eating gluten-free in Victoria, BC

Hi friends! As I’m sure you are aware if you have been following along for a long time, I have celiac disease. So not only do I need somewhere to eat gluten free things but I need to feel safe doing so!

If you have a serious allergy I of course recommend having your own conversation about the safety of the food preparation but these are some of the places that I love to eat at in Victoria!

breakfast & brunch

Nourish / Charlotte & the Quail – I am putting these two together because they have very similar menus and the same ownership. If you want a downtown vibe go to Nourish or if you want more countryside vibe Charlotte & the Qual is for you. The food is absolutely incredible and both locations are so lovely!

The Art of Slow Food – I’ve only been here once but I was so impressed, everything is gluten free and they have sandwiches, wraps, pizza and baked goods. It’s a very small location but it is so worth it!

The Village – The Village has really great breakfast sandwich options and a couple locations around Victoria. I always love to grab a sandwich to go and then take it to a nearby beach for a picnic

Iluka Espresso – Iluka is by far my favourite coffee shop in Victoria, it is so cute inside and just has the most lovely atmosphere. While they aren’t a gluten free cafe, they are very accommodating and I can vouch that the breakfast sandwiches are incredible!

lunch & dinner

The Tapa Bar – The Tapa bar has quickly become one of my favourite places to suggest. I love the small plates style, there are so many gluten free options and everything is delicious!

BIN 4 – Typically I try to avoid chain restaurants in my recommendation lists because people are more likely to know about them already, however, I want to give BIN 4 credit for their gluten free options. I really appreciate that they have a dedicated fryer for their fries because what is a burger without a side of fries? They also have so many burger options that you’re bound to find something you like! Plus if you go late, you can give half off your burger when you order a drink!

900° Pizza – This is some of the best gluten free pizza I have ever had! There is a bistro location in Sidney, however, I found the pizza to be quite different. You will spend a lot more on pizza than I personally normally would, but it was worth it for me!

Red Barn – Red Barn is my go to when I need a quick meal. They have such yummy gluten free sandwiches (deli style) and I am so appreciative to them for not charging extra for gluten free bread. There are also multiple locations of Red Barn around Victoria so it is usually a good option if you are out and about.

Fireside – Fireside is one of my favourites in Victoria, not only is it such a beautiful location, the parmesan fries and my absolute favourite! I sometimes go for just fries & a happy hour drink. There is a lovely patio so this is a great location in the summer and in the winter it is a lovely cozy atmosphere.

Boom + Batten – This is usually my recommendation if you are looking for a nicer celebratory dinner spot. The views, particularly if you get a good sunset are absolutely impeccable and every time I’ve been I’ve had a good selection of gluten free options.

Sherwood – Sherwood I have only ever been to for small plates before, but it was really delicious and such a lovely environment. Since I went last it looks like they have changed their hours to only be day time so I need to go back and check out their new menu but last time I was there it was great.

Big Wheel Burger – Big Wheel takes the win for the best burger I have ever had! In fact, the first time we went as a family when had to double check to make sure it was gluten free. They really understand the celiac thing and I always feel so safe eating here. Again, multiple locations!

Six Mile Pub – Six Mile Pub has you covered on every bar food you could imagine! My first onion rings and my first poutine were both had here. They also have fish and chips and a variety of other delicious options. Everyone is so knowledgable about the gluten free options and it is another spot I always feel safe eating at.

Lot 1 – Lot 1 has become my go to when I want a really delicious pasta, while everything always looks great, the Baked 4 Cheese and Bacon Rigatoni is so good I can’t help but get it every time.

Superflux {Cabana} – While the gluten free portion of this menu isn’t huge, I did want to include it because it is one of my favourite patios in Victoria and I have always found everyone there to be very accommodating and helpful about what my options are.

J & J Wonton Noodle House – This is one of the only gluten free Chinese places I have ever seen, I was in food coma by the time I left.

The Fish Store – This is a great option for nice summer days because it is right on Fishermans Wharf so you can sit right on the water on a hot summers day. They are really cautious about allergies and I have enjoyed every meal I have had from here.

sweet treats

Butchart Gardens High Tea – I was so impressed by this experience, there were so many yummy treats and sandwiches that I actually left feeling full. You do need to call and place a registration ahead of time for this experience but it was so worth it in my opinion and I will absolutely be back!

B-GlutenFree – The mini cinnamon and sugar donuts from here are my favourite! As far as I know they are only sold at markets but there are usually lots of opportunities to find them.

Bon Macaron – This is my go-to for a sweet treat when I’m downtown. They have so many fun and delicious flavours and they are almost all gluten free.

Bake My Day – I really love the little tarts from here! There are another items that I only ever see at markets but I can usually find out where they are going to be in a week.

places on my ‘to check out list’

  • Churros & Mor
  • Morning people food
  • Jones BBQ

Those are all my recommendations (for now) for people visiting Victoria looking for gluten free food options. If you have any recommendations that I haven’t listed please let me know in the comments and I will happily check them out.

XO Cassidy Hannah

2 thoughts on “eating gluten-free in Victoria, BC

  1. Thank you for putting this together! I had no idea I had so many options in this city! What a life changing article 🙏🏼 I tried Churros and Mor and they are AMAZING! Definitely worth checking out. My husband said they taste exactly like regular churros 😃

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