Where to find gluten-free eats in Victoria
Those who can’t have gluten can sometimes struggle to find good eats, but that’s rarely an issue in Victoria. Here, gluten-free cooking has been welcomed with open arms, and those who can’t have gluten can find a wide range of foods to enjoy. From fresh-baked treats to home-style pizzas, these restaurants offer all of the flavour, with none of the gluten.
Origin Gluten-Free Bakery
1525 Pandora Ave, Victoria, BC V8R 6P9Good baked goods can be particularly difficult to find gluten-free, but Victoria has a dedicated bakery just for this purpose. The completely gluten-free kitchen at Origin bakes some of the best treats in town, from tiny little cupcakes to homemade loaves of artisanal bread. Items like their granola bars or lemon lavender tarts will surely satisfy your cravings for quality goods, no matter if you want something sweet or savory.
The Joint Pizzeria & Deli
1219 Wharf St, Victoria, BC V8W 1T9Pizza is meant for sharing, which makes it a difficult choice for those lone gluten-sensitive people at the pizza party. The Joint has a tasty solution: they’ve developed their very own gluten-free pizza dough that even gluten eaters will enjoy, if they even notice a difference. All of The Joint’s toppings are clearly marked for gluten as well, to minimize surprises, and they even offer a selection of gluten-free desserts to end your meal on a sweet note.
Santé Gluten Free Café
A-2630 Quadra St, Victoria, BC V8T 4E4Santé is Victoria’s first entirely gluten-free cafe. Everything on the menu, from their breakfast wraps to their pizzas and meat pies, is made from scratch using gluten-free recipes. But gluten isn’t the only food sensitivity that gets love here. Santé’s chefs serve all kinds of foods based on dietary restrictions. Egg, dairy and sugar-free foods are available, along with vegan and vegetarian options. If you have dietary restrictions, Santé has something delicious waiting for you.
Blue Crab Seafood House
146 Kingston St, Victoria, BC V8V 1V4Victoria is famous for two things: great views and great seafood. The Blue Crab offers both, with special attention paid to food restrictions. Roughly half the Blue Crab’s menu is gluten-free, or can be made without gluten, giving patrons access to the wide variety of delicious seafood for which Victoria is famous. Those with gluten-related restrictions can relax while soaking up a beautiful view of the harbour and indulging in some of the best seafood in town.
Be Love
1019 Blanshard St, Victoria, BC V8W 2H4Many a foodie can’t even fathom a high-end dining experience without meat, much less without gluten, dairy, wheat and processed sugar. Those people haven’t been to Be Love. Depending on the season, you’ll find bibimbap bowls with homemade kimchi, pizzas made with wild BC mushrooms and breakfast wraps made with zucchini bacon. The entire menu is developed around people with food restrictions and well-developed palates, providing high-quality meals and stellar service that everyone can enjoy, no matter their dietary needs or preferences.
1356408 BC Ltd
1235 Broad St, Victoria, BC V8W 2A4Thanks to their own specialty gluten-free buckwheat waffle batter recipe, nearly everything in the wide world of West Coast Waffle can be made for those with gluten restrictions. It’s a good thing too, because this waffle house has items that are sure to expand your concept of this breakfast classic. For those with a sweet tooth, you can indulge in berry-based waffles made with local produce. And for those who prefer something savory, check out The Pulled Piggy, made with pulled pork and served with sour cream.
The Fish Store
1 Dallas Road, Victoria, BC V8V 0B2The Fish Store is both a fish store and a licensed processing plant, so they can buy seafood from local fisherman and prepare it for sale on the premises. The result is some of the freshest seafood on the island, all locally sourced and ready for you to take home. They have an extensive gluten-free menu as well, serving up seafood selections that you can eat on the docks or take home and prepare. No matter what you choose, from the mussels caught in Victoria to their specialty rice wraps, you’ll be enjoying a fresh taste of BC.
Ferris' Upstairs Seafood & Oyster Bar
Upr 536 Yates St, Victoria, BC V8W 1K8Growing up on the island, Ferris’ founder Dave Craggs knows where to find the best seafood for his restaurant. All of the fish and shellfish he uses are local, prepared in a Spanish style for an extra burst of flavour. Aware that many people are avoiding gluten these days, Craggs has developed a completely separate gluten-free menu, giving the gluten-sensitive members of your party plenty to choose from. This includes such highlights as their fresh-shucked oysters, served in a sherry mignonette with fresh horseradish, and their Alentejo-style pork & clams.
