Generally speaking, the major cities on the west coast tend to offer excellent gluten free food choices. Portland, our hometown base, is considered THE premier gluten free city worldwide, and Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego are also relatively good options.
However, over recent years as expenses – both of doing business, and of living – have risen, we’ve started to notice that progress in the gluten free companies in those cities has stalled (Los Angeles and NYC are notable exceptions to that rule, for whatever reason – if you have a hypothesis as to why, we’d love to hear it!).
Heading into our two trips to Vancouver within six months in 2023, we weren’t exactly certain what we would discover in the city that, similar to Seattle and San Francisco, is renowned for its astronomical cost of dwelling.
After multiple trips up to Vancouver, we’ve found that, while the number of choices in Vancouver isn’t as high as, say, Portland, there are plenty of great places to eat in the city, including a few spots that would make out top 5-10 restaurants or bakeries on the west coast of North America.
In this guide to eating gluten free in Vancouver, we’ll explore our selections for the best gluten free restaurants, bakeries, ice cream shops, and more. Many of them are 100% gluten free, which makes them safer for people with Celiacs (like Matt).
Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that if you click on one and make a purchase, I earn a small portion of the sale at no extra cost to you. It goes without saying that I would only recommend something I would use or do myself.
Gluten Free Vancouver, B.C.: The Best Gluten Free Restaurants and Bakeries in Vancouver
Before providing our suggestions for specific places to eat gluten free in Vancouver, let’s take a moment to discuss how we will organize this guide.
We’re going to have sections for restaurants exclusively serving gluten free options, bakeries solely offering gluten free products, and Celiac-friendly restaurants serving gluten free meals that ARE NOT entirely gluten free.
Importantly, every one of the offerings in the bakery section are completely gluten free, so you needn’t worry about indirect contact in an environment where flour is widespread.
At the end, a handy map will showcase the gluten free restaurant and bakery locations in Vancouver to help visualize everything and plan specifics for the trip.
Dedicated Gluten Free Restaurants in Vancouver
Looking back at food service options without gluten in Vancouver, there are fewer establishments solely dedicated to those needs (bakeries focusing on such are discussed later).
That seems peculiar, because if asked during our recent trip, we likely would have stated it felt like there were more choices available.
Iki
Japanese cuisine that goes beyond sushi can be challenging to obtain without gluten in the United States, especially at home.
Besides Iki in Vancouver, I can recall only a handful of other locations entirely dedicated to Japanese gluten free cuisine that we’ve dined at worldwide (one place we went in the Spanish capital Madrid called Okashi Sanda was truly EXCEPTIONAL).
As you, dear reader, are likely aware, it is truly delightful to enjoy a type of cuisine that is commonly restricted or troublesome to navigate AND have the ability to select anything on the menu. Which is the situation here at Iki, where everything is gluten free (and they’ve been approved by the local Celiac Association).
The cuisine served here is authentic and tasty, but be sure to reserve ahead of time, especially on Fridays and weekends, as it is a small establishment that often limits access without prior booking.
We showed up for the early evening special (literally at 5:00 pm) on Valentine`s Day to ensure we could obtain a table since we missed reservations. Don`t make the same mistake we did!
The menu highlights for us were the gyoza, which is something I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed before in my over 10 years of being diagnosed with Celiac Disease, the yam fries (and, more importantly, the dipping sauce), anything tempura, and the teriyaki chicken rice noodle soup.
- Instagram: @iki_japanese_gluten_free
- Location: 2756 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC
Heirs Pears
This cafe is likely your best choice if you`re searching for a gluten free lunch option downtown in Vancouver. It`s a casual spot on the border of downtown and Yaletown with breakfast selections, a weekend brunch menu, and an all day menu containing more lunch and dinner style options.
The initial point I wish to make here is that, similar to many gluten free establishments that aim to cater to all throughout the day, the disadvantage is that nothing truly stands out. We tried a breakfast sandwich and chicken shawarma sandwich (perhaps our issue stemmed from selecting two sandwiches?), and they were…satisfactory.
The big winner here was actually the gluten free berry scone, which was excellent.
They also offer a wide selection of coffee and tea options, along with some smoothies and other beverages.
Essentially, it’s risk-free, straightforward, and unlikely to be the most delectable meal you`ve tasted.
- Website: https://heirspears.com/
- Social Media Profile: @heirspears
- Area: 605 Nelson St, Vancouver, BC
Innocent Ice Cream
Innocent is a completely gluten free ice cream shop on the southern end of Main Street. We haven’t been there, because – SURPRISE – they weren’t open in February. They must not know that it’s always ice cream season in our household.
They also have gluten free ice cream sandwiches and ice cream cakes (for the cakes, you need to preorder at least a week in advance).
Good news if you avoid oats – they only use gluten free oats in the oatmeal cookie. All other cookies and cakes are made without oats, which is great news for those of us (like Matt) who avoid gluten free oats at all costs.
We will provide an update when we return in June of this year with our experiences, as they will be closed for the next few months during their move to a new space.
- Website: https://innocenticecream.com/
- Instagram: @innocenticecream
- Location: New area opening early 2023 (specifics to be announced)
Festal Paleo Cafe
After several years of being disappointed by mediocre-quality meals carrying hefty price tags claiming to be `paleo,` I have established a fairly strict personal rule against anything labeled as such, which we adhered to during this excursion. We did not dine at this establishment during our previous visit, nor do we plan to when we return in a few months.
HOWEVER, if avoiding gluten and following a keto or paleo diet, I could see this being a good dining choice for nutritional needs.
They have a range of gluten free options, from paleo pasta to a burger (that requires paying extra to have a bun for).
- Website: https://www.festalcafe.com/
- Area: 433 Granville St, Vancouver, BC
Instagram: @creperiedumarche
Dedicated Gluten Free Bakeries in Vancouver
Regarding gluten free bakeries, Vancouver is in a noticeably superior place than my hometown of Seattle, approaching the level of my adopted hometown of Portland, Oregon.
There are two unmissable spots (though they’re both a little difficult to access without a car – it’s worth it, though!), and a couple other bakeries that are suitable, but weren’t our preferred.
We live in Portland, Oregon, which has an excellent variety of gluten free bakeries for a city of its dimensions. However, what we are lacking in Portland is, for lack of a better descriptor, “elegant” gluten free baked goods like croissants and danishes.
Luckily for you, two bakeries we think you shouldn’t miss – Gluten Free Epicurean and Lemonade – do them really well!
Gluten Free Epicurean
The first of the two unmissable gluten free bakeries in Vancouver, Gluten Free Epicurean is on a similar level as New Cascadia in Portland (which we live a few blocks from and visit often).
They do an outstanding job with just about everything, but the gluten free bread and pastries are where they truly shine.
The only downside is that reaching it is not straightforward for those without personal vehicles. It lies southeast of downtown and requires taking two buses, borrowing a bicycle, or arranging a rideshare to arrive there.
Inexpensive motel-style lodging with a welcoming boutique flair
- Sweet and savory pastries
- All of the breads
- Prepared and reheated options like sandwiches, quiche, and pizza
- Frozen take & bake items
- Essential kitchen supplies (not made by them, but sourced from them).
We liked it so much after our first visit that we made a significant detour to go back a second time during our trip.
As mentioned, the two areas where we believe they excel are breads and pastries.
First, let`s discuss the bread. The sourdough loaves, which are substantially bigger than my head, are excellent. The texture is superb and the flavors are enjoyable – they offer everything from plain, to everything, olive, and roasted garlic and rosemary, and they rotate through them. They also have more unique breads like focaccia and baguettes.
It`s important to know that breads have a weekly schedule where certain varieties are available on certain days of the week.
At the time of writing, the plain sourdough loaves are available Saturdays only, the everything loaves are on Wednesdays, olive loaves are on Thursdays, and the flavored sourdough loaves are on Fridays.
Basically, if you want a sourdough loaf, make sure to come Wednesday to Saturday, contingent on what you’re looking for.
Next, pastries.
We also really enjoyed their pastries, and made the return trip specifically for the fresh apple fritters and cardamom buns (which is a cinnamon bun, but with cardamom). Both were great, as were the other various scones and croissants we took home to eat over the next few days.
This location also offers a good option for grabbing a quick lunch on-the-go to take with you on outings like hiking – they have a selection of pre-made sandwiches, pizza slices, and more that you can purchase to enjoy later.
- Website: https://www.glutenfreeepicurean.ca/
- Instagram: @glutenfreeepicurean
- Situation: 633 E 15th Ave, Vancouver, BC
Lemonade Gluten Free Bakery
Lemonade was the first gluten free bakery we visited in Vancouver, and it established the benchmark quite high.
The establishment that Lemonade does extremely well is pastries. We also tried their bread, however it wasn’t our favorite – the texture was a little doughy – so we would focus on pastries there.
They have a couple of displays that you’ll be able to view up close when you walk into the tiny shop on Cambie Street, one of Vancouver’s most interesting stretches. First is the pastry showcase, where you’ll see an extensive variety of tarts, pies, and more.
But before ordering many items from there, be sure to check out the other pastries in the case to the right of the cash register (which we almost overlooked), where you’ll find things like croissants and cookies.
Noteworthy pastries for us were the almond croissant and the cinnamon danish. The texture on the croissants was well above average (for gluten free croissants, which are never quite as flaky as their gluten-filled counterparts), which is something uncommon to see everyday.
- Numbered item (1266): However, Lola stands out as a clear standout for two reasons
- Instagram: @lemonadeglutenfreebakery
- Location: 3385 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC
Gluten Fakery
Gluten Fakery is a tiny operation located on Main Street in Vancouver, which is south of the city center and relatively near the other two bakeries already discussed. If you’re in the area – especially with a vehicle – it’s likely worthwhile to stop by.
The selection here isn’t extensive – they basically have a few cookie, muffin, and cake choices, but the owner / operator is very friendly, and we truly enjoyed the orange almond mini cake we had.
They also sell pre-made flour combinations that they use if you want to replicate their products at home.
- Website Address: https://glutenfakery.ca/
- Instagram: @glutenfakery
- Location:4385 Main St, Vancouver, BC
Panne Rizo
We stayed a few blocks from Panne Rizo, but somehow never made it there over the course of just under a week (that’s a good sign for how many options there are in Vancouver). It is, however, 100% without gluten.
We will update this in June after our return vacation!
- Website: https://www.pannerizo.com/
- Instagram: @pannerizo
The location is: 1939 Cornwall Ave, Vancouver, BC
Other Gluten Free Restaurants in Vancouver
This section features restaurants that do not specialize in gluten free options but have systems in place to minimize accidental gluten exposure in the kitchen and should be capable of safely serving you a meal.
I say “should” because, as always, eating out involves a certain risk. You must clearly communicate your needs to staff everywhere, but it is particularly important here. Make sure to:
- Be sure to notify the server that you have Celiac Disease and require a gluten free diet.
- Cordially ask them if they can assist in determining what activities would match your capabilities and safety.
- Confirm with the server upon the arrival of your food that your meal is verified to be gluten free.
Ask for Luigi
If you’ve followed this site for some time, you’ve undoubtedly noticed that we have a strong affection for Italian cuisine.
Italy is one of the top gluten free travel spots – particularly for newly diagnosed Celiacs – because they go out of their way to be inclusive to Celiacs with their food culture.
For additional information, you can read our guide to gluten free Italy,which essentially presents as one continuous expression of affection.
It’s no exaggeration to say that Ask for Luigi served us the most authentic and best Italian cuisine we’ve ever had outside of Italy. We’re from America, where Italian food has transformed into what has become known as “Italian-American,” and might as well be a completely different genre of food.
Most Italian-American food derives roughly half its origins from Italy, similar to Italian-Americans themselves. Sure, staples like pasta and pizza are present – but the actual composition of the dishes differs noticeably.
It’s not a bad thing, it’s just different.
Luigi`s menu centers on homemade pastas, simple yet delicious sauces, and quality ingredients, offering an experience close to the food we enjoyed in Italy.
We made an advance reservation for a weekday lunch and arrived right on schedule. We were warmly greeted by the extremely friendly staff, who seated us and reviewed the menu options.
Now, this is the part of the lunch where I inquire about potential cross-contamination in the kitchen, and being an Italian restaurant, I’d expect it to present a bit more of a risk than most. However, the server assured me that the gluten free pasta was handcrafted on-site using separate equipment, and cooked in fresh water and pans.
There is definitely gluten in the kitchen, which means there will always be some level of risk, however, it seems they do about as good a job as can reasonably be expected. Additionally, all of their desserts (at the time of writing) were naturally gluten free too, by design.
While they offer a few kinds of regular pasta, there’s only one kind of gluten free pasta – a tagliatelle, which is an egg noodle (which aids with the texture) that is the perfect way to absorb sauce.
That does signify that on some of the dishes – a squid ink pasta or a spinach pasta – you’re going to miss out on the unique pasta. But it’s so unusual to have ANY alternative at all!
If concerns exist regarding cross-contamination on the pasta dishes, a risotto option is available.
You should also know that there is an extra $5 CAD charge for gluten free pasta, which is unfortunate but also reasonable given the additional cost of ingredients and work that goes into it.
Anyway, get the gluten free pasta and whatever sauce they currently have on the menu. I happened to get a venison sauce, which was excellent and took me straight back to Bologna from my last trip to Italy.
What to order: The gluten free pasta, which is made on-site, with any ragu or bolognese they have available at the time. And the olive oil cake for dessert, which has inspired us to try baking olive oil cakes at home recently.
- Website: https://www.askforluigi.com/
- Instagram: @askforluigi
- Location: 305 Alexander St, Vancouver, BC
Nuba
Nuba is the first gluten free restaurant we fell fondly in love with in Vancouver, and our love of their chicken shish tawook dates back to around 2015 or so, when we first happened upon them on a snowy New Years Eve.
After a short interruption, our affection for the location was rekindled on a frigid weekday evening during this recent trip, reinvigorating the fire.
On our latest trip into Vancouver, we went to Nuba in Kitsilano for dinner on a weekend evening, a cozy candlelit space with tall ceilings and an intimate atmosphere.
Now, the whole menu is NOT gluten-free, but they do have a clearly designated menu. The first inquiry I ask at places like this is whether anything with gluten goes in the fryer. The server wasn’t certain, so they went back to the kitchen to double check for us.
At this specific location, nothing containing gluten is prepared in the fryer (which was my initial assumption based on the menu). Be sure to double check, since kitchen procedures sometimes vary with menu changes.
The cuisine here features Lebanese specialties, which have become favorites of ours in recent years. The key at Nuba is employing fresh ingredients, which truly shine through when the plates arrive at your table in rapid succession.
Here are the things we’ve ordered and enjoyed:
- Muhammara: This is a roasted red pepper and pomegranate molasses dip (usually served with pita, but they will bring you cucumbers). It’s a generous portion for two people – it ended up on our sandwiches the next morning.
- Chicken Shish Tawook: This stood out for us as exceptional! When we left, we remarked that we should have ordered multiple portions of it.
- Najib’s Special: Crispy deep-fried cauliflower sprinkled with lemon juice and served with a delicious dipping sauce.
- Website address:https://www.nuba.ca/
- Instagram: @nubatown
- Locations:
- Gastown 207 West Hastings St
- Yaletown 508 Davie St
- Mount Pleasant 146 E Third Ave
- Kitsilano 3116 W Broadway
The Fish Counter
Finding fish and chips that are safe for those with Celiac disease in locations not focused on being gluten-free can be unusual, but The Fish Counter on Main Street just south of downtown Vancouver is doing it about as well as possible.
As soon as I sauntered up to the ordering station and provided the staff member with my situation – I have Celiac Disease and can’t consume gluten, etc etc – they began listing the steps they take to prevent cross-contamination with gluten in the kitchen.
Here’s what they told me: All fish can be prepared with a gluten free batter, which is made and kept separately, and fried in a dedicated gluten free fryer.
Contrasting to most gluten free deep fryers, which are nearby the regular fryer, this one is on the opposite side of the kitchen, which caused me to feel better. Furthermore, fries are all deep fried in the gluten free deep fryer, so they’re also safe. Malt vinegar is not safe, ketchup and tartar sauce are.
They also informed me about adjustments they can make to their menu of tacos and sandwiches. Personally, I’d opt for the fish and chips to prevent any confusion (or additional risk of cross-contact) with substituting and altering the sandwiches and tacos, but that’s just my view.
We opted for the cod, and it was excellent. The fries were also great – not too thin, imparting some `oomph,` but cooked so they remained crispy, which we enjoyed.
Don’t overlook the coleslaw that accompanies the fish and chips, which had Alysha and me vying for the last bite.
- Website: https://thefishcounter.ca/
- Instagram: @thefishcounteronmain
- Place: 3825 Main St, Vancouver, BC
Lucky Taco
Lucky Taco, a taco joint about a block from Kitsilano Beach advertising gluten free options, claims `Celiacs love us!` The server detailed that nearly everything except the churros (made separately) is naturally gluten free.
The fried chicken is coated in rice flour, the ponzu sauce uses tamari, and everything else is gluten-free. All tortillas are corn and prepared fresh.
Are they the most authentic tacos worldwide? No, undoubtedly not. But they are delicious. The venue also offers outstanding cocktails. I could envision this as a lovely way to spend a summer evening after beach time, though we visited in full winter, altering the atmosphere.
The two standout tacos were the spicy chorizo, which has a crunchy outer layer and softer interior layer – and is delicious, and the fried chicken. The quesabirria was also fairly good, but not the best I’ve had elsewhere.
- Website: https://www.luckytaco.ca/
- Instagram: @luckytacoyvr
- Location: 1685 Yew St, Vancouver, BC
Cider House
Right across the street from Lucky Taco in Kitsilano, we visited this place twice over the course of our five day winter trip, although I wasn`t expecting to eat there when we showed up one rainy night for cider.
However, after asking a few inquiries of the server (who was also acting as the chef at that time), I discovered that most of the menu is inherently gluten free (such as everything that goes into the deep fryers, crucially), and those items are generally separate from most of the menu.
The menu is presented clearly, and the things to avoid (at the time of writing – make sure to double check this when you’re there) are the burger, the mac & cheese, and the croutons on the caesar salad.
As a result we ended up there twice, enjoying some cider and a few snacks (we liked the olives and the fried brussels). We intended to get the poutine, but we had other dinner strategies on both occasions, and a plate loaded with fries and gravy is a surefire way to spoil your appetite for dinner!
- Website: https://ciderhouserules.ca/
- Instagram: @vancitycider
- Area:1602 Yew St, Vancouver, BC
