Robert WebbFor those of you who are on a gluten-free diet, we get that it’s quite hard to find an eatery that can cater to your specific dietary needs. We get it, but we’re here to tell you you’re wrong.
In fact, we’ve found some of the best gluten-free restaurants that have tons of options. Now you won’t have to worry about compromising on taste or variety when dining out.
Vancouver’s Best Gluten Free Restaurants
These gluten-free joints—they’ve got something for everyone, you know? We checked out what they’re cooking and how good it is.
We also tasted their stuff and checked out the things they put in it, like fresh veggies, local meat, and top-notch gluten-free flours. Check out these points to see how we judged each place:
1. MeeT on Main
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Menu Variety | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Quality | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Taste | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Ingredients | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Availability | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Customer Service | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Knowledgeable Staff | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Reviews and Recommendations | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
So, back in 2019, Linda Antony, Ivo Stavio, and Jason Antony, who are buds and own a restaurant, teamed up to start this place that’s all about serving mostly plant-based grub.
Linda’s the boss in the kitchen, using her cooking smarts and family recipes she whips up for her veggie hubby and non-veggie kids. We found it quite impressive that she makes all these from scratch.
We can’t promise the whole menu is gluten-free (GF), but you can count on MeeT on Main to tweak their dishes using gluten-free ingredients for sure. A good example is the “Mojo Jojo Sando”, where you can sub for a gluten-free bun.
But our standout dish here has got to be “The Main” burger. You can switch for a gluten-free bun, and it has got all the classics we love on our burger— tomato, lettuce, mayo, and pickles.
Other gluten-free options here include salads, rice bowls, mac and cheese, and even gluten free desserts. Speaking of dessert, don’t pass up their rocky road ganache tart.
The vibe at MeeT on Main is super cozy; you’ll totally dig the simple yet stylish setup and the awesome wall art that ties the whole look together. Oh, and try to get a seat out their patio. It’s quite comfy.
Pros
- Great selection of gluten-free dishes
- Plenty of inside and outdoor seating
Cons
- Some complaints about food quality
Customer Reviews
Late-night vegan restaurant
“Meet On Main is a fantastic late-night vegan restaurant with a delightful ambiance!…”
-Joshua A.
Quick serving time
“Our party of 14 ordered takeout from MeeT and had an incredible experience. The food was ready quickly and the pick-up was surprisingly seamless for such a large order…”
-Stephen M.
2. Lotus Seed Vegan
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Menu Variety | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Quality | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Taste | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Ingredients | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Availability | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Customer Service | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Knowledgeable Staff | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Reviews and Recommendations | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Lotus Seed Vegan over on Broadway is a laid-back spot, all about that organic, vegan scene. They whip up fusion dishes with a local and Asian touch.
You can totally spot the Asian touch in their menu with stuff like pho, spring rolls, mango salad, noodle soup, and curry dishes. Mind you, it’s not all gluten-free, but there’s tons of GF dishes here you can enjoy.
We ordered the pesto pasta (gluten-free), and it comes with basil, kale walnut pesto, and fresh avocado, all served with gluten-free brown rice pasta. We were pretty impressed by that.
We also tried the sunny pate dish, made with their homemade sunflower pate, actual sunflowers, and a bunch of veggies. It’s served with gluten-free organic tamari and spices.
The vegan benedict though, was the one that we really loved. These English breakfast muffins are topped with baked tofu, portobello mushroom, avocado, and hollandaise. It was divine. Not GF, tho.
For something equally satisfying, we recommend trying the Hanoi noodle soup (GF It’s a great chance to savor this Vietnamese classic, and it’s really delicious too.
Quench your thirst with their organic tea selection. They offer choices like jasmine, Earl Grey, yerba mate, rose, rooibos, and plenty of other options to choose from.
Pros
- Gluten-free dishes with an Asian twist
- Serves organic tea drinks
Cons
- Relatively pricey
Customer Reviews
Delicious food that’s not heavy or greasy
“Delicious food that didn’t feel heavy or greasy, I left as a happy customer! Great service. I recommend the vegan benny, iced coffee, and I got a sandwich to go…”
-Maru J.
Homemade, healthy, and tasty
“I really loved this place, the food feels homemade, healthy and tasty at the same time…”
-Utopia C.
3. My Forno Pizza
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Menu Variety | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Quality | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Taste | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Ingredients | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Availability | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Customer Service | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Knowledgeable Staff | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Reviews and Recommendations | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
We can all nod to the fact that pizza is a hunger buster for sure. So, when we found out that My Forno Pizza does gluten-free pizzas, we were all in for a taste.
Truth be told, My Forno Pizza offers a whopping 23 gluten-free pizzas on their menu. The cool part is they didn’t compromise on flavors—you can still enjoy classics like pepperoni and margarita, just in a gluten-free version.
We also appreciate that they have separate pan ovens for gluten-free pizzas. In our opinion, this shows their commitment to ensuring that there is no cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients.
Here’s our hot tip: Go for the margarita pizza. It’s loaded with Italian tomato sauce, juicy baby tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and extra virgin olive oil. But here’s the kicker: You can dive into this classic delight, and it’s gluten-free.
We also think the “My Forno Chicken Pizza” is also worth the try. Sure, it’s a bit more expensive than the others, but trust us when we say that it’s loaded. Loaded with spinach, chicken breast, feta, pesto, and many more.
When it comes to beverages, they’re more focused on pizzas rather than offering an extensive drink menu. But let us tell you, what really makes My Forno Pizza stand out as one of the top gluten-free spots in Vancouver is their fantastic pizzas!
Pros
- 23 gluten-free pizzas on their menu
- Separate pan ovens for gluten-free pizzas
Cons
- Limited beverage selection
Customer Reviews
Best we’ve had in a long time
“Loved the pizza here! The best we’ve had in a long time. Service was great. Happy they had gluten free options too. Not a lot of space to eat in, so you may want to grab to go.”
-Michelle H.
Speedy service and delicious food
“SO very happy I found this gem.The Hawaiian had my taste buds doing the hula! Exceptionally friendly, speedy service, product was delicious…”
-Lindsey S.
4. Rocky Mountain Flatbread
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Menu Variety | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Quality | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Taste | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Ingredients | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Availability | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Customer Service | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Knowledgeable Staff | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Reviews and Recommendations | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Another spot to keep in mind is Rocky Mountain Flatbread. They’ve got pizza, pasta, salads, and desserts, and they’re open for brunch, lunch, and dinner every day.
They’ve got a bunch of gluten-free options! Plus, their place is nut-free! Loads of pizza choices, and let me tell you, their gluten-free maple bacon mac and cheese is absolutely fantastic.
The real stars of the show are definitely their pizzas. We totally demolished the margherita, salami, and all-Canadian pizzas – all gluten-free, of course. You’d need to add $4 for the switch btw, but to us, it’s worth it.
Our absolute favorite has to be the fig & brie with prosciutto. We’re total fans of caramelized onions and prosciutto, and that brie cheese really sealed the deal for us.
Another awesome thing we noticed was they offer gluten-free beer. Yep, you heard that right, gluten-free beer! We thought that was pretty special, and we were thrilled to find out that their homemade desserts can also be made gluten-free.
Rocky Mountain Flatbread is genuinely one of the best gluten-free restaurants in Vancouver. They boast a wide range of gluten-free pizzas on their menu, and they even offer gluten-free beer to accompany those delicious slices.
Pros
- Gluten-free pizzas, bacon, and mac and cheese
- Serves gluten-free beer
Cons
- Relatively longer serving time
Customer Reviews
Best smoked salmon pizza
“Randomly found this place online, decided to check it out and was not disappointed! The West coast pizza is a must try if you’re a smoked salmon lover.”
-Ringo C.
Variety of vegan cheese selection
“I took my vegan friend from out of town here. She was really happy with the selection, especially with the variety of vegan cheeses available!…”
-Raven M.
5. Keto Caveman Café
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Menu Variety | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Quality | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Taste | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Ingredients | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Availability | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Customer Service | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Knowledgeable Staff | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Reviews and Recommendations | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Keto Caveman Café is a counter-serve spot along Abbott Street, with a jungle-like ambiance inside. Inside, it’s got this jungle-like vibe. They dish out some really creative paleo, keto, and vegan meals that are just fantastic.
We were really impressed by the fact that they cater to various dietary protocols like paleo, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and more. It’s clear they make it a priority to accommodate a wide range of dietary preferences, which was pretty awesome to see.
Do note however, that this restaurant does not have a 100% gluten-free facility or dedicated methods to mitigate cross-contamination, so that’s kind of a bummer.
Our number one choice when dining here is the Pegan Pizza (paleo and vegan). This gluten-free and sugar-free pizza is made with cassava-almond, olive oil, and oregano. It’s like a delicious and guilt-free slice of heaven.
We also loved that they have gluten-free, nutrient-dense, and sweetened with coconut sugar or maple syrup desserts, so that’s something to look forward to after finishing your meals.
Get the almond cassava dough or the yam cassava dough. Both are GF, and they’re seriously delicious and satisfying. The almond cassava dough has a nutty flavor that pairs, while the yam cassava dough adds a subtle sweetness to each bite.
Pros
- Can cater to various dietary protocols
- Serves gluten-free desserts
Cons
- Not a 100% gluten-free facility
Customer Reviews
Delicious vegan treats
“Great in house kombucha and delicious vegan treats. A must try if in the area for a healthy choice…”
-Jennifer L.
Portions are large and filling
“They have gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. Portions are large and very filling…”
-Jessica H.
6. Cafe Medina
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Menu Variety | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Quality | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Taste | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Ingredients | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Availability | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Customer Service | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Knowledgeable Staff | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Reviews and Recommendations | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Café Medina, nestled in the Library District, is all about top-notch Mediterranean-inspired food, expertly crafted coffee, and the city’s most delicious Belgian waffles.
If you’re okay with bustling restaurants and don’t mind waiting, this place is pretty cool to visit. They offer gluten-free bread, and a lot of their dishes are naturally gluten-free, which is a plus.
Most of the menu here is gluten-free, so there are quite a few options to choose from. But if you’re not sure, go and ask the servers, as they can highlight the menu items that are or are not GF.
We really appreciated this, as it made the menu easier to navigate. There are also plenty of skillet choices that appear to be safe options, which we absolutely loved.
The food was delicious, and we noticed gluten-free Schär products in the kitchen, which we believe was the type of bun served with their burgers and sammies.
It also left a positive impression on us that the cafe exudes a vibe reminiscent of 1920s Paris. It features high ceilings, up-cycled lighting fixtures, and antique mirrors, that truly brings the entire aesthetic of the place together.
Pros
- All menu items can be adapted to be GF
- 1920s Paris interior vibe
Cons
- Relatively pricey
Customer Reviews
Impressive customer service
“Cafe Medina! This place is so impressive! We love here. We waited the table for 35-40mins, but worth it! Also, I think they control the customer flow very well…”
-Shiya Z.
Excellent brunch options
“Excellent brunch option in downtown. Even on weekdays, it can be very busy with a long line for seating. For us, it was well worth the wait. Delicious and cozy brunch, great coffee, and good service…”
-Joshua T.
7. Cardero’s Restaurant
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Menu Variety | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Quality | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Taste | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Ingredients | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Availability | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Customer Service | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Knowledgeable Staff | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Reviews and Recommendations | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Cardero’s Restaurant is all about seafood, burgers, and classic comfort food. Enjoy a fantastic waterfront view while dining alongside Coal Harbor, and they’ve also got a spacious patio right by the marina.
What we appreciate the most about this restaurant is that, despite being known for their seafood and burgers (which are obviously not GF), they managed to put in a great selection of gluten-free items.
They take gluten allergies seriously here. The servers are quite thorough, taking the time to ask about any allergies you might have, and they recommend safe options for you to enjoy.
We loved the “Cardero’s Signature Cedar Plank Salmon”. This dish is completely gluten-free, and it’s prepared medium (unless otherwise requested) with wok fried rice and veggies.
It was juicy and tasty, and it’s everything you’d want in a gluten-free salmon dish. The salmon was perfectly cooked and had a delicious smoky flavor from being cooked on the cedar plank.
They’ve got seating both indoors and outdoors, along with live music in the evenings. The service is quick, and the staff is really friendly. However, it can be a bit challenging to snag a free table as there’s usually a wait in line.
Pros
- Extensive gluten-free menu
- Seating both indoors and outdoors
Cons
- Long wait for seating
Customer Reviews
Live music in the evening
“We had a good food experience in this restaurant. It’s right on promenade. There tables inside and outside, live music in the evening. The service is fast and the staff is friendly. It’s hard to get free table, you have to stay in a line.”
-Alexious K.
Beautiful waterfront view
“This is a local favourite with a beautiful waterfront view. It’s usually quite busy, so be sure to book a table in advance…”
-Andy C.
8. Breakfast Table
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Menu Variety | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Quality | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Taste | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Ingredients | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Availability | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Customer Service | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Knowledgeable Staff | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Reviews and Recommendations | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Started back in 2016 by George Koay and Michael Lee, Breakfast Table is the go-to spot for gluten-free waffles. Although you can swap some menu items for gluten-free options like their fluffy pancakes or egg Benedicts,
They’ve got a bunch of vegetarian and vegan dishes too, making it a spot for anyone up for a tasty and inclusive brunch.
But what really got us excited were those mini gluten-free waffles, especially the vanilla bean waffle made with organic ground millet, brown rice, coconut milk, coconut whipped cream, and maple syrup.
They’re better than the usual store-bought gluten-free waffles as they’re oft and fluffy, like a liege waffle without the pearl sugar, but they can be quite filling, so keep that in mind if you plan on ordering more dishes alongside these.
It’s just a bummer that they don’t have a dedicated gluten-free menu, as we thought it would’ve been awesome to have more GF options.
Nevertheless, we appreciate that their GF waffles are made separately to avoid cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients.
The side dishes are also a must-try—pan-fried potatoes, along with green beans and carrots, all incredibly delicious. We felt really confident in terms of avoiding cross-contamination, which was reassuring.
Pros
- Can accommodate various dietary restrictions
- Delicious mini gluten-free waffles
Cons
- Limited gluten-free options
Customer Reviews
Creative dishes
“Busy restaurant, nice service, and creative dishes. Food preparation and presentation are excellent, with precisely chopped bites and the layering of flavors.”
-JR Photon
Great customer service
“This is hands down one of the best customer service experience I’ve had in Vancouver, the waitress always noticed if my friends had half a coffee cup left. Also, genuine smile and conversation…”
-Skye P.
9. Heirs Pears
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Menu Variety | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Quality | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Taste | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Ingredients | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Availability | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Customer Service | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Knowledgeable Staff | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Reviews and Recommendations | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Another spot you might want to check out is Heirs Pears. It’s a comfort food joint that doesn’t do gluten, offering vegan dishes, coffee, and tea, all in a cool industrial-chic space.
It’s worth noting that the entire menu here is gluten-free. From breakfast sandwiches, chicken, salmon, omelets, meatballs, toasts, and a wide variety of baked goods, it’s all GF!
Despite being a gluten-free restaurant, the food was incredibly flavorful. We tried the breakfast scramble, and each flavor complemented one another so well. The peppers and sauce were particularly delightful in this dish.
But if you’re dining here for lunch, we highly recommend you get the “Heirs Peirs”. This dish is filled, and we mean filled, with filling items like poached eggs, potatoes, bacon, sausage, avocado, and sourdough toast.
Their baked goods were also a great choice to have after our meal. The triple berry scone in particular was our favorite, but you have other options too, like pumpkin choc, lemon raspberry, and triple berry muffins.
The cafe is pleasantly quiet, a good choice if you prefer a relaxed setting. The ambiance has a fun nostalgic touch, with early 2010 hits playing.
Pros
- Full gluten-free menu
- Wide variety of baked goods
Cons
- Some complaints about customer service
Customer Reviews
Awesome food and coffee
“Awesome food and coffee. if your Lucky like we were the chef may sing for you. He was so good. We loved the gluten free omelette and vegan GF roll. Yummy almond lattes.”
-Liz A.
Clean, delicious food, and amazing service
“What a wonderful experience. Clean, delicious food, amazing service. The couple in there was so kind and helpful…”
-Kyla D.
10. The Gluten Free Epicurean
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Menu Variety | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Quality | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Taste | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Ingredients | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Availability | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Customer Service | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Knowledgeable Staff | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Reviews and Recommendations | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
The Gluten Free Epicurean is a small-scale gluten-free bakery situated in East Vancouver. They whip up some seriously delicious pastries, donuts, pizza, and sandwiches.
What really intrigued us about this shop is that not only is the entire menu gluten-free, but all the goodies are inspired by cravings from Delainy, the owner.
When we say that their menu is extensive, we mean it’s extensive. From classic baguettes to more unique flavors like cinnamon sugar, carrot cake with miso cream, glazed, and Boston cream.
We’ve dined here numerous times, and it’s always been consistently good. However, our absolute favorite items are the muffins. The banana muffin, in particular, was so flavorful and moist that we couldn’t even tell it was gluten-free.
It’s a bit disappointing that, due to their small bakery and production limitations, some items are only available on specific days. However, we think this is reasonable, so it’s really not that big of a deal.
For us, it’s a bit of a surprise every time we stop by because we never know what items will be available. Alongside their baked goods, they also serve Hoochy Booch, brewed from teas and botanicals without added sugar.
Pros
- All-gluten free menu
- Serves Hoochy Booch
Cons
- Limited availability of items
Customer Reviews
Amazing bakery
“This is an amazing bakery! Like a lot of the reviews- I can’t believe everything is gluten free. Everything I tried was delicious…”
-Hannah W.
Out of this world delicious
“Our fam absolutely love this place! Ok first, we have no idea how they make these treats all GF and still out of this world delicious…”
-Dave and Jennie
