For those living the gluten-free lifestyle, you know the struggle of having limitations when it comes to dining out. It always takes a certain degree of planning and menu searching online to make sure you can actually order something when you're having brunch with the girls.
What's more, if you’re new to the gluten-free lifestyle or the gluten-free scene in Toronto, it can be a little daunting to find hidden gems around the area - because let's face it, creating treats that are both gluten-free and delicious is no easy feat.
Thankfully, I've investigated the gluten-free scene around Toronto so you don't have to. Through my 8 months of being gluten-free and living in the core I’ve managed to compile a list of the top bakeries and cafes that not only serve entirely gluten-free options but taste so good you’ll hardly be able to tell the difference between what's gluten-free and what isn't.
So in order to help your efforts in finding your next go-to gluten-free shop here are my top 6 gluten-free establishments that you need to try.
100 Harbord Street, Toronto
Accommodating Meter: 100% Gluten-Free
Must Try: Cinnamon Bun or Chocolate Lava Cake
This bakery is number one because personally, it’s my number one. Although they’ve been in business since 2011, I first came across their site about 4 months ago when I was settling into being gluten-free. Mesmerized by the plethora of options they had such as; cupcakes, brownies, sandwiches, and mouth watering cinnamon buns, this bakery has everything you thought you couldn’t have being gluten-free. What’s more, not only is their staff the most friendly and insightful but their recipes are out of this world - the cinnamon bun pictured below is so good that I constantly argue it's better than a regular gluten-filled bun.
(Image Credit @almondbutterflybakeshop)
830 Bloor St. West, Toronto
Accommodating Meter: 100% Gluten-Free
Must Try: Sourdough Bread
Located in Toronto’s west-end, Cock-a-doodle-doo is a coveted bakeshop housing gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, corn-free, and refined sugar-free treats. Offering a wide selection of vegan friendly treats, this is the ideal place for those with either high restrictions or those who want a special treat without any excessive additions! If you’re stopping by, we highly suggest calling in for sourdough before hand (it’s their best-seller!) or trying one of their delicious pies!
(Image Credit @cockadoodledoobakeshop)
68 Wales Avenue, Toronto, Toronto, ON
Accommodating Meter: is 100% Vegan, 100% Gluten Free and Naturally Sweetened.
Must Try: Keto Pizza Bun or any of their delicious donuts.
During one of Avenue24’s Takeover Tuesdays an influencer had mentioned visiting this bakery and we haven’t looked back since. Built on the pillars of providing wholesome, real ingredients, Sweet Hart offers baked and unbaked vegan, gluten-free treats that are inspired by the seasons and made from scratch. Both tasty and aesthetically pleasing you’d never guess that these treats actually help nourish your body.
(Image Credit @sweethartkitchen)
244 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON
Accommodating Meter: 100% Gluten-Free, 100% Vegan
Must Try: Double Chocolate Muffin or Vegan Mac and Cheese
One of the larger gluten-free shops in Toronto with two locations, Bunners is a hybrid of 100% Vegan and 100% Gluten Free treats. Offering a range of options from savoury mac and cheese to mouthwatering cakes, their treats are the perfect indulgence for your gluten-free lifestyle. Recently we stopped by to test a few of their treats and let’s just say their double chocolate chip muffin will change your life.
(Image Credit @bunner)
238 Augusta Avenue, Toronto, ON
Accommodating Meter: 100% Vegetarian, 100% Gluten Free
Must Try: Buckwheat Crepes or Vegan Ice Cream
If you’re looking for a more sit-down style dining experience, this cozy family-run vegetarian, gluten-free and organic café is for you. Known for their delectable buckwheat crepes, Hibiscus offers both savoury and sweet treats that will satisfy any craving. What’s more, they constantly are testing out new recipes in-house with some paying off big time. Tantalizing crepes topped with homemade chocolate-hazelnut spread? Yes please.
(Image Credit @hibiscus_cafe)
1250 College St., Toronto ON
Accommodating Meter: 100% Gluten Free
Must Try: Maple Butter Tarte or Chocolate Brownie
Located in Toronto’s west-end, de Floured is the ultimate location for ethically and locally sourced treats that will curb all your sweet and savoury cravings. From brownies and chocolate chip cookies to savoury quiches and turnovers, you can indulge knowing that everything is made fresh in house and of course, gluten-free.
(Image Credit @defloured)