Discover great gluten-free dining in Ottawa

Eating out can be a challenge when you’re gluten-free, unless you know where to go. Many of Ottawa’s cafes and restaurants offer gluten-free options and some stand out for doing them particularly well. Try these options for an enjoyable lunch with your friends or a romantic dinner with that special someone, all without having to settle for just a salad. [Image credit: iStock.com/Sarah Bossert]

By Genesis Davies

Pure Kitchen Ottawa

1

357 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K2A 0E7

• Phone Number
  • 613-680-5500Primary
• Directions

If you’ve been missing onion rings, try the ones on offer at Pure Kitchen. They’re made with chickpea breading and are completely gluten-free. The other items on the menu are equally delicious and while not everything is sans gluten, there more than enough choice to let you pick what you want. This rustic vegetarian café and juice bar is the perfect place to relax after a long day at work. The atmosphere is friendly and comfortable with a dash of luxury, all bundled up into one great place to eat.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

• Vegetarian cuisine for the masses in Ottawa
• The view from above: Ottawa’s top rooftop patios
• Ottawa poutine places to satisfy big cravings

The Cookery Bistro

2

109-99 Kakulu Rd, Kanata, ON K2L 3C8

• Phone Number
  • 613-986-9231Primary
• Directions
• Menu

If you have food allergies, you’ll appreciate the extreme attention to detail at the Cookery Bistro. The staff is friendly and willing to help accommodate your food restrictions, and make sure your meal goes smoothly. For a small, airy café, you’ll find that the cooks are definitely on top of their game and it’s hard to order a bad meal here. The space is spotless and full of natural light, so it’s a very pleasant place to dine.

Kiko Japanese Restaurant

3

349B Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1S 1V6

• Phone Number
  • 613-695-3143Primary
• Directions
• Menu

You can’t go wrong with sushi for a fun night out with loved ones, and Kiko’s is an elegant place to enjoy it. The majority of their menu options are gluten-free, and while the kitchen tends to be on the slower side, the quality of the food is worth the wait. The staff is very attentive and the space is quite comfortable, enough so that you’ll be happy to stick around and sip your tea while waiting for your meal.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

• A bento box of satisfying sushi restaurants in Ottawa

Cat's Fish Chips

4

319 St. Laurent Blvd, Ottawa, ON K1K 2Z5

• Phone Number
  • 613-748-3474Primary
• Directions
• Menu

You’ll find everything from tasty gluten-free battered fish to delicious poutine on the menu at Cat’s Fish & Chips. It features a full gluten-free menu with rice flour-battered seafood, which makes this a great stop when you’re hungry for something extra. This little fish and chips joint is very allergy-friendly and the wait staff is always eager to help you choose the perfect dish.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

• Find fabulously deep-fried fish & chips in Ottawa

Bazille

5

500-50 Rideau Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 9J7

• Phone Number
  • 613-788-6110Primary
• Directions

There are plenty of gluten-free options to order on this menu, and it’s a good idea to book ahead, since the place can fill up quickly, particularly during regular meal times. Bazille can be found in Nordstrom’s, and it’s bright, clean and an overall pleasant place to dine. The food usually arrives fairly quickly, and is light and tasty. The wait staff is excellent too, making this establishment a good choice for a gluten-free lunch.

La Dolce Vita

6

180 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1R 7P9

• Phone Number
  • 613-233-6239Primary
• Directions
• Menu

The brick and dark wood interior of this restaurant may not be to everyone’s taste, but the food certainly is. As an Italian restaurant, the staples include pasta, which can be made to order with gluten-free alternatives. You can’t even tell the difference with most dishes, and the lasagna is extremely good. The space is a little crowded at times, but the kitchen is always willing to accommodate food allergies.

The Retreat Café

7

1980 Phelan Rd W, Ottawa, ON K0A 2T0

• Phone Number
  • 613-489-2409Primary
• Directions

Located within the Strathmere spa and wellness centre, this well-lit café offers a range of more exotic foods, including Asian-inspired dishes and tasty seafood options. Ask which items on the menu are gluten-free before ordering (there are usually a few), and try the gluten-free breads available from the bakery. The menu features many health-conscious meals at decent prices, and there is takeout available if you’re in a hurry.

Slice & Co

8

399 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1M9

• Phone Number
  • 613-627-2345Primary
• Directions

Slice & Co. is more than just a pizzeria; you’ll find everything from cheese platters and hummus to kettle chips and all types of gluten-free Italian dishes. Of course, there’s incredible gluten-free pizza too, which can be made with any of the regular toppings. Check out the daily specials, most of which are available sans gluten, and if you’re out late, the restaurant is a great place to enjoy a late-night slice of pizza. There’s outdoor seating, and the interior offers a pleasant dining experience as well.

More from Genesis Davies

Genesis Davies is a freelance writer from Saltspring Island, BC, who has spent an inordinate amount of time wandering around Victoria. She's spent the past decade honing her craft and loves what she does. When not at the keyboard, Genesis can be found exploring with her three sons and checking out new places to play and eat.

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