33 Best Gluten-free Restaurants in Ottawa From a Celiac
Looking for the best gluten-free restaurants Ottawa has to offer?
Great news! Ottawa’s food scene is very inclusive, and you’ll find gluten-free options at most restaurants here.
The not-so-great news? Not all of them know how to do gluten-free well. I’ve had my fair share of cardboard-tasting meals that made me desperately wish I wasn’t celiac!
If you’re looking for the best celiac-safe restaurants in Ottawa, I’m happy to help.
I live in the area and spend too much time (and money) finding the best gluten-free spots in town. Some of my favorites are:
- La Dolce Vita – excellent gluten-free pizza
- Strawberry Blonde Bakery – the best gluten-free cakes in Ottawa
- Social Thai – the best gluten-free pad Thai!
But there are so many more. So here’s my ultimate gluten-free restaurant guide to Ottawa!
Best Celiac-Friendly Restaurants in Ottawa
1. The Green Door
Price range: $$
Location: 198 Main St, Old Ottawa East
The Green Door serves a rotating buffet of mostly organic vegetarian dishes, including awesome gluten-free plates like marinated beets, lentil patties, and edamame salad.
They take orders for gluten-free whole cakes, too. Another cool aspect of this restaurant is its frozen section of delicious gluten-free products in Ottawa, including soups, pies, curries, and desserts.
My vegetarian friend and I get takeaway from here constantly!
2. Olivia Bistro-Boutique
Price range: $$
Locations: They have a few outlets in Gatineau
Olivia Bisto has an exciting menu that makes it easy to eat gluten-free in Ottawa!
They clearly label everything on their menu, whether gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, or nut-free, so ordering is a breeze.
The gluten-free tacos here are fantastic, but you’ll also love the stuffed avocados, hearty soups, and healthy smoothies, which are the perfect fuel for hiking in Ottawa!
3. Little Mac’s
Price range: $$
Location: 991 Wellington Street W, Westboro
Little Mac’s is the best place for diner-style comfort foods. The whole menu is primarily gluten-free, and they’re known to serve Ottawa’s best gluten-free fish and chips!
Not a fan of seafood? You can order any of the sandwiches with a gluten-free bun!
The service is warm and friendly here, and they’re happy to address questions about their ingredients and food prep while you order!
4. Pure Kitchen
Price range: $$
Location: They have multiple outlets in Ottawa
The Pure Kitchen team is super accommodating, which is why it’s one of my top picks for gluten-free friendly restaurants in Ottawa. The staff will happily walk you through the gluten-free swaps on the menu.
Their burgers on gluten-free buns are delicious, and most of their desserts are gluten-free, including the addictive peanut butter cookies.
5. Aperitivo
Price range: $$
Location: 655 Kanata Ave Unit L2 Along the Pedestrian Walkway, Kanata
Aperitivo serves some of the tastiest gluten-free food in Ottawa. There’s so much thought that goes into the menu’s gluten-free section.
The dishes here are all sharable, so it’s a great place to come with friends or family. The melon gazpacho and pork belly are excellent!
For something sweet, try the budino, a creamy butterscotch pudding.
6. Aroma Meze
Price range: $$
Location: 239 Nepean St, Downtown Ottawa
Aroma Meze is the best option if you’re looking for Greek gluten-free restaurants in Downtown Ottawa!
There are plenty of gluten-free options here, including eggplant roulade, gorgonzola gnocchi, and lamb sliders. They even have a tasty Greek-style poutine!
Pair your dishes with gluten-free dips like tzatziki and spanikomizithra (a cheese-spinach dip).
This is my go-to for a group dinner, as they have something for every dietary restriction and it’s so delicious!
7. La Fiesta Latina
Price range: $
Location: 565 Somerset St W, Downtown Ottawa
Head over to La Fiesta Latina if you’re craving gluten-free Mexican and Latin dishes. It’s a small, unassuming place, but the food is some of the best in Ottawa!
They serve gluten-free versions of enchiladas, tacos, fajitas, tamales, empanadas, arepas, and more. People also rave about the hibiscus slushie, although I haven’t been able to try it yet myself!
I’m a sucker for arepas so that’s my go to here.
8. Level One (The Loft)
Price range: $$
Location: 14 Waller St, ByWard Market
You probably wouldn’t expect a gaming cafe to be one of the best gluten-free restaurants in Ottawa, but here we are.
Level One The Loft does a fully loaded poutine topped with a four-cheese blend, sour cream, and bacon.
They also offer to make some of their top-selling mains gluten-free, including their vegetarian Italian meatballs.
I bring my roommate so he can get the mac and cheese balls and I can steal the homemade ranch too! Then we get far too competitive playing board games.
9. Milestones Grill and Bar
Price range: $$
Locations: Sussex / Pinecrest / Lansdowne Park
If you’re looking for comfort food in a chic setting, come to Milestones Grill & Bar!
They have incredible burgers with gluten-free buns by request, and if you’re in the mood for pasta, they’ll make your order with gluten-free red lentil rotini noodles.
There are Soups and salads, too. The Roasted Mushroom Soup is fully GF, and the California Spring Salad is a perfect gluten-free salad with a fresh mix of flavors from strawberries, goat cheese, and honey mustard dressing.
10. Union Local 613
Price range: $$
Location: 315 Somerset St W, Downtown Ottawa
You should come to Union Local 613 here when you feel like some soulful Southern food! It has a quirky, playful vibe that’s great for a night out with friends.
The menu is primarily gluten-free, with their best dishes being fried tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and crispy braised pork belly.
Then, after dinner, you can head to the secret bar in the basement (look behind the bookshelf!).
11. Wilf & Ada’s
Price range: $$
Location: 510 Bank St, Downtown Ottawa
Wilf & Ada’s is this quaint little downtown diner making wholesome meals from scratch. It’s the perfect spot for a gluten-free breakfast in Ottawa.
They can make almost all their dishes gluten-free and use a separate toaster and fryer to reduce cross-contamination. I recommend trying their Eggs in Purgatory, but the French Toast and Eggs Benedict are good too.
In addition to the food, this is an excellent spot for a cup of coffee in Ottawa!
I used to live nearby so I’d go weekly for
Best Gluten-Free Pizza in Ottawa
Looking for the best spots to enjoy gluten-free Italian in Ottawa? Load up on pizza, pasta, and more at these awesome gluten-free places:
12. La Dolce Vita
Price range: $$
Location: 180 Preston St, Little Italy
If you’re looking for restaurants with gluten-free menus, head to La Dolce Vita.
The calamari is amazing, coated in rice flour for that satisfying crunch. The pasta dishes taste just as great as their traditional counterparts, and the gluten-free pizza is the best in Ottawa.
The restaurant is even certified safe by the Gluten-free Food Program.
13. Ottavio Gatineau
Price range: $$
Location: 56 Boulevard Gréber, Gatineau
Ottavio Gatineau is one of the best gluten-free restaurants in Gatineau for its allergen-friendly celiac menu. Their gluten-free dishes are also free from nuts, sesame, and soy.
They typically top the gluten-free pizzas at Ottavio with mozzarella, but they can make a dairy-free swap if needed.
They have a gluten-free grocery section that includes their signature pizza dough.
14. Il Vicolo
Price range: $$
Location: 118 Clarence St, ByWard Market
Il Vicolo is the place to head to for stellar, thin-crust pizzas. I recommend the Magical Mystery Tour, which comes topped with arugula, prosciutto, Parmigiano, and a balsamic glaze.
Pair your gluten-free pizza with white wine sangrias or gluten-free berry cheesecake for dessert!
This pizza joint is in the Byward Market, so there’s plenty of entertainment after paying the bill!
15. Stay Gold Detroit-Style Pizza
Price range: $$
Location: 360 Elgin Street, Downtown Ottawa
Stay Gold’s Detroit-style pizza is a local favorite in Ottawa! They have a gluten-free section on the menu, so celiacs, like me, can also enjoy their thick, square-cut pizzas.
Try the pepperoni-loaded Pepp Talk, or if you’re a fan of pineapple on pizza, go for the Hawaiian Shirt.
Their no-frills Margherita Mamma is a great option, too!
16. Johnny Farina
Price range: $$
Location: 216 Elgin St, Downtown Ottawa
I love the casual yet upscale vibe of Johnny Farina. The food is good, too, especially their gluten-free pizzas.
But if you feel like having pasta, request to swap with their gluten-free pasta. The team knows their way around prepping a safe gluten-free meal, which I really appreciate.
Best Gluten-Free Asian Restaurants in Ottawa
Whether you’re looking for the best gluten-free Chinese food in Ottawa or a great spot for gluten-free Indian cuisine, you’ll find them all here:
17. Yangtze
Price range: $$
Location: 700 Somerset St W, Downtown Ottawa
Yangtze is my go-to when I feel like some Chinese food. They have a special celiac-friendly menu you can order from, including a Mushroom Egg Drop Soup and sticky-sweet Lemon Chicken.
The Yangtze Taipan Fried Rice is another great gluten-free dish that looks simple but tastes incredible.
18. Thali
Price range: $$
Location: 136 O’Connor St, Downtown Ottawa
Thali’s menu is primarily gluten-free, with the main highlight being the Traditional Thali, a rice set with small bowls of side dishes. It’s available in vegan, vegetarian, and meat-based variations.
The rest of the menu skews Indian but functions more like an Asian-fusion restaurant.
Add a cup of chai, and you’re in for one of the most satisfying gluten-free lunches in Ottawa.
19. Social Thai
Price range: $$
Location: 399 Bank St, Downtown Ottawa
Social Thai is the go-to spot for gluten-free Pad Thai. It’s the best I’ve ever had! They have the classic version and one loaded with kimchi and tofu!
The atmosphere makes it such a pretty little place, and the service is always friendly.
But if you’re short on time, it’s also a very popular place to grab takeaway or order delivery (they use Uber Eats). You can order anything off the menu for takeaway, including their massive 8-course meal!
I’m a pad thai girlie so this is my go to!
20. Sushi Fresh
Price range: $$
Location: 48 Byward Market Square
If you’re looking for gluten-free sushi in Ottawa, check out Sushi Fresh. They provide gluten-free soy sauce to enjoy with your sushi, and the food always tastes fresh.
I love their classic nigiri sushi, like the tuna and seared salmon. Their vegan avocado maki is good, too!
My dog Theo stole a salmon roll off my plate once and now he’s a big fan too!
21. Koichi Ramen
Price range: $$
Location: 48 Byward Market Square
For gluten-free ramen in Ottawa, head to Koichi Ramen, an authentic Japanese Noodle house!
The shoyu ramen is available in chicken and vegetarian options. Both are super flavorful, and they serve gluten-free soba, too!
In addition to noodles, some appetizers are naturally gluten-free, like their grilled chicken wings and pork belly.
Best Fancy Gluten-Free Restaurants in Ottawa
For special occasions, these upscale eateries are great at catering to gluten-free needs:
22. Gezellig
Price range: $$$
Location: 337 Richmond Rd, Westboro
Gezellig has a beautiful atmosphere that’s perfect for a fancy gluten-free brunch in Ottawa. The menu includes an array of French fusion food, and the team is knowledgeable and trained to accommodate gluten-free requests.
Gezellig’s beef tartare is one of their most popular dishes, with a hint of garlic and capers and that just melt in your mouth! The risottos are another top option on the menu!
23. Beckta Dining & Wine
Price range: $$$
Location: 150 Elgin St, Downtown Ottawa
Beckta Dining & Wine is another of Ottawa’s best fine-dining restaurants for a fancy gluten-free dinner!
Beckta has a rotating seasonal menu made with locally sourced ingredients, and the staff here is always about to recommend suitable tweaks for you to enjoy gluten-free dining, Ottawa-style.
They are also known for an impressive selection of wine and cocktails!
24. 1 Elgin
Price range: $$$
Location: 1 Elgin St, National Arts Centre
If you’re catching a show at the National Arts Centre, make a night out of it with dinner at 1 Elgin. This chic restaurant is a local favorite for its creative take on contemporary Canadian cuisine.
The menu changes occasionally, but some of the current menu items include Duck Confit, Wild Mushroom Agnolotti, Local Hen, and Cherry-smoked Striploin Steak.
Be sure to ask the helpful staff for their best gluten-free recommendations!
25. Starling Restaurant
Price range: $$$
Location: 54 York St, ByWard Market
The dishes at this cute place in ByWard Market have a wholesome, home-cooked feel.
These include jam-packed salad bowls, salmon ceviche, pasta, steaks, and a few dessert options. The cocktail and wine list is impressive, too!
Starling Restaurant is undoubtedly a higher-end restaurant, but if you come for lunch, you’ll find that the dishes have much more affordable prices
Best Gluten-Free Desserts in Ottawa
26. Strawberry Blonde Bakery
Price range: $$
Locations: 111 Richmond Rd, Westboro & 767 Silver Seven Rd Unit 17, Kanata
Strawberry Blonde is a gluten-free, nut-free, vegan, and kosher bakery. You’ll find whole cakes, cupcakes, and bread on the menu here. Also, if you’re in Ottawa during a birthday/wedding, they make delivery orders for these occasions!
Stocking up on gluten-free groceries? Check out their yummy frozen pies and doughs to take home.
27. Moo Shu Ice Cream & Kitchen
Price range: $$
Location: 477 Bank St, Downtown Ottawa
If you need a recommendation for a gluten-free/friendly ice cream spot, it’s gotta be Moo Shu.
They have the best Asian-inspired ice cream flavors, like Sesame (my fave!), Hong Kong Milk Tea, and Dalgona. The best part? They serve the ice cream in gluten-free cones!
The black sesame is me go to.
This ice cream spot is right off the Trans-Canada Highways, so it’s nice for a pit stop if you’re just passing through Ottawa!
28. ThimbleCakes
Price range: $$
Location: 369 Bank St, Downtown Ottawa
ThimbleCakes offers gluten-free cupcakes and cakes in classic flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, tiramisu, mocha, and carrot cake.
They can even provide customized cakes with your photo printed on the top (and yup, those are gluten-free, too)!
My #1 spot for cupcakes! I probably come here every other week to stock up. The banana pancake is my favourite.
29. Little Jo Berry’s
Price range: $$
Location: 1305 Wellington Street W, Westboro
For gluten-free donuts in Ottawa, Little Jo Berry’s is the place to go.
They have these gluten-free desserts in various fun flavors like Cherry Almond, Strawberry Cookie, Cowboy Dip, and their signature Rainbow Donuts!
The Rocky Road Bars and Cookie Dough Brownies are amazing, too.
Best Gluten-Free Take Out in Ottawa
30. The Great Canadian Poutinerie Bank
Price range: $
Location: 311 Bank St, Downtown Ottawa
Looking for cheap gluten-free restaurants in the downtown area for takeout?
The Great Canadian Poutinerie Bank is the place to head to if you’re looking for gluten-free fast food in Ottawa.
This restaurant serves Canada’s favorite snack (poutine, of course) and offers a celiac-friendly version of their signature poutine gravy!
31. Paradise Poke
Price range: $$
Location: 134 Bank St, Downtown Ottawa
The funky flavors of the poke bowls at Paradise Poke make it one of the best places to build a bowl in Ottawa!
My favorite gluten-free bowl is The Beet Goes On, stuffed with organic beets, mango, and radish and topped with coco wasabi.
The shrimp-based North Shore is another delicious option if you’re looking for something with more protein.
32. Wolf Down
Price range: $$
Location: 380 Bank St, Downtown Ottawa
This German-style kebab place has one of the most inclusive menus I’ve seen in Ottawa.
Whether you’re looking for gluten-free, vegan, halal, dairy-free, or keto, you’ll find a dish to suit you at Wolf Down.
But if I’m ordering, you can bet I’m going for the gluten-free chicken salad or the tofu rice bowl!
33. Chickpeas
Price range: $$
Location: 500 Terminal Ave A-05, Eastway Gardens
Known for serving delicious vegan Palestinian cuisine, Chickpeas is the best place in Ottawa for gluten-free falafel bowls. They make the best falafels, juicy and packed with flavor.
Add a heaping portion of their equally yummy hummus to your order if you don’t think the falafel will be enough on its own!
Chickpeas is an ideal place to stop for a quick bite while shopping in Eastway Gardens!
Wrap-Up
I hope you feel a lot more confident about finding gluten-free restaurants in Ottawa that actually taste good and are worth your dollar.
When friends ask me where to go, I highly recommend The Green Door to my fellow celiacs traveling to Ottawa. They put so much effort into their menu to accommodate everyone, and everything tastes incredible.
I’m obsessed with their gluten-free cookies!
Ready for a good time in Ottawa? Keep planning your trip by checking out my complete Ottawa Travel Guide!
Note: While not everything is 100% gluten free, these are restaurants where I’ve had 0 cross contamination issues. Always speak to the server about your allergy and ensure anything you are ordering doesn’t contain gluten. Kitchens can change at any time, so it’s important to check that they still maintain their gluten free policies.
Read More About Ottawa
- Local’s Ottawa Pronunciation Guide: How to Pronounce “Ottawa”
- What is the Primary Language in Ottawa, Canada?
- Is Ottawa in Quebec?
- Is Ottawa tap water safe to drink?
- How to Get From Ottawa Airport to Downtown Ottawa
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Ottawa Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy Ottawa travel insurance?
100% YES! — There’s a misconception that Canada has “free healthcare” for everyone. Nope! Only Canadians. So you’ll need to get travel insurance to visit Ottawa. I recommend this one.
💧Can you drink the tap water in Ottawa?
Yes – ish — While you can technically drink the tap water in Ottawa, as a local I don’t recommend it. Old hotels especially can have some nasty things in their pipes. Instead, get a filtered water bottle. (Read more)
🚙💨 Do I need to rent a car in Ottawa?
Yes — Renting a car in Ottawa is one of the best ways to get around! You’ll be able to see more of the city and beyond, like the epic hiking trails. I recommend Discover Cars for the cheapest rates possible.
📲 Do I need to know French in Ottawa?
Nope! — The primary language of Ottawa is English. While French is also spoken and on some signs, you can easily get by without knowing any French. (Read more)
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Ottawa accommodations?
For Ottawa hotels, Booking is the best site. If you’re considering an Ottawa Airbnb, don’t forget to also check VRBO, which is often cheaper than Airbnb. My #1 hotel recommendation in Ottawa is the Fairmont Chateau Laurier.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Ottawa flights?
For finding cheap Ottawa flights, I recommend Skyscanner. You can even set a price alert to find out when flights are on sale.
🎫 Do I need a Visa for Ottawa?
Likely Not — U.S. and most European Passport holders don’t need a Visa to visit Canada.
📍 Where is Ottawa? And what’s nearby?
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located in Ontario. It’s right on the border of Quebec. It’s about 2 hours from Mont Tremblant, 3 hours from Montreal, or 5 hours from Toronto. You can take a road trip to get to other places or fly.
