetarian options that include both tacos and sopes. They usually have 1 – 2 vegan tacos on the menu as well, which is more that we can say for most taco spots. They also label all of the items on their menu that contain dairy, and also items that are suitable for pescatarians.
Cuisine. The menu at Campechano has a strong focus on Mexican food. Most of their menu is made up of different taco options. That being said, they also offer sopes and a few appetizer options like guacamole and salsa.
Location. Campechano actually has two locations that are not that far away from one another. The location that we are most familiar with is situated near a few other popular restaurants in the heart of the fashion district. The other location is located just west of Kensington Market. Both locations are easy to access via public transportation, as they are both in lively downtown areas.
Atmosphere. Campechano has a well designed, minimalistic layout that makes good use of the limited amount of space that is available. Like most popular taco spots in the city, the vibe at Campechano is relatively laid back. The staff are very welcoming, so that does make the atmosphere feel warm and inviting.
Seating. Campechano is a relatively small spot that is well known for their delicious tacos. That means that seating can be tight at times.

Vegetarian tacos from Campechano in Toronto, Canada

Planta Queen

Planta Queen is an ultra trendy vegan restaurant that has a few locations across the city. While different locations specialize in different types of food, there are still common characteristics that are shared across all of the locations. One thing that all of the locations have in common is the lively, upbeat atmosphere. Another is the unique and creative food combinations.

Note that while there are multiple Planta Queen locations in Toronto, we are most familiar with the location in the Entertainment District. Most of the comments that we make about the atmosphere and the service at Planta Queen are primarily based on our experiences at that location.

Gluten free status. Planta Queen is not a dedicated gluten free establishment. That being said, they have a decent selection of gluten free items. Most locations have a separate gluten free menu that they can provide upon request.
Other dietary restrictions. Planta Queen is a dedicated vegan restaurant, so this is the perfect spot for anyone who has a gluten intolerance and also maintains a vegan or vegetarian diet. Since the food is all vegan-friendly, it is also a safe bet for anyone with an egg or dairy allergy.
Cuisine. Most Planta Queen locations focus primarily on Asian dishes and serve dishes ranging from sushi and dumplings to noodles and stir fries. That being said, the location in the Financial District has more of a focus on Mexican-inspired food.
Location. There are three Planta Queen locations in Toronto. There is one in the Entertainment District, one in the Financial District, and one in Yorkville. The locations in the Entertainment District and the Financial district are centrally located and easy to get to via public transportation. The Yorkville location is a little farther out of downtown, but it is still fairly accessible.
Atmosphere. Planta Queen has a very hip, trendy environment. Each Planta Queen location is decorated uniquely with bright colors and bold patterns. This is a fun and lively spot to grab dinner with friends or even go on a date.
Seating. There is a decent amount of indoor seating at most Planta Queen locations. That being said, this is a popular spot. We recommend making reservations if you are going during a busy time.

360 Restaurant

If you are not familiar with 360 restaurant, it is a truly unique restaurant that is located at the top of the CN Tower. They have a revolving floor that allows you to get a 360 view of the city while you enjoy your meal. This is a great place to go to celebrate a special occasion like an anniversary or a birthday. The food is delicious and the views are absolutely to die for.

Gluten free status. 360 Restaurant is definitely not a dedicated gluten free restaurant. The gluten free options are limited and they are not always labeled on the menu. That being said, the kitchen is very accommodating and they are able to accommodate people with a variety of dietary restrictions.
Other dietary restrictions. There are usually at least one or two vegan and vegetarian options that are clearly labeled on the menu. The menu is relatively small and changes from season to season, so we recommend checking the menu before you head over.
Cuisine. The 360 Restaurant offers regional Canadian cuisine. The menu varies from season to season, so the specifics of the menu may change over time.
Location. 360 Restaurant is located at the top of the CN Tower, which is situated in a lively downtown area that is near many other popular attractions. Since the CN Tower is such a popular tourist spot, it is very easy to access via public transportation.
Atmosphere. The atmosphere at the 360 Restaurant is absolutely amazing. The restaurant is lined with glass walls that provide a perfect view of the city below, which makes eating here a truly special experience. This restaurant itself is very nice and has excellent service as well.
Seating. While there is a lot of seating at the 360 Restaurant, this is a very popular spot. We highly recommend booking reservations relatively far in advance.

Kinoya Sushi

Kinoya Sushi is a relatively laid back sushi spot that is very accommodating to gluten free diners. They are located in a bustling downtown area that has lots of restaurants and bars, so it is a great place to stop by on a night out with friends. One of the reasons that we love Kinoya is that they have some truly delicious options available when it comes to vegetarian sushi rolls. That means that they are a great spot to hit up if you want to enjoy sushi with a friend who maintains a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Gluten free status. Kinoya is not a dedicated gluten free restaurant and there are many items on the menu that are made with gluten. Gluten free options are not usually labeled on the menu, but the staff is very knowledgeable and can easily show you what is and is not gluten free. They do not always have a dedicated gluten free fryer available, but if you notify them that you are coming a few hours in advance they can often arrange to have a dedicated fryer available.
Other dietary restrictions. Kinoya has a pretty large lineup of vegetarian and vegan options available for a sushi spot. Their wide selection of vegetarian sushi options is one of the reasons that we love them so much. While it is common for the vegetarian options at most sushi restaurants to be limited to one or two different types of vegetable maki, Kinoya has a few different specialty roles that are packed with many different vegetables and flavors.
Cuisine. Kinoya is a Japanese restaurant that focuses primarily on Japanese-inspired cuisine. Their primary focus is sushi and sashimi.
Location. Kinoya is located in a bustling downtown area that is packed with restaurants and bars. It is also just a few blocks away from popular tourist attractions like the aquarium and the CN tower.
Atmosphere. The atmosphere at Kinoya is pretty similar to that of the standard Sushi Bar. We will say that the staff are particularly friendly and welcoming here. They are also very helpful and accommodating to dietary restrictions.
Seating. There is generally a decent amount of indoor seating available at Kinoya. Since Kinoya is located on such a bustling street with so many restaurant options, there are usually a few tables available for last minute walk-ins.

Gluten free fast casual restaurants in Toronto

Now that we have discussed our favorite sit down restaurants in Toronto that offer gluten free options, we will take some time to talk about some of our favorite fast casual options. These are tasty spots that are great options if you are looking to grab a meal on the go.

Chin Chin Street Side Kitchen

Chin Chin Street Side Kitchen is easily our favorite fast casual spot in Toronto. Honestly, it is probably one of our favorite fast casual spots in all of Canada. This is the place to go if you are having a busy day and you need to grab a quick meal on the run. Chin Chin Street Side Kitchen serves a variety of Chinese American inspired bowls and salads that are mega flavorful, but also packed with vegetables and other healthy ingredients.

Gluten free status. The vast majority of the items sold at Chin Chin Street Side kitchen are gluten free. That being said, there may be a few items that contain gluten. Since the menu is overwhelmingly gluten free, this is still a relatively safe spot for people who are sensitive to cross contamination.
Other dietary restrictions. Chin Chin Street Side Kitchen also offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian options. There are also many dairy free options on their menu. This is another spot that is a good bet for anyone who has a gluten intolerance and also maintains a vegan diet.
Cuisine. Chin Chin Street Side kitchen focuses primarily on Chinese food. In particular, their menu contains many Chinese American dishes like orange chicken and general Tso’s chicken.
Location. Chin Chin Street Side Kitchen is located just outside of the Fashion District, just a few blocks away from the CN Tower. Since it is so close to popular attractions like the aquarium and the CN Tower, it is relatively easy to access via public transportation.
Atmosphere. Since Chin Chin Street Side Kitchen is a fast casual spot, we have primarily ordered pickup or delivery from their location. As such, we do not have much to say about the atmosphere.
Seating. Chin Chin street side kitchen has a decent amount of indoor seating available. Since this is a fast casual spot, many people grab food to go and eat elsewhere. That means that seating is not that competitive.

Rice bowl from Chin Chin Street Side Kitchen in Toronto, Canada

Dirty Bird Chicken & Waffles

Dirty Bird Chicken & Waffles is another one of our favorite places to grab a bite in Toronto. As the name suggests, the menu at Dirty Bird Chicken & Waffles focuses primarily on fried chicken and waffles. Our favorite thing about Dirty Bird Chicken & Waffles is that they have a large array of flavorful and delicious sauces that you can get to accompany your fried chicken (or fried cauliflower if you are a vegetarian). They have some amazing options.

Gluten free status. Dirty Bird Chicken & Waffles is not a dedicated gluten free facility. That being said, they really cater to gluten free customers and take precautions to prevent cross contamination. Their gluten free waffles are made on a dedicated waffle iron that is kept in a separate location from their other waffle irons. All of their fried chicken and fried cauliflower is made with a gluten free batter, so there is not much risk of cross contamination in the fryer.
Other dietary restrictions. Dirty Bird Chicken & Waffles has vegetarian options that are clearly marked on their online menu. All of their chicken is halal as well.
Cuisine. The menu at Dirty Bird Chicken & Waffles focuses primarily on fried chicken and waffles. They also have fried cauliflower as a vegetarian option. There are multiple different options that come with different sauces and toppings.
Location. Dirty Bird Chicken & Waffles has a few locations in the Toronto area, but we are most familiar with their downtown location. Their downtown location is situated near the heart of Kensington Market, so it is easy to access via foot and public transportation. They also have a few locations in the outskirts of Toronto.
Atmosphere. The atmosphere at Dirty Bird Chicken & Waffles is similar to the atmosphere at the typical nice fast casual spot.
Seating. There is a limited amount of seating available inside Dirty Bird Chicken & Waffles. Many people take their food to go.

Cauliflower and waffles from Dirty Bird Chicken & Waffles in Toronto, Canada

Almond Butterfly Bistro

Almond Butterfly Bistro is a cute little cafe and bakeshops that is dedicated to gluten free food and baked goods. Compared to the other fast casual spots and cafes we mention in this article, Almond Butterfly Bistro has a more carefully curated atmosphere and a larger amount of seating. This is a great spot to stop by if you are looking for a cute and cozy cafe to spend some time in. While all of the food at Almond Butterfly is great, we are particularly fond of their cookies. They have some of our favorite cookies in Toronto.

Gluten free status. Almond Butterfly Bistro is a dedicated gluten free facility.
Other dietary restrictions. There are vegetarian and vegan options available on the menu.
Cuisine. Almond Butterfly Bistro serves the type of American cuisine that you would typically expect to see at a quaint cafe. During brunch hours, they have a large number of items ranging from sausages and eggs to pancakes. During other times, their menu consists largely of burgers, sandwiches, and fried foods. They also have some pasta dishes available.
Location. Almond Butterfly Bistro is located just a few blocks west of Kensington Market. It is a short walk away from multiple other busy downtown areas and is relatively easy to access via public transportation.
Atmosphere. Almond Butterfly Bistro has a really cute and cozy atmosphere. The restaurant is nicely decorated with accents that make the space feel very warm and inviting.
Seating. There is sometimes a small amount of seating available outdoors, but most of the seating at Almond Butterfly is located indoors. Seating can sometimes get competitive during peak weekend brunch hours.

Cookie from Almond Butterfly Bistro in Toronto, Canada

Onion rings from Almond Butterfly Bistro in Toronto, Canada

Real Empanada

Much like the name suggests, Real Empanada is a small eatery that focuses on Empanadas. In particular, they focus on Colombian empanadas. That is an important detail because it means that they are made with corn based dough. If you are looking to grab a quick snack that is crispy, cheesy, and all around delicious – then this is the place for you. We will note that they pretty much only sell empanadas at the Toronto location, so you may be better off looking elsewhere if you are looking for a larger meal.

Gluten free status. Pretty much all of the food that is sold at Real Empanada is gluten free. That means that you do not have to worry about cross contamination.
Other dietary restrictions. Real Empanada has vegan and vegetarian options available for those who need them. They also have halal options available.
Cuisine. The menu at Real Empanada focuses primarily on empanadas. There are some sauces that are served alongside the empanadas and popsicles that can be enjoyed as a sweet treat, but that is pretty much it.
Location. Real Empanada is located on a popular street that is lined with many shops and restaurants. In particular, it is located just a few blocks west of Kensington Market. That means that it is generally easy to access via public transportation.
Atmosphere. Real Empanada is a casual spot that primarily serves takeout and delivery.
Seating. There is a limited amount of seating available at Real Empanada. There are usually a few chairs pulled up to the counter inside, and there is sometimes a table put out outside of the restaurant as well.

Cheese empanadas from Real Empanada in Toronto, Canada

Casamiento

Casamiento is another yummy spot to grab a gluten free meal on the go. Much like Real Empanada, their menu is almost entirely gluten free. That means that it is another relatively safe spot for those who are sensitive to cross contamination. They have a little bit of a larger menu than Real Empanada, so this might be a better place to stop by if you are looking for a larger meal with more variety.

Gluten free status. Almost the entire menu at Casamiento is gluten free. That being said, they sometimes have one or two items on the menu that are made with gluten.
Other dietary restrictions. There are a few vegan and vegetarian options available at Casamiento. The vegan and vegetarian options are not clearly marked on the menu, but they are generally easy to spot.
Cuisine. Casamiento serves Latin cuisine with an emphasis on Salvadoran food. In particular, they serve a large range of Salvadoran pupusas with curtido. If you are not in the mood for pupusas, they also have tacos and quesadillas available.
Location. Casamiento is located a little farther outside of downtown Toronto. It may be accessible via public transportation depending on where you are coming from, but it would probably be easier to visit for someone with a car. Specifically, Casamiento is located northwest of the main downtown area.
Atmosphere. Casamiento is a casual spot that primarily serves takeout and delivery.
Seating. There is a limited amount of seating available at Casamiento. There are generally a few tables laid out inside of the restaurant, but most people take their food to go.

Pupusas from Casamiento in Toronto, Canada

Kupfert & Kim

Kupfert & Kim is the place to go if you are looking for an easy place to pick up a healthy meal. Unlike most other fast casual spots in Toronto, their menu is full of nutritious options that are packed with fruits and vegetables. All of the food at Kupfert & Kim is both gluten free and plant based, so it is a great option for people who have a variety of food intolerances.

Gluten free status. Kupfert & Kim is a dedicated gluten free establishment.
Other dietary restrictions. All of the food at Kupfert & Kim is both gluten free and plant based. That means that it is a great option for people who maintain a vegan or vegetarian diet. It is also a safe bet for anyone who has an egg or dairy allergy.
Cuisine. Kupfert & Kim is a fast casual spot that offers sandwiches and bowls, as well as breakfast items like oatmeal and toast. They focus on healthy plant based foods.
Location. Kupfert & Kim has many locations throughout Toronto, many of which are conveniently located in central downtown areas. That means that they are very easily accessible.
Atmosphere. The atmosphere at Kupfert & Kim is relatively similar to that of the average cafe or coffee spot. The staff members are friendly and the service is quick.
Seating. There is a decent amount of seating available at Kupfert & Kim. Since it is a fast casual spot, many people order take out and delivery rather than dining in. That means that seating is not that competitive.

Rice bowl from Kumpfert and Kim in Toronto, Canada

Other gluten free restaurants in Toronto

Now that we have talked about our favorite gluten free restaurants in Toronto, we will also take some time to shout out to a few other restaurants that offer gluten free options. While we have been to the restaurants that we discussed in the previous sections multiple times, the restaurants we will discuss in this section are places that we have only visited once or twice.

PAI Northern Thai Kitchen

PAI Northern Thai Kitchen is a very popular Thai restaurant that is located just a few steps away from our favorite Toronto Sushi spot, Kinoya Sushi. This is a spot that is popular with gluten free foodies and gluten eaters alike that offers rich, indulgent Thai dishes. There are many dishes labeled on their menu that can be made gluten free upon request. They also clearly label dishes that are vegan, dairy free, and peanut free.

Petros 82

Petros 82 is a nice Mediterranean restaurant that is also accommodating to gluten free diners. Their menu is clearly labeled with options that can be made gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan. Note that there is not a lot of overlap between the gluten free options and the vegetarian options, so this might not be the best option for people who maintain both a gluten free and vegetarian diet.