A Celiac’s Gluten Free Information to Ottawa

I’ve now spent two years within the Nationwide Capital Area, with one 12 months in Aylmer in Quebec, and one 12 months in Ottawa. Whereas this gluten free information focuses totally on Ottawa, I’ve included a couple of spots ‘throughout the river’ on the Quebec facet, as there are some celiac-friendly treats there that aren’t to be missed.

As with the opposite celiac guides on this web site, this listing can be a residing tree the place I plan so as to add new spots as I stumble throughout them. With a 12 months in Ottawa below my belt, although, I used to be able to put collectively the perfect of the gluten free eats I’ve discovered thus far. In spite of everything, there are different spots on the town that I’ve but to attempt!

My gluten free eating adventures in my new residence

I’m dividing this submit into two predominant sections: devoted gluten free services in Ottawa, after which the eating places and stalls that aren’t 100% GF however that may safely accommodate celiacs.

There are a lot of eating places that supply gluten free choices, however not all shield towards cross-contact. Some will not be even conscious that these dangers have to be addressed for celiac clients. Whereas sure, typically you’ll see a celiac say “oh I’m not that delicate” and declare they’re happy with utilizing shared fryers, the truth of this autoimmune illness is that even when asymptomatic ingesting gluten will hurt the physique finally. It’s not a threat celiacs can take.

Whereas Ottawa has far much less celiac-safe spots as Montreal, it does have a slew of fantastic bakeries, meals vans, and extra for gluten free diners to take pleasure in. I do want that Canada was typically as accommodating as another nations like the UK, the place due to adjustments of their meals laws, allergens are nearly all the time clearly marked on menus and eating places can usually simply accomodate the wants of celiacs. Hopefully in the future.

Nonetheless, you gained’t go hungry right here and whereas our choice could also be slimmer than Toronto, Montreal, or New York, what you’re going to get continues to be scrumptious.

Notice: As I’ve obtained some emails since publishing this information asking about how folks acquired on this listing / asking why x or y spot isn’t on the listing, I wish to reiterate: every thing on this information was paid for by me, none of it was sponsored, and the listing was cobbled collectively from my very own analysis. If you happen to’re new to Authorized Nomads please see my About Web page for particulars about sponsorships and collabs; I don’t do both. Nothing flawed with those that do, after all! However the web site was began in 2008, and as an alternative of doing press journeys and sponsored content material, I made cash creating merchandise my readers requested for like celiac translation playing cards in a number of languages, and maps of meals. Now that I’m disabled, my Patreon can also be what helps assist me.

Let’s get to it!

Devoted (100%) gluten-free eating places, stalls, and bakeries in Ottawa

Strawberry Blonde Bakery (predominant location in Westboro, at 111 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K1Z 6V9 Canada). This vegan, nut-free, kosher, and gluten-free bakery now has two places in Ottawa, and loads of treats to select from. They do customized muffins as properly; see beneath for the one my brother and his spouse acquired for me. They’ve additionally acquired a enjoyable seasonal menu that rotates based mostly on holidays, and year-round staples of various cookies, cupcakes and mini-cupcakes, brownies, nanaimo bars and extra. They ship nationwide, and ship throughout the Ottawa space. You could find them on Instagram right here. 

Gutsies (2297 St Joseph Blvd, Orléans, ON K1C 1E7 Canada) This store and bakery has introduced in among the unimaginable gluten free items from Montreal and Toronto, and sells them alongside native fare and their very own scrumptious baked items and soups/meals at their retailer. They’ve recent bread, pastries, and muffins/treats, in addition to a comparatively massive dry items part and fairly a couple of freezers that home onerous to seek out objects in Ottawa. I’m an enormous fan of their hen soup with basmati rice, freed from components that anger my mast cells. Natasha, who based Gutsies after her daughter Maya was recognized with celiac illness, was even sort sufficient to package deal the soups in smaller containers in order that it wasn’t heavy for me to carry with my spinal CSF leak.

The frozen pizza dough that they promote is among the many greatest I’ve ever tried in 20 years of celiac-ing, and if you happen to get there early sufficient they might even have some ache au chocolat and croissants left from La Marquise Sans Gluten in Montreal so that you can eat as you head residence. (If not, they’ve them frozen so that you can make at residence, as an alternative.) Oh, and don’t miss one in every of their very own banana chocolate muffins, if that flavour is to your style. They’re decadent. You could find them on Instagram right here and Fb right here.

2 Sprinkles (previously 5 Cupcakes) (On-line and at markets) Beforehand 5 Cupcakes, this family-owned gluten free bakery just lately went by way of a rebrand and is now 2 Sprinkles. I’m an enormous fan of their namesake sprinkle donuts, beneath, that are baked not fried. They’ve additionally acquired chocolate brownies, pizza buns, cookies, crispy calzones, and wonderful breads with flavours like herb garlic and onion cheese. Their menu can be increasing as the brand new iteration of the bakery unfolds, however search for their cupcakes once they do come again as they have been fab. If you happen to order on-line, you may choose up at no cost at Lansdowne farmers markets weekly, however additionally they supply supply throughout the Ottawa space. You could find them on Instagram right here and Fb right here.

Voila Gluten-Free Bakeree (4055 Carling Ave #2, Kanata, ON K2K 2A4 Canada) Beautiful family-owned bakery that makes baked items not just for celiacs, but in addition for individuals who keep away from dairy, eggs, peanuts, nuts and tree nuts. They deal with utilizing pure sweeteners, and attempt to goal for low sodium and low sugar. Bagels, bread, savoury and candy pies, tarts, muffins, cupcakes, and rather more on supply. You could find them on Instagram right here and Fb right here.

Spring Chips (55 Byward Market Sq., Ottawa, ON K1N 9C3 Canada) Superb “potato twister” spirals, just like those I might take pleasure in in Thailand again once I was residing there a decade in the past. Spring Chips is one other family-owned stall, and over the course of my potato-filled adventures, I’ve had an opportunity to fulfill each dad and son who run the stall in shifts. Actually scrumptious, a candy household, they usually make their very own seasoning (gluten free!) to prime their freshly fried potato spirals. They’re on the Christmas market at Lansdowne, but in addition at Byward market, and the CFL video games at TD stadium, in addition to some festivals. You could find them on Fb right here, and Instagram right here.

Notice: ONLY their ‘tent’ set ups are gluten free as a result of their bigger choices (with their truck, or once they have fries on the menu) share a fryer with the flour-dusted French fries and will not be secure for celiacs. The Lansdowne Christmas Market is gluten free, per the household who runs the stall.

Farang Thai (On-line and at markets) Because the title suggests, this spot is run by a non-Thai particular person—farang means foreigner in Thai. Don’t let that cease you, although, as a result of their meals could be very tasty, the co-owner is celiac, and he and his companion has been to Thailand many instances to maintain researching and bettering on his recipes. The satay hen is a favourite, however they’ve additionally acquired one in every of my most popular drinks, a candy pandan leaf tea. They’re often at 613 Flea market in Lansdowne, however you may examine their occasions web page for once they’re attending and for every other pop ups they’ve happening. Additionally they do frozen meals if you happen to’re right here for some time. All objects are 100% GF! You could find them on Instagram right here and Fb right here.

Chicha Canada (Markets in and round Ottawa) Chicha, a naturally-gluten drink from South America, is available in many kinds. It may be constructed from corn, rice, quinoa, cassava, and extra—although corn is the most typical and well-known model. It may be fermented into alcohol, or loved as a creamy, scrumptious drink in the summertime warmth. Historically an indigenous drink, chicha has been consumed within the Andes for hundreds of years. In some nations like Colombia, it was villainized following colonization, however is lastly making a comeback.

It’s the non-alcoholic rice-based model from Venezuela that Chicha Canada’s Fernando Gonzalez makes and serves in compostable cups or glass mason jars. He’s acquired rotating flavours, and the consistency is akin to a thicker horchata, a rice-based drink from Mexico. His stall is a newcomer on the markets, and the complete menu is gluten free—even the Oreo model beneath (he makes use of gluten free Oreos!). Chicha can also be dairy free. It’s fairly a deal with, and even the plain model is sugary sufficient to take pleasure in by itself. Add the maple syrup or Oreos and also you’ve acquired one thing to fulfill even the sweetest of candy tooths. You could find CC on Instagram and Fb too, the place he shares which markets he’ll be at in Ottawa.

Gluten free eating places in Ottawa, by delicacies:

These are spots that aren’t 100% gluten free, however educated about celiac illness and cross-contact. With the case of The Souvlaki Shack, it’s 95% gluten free, and wonderful.

Mediterranean and Italian

The Greek Souvlaki Shack (258 Financial institution St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1X4, Canada). Once I known as to substantiate what was gluten free right here, the girl I spoke with confirmed that the proprietor makes all of the gluten free pita himself, and that just about every thing on the menu was secure for celiacs—together with the fried calamari. What a deal with! This spot has no web site or social media to talk of, however they’re on UberEats if you happen to wished to examine the menu earlier than stopping in. The gyros with gluten free pita introduced me again to the numerous Saturdays I used to get Marathon souvlaki with my grandpa pre-celiac prognosis, and each single factor I’ve tried from there was scrumptious. A phrase of recommendation: get some further tzatziki on the facet to dip your french fries in for further oomph. The spinach pie (spanakopita) is not gluten free, nor are the opposite objects made with phyllo. However every thing else is, and with a devoted fryer you gained’t have hassle discovering one thing you like. Make sure you point out celiac if you order.

La Dolce Vita (180 Preston Road, Ottawa, ON, K1R 7P9, Canada). This restaurant is Gluten Free Licensed from the GFFP (The Gluten-Free Meals Program), that means all of their gluten free choices — AND THERE ARE SO MANY — are celiac-safe. If you need Italian meals, this can be a nice wager. I’ve additionally put it within the “pizza” part beneath, however along with pizzas you may go for pastas, entrees, lasagna, gnocchi and extra. Full GF menu so that you can drool over, right here. You could find them on Instagram right here.

Ottavio (56A Gréber, Gatineau, QC J8T 3P8, Canada) Ottavio is over in Gatineau on the Quebec facet of the river, however its menu is clearly marked for a number of allergens and it’s among the many safer locations to seize a meal in case you have a automobile and a choosy household who wants some selection to select from. You could find them on Instagram right here.

Aroma Meze (239 Nepean Road, Ottawa, ON, K2P 0B7, Canada) Many gluten-free choices, completely scrumptious, and a considerate menu divided by seasons, and celiac pals say this can be a great place for a sit-down meal. As talked about, I can’t sit down or go to eating places, so I’ve not but tried it. However it got here so closely really useful that I wished to incorporate it. There’s additionally gluten free poutine with a devoted fryer for the french fries, in addition to GF pitas. You could find them on Instagram right here and Fb right here.

Thai

Social Thai (399 Financial institution St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1Y3, Canada) This spot is educated about celiac illness, can accommodate many dishes and make them gluten free, and is a favourite for native celiacs. You could find them on Instagram right here.

Siam Bistro (1268 Wellington Road West, Ottawa, ON K1Y 3A5, Canada) this was the primary Thai place I attempted in Ottawa, and it was scrumptious. They’re conscious of cross-contact, can clarify what’s gluten free for celiacs, and have loads of conventional Thai dishes to select from. You could find them on Instagram right here. They’re additionally opening up a spot in Lansdowne, within the Glebe, in autumn 2025.

Inexperienced Papaya (256 Preston St Ottawa, ON, K1R 7R5 Canada). This Thai restaurant has a couple of outposts to select from however I’ve solely eaten on the Preston avenue franchise. They have been capable of accommodate my celiac wants, and conscious of CC dangers. You could find them on Fb right here.

Khao Thai (103 Murray St Ottawa, ON K1N 5M5, Canada). Gluten free objects are marked on the menu, however please make sure to ask about cross-contact in the case of the wok-fried objects (pad thai or fried rice). Tom kha gai, a coconut mushroom and hen galangal soup, is amongst my favourites from my years of residing in Thailand — and Khao Thai’s lives as much as my reminiscences. It’s also possible to discover them on Instagram right here.

Vietnamese 

Sadly, many Vietnamese spots at the moment are utilizing soy sauce of their meat marinades, and a few of my previous haunts are now not secure. Listed here are two I nonetheless dine at:

Genuine Vietnamese Pho Home (3 places, all exterior Ottawa metropolis heart) Don’t miss their bánh hỏi, a DIY platter with rice wrappers and grilled meat and herbs with pickled veggies, hủ tiếu, phở (the phở tái nạm sách is my fave as I like beef tripe!) NOTE: the is menu marked “gluten pleasant” so this isn’t a celiac-driven eating expertise, however many dishes from Vietnam are naturally gluten free (as I element in my Saigon meals information). You could inform them that you’re celiac, in order that they prepare dinner the bánh phở noodles in separate water to the egg noodles, for the soups. Bun noodles are cooked upfront individually, and secure. Additionally double examine the marinade for the meats. You could find them on Fb right here.

La Maison Pho (Aylmer) (4 Rue Belmont Aylmer, QC J9H 6J5, Canada) educated about celiac, gluten free objects clearly marked on their take-out menu in retailer, together with their summer time rolls /gỏi cuốn (hen is just not marinated in any soy sauce), phở, rice vermicelli dishes (bún thịt nướng) and extra. You could find them on Instagram right here and Fb right here.

Poutine

T.F.T – that meals truck (2160 St. Joseph Blvd, Ottawa, ON, Canada). CLOSED. I’m unhappy to report that summer time of 2024 was the final season for T.F.T., and they don’t seem to be reopening. I’ll be looking for an equal to replace this information for Ottawa itself, however for now the perfect poutine in Ottawa stays on the Quebec facet with Patate LouLou, beneath. Coming from Montreal, I’ve some robust opinions about poutine. On the Ottawa facet, That Meals Truck (T.F.T) was simply the perfect poutine I’ve tried. They use St. Albert’s curds and have an amazing gravy, and the fries are completely crispy whereas nonetheless being tender inside. For these studying, in case you have different poutine recommendations, I AM ALL EARS. Please message me to counsel choices for this poutine-filled gap in my life.

Patate Lou Lou (29 Chemin Eardley Aylmer, QC J9H 4J9, Canada). Throughout the river is my favorite poutine within the space, at Patate Lou Lou. Sadly it’s not that accessible if you happen to don’t have wheels, so it’s below # 2 right here on the information. You’ll must ask for his or her gluten free gravy, which additionally comes with St Albert’s curds. They’ve devoted fryers for the fries, and likewise a vegan sauce choice. You could find them on Fb right here.

The Nice Canadian Poutinerie (a number of places) Individuals in Ottawa additionally swear by The Nice Canadian Poutinerie, however I’m truthfully not the most important fan of the gravy. Nonetheless, if you happen to’re not a poutine purist like me and wish to attempt many various choices (like Philly cheesesteak poutine or candy Sriracha poutine), that is your greatest wager. You could find them on Instagram right here and Fb right here. 

African

YKO Rooster BBQ (the placement at 263 Dalhousie Road Ottawa, ON K1N 7E3 Canada) There are two outposts of YKO hen, I’ve solely tried the one at 263 Dalhousie and whereas they might be comparable taste-wise, I’ve solely tried the .com one! The co-owner, Ramata, is just not solely conversant in celiac illness, however trains her workers in cross-contact and was very responsive once I requested questions on preparation and contamination. The opposite outpost is run by her household.

The hen is incredible, smokey and tender and juicy inside, and the facet dishes are all gluten free as properly—and scrumptious. Just about every thing is secure on the menu, besides the beignets. However for the reason that beignets are made on a stovetop, the opposite objects which can be fried like french fries are okay for us celiac to take pleasure in. I often go for a half-chicken with sides to have leftovers for the following day. Don’t miss the plantains, please. They’re a wonderfully candy accompaniment to your hen. You could find them on Instagram right here.

Pizza

Pizza Nerds (2 places). For many who wish to attempt pizza at a spot that isn’t devoted, this can be a good choice. They’ve acquired creative flavours, a scrumptious cauliflower crust, and data of celiac illness. They preserve these pizzas in a separate space and prepare dinner them on a pan in order that the pizza doesn’t contact the floor of the oven. I attempted their Queen Elizabeth goat cheese and basil pizza, although I requested for no sauce resulting from my mast cell points. They have been capable of accommodate, and very nice about it to. You could find them on Instagram right here.

La Dolce Vita – (see above, below Italian)

Johnny Farina (216 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1L7 Canada). Regardless of the title, Johnny Farina does have gluten free pizza (and pasta) choices, workers are educated about celiac and can prepare dinner and serve/reduce pizzas with separate utensils if knowledgeable of getting the situation. Not my favorite GF pizza on the town (that will be Pizza Nerds!) however tasty and many non-pizza choices for everybody else. You could find them on Instagram right here.

Pizza Keep Gold (360 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON, K2P 1M8, Canada) I’m a skinny crust form of woman, but when deeper dish pizza piques your fancy, Pizza Keep Gold’s gluten free choices are decadent and scrumptious. This spot began up in the course of the pandemic and has develop into very fashionable, and their gluten free pies include sticker confirming their dealing with practices. Keep Gold serves up Detroit-style pizza, which even makes Chicago deep dish appear paltry; it’s sq. and with an enormous, excessive crust —not the pies we’re used to right here, however a enjoyable change in order for you it! It’s like focaccia and a pizza had a child. Fryer is shared with the hen breaded objects so don’t go for something fried right here. However the GF pizzas are ready in a separate space, with their very own slicing boards, utensils, and pans, and cooked individually. Their Mission ImPESToble pizza, beneath, has pesto as a base sauce as an alternative of tomato sauce. It was decadent and scrumptious, and the ricotta and caramelized onions have been an ideal combo with the pesto. It’s also possible to discover them on Instagram right here.

Döner

Wolf Down (380 Financial institution St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1Y4 Canada). I’ve tried döner many instances earlier than my celiac prognosis, together with a visit to Germany once I was 16. Döner — cooked on a vertical rotating spit that was invented by Iskender Efendi within the late nineteenth century — is the star of the Wolf Down menu. Its dishes are impressed by the döner kebab, popularized by Turkish migrants in Germany within the Nineteen Seventies who took conventional Turkish döner and put it into flatbreads for a simple meal on-the-go.

It is because Wolf Down founder Joelle Parenteau tried Berlin döner whereas visiting her husband’s residence nation of Germany and located it to be so incredible that she wolfed it down — therefore the title. She developed Wolf Down from her newfound obsession, and it opened in 2019. Their menu is sparse; they wished to do one factor rather well and never dilute it. I’d learn in regards to the eating places from different celiacs, however tried it for the primary time solely in Sept 2024. Why did I wait!? It was fab. Beneath, my hen rice bowl (there are veggies beneath the hen, I promise), topped with their secret sauce.

Per the restaurant, they’re very cautious with cross-contact and pull veggies from the again when somebody mentions they’re celiac, in order to not have any points with contact from those that are getting their döner on flatbread. All of their sauces are gluten free, and so are the hen and tofu salads and rice bowls. (Allergen listing on their web site.) It’s also possible to discover them on IG right here.

Indian 

Thali Ottawa (136 O’Connor St, Ottawa ON K2P 2G7 Canada). Gadgets which have gluten are clearly marked on the menu; the remaining is ours to take pleasure in. Once I ate there the pappadum and pakora have been secure too, as nothing with gluten was fried of their fryer, but it surely’s all the time good to substantiate. Their sister restaurant Coconut Lagoon is another choice if you happen to desire the menu there, or need one thing further decadent like butter lobster masala. Each menus are the brainchild of Chef Joe Thottungal, who has completed an exquisite job of bringing his visions to life. You could find them on Instagram right here and Fb right here.

Taj Indian Delicacies (3009 Carling Ave. Ottawa, ON K2B 7Y6). They serve vegan, halal, vegetarian and gluten free choices, and are a advice from the Ottawa Celiac Affiliation. When ordering, ensure you point out you’re celiac! They’ve a copious menu, however all the time affirm fried merchandise are gluten free too as shared fryer standing might change. You could find them on Instagram right here and Fb right here.

East India Firm (210 Somerset Road West, Ottawa, ON, K2P 0J4 Canada). This restaurant has an in depth menu and beneficiant parts of biryani, a few of which have paneer (a rarity in that dish), in addition to their mains. In contrast to many Indian eating places within the metropolis nowadays, their mains include rice on the facet. Their menu for his or her downtown Ottawa location clearly marks for gluten, however as with Coconut Lagoon and Thali, please be aware that the wheat image denotes UNSAFE dishes—there’s no line by way of that wheat. You could find them on Instagram right here and Fb right here.

Sona Indian Kitchen (1183 Hunt Membership Rd Unit 104, Ottawa, ON K1V 8S4). A relative newcomer to Ottawa, this restaurant opened in 2023. The restaurant could be very conscious of cross-contact points, and may substitute as required. Notice that whereas the menu could be very clearly marked for gluten free objects, on the time of publishing their fryer is shared and not secure for celiacs. (Sadly you’ll must skip these poppadoms.) I’ve additionally ordered from them for supply, and their parts are beneficiant. I usually go for his or her lamb biryani (picture beneath), because it leaves lots for leftovers. Notice that on UberEats they mark GF objects as “celiac free’. They’re on Fb right here.

Indian Punjabi Clay Oven (4055 Carling Ave, Kanata, ON, K2K 2A4 Canada). Additional afield, however an amazing choice in case you have a automobile. This spot is one other one really useful by the native celiac affiliation, as they’re very conversant in cross-contact and what it means to be strictly gluten free. I’ve had paneer dishes and hen biryani to nice success, however their menu has many extra choices so that you can take pleasure in. You could find them on Instagram right here.

Latin American and Mexican Meals

The Tortilla Maker of Canada (2003 St Joseph Blvd, Orléans, ON K1C 1E5) Based by Mexican-Canadian entrepreneur Miguel Angel Jiménez Reyes, Tortilla Maker serves freshly-made tortillas, their very own line of salsas from household recipes, and scrumptious tamales. Tamale flavours embody hen and pork choices with or with out rajas, in addition to a vegetarian mushroom-based tamale. One candy guava and cheese choice exists for dessert, too. After years of residing in Oaxaca, I used to be thrilled when this place opened in 2023, and have eaten their objects many a time — fortunate for me, they’re proper down the road from Gutsies, so I can get each treats directly. You could find them on Instagram right here and Fb right here.

Gooneys Sandwichworks (360 Laurier Ave W, Ottawa, ON K1P 1C8, Canada) Scrumptious gluten free arepas with a wide range of fillings on their menu, and freezers with gluten free empanadas. You may select from all-day breakfast arepas, or the much less eggs extra meat and cheese choices on their lunch and dinner menus. They’re on Instagram right here and Fb right here.

Additionally within the Arepas class: Arepas Place Ottawa (374 Financial institution Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 1Y4, Canada). I first began consuming their arepas on the Lansdowne Farmer’s Market years in the past, and was completely happy to see that their recognition led to a brick and mortar store with in summer time of 2025. Alberto began Arepas Place in the summertime 2018, and his arepas are hand-made and gluten-free. He’s acquired vegan choices, in addition to shredded hen or chilly hen salad, all topped along with his signature garlic cilantro sauce (that’s SO GOOD).

La Cabana (848-B Merivale Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1Z 5Z4, Canada). La Cabana’s speciality is pupusas, a savoury flatbread from El Salvador made with masa (corn) or rice flour that resembles the arepa. It’s El Salvador’s nationwide dish, and a scrumptious one at that—I used to eat this quite a bit in Montreal once I was first recognized a few years in the past since there have been much less GF choices again then. It’s naturally gluten free, and so tasty. La Cabana’s pupusas are GF as properly, one thing clearly marked on their menu. You may ask for a rice flour choice if you happen to desire, although their major pupusa is the normal masa (corn) flour base. It’s also possible to discover them on Instagram right here.

La Fiesta Latina (565 Somerset Road West, Ottawa, ON K1R 5K2) They grabbed an amazing area title too! A lot of the menu is gluten-free, and tacos and tortillas are 100% masa harina and never flour. Educated about celiac illness. You could find them on Instagram right here.

Chamos Grill (511 Lacolle Approach, Orléans, ON K4A 5B6, Canada) is a Venezuelan restaurant that provides many various gluten free corn-based choices, from arepas, empanadas, and tacos to hearty predominant dishes from a cross-section of Latin American nations. Very conscious of cross-contact/celiac wants; if you happen to order supply your bag can have a gluten free sticker on it to indicate that they handled your meal in another way to the remaining. This spot was began by a Syrian-Venezuelan couple who supplied take out arepas and empanadas in the course of the pandemic. In 2023, they expanded their menu and their area into one thing extra; it’s additionally a bar and occasion area.

Gluten free baked items (for 100% GF bakeries, see above)

Little Jo Berry’s (1305 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON, K1Y 3B1, Canada) LJB is just not a devoted facility, however their gluten free objects are baked in a separate a part of the kitchen, one that’s cleaned and verified for cross-contamination. As they’re not 100% GF, they’ll’t assure security, however I’m very delicate and haven’t had points at this bakery. Their gluten free donuts have been my birthday “cake” final 12 months, and wonderful. They generally make extravagant treats like this gluten free terrarium, with matcha and chocolate sponge cake, gummies, mint, chocolate mousse, and extra: You could find them on Instagram right here.

Rocket Scone This scone firm is an enormous hit for celiacs and non-celiacs alike. The majority of their choices are with gluten, however they do make a candy and a savoury gluten free choice every week. The proprietor’s husband is celiac and she or he makes the GF scones at residence, cautious to keep away from any cross-contact. And the GF scones are a special form to the common ones to keep away from errors. Out there at completely different farmers markets within the metropolis in Carp, Westboro, Lansdowne, and Orleans; their Instagram feed is the place they submit the week’s scones and their present location. I’m an enormous fan of their amaretto poached pear, however you actually can’t go flawed.

Kokoro Bake Store (Stall on the Primary St. Farmers’ market on the Grand Allée Park each Sat. 9-2pm) This baking duo makes some objects with gluten and a few with out, however they all the time wash utensils, pans, and work surfaces if baking gluten free. Additionally they be aware that they make the gluten free objects collectively earlier than transferring to the objects with gluten, in order to verify they preserve cross-contact to a minimal. They’ll’t assure it, however they’re cautious — and their meals scrumptious! Each Saturday they’ve a brand new mochi (rice flour) cupcake field with Asian-inspired flavours like black sesame or salted egg yolk, in addition to these constructed from the season (a number of strawberry objects throughout strawberry season). However my favorite of all is their Japanese cheesecake, a light-weight cloud of cheese and cornstarch. It’s properly value a visit to Outdated Ottawa East on a Saturday! They often share their menu Saturday AM earlier than the market opens.

Sushi and poké

Kiko Sushi (349B Preston st, Ottawa, ON, K1S 1V6 Canada) Information about cross contact abounds, they usually have a large gluten free choice as properly. Their rice is completely seasoned and the fish is recent. You could find them on Instagram right here.

Sushi Haru Haru (181 Rue Principale, Gatineau, QC, J9H 6J9 Canada). Probably the greatest rated sushi spots within the space, this was my go-to once I lived in Aylmer, Quebec. Very recent fish, a stunning Korean household who owns the spot and who have been completely happy to accommodate my extra meals restrictions over and above celiac. Gluten free soy sauce is obtainable, the rice vinegar they use is gluten free, they usually make their very own spicy sauce and it too is gluten free. The Korean meals choices are not gluten free, however if you happen to’ve acquired some non-celiacs in your midst, they might take pleasure in these choices. I often acquired their salmon sashimi combo, beneath, however all of their sushi is incredible.

Ten Fish (1149-B Financial institution St., Ottawa, ON K1S 3X4 Canada) A really cute family-owned sushi store not removed from Lansdowne and the Complete Meals. Self pick-up menu on their web site right here that marks out which of the maki rolls are gluten free—see the hover over the rolls. They’ve gluten free soy sauce out there for individuals who want it, and their spicy sauce can also be gluten free. I often persist with their sashimi or nigiri.

J:Distinctive Kitchen (381 Cooper St, Ottawa, ON, K2P 0P8 Canada) Very educated about celiac and cross contact, and engaging sushi. Costly however their fish high quality reveals you why. It’s billed as “Vancouver model sushi” in Ottawa, however yow will discover your typical faves right here both manner. They’re on Instagram right here and Fb right here.

GoGiYa Sushi n Poké (504 Financial institution St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1Z4) poké bowls, that may be made gluten free with ease. Employees is educated in cross-contact considerations — to alter gloves and utensils for celiac illness — and the sushi rice doesn’t have any gluten within the vinegar used to season it. My choose is a salmon poké bowl, as scrumptious as it’s fairly. They don’t have a completely GF kitchen, so there’s is a few CC threat, however they’re educated of find out how to put together meals for us. Notice: I’ve solely eaten from the Financial institution st. location, so I can’t converse to Kanata.

Pubs and Diners

Little Mac’s (991 Wellington St W, Ottawa, ON, K1Y 2Y1, Canada). Fried /southern meals, from the titled mac and cheese, to fried hen, waffles, ribs, french fries, and extra. Additionally milkshakes! Whereas the menu doesn’t disclose that it’s gluten free, it’s nearly totally gluten free—a celiac’s ldl cholesterol paradise. The one factor not gluten free is that they’ve common buns, however you may ask for the GF bun if you order. They put together the wheat buns on a separate griddle to the remainder of the (GF) menu. Ensure you talk that you’re celiac if you go or reserve. You could find them on Instagram right here.

Wilf & Ada’s (510 Financial institution St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1Z4 Canada) This was once a breakfast-only spot, but it surely was revamped a decade in the past to supply a brunch menu that features favourites like avocado eggs, mariposa duck (below their “eggs benny” part, made with Hollandaise sauce), and typical breakfast staples. Most of their menu will be made gluten free, workers is educated about celiac restrictions and desires, and their dishes are crafted with a deal with native farms for his or her components. They’re on Instagram right here.

Ice Cream

Sure, in my household ice cream is a delicacies kind—and infrequently a meal.

The Merry Dairy (102 Fairmont Avenue -corner of Gladstone, Ottawa, ON, K1Y 1X6 Canada) They’re educated about celiac illness, and serve probably the most wonderful ice cream. My brother is rightfully obsessive about this spot, and he made positive I used to be too once I moved to the realm. Once I’ve gone in particular person and point out that I’ve celiac, they open a brand new tub of ice cream and get a brand new clear scoop to make sure no cross contact. The gluten free housemade waffle cones are among the many greatest I’ve ever had, and their flavours rotate with the season. Honey lavender, recent mint (made by way of neighbourhood mint trade, the place locals carry recent mint and get ice cream credit score) and salted caramel are amongst my picks However truthfully, there’s nothing dangerous right here. The scooping menu and pint information are clearly marked for gluten free, soy free, and vegan choices. Notice that their vibrant waffle cones are not housemade nor gluten free, so ensure you ask which one to get. You could find them on Instagram right here and Fb right here.

Moo Shu Ice Cream (477 Financial institution St. Ottawa, ON K2P 1Z2 Canada) One other unimaginable ice cream spot, with creative flavours and clearly-marked gluten free choices, in addition to gluten free waffle cones which can be so very tasty. Flavours change month-to-month. Don’t miss lime leaf and mint (I’m predictable I do know), or Hong Kong milk tea — each are wonderful. You could find them on Instagram right here and Fb right here.

Cassis Dwelling-Made Gelato and Sorbet (No official web page however it’s positioned at 68 Principale St, Gatineau, Quebec J9H 3M6, Canada) Open 12-9pm on weekends and 2pm-8pm on weekdays. No gluten free cones, however gelato itself is predominantly gluten free they usually have used a brand new scoop once I point out I’m celiac. Their mojito, black sesame, and yuza flavours are all incredible, in addition to all of the others.

Stalls and Meals Vehicles Exterior of City: Stittsville

Jimmy’s Waffle World (5862 Hazeldean Street, Stittsville, ON, Canada, K2S 0N9) – nearly totally gluten free, with savoury and candy waffles alike, and poutine and fries from a secure fryer. They also have a waffle poutine. Comply with it up with a delicate ice cream dessert (with gluten free cone, besides). You could find them on Instagram right here and Fb right here.

The Unique Souvlaki Meals Truck (1619 Stittsville Primary Road, Stittsville, ON, Canada; previously Greek Wagon Ottawa) There are a lot of gluten free choices within the type of platters, salads, and fries—together with gluten free gravy for poutine and a secure fryer. You could find them on Instagram right here.

Smokin R&Rs BBQ (1441 Stittsville Primary St. Stittsville, ON, ) slow-cooked meat, poutines, sandwiches, briskets, and extra. A lot of the menu is gluten free, with a secure fryer. The mac & cheese, sadly, is just not for celiacs. You could find them on Instagram right here and Fb right here.

Even additional afield

A quick be aware about spots which can be out of city however out there if timing permits:

The Bean Sprout GF is a stunning family-owned enterprise in Toronto that makes gluten free, nut free Chinese language meals, together with stir fries, dumplings, spring rolls, egg rolls, steamed buns, and rather more. Additionally they supply menus for soy free, corn free, and egg free objects, if you happen to want them. All objects are delivered frozen, with cooking instructions on their web site. Whereas they’re based mostly out of city, they do pop ups right here in Ottawa each few months. You may comply with them on Instagram or examine their web site for the following pop up within the space. I’m an enormous fan of their hen dumplings, that are nice steamed but in addition do properly in an air fryer. For the soy free menu, they use coconut aminos as an alternative. I refill every time they’re on the town!

Riz Gluten Free can also be Toronto-based, however often does Ottawa pop ups, and are additionally offered at a wide range of retailers on the town (at Gutsies, Voila, and so forth). They’ve wonton soups, dumplings, curries, and stir fries all gluten free and dairy free.

And eventually, not a pop up however a spot I extremely advocate if you happen to journey to the Gatineau Hills: a B&B known as La Violette in Wakefield, Quebec that I stayed at for my brother’s wedding ceremony final 12 months. It’s such a fairly space, the mattress and breakfast has two cozy and comfy rooms, and also you’d be remiss to not keep there for the breakfasts alone. Natalie, who runs the B&B and cooks the breakfasts, was capable of make secure and scrumptious gluten free meals for me and tailor them to my extra meals restrictions. It’s usually booked out, however if you happen to’re within the space and desire a night time someplace particular, I extremely advocate it.

Outlets in Ottawa with naturally GF merchandise or GF specialty objects

I assumed I’d add some element about the place I purchase merchandise as a celiac, for these sticking round slightly longer.

• The primary spots are chain grocery shops like Loblaws, IGA (on the Quebec facet), Metro, Canada’s Superstore, Farm Boy, and FreshCo, which is able to all have gluten free merchandise and snacks so that you can refill on.
• For center japanese components which can be naturally gluten free, I head to Adonis Grocery store. I get my Zaatar spice there, which I take advantage of in nearly every thing. Additionally an excellent choice: Al Raheem.
• For Asian components, head to Lim Bangkok Grocery or for a much bigger retailer with extra choices (in case you have a automobile), a number of banh pho and coconut milk and curries to select from at T&T Grocery store.
• For South Asian components and spices, choices I’ve sampled embody Bombay Spices, Silk Street Meals, and Vaishali’s Superstore.
• For nice Italian-made gluten free pasta and gluten free flour choices, head to Nicastros Tremendous Meals.
• For pure meals / natural meals and spices, Complete Meals Market and Herb & Spice are my go-tos.

What to do in Ottawa

Most of my time right here has been spent in mattress, as my spinal leak persists. Whereas I’ve had an opportunity to see among the enjoyable festivals—Tulip competition, poutine competition, and extra—within the years earlier than I moved right here, my radius now’s fairly small. So I wished to share some posts from others who’ve skilled extra within the metropolis than I’ve, and sources for individuals who wish to go to:

As lots of you understand, I’m disabled now with a spinal CSF Leak, a situation I’ve been affected by since 2017. In consequence, I can’t drive round stuffing my face as I used to once I traveled the world. Presently, I can also’t go to an area spot and eat exterior, as a result of my standing / sitting time could be very slim; most of my time is spent in mattress.

I wish to give an enormous due to Christopher and Elizabeth for being my meals angels. Elizabeth is an area celiac who introduced over treats, urged new spots, and despatched over among the images beneath. Christopher patiently drove to celiac spots across the area with no grumbling in any respect, bringing over meals since I can’t go and get issues myself. I like residing in Ottawa, however not one of the Quebec spots ship right here.

So with out the generosity of my meals pals, I wouldn’t have been capable of full this information.