Eating out with food restrictions is such a drag—especially when you’re looking for gluten-free stuff. I completely understand, being someone with celiac disease myself, of course. I have been there, walking around a new city, famished and anxious, hoping I wouldn’t have to make do with another bland salad… blech.
In all fairness, Vancouver is basically a gluten-free nirvana.
I recently returned from two weeks of staying in this wonderful West Coast city, and I was impressed beyond measure with how gluten-friendly it is. There are these darling little cafes, posh restaurants, and even completely gluten-free bakeries on practically every corner—so many gluten-safe places to eat that I couldn’t visit them all during one stay!
Hiya! So, you’re looking for some delicious, simple gluten-free grub in Vancouver, eh? Well, sit back—because I’m gonna tell you all the places where you can grab, shop, and snack. Here’s your ultimate guide for gluten-free eating in Vancouver, straight from my very full, very happy belly.
Why Vancouver has some great gluten-free food options
Okay, so let’s talk vibe. Vancouver’s food scene is amazingly diverse—perhaps one of the most diversified food scenes in Canada, perhaps even North America. There’s food from everywhere, as well as cooks and bakers who completely understand how to alter their recipes to suit any diet. That’s great news for gluten-free types like myself.
I appreciated how many of the establishments weren’t just throwing around gluten-free options; they were actually going out of their way: separate fryers, special gluten-free soy sauce, making allergen indicators extremely obvious, and even entire kitchens that are entirely gluten-free.
Should you have celiac, can’t do gluten, or simply wish to go gluten-free for health reasons, Vancouver is on your side.
The best gluten-free hotspots in Vancouver
Heirloom Vegetarian
📍 Location: South Granville
🌱 100% vegetarian with many gluten-free options
Dude, that upscale veggie restaurant completely wowed me! They have this really clear menu, and literally, nearly everything can be prepared gluten-free, so you have a ton of options. I ordered their avocado benedict on a gluten-free English muffin, and wow—it was one of the best brunches I’ve had. And the atmosphere is all stylish and intimate, with lots of natural wood and plants everywhere.
Lemonade Gluten Free Bakery
📍 Cambie Street
🥐 100% gluten-free bakery
This location was incredible! Definitely my happy place, no question. I never needed to ask the staff for assistance because everything is gluten-free, so I could simply relax and grab whatever I liked from the display counter. I took their almond croissant, a slice of the banana bread, and a mini quiche (yes, all three—don’t judge me). Each bite was wonderfully delicious!
The Naam
📍 West 4th Avenue
🌱 Open 24/7, vegetarian-friendly with gluten-free options
This amazing place in Vancouver is open every day, all day, which worked out great when I was seriously craving some comfort food one night. Their Gluten-Free Dragon Bowl with tamari was really filling, nutritious, and just so satisfying. They prepare it with brown rice or quinoa and load it up with veggies, tofu, and yummy miso gravy.
Chickpea
📍 Main Street
🥙 Vegan Middle Eastern fusion, great for gluten-free diets
You’ve got to run over to Chickpea. Like, basically everything on their menu is gluten-free, or can be easily adapted, and have you tried their Chickpea Fries? They’re addictive. I had their pita plate wrapped up gluten-free, along with a side of their creamy beet tahini dip. Chef’s kiss.
MeeT in Gastown / Yaletown / Main
📍 Multiple Locations
🌿 Vegan comfort food with gluten-free options
MeeT is where I go for that mac ‘n cheese, burger, poutine comfort food craving—though they have gluten-free choices there, too. Their gluten-free bun works surprisingly well (it actually stays intact, thank you very much!), and that vegan gravy for the yam fries? I am obsessed.
Juke Fried Chicken
📍 Keefer Street
🍗 100% gluten-free fried chicken and sides
You heard me right—gluten-free fried chicken? Juke’s is equipped with this fantastic fryer and gluten-free breading, and seriously, it’s one of the best-fried chickens I have ever had, gluten-free or otherwise. Their crispy chicken sandwich is a must-try, and make sure get their tangy slaw or gluten-free cornbread on the side while you’re there, too!
The Gluten Free Epicurean
📍 East 15th Avenue
🍰 100% gluten-free café and bakery
This adorable little spot is another completely gluten-free gem. They make everything from scratch right there and have some delicious savory snacks as well as sweet goodies. I grabbed a slice of pizza and a pumpkin muffin, and oh man, I wish I lived nearer so I could visit this place daily.
East is East
📍 Main Street & Broadway
🍛 Silk Road fusion, many gluten-free options
They have some great Afghan, Indian, and Persian dishes available here. They are very laid back when it comes to getting things gluten-free, so I had their fantastic lamb stew with basmati rice. You must try their chai bar—absolutely go for the almond milk one if you don’t do dairy!
Acorn
📍 Main Street
🌿 Upscale vegetarian dining with gluten-free labeling
For a special night out, Acorn is the place. The presentation is gorgeous, the ingredients are local and seasonal, and they label all allergens. My gluten-free risotto was creamy, elegant, and perfectly balanced.
Milano Coffee Roasters
📍 Multiple Locations
☕ Coffee shop with gluten-free treats
Hey, it’s not a full-fledged restaurant or anything, but if you’re craving a gluten-free snack and some great espresso, you have to go see Milano’s. I discovered gluten-free mini loaves and biscotti there, and they were the exact pick-me-up I needed for the afternoon.
Gluten-Free Friendly Grocery Stores in Vancouver
Occasionally when I’m traveling, I enjoy cooking some meals at home or in my Airbnb. If that appeals to you as well, check out some of the grocery stores I discovered that carry great gluten-free products.
🛒 Whole Foods Market
You can completely trust Whole Foods for gluten-free items that are clearly labeled. I picked up a lot of gluten-free pasta, pancake mix, and loads of snacks for day trips.
🛒 Choices Markets
A local alternative to Whole Foods, Choices carries a great variety of gluten-free products, including specialty items like GF pierogis, beer, and baking supplies. I also found some fresh gluten-free muffins here that saved breakfast more than once.
🛒 Nada
This zero-waste market is such a cool place to shop if you care about the environment. They carry some gluten-free bulk foods and snacks with no packaging. It’s worth going in just for the experience!
Bonus: Delicious Gluten-Free Snacks & Treats
In complete fairness, dessert well deserves its place.
🍦 Rain or Shine Ice Cream
They have so many gluten-free flavors, not to mention they even have a GF cone! I had their Salted Caramel and Blueberry Balsamic, and. I might have returned the very next day.
🍫 Koko Monk Chocolates
They make some great handcrafted chocolates here, and many of their products are naturally gluten-free. I bought one as a gift (okay, I ate half of it before I gave it away), and their flavors were really quirky and really delicious.
Tips for Eating Gluten-Free in Vancouver
After exploring the city a lot, I’ve learned some tips that you may want to know.
- Always inquire about cross-contamination, okay? They might be gluten-free-friendly, but it is best to verify with shared fryers, prep stations, or sauces.
- Use the Find Me Gluten Free app. I found several spots through this app, and reviews from other celiacs helped me decide where to eat.
- Make reservations for popular spots. Vancouver gets busy, especially during summer or weekend brunch. Booking ahead can save you from long wait times.
- Gather some emergency food, will you? I packed some protein bars and rice crackers as a precaution, but I rarely used them with all the food available.
Bottom line: it is extremely easy to go gluten-free in Vancouver
So you’re off to Vancouver and want to go gluten-free? Buckle up, you’re in for a treat! The city is teeming with fantastic chefs, trendy menus, and gluten-free food that’ll make you feel wonderful, not anxious.
Regardless of whether you’re digging into some fantastic fried chicken, noshing on a fancy almond croissant, or getting down on some great vegan grub, there is plenty of delicious gluten-free food available for you.
From my own experience, Vancouver made it easy to eat well—and most importantly, safely. If you’re planning a trip, make sure to come hungry, and don’t forget your stretchy pants.
Happy (gluten-free) eating in Vancouver! 💛