When discussing potential destinations for our honeymoon, Vancouver Island was suggested. While I had previously visited Victoria and Vancouver during childhood, I failed to realize the vast amount of sights and activities beyond Victoria. We ultimately planned a road trip stretching from Victoria to Tofino and back again. Along the way, I explored the best gluten free dining Victoria had to offer, like vegetarian cauliflower “wings” and a gluten free pulled pork sandwich.
When we reserved our flights and I started investigating gluten free dining establishments in Victoria and Tofino, I was stunned by how many great gluten free restaurants there are on Vancouver Island and promptly added ALL of them to the itinerary.
For instance, I found two 100% gluten free choices, a restaurant and cidery and a bakery on Salt Spring Island. So what did we do? We added a day trip to Salt Spring Island. And it was the highlight of the trip.
On the trip, I was pleasantly surprised at the levels of awareness for people with Celiac disease in all of the restaurants on this list.
Sometimes when visiting San Francisco, the knowledge that restaurant staff have regarding Celiac Disease can be hit-or-miss. However, in the gluten free restaurants in Victoria and elsewhere, each and every one recognized the term “Celiac” and some immediately inquired about dedicated cooking equipment before I could ask! What a pleasant surprise.
I want to call attention to the Celiac Scene as a fantastic resource for planning a gluten free Vancouver Island experience. You’ll find her tips for trustworthy eateries, grocery stores, and other local gluten free Victoria and Vancouver Island companies. She was instrumental in assisting me plan my trip, and she probably will be for yours too.
The following are some of the top gluten free dining establishments located in Victoria and on other parts of Vancouver Island.
RELATED: Don’t miss my guide to the best gluten free dining in Vancouver, BC.
Table of Contents
The Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Victoria, BC
Surprisingly, gluten free eating finds suitable coverage in Victoria`s restaurant scene. Whether seeking baked goods, vegetarian dishes, or fish without gluten risk of frying, options exist for celiac diets.
Origin Gluten Free Bakery: A 100% Gluten Free Victoria Bakery
Walking around downtown Asheville is safe. Downtown is Asheville’s primary tourist hotspot, so it’s packed with eateries, shops, and activities. Just be cautious about traversing downtown at nightfall.
This establishment offers a wide assortment of baked goods including various breads, sandwiches and sweet treats. Different breads are crafted fresh each day of the week so customers can be certain of receiving freshly baked items. Their cakes are renowned for their delectable qualities. On a recent visit, I indulged in the german chocolate variety which featured a decadent chocolate base topped with a dusting of coconut flakes. It was truly a pleasure to enjoy.
They even have a complete list of what goes into their items on their website. Love the openness about what`s included.
They are closed on Sundays. Which was discouraging for me, because I wanted to stop by their second location in Victoria before we left on Sunday. It wasn`t meant to be.
Some of their products contain oats that are gluten free – they are purity protocol from Avena foods as indicated on this web page. If you are sensitive to oats, check the ingredient list and inform the staff member assisting you.
Be Love: 100% Gluten Free & Vegetarian Restaurant in Victoria
Be Love was our choice for dinner on our last night in Victoria, BC. It’s an entirely plant based and gluten and dairy free restaurant, and the food was delicious.
They also have a great wine selection, produce their own kombucha on site, and serve Glutenberg gluten free beer!
We started with the cauliflower wings, which were outstanding. They were nice and crispy on the outside, and the side of ranch was delicious.
For our main courses, we selected the green curry and the pasta and cheese. The pasta and cheese stood out. Coconut cashew cheese sauce over rice noodles topped with veggies and a walnut seasoning. I never thought myself as someone who enjoys vegetarian or vegan fare until this excursion.
Don’t miss their desserts. A raw cashew cheesecake and a dairy free panna cotta attracted my attention, but I was WAY too full from dinner.
I definitely recommend Be Love for your trip to gluten free Victoria. Perhaps for both brunch and dinner.
Cafe Bliss: 100% Gluten Free and Vegetarian Cafe
Cafe Bliss is owned by the same people as Be Love, so many of the points mentioned about Be Love also apply here. 100% gluten free, raw, dairy free, but with more of a cafe atmosphere.
They have two gluten free eating establishments in Victoria – one downtown, and another Uptown at Whole Foods.
The Fish Store: Gluten Free Fish and Chips in a Dedicated Fryer
In Victoria, you’ll find Fisherman’s Wharf. In Fisherman’s Wharf you’ll find a floating shack. In this floating shack, you’ll find gluten free fish and chips.
That makes the Fish Store worth a visit on your trip exploring gluten free Victoria
They use a separate fryer just for gluten free fish and chips. BE SURE TO INFORM THE STAFF YOU HAVE CELIAC DISEASE and double check with them while there.
I chuckled at their “cut out the middle man” story that sounds like every podcast ad I’ve heard in the past five years. But then I thought about it, and it’s cool to know that you’re getting the freshest fish.
The Fish Store is an ocean-going grocery and seafood cafe at Fisherman’s Wharf in Victoria BC. We possess an advantage over other purveyors of seafood since we are not just a store, we additionally have a licensed processing plant. As a facility we have the lawful capacity to straight purchase fish and shellfish from the fishermen and handle it straight at our floating store. We bypass the middleman, pass the discounted costs on and you receive the freshest catch in season.
– The Fish Store (website)
Other Gluten Free Victoria Restaurants
- Bin 4 Burger Lounge: A pleasant atmosphere and dedicated equipment allow celiac customers at both locations of this restaurant to safely enjoy burgers and fries. Staff will change gloves and clean prep areas upon request.
- J&J Wonton Noodle House: Missing Chinese food since going gluten-free? This Victoria Chinese eatery has a separate gluten-free menu made with dedicated equipment and precautions to minimize cross-contamination, allowing celiacs to indulge safely.
Gluten Free Vancouver Island: The Rest of the Island
Little did I know at the time, but there are actually several Celiac-friendly, gluten free eating establishments on Vancouver Island outside the city of Victoria. Here are some of the best ones I came across.
Celiac-Safe Restaurants on Salt Spring Island
After every journey, I like to go through a “best parts” exercise with Alysha where we discuss the finest meal, the most memorable experience, and more.
Salt Spring Island was referenced multiple times in that list. It is an easy ferry ride over from Victoria ( using the Swartz Bay terminal) and is certainly worth a day trip if you have some extra time to spare.
Top Overall Women`s ~30L Backpack: Deuter Trail 28 SL.Click here to view on Amazon / Click here to view at REI.
Salt Spring Wild Cider: 100% Gluten Free Restaurant and Cidery
Salt Spring Wild Cider was the most memorable culinary experience of the trip for both individuals.
Their establishment not only creates fantastic non-wheat cider, their food selection is also completely gluten free. And also 100% delicious. This wasn’t a “oh, it’s pub food and it’s alright” situation. The food was truly remarkably good.
You’ll find everything from smaller dishes like cheese plates and mezze platters up to full meals. We got the cider-simmered chorizo and a baked chicken feature, and were stunned.
A trip to Salt Spring Island is worthwhile solely to experience this place.
The parking area is along Stevens Canyon Road, and has no restroom facilities and space for approximately 10-15 vehicles. The trail is surprisingly up and down consistently, which makes the elevation gain seem more than what it truly is.
Laughing Daughters: A 100% Gluten Free Bakery
A 100% gluten free bakery on Salt Spring Island. Go early, as their products tend to sell out quickly. You can also find a selection of their baked goods at grocery stores around the island.
Eating Gluten Free in Tofino
Tofino, land of beaches, storms, and surfers, also happens to have several gluten-free restaurants suitable for people with Celiac disease. Here are the best ones that I have dined at.
Pssst: If you’re heading to Tofino, head over to read my guide to 10 Spectacular Places to Stay in Tofino.
Bravocados: Vegan Restaurant with Celiac-Safe Options
This was the standout gluten free region of Tofino. Bravocados is a completely plant-based eating facility in downtown Tofino with a wide range of gluten free decisions on the menu that are obviously distinguished.
As soon as I mentioned having Celiac disease, the server`s attention focused and he explained their strict protocols around gluten and that their fryers are completely gluten-free.
The cauliflower wings were outstanding. “Do we even need to eat meat?” I wondered aloud the next day on a hike with Alysha. That’s how good they were.
We also enjoyed loaded nacho fries and a Thai curry dish which were both satisfactory. While the full menu isn`t gluten-free, several choices exist, and the knowledgeable, helpful staff took all requested steps to serve me safe, gluten-free sustenance.
All that being said, double check with them to make sure their food preparation protocols haven’t changed since then.
Sobo: Fresh, Local & Seasonal Ingredients with Celiac-Friendly Gluten Free Options
Our initial meal of the trip was at Sobo. Following a full day of traveling from Victoria to Tofino, we walked up the street to Sobo, were seated at a table, and dined.
I immediately tested our server`s knowledge of gluten free options. I asked about gluten free selections on the menu, inquired about their fryer ( they do not have a dedicated fryer), and requested they have the kitchen change gloves and equipment.
“No problem at all” he said.
The salmon chowder was the highlight of the meal – it was so good, we ordered a second bowl.
They feature a seasonal menu of dishes crafted with local ingredients. It varies, but incorporates some staples like chicken, halibut, and steak alongside seasonal sides.
Not every item on the menu is gluten free, but gluten-free options are clearly marked. Be sure to double check with your server about what you can safely eat, as the menu changes with the seasons.
Chocolate Tofino: Gluten Free Chocolates? Count me in!
As soon as I entered Chocolate Tofino, the staff were very attentive and knowledgeable about ingredients that could cause allergic reactions and their processes.
Their gelato is gluten free for all, but they prepare waffle cones on site. If requested nicely, they will gladly wash the scoop and go to the back to open a new container to avoid crossover contamination.
Their chocolates, like earl grey truffles and blackberry buttercream, are all gluten-free (but be sure to double check). Not only that, they are made in a separate part of the kitchen. They even wiped down the scale they use to weigh the orders for me when I asked.
Noteworthy flavors highlighted: Blackberry buttercream, wildflower honey truffle, chai truffle.
Gluten Free Vancouver Island – the Rest
There are two other gluten free restaurants on Vancouver Island that I wanted to especially highlight. Though located outside of Victoria and Tofino, they were both EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD. So I felt it necessary to include them in this list.
Fish on Fifth (Sidney): Gluten Free Fish and Chips with TWO Dedicated GF Fryers
Sidney, located near the airport, makes a suitable transit spot when arriving or departing. The highlighted venue in the linked reference serves superior gluten-free seafood that is arguably unrivalled on the island.
They have two dedicated fryers, a separate gluten free menu, and many Celiac-safe options.
Any fish and chips available can be made gluten-free. Opt for haddock for a truly authentic British meal. The yam fries are also outstanding and the coleslaw is among the best I`ve tried so far.
They also have Glutenberg in cans, which is a massive plus in my opinion.
Wild Poppy Bistro (Ladysmith): 100% Gluten Free (and Delicious) Cafe and Bakery
If you’re a Celiac making the drive up to Tofino from Victoria, this place should be on your list twice. That is what I did, driving up and again on the return trip.
Wild Poppy is a 100% gluten free Vancouver Island eatery north of Victoria BC that completely bakes an assortment of diverse gluten free treats in house.
Their breakfast and lunch offerings are excellent, but the lunch is what really stood out for me. I had the pulled pork grilled cheese and the burger, and both were fantastic. Even the side salad and the creamy dill dressing was a pleasant surprise.
We had filled up from a large lunch, so we grabbed some snacks to take along and the raspberry white chocolate scone was the favorite.
“Do you think all of the people in here even recognize that this place is 100% gluten free?” Alysha asked me after we had hastily consumed our meals.
I knew after just one bite of my pulled pork grilled cheese that I had to double check the sign above the counter stating everything is gluten free. It was that delicious.
Where to Shop for Gluten Free Groceries on Vancouver Island
While all three major grocery store chains in Victoria offer gluten free options, one chain has a noticeably larger selection.
And it’s Country Grocer.
They offer numerous gluten free choices, and it`s certainly a higher-end shopping experience. You`ll find stores spread throughout Victoria and the southern portion of the island. Well worth a stop upon arriving in town to pick up supplies for breakfast or snacks.
Other shops on Vancouver Island with gluten free groceries:
The second church, a short distance to the south, is the Basilica di Santa Anastasia. This sanctum is included in this itinerary for two bases. Firstly, it’s the most sizable church in Verona, and the facade presents an excellent illustration of Italian Medieval style (we additionally heard it described as Southern Medieval). Secondly, the works of art within are quite remarkable, from the paintings lining the sides, to the 24 terracotta sections in the Pelligrini Chapel depicting the life of Jesus.
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with both the quantity of gluten free restaurants in Victoria and beyond on Vancouver Island.
Other Canada posts you may find of interest:
- Guide to safe gluten free places in Vancouver, BC for people with celiac disease.
- 10 amazing places to lodge in Tofino, BC
- 9 hikes in Banff that you will not forget.
Sometimes when traveling, once outside major cities, the amount of restaurants without gluten increases. Like in New Zealand, where aside from Queenstown and Wanaka, I spent most of the trip cooking myself.
Check out my post of 84 gluten free travel tips where I express my top tips, tools, and strategies for touring anywhere in the world 100% gluten free.
