Edit: I spoke with Brandon the owner and agreed to come back. As previous the pizza and drinks were great. Both Brandon and his brother were apologetic and made sure we had a great time. While they could have just ignored it, they owned the issue which says a lot. We will be back.
I recently dined in at The Civil with some friends. I had heard great things about it and was eager to try it. On arrival our waiter, did seem relatively new to the role, to give this context, I have worked in Food and Beverage in 6 countries for large luxury hotels. He was pleasant and made every effort to accommodate. Received our initial drinks and they were well presented and tasty (Flights).
We ordered pizzas and my girlfriend made sure to advise the waiter she does have a gluten intolerance and ordered the gluten friendly specific pizza crust. When her pizza was brought out, I clarified with the waiter it was gluten friendly and he said yes. Immediately following ran back to the table to let her know he made a mistake and forgot to make that note for the kitchen and he would get it fired immediately.
To this point no issues and it was handled well. I understand mistakes sometimes happen and appreciated his sense of urgency in resolving it. They also waived the charge for her pizza which I thought was a kind gesture. The new pizza took approximately 18 minutes to come out of the kitchen. At this point everyone else is done eating.
What really left a negative taste in my mouth was the conversation I overheard between our new server and who I believed to be the manager. His words were "you need to go talk to that table, there time is up and we need the table, They need to settle the bill."
I can appreciate that they have policies in place and agree with the application of it, but at this point, my girlfriend has just gotten her pizza, is a slice in and we now have a waiter telling us its time to go. We were not here this long because we wanted to be, but rather as a result of you and your staff's actions, or lack there of.
I am disappointed that we were made to feel like we were an inconvenience in a situation that we had little control over. The pizza was great, and overall the service was okay, but in light of the way in which we were treated, I will not be returning and could not wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant to anyone else.
I picked this restaurant for my family and i for breakfast because they meintioned they have gluten free options. When we 3ntered the restaurant i asked the lady if they had gf options just to confir and she confirmed. I ordered benedict eggs with toast, when it was served we asked if it was GF and the waiteress said it was not gf hence she brought me gf bread with eggs. I called her yesterday to confirm again if the sweet potatoes fries were gf and she confirmed it was gf because they use fresh sweet potatoes and they coat with chickpea flour. I now doubting about the bread if they really exchanged for gf. I have celiac disease, I haven't slept for two nights since Wednesday night because of excruciating pain all over my body. I usually feel pain during the day but if it gets worse at night. I have never experienced this much pain before. I will never go to this Cafe again and if you have celiac disease or any food sensitivity stay away from this Cafe.
Well I was told that the food was cooked on a bbq and there were no grilled lines or anything on my jerk chicken the rice was average at best all they did is put sauce on a cooked chicken breast I would save my money and not come back ! Although it is gluten friendly, if it’s a grab and go and not sit and eat I understand why it’s not that great you will wait to get home before you see the over priced food, maybe they should also say truffle chips are truffle salt on potatoe chips, marketing wins again not quality or value
Careful attention to detail and a good selection of Italian food. If you are looking for a great dining experience in a non-chain restaurant, then go here! Great gluten free pasta and the special of the evening was delightful. Leave room for dessert.
The food was decent. The atmosphere is cold and could use some love… a picture on the wall or some candles? The waiter seated us in the back corner at the worst possible table even though the restaurant was not busy and we had made reservations days in advance. Also extremely disappointing that they have no gluten free pasta dishes or pizza. Probably wouldn’t bother going back for that reason as there are very few options for me.
The taco’s are fantastic and the service so friendly! They have gluten free, dairy free and meat free options. Best place to eat at the Kitchener market
**Casa Toro 88 in Kitchener:**
* **Cozy and Gluten-Free Friendly:** This small Mexican restaurant offers a variety of gluten-free options, which is a big plus.
* **Seating:** Be aware that upstairs seating might be limited during peak hours.
* **Food:** The tacos are the highlight here, served in platters and boasting delicious flavors. However, the Esquites (corn in a cup) was unfortunately not very enjoyable and seemed overpriced.
* **Areas for improvement:** While the tacos were good, some additional garnishes could elevate them further. Additionally, expanding their appetizer options might be beneficial.
**Overall:**
Casa Toro 88 offers delicious tacos and caters well to those with gluten-free needs. While some appetizers might fall short, the tacos are worth a try.
Fantastic experience, fast, hot and delicious. Gluten free pizza is the best I've had. They don't skip on toppings or cheese. Communication was easy, order was perfect and they delivered sooner than expected. Cheers to great pizza!
Genuinely horrible pizza. It's like Pepi went one by one through the ingredients to optimize how terrible each one could be. Terrible dough, no gluten structure, awful texture, no flavour. Ketchup like sauce with way too much sugar. Rubbery cheese. Suspect tasting pepperoni. Pepi has created an ensemble of flavours and textures that makes you question pizza itself (in a bad way). Would give 0/5 if I could. I hear the munchie subs are good though.
Nice ambiance and very nice owner but I must leave my honest review, the food wasn’t bad, but it also was evidently not the most authentic flavour and texture. I ordered gluten free pad Thai (it’s nice they have the option) but I must say it tasted kinda like the ketchup version of pad Thai. Pad Thai is made with low cost ingredients so I just can’t
justify $18 for a single person portion of pad Thai that isn’t better than thai express. I would definitely be open to trying more on the menu like a curry but this restaurant seems to be serving a westernized version of Thai food—serving personal portions in an “order at the cash register” fashion but sold for the higher price of the real deal. You even have to go pick up your own order. A very strange modern restaurant concept that seems to justify a higher price with less effort. I will say, it is beautifully decorated, and it may be perfectly suited for the Waterloo resident unfamiliar with the style of cuisine.
Called and ordered food for pickup. Friendly staff to deal with and answered our questions about the food we intended to order (partner is celiac so it is important to make sure items are gluten free).
Food was great! Fried plantains were perfectly done, and the jerk chicken was the best I have ever tasted. Goat curry is very flavourful. I highly recommend checking them out :)
Ordered a Power Bowel and a Sandwich with Gluten Free options during lunch time, and it's really beyond my expectation. The employee takes care of my gluten free requirement seriously with cautions. Will come back again for sure.
Delicious food and great friendly service! Went in to use the washroom not wanting to buy anything because I'm vegan but I took a look at the menu and they have vegan options. Also each day they have a deal and the day I went in they happened to have a deal on their vegan grilled cheese. Also multiple bread options which is good for me because white bread breaks out my skin! Also they have gluten-free options.
Have been a few times. Every time I go the food is very fresh, the couple working is very friendly and hospitable. Have tried different rolls, nigiri and poke bowls and they are made on the spot. They also remember you the next time you come, such as a friend I go with needing gluten free soy sauce. Tap to pay is available, and they don't ask for tips. Will gladly go and support this local business for delicious sushi.
Love this place! Food was amazing, our server was great and the vibe was lovely! I originally ordered the gluten free bbq chicken pizza and the server informed me that the bbq sauce had gluten which I really appreciated and they were quick to offer me up a new solution! It ended up being delicious! My boyfriend had the chicken and waffles and was raving about it for the next couple of days. 100% recommend this place for a candle lit date night or a double date!
⭐ Abe Erb Brewery – A Solid Spot for Craft Beer & Elevated Pub Eats ⭐
📍 Location: Patio dining, rustic-chic vibes
🍺 Highlight: Unique beer flights, creative comfort food
Abe Erb delivers an excellent craft beer experience paired with an inventive and diverse menu that hits well above standard pub fare. Whether you’re a beer aficionado or just there for the food, there’s something for everyone.
🍽️ Food Experience
The menu offers an eclectic mix of elevated snacks, mains, and handhelds. Standouts include:
Halloumi Fries – A favorite for vegetarians and cheese lovers, crispy and well-seasoned.
The Bell Buster Burger – Loaded with cheese, bacon, and caramelized onions, this one’s a hearty, satisfying option.
Grilled Cauliflower – A plant-based dish that doesn’t feel like a compromise—topped with chimichurri, it’s bright and flavorful.
Steak Frites – For those craving classic bistro fare, this comes with perfectly cooked steak and house fries.
The menu marks gluten-free and vegetarian options clearly, showing a thoughtful approach to dietary needs.
🍻 Beer Flights
The beer flights are a definite highlight—served on sleek wooden paddles with chalkboard labels. The variety is impressive, including:
NEIPA (New England IPA) – Juicy, hazy, and full of tropical hop flavor.
Amber & Maltier Ales – Rich, toasty options perfect for cooler evenings.
Buggy, Kolsch, and Light – Crisp and refreshing for lighter palates or summer sipping.
Stout (O’Tool) – A dark, creamy brew with roasted notes that balances the flight well.
The range from light to dark, hoppy to malty, makes this ideal for sharing or sampling before picking a pint.
🌞 Atmosphere
The outdoor seating offers a relaxed vibe with sturdy wood tables and a rustic finish—great for groups or casual hangouts. The presentation (like the beer paddles and glassware) adds a stylish touch without being overdone.
🔚 Final Thoughts:
Abe Erb is a must-visit for anyone in the area looking for quality local beer and creative, satisfying food. The casual setting with gourmet touches makes it perfect for everything from date night to group outings. Try a beer flight, grab some shareables, and enjoy one of the region’s best brewpub experiences.
⭐ Rating: 5/5
🗣️ Try if you like: Craft beer, gastropubs, comfort food with a twist
The breakfast buffet, food, and variety of options were amazing! The head chef and waiting staff catered to my food allergies and always went out of their way to ensure everything was gluten-free and perfect! Shout out to Erika and Navi, in particular, for their friendly and impeccable service! Thanks for making my experience wonderful!
Accommodating Gluten-Free
