The 26 Best Gluten-Free Lunch Spots in Nanaimo
Updated Oct 2024 for accuracy and safety
Off The Hook Surf Turf Smokery
1588 Boundary Crescent, Nanaimo, BC V9S 5L5, Canada
Renovated spot known for its vibrant atmosphere and an assortment of beverages, along with complimenting the best fish & chips in town.
100% Dedicated Gluten-FreeThis place serves only gluten-free dishes
Checked by AtlyAlways inquire directly about health and safety.
OMG! There are not enough stars for this place! My husband and I went there to eat for the first time as I have several food sensitivities and I'm tired of having pain after eating out. Not only is everything in this restaurant gluten-free, but under each item they list other possible allergens like soy, eggs and dairy. For me, this is hugely helpful and makes eating there safe for me and worry-free. But hold on, I'm just getting started! The food at Off the Hook is AMAZING! We shared the Seafood Platter for Two and it was freaking delicious! Neither of us could decide which portion of the platter we liked best because it was all incredible! Even the salads were fabulous! And my husband commented that the batter on the cod and salmon was the best he'd ever had! (I'm not usually a fan of salmon but they made it so yummy I actually enjoyed it!) I was also impressed with how they swapped out the salad dressing and sauce on the crispy cauliflower tacos so there was no soy in the meal. We were too full to finish. (And after eating there, I was pain-free... yay!) Matt, our server, was a delight and so accommodating, including creating a specialty drink for me. This will now be our go-to place to eat whenever we're in Nanaimo. We've already planned ahead for my birthday!
Mambo Gourmet Pizza
238 C Franklyn St, Nanaimo, Canada
Exceptional crust and flavorful options make this takeout spot a must-try for pizza lovers, especially with its unique half-and-half choices.
Celiac accommodatingSome risk of cross-contamination
Dedicated GF place
Trained staff
Dedicated kitchen space
Dedicated appliances
Dedicated display area
If you can find me a better gluten free pizza on the island I’ll be surprised
Bocca Café
427 Fitzwilliam St #205, Nanaimo, BC V9R 3A9, Canada
Experience the old city charm at this top-rated coffee shop, known for its superior brews and varieties of Nanaimo bars.
Gluten-free optionsSuggested by the GF community
Dedicated GF place
Trained staff
Dedicated kitchen space
Dedicated appliances
Dedicated display area
Huge variety of Nanaimo bars. Great gluten free and vegan options
White Rabbit Coffee Co.
321 Selby St A, Nanaimo, Canada
A popular downtown café known for its delicious drinks and unique vibe, though crowded with long-staying laptop users.
Celiac accommodatingSome risk of cross-contamination
Dedicated GF place
Trained staff
Dedicated kitchen space
Dedicated appliances
Dedicated display area
We love this place. They make the best cappuccino in Nanaimo. They also have a few gluten free muffins (occasionally). The ONLY reason I couldn’t give 5 stars, and the reason we don’t stop in more, is because too often there’s no available table, TOO many people with laptops sitting for hour or longer, nursing one coffee. Try doing like so many other cafes, charge for internet after 15min.
Milano's Ristorante
6551 Aulds Rd #300, Nanaimo, Canada
A go-to spot for celebrations with spacious seating for big groups, easy parking, and a chill atmosphere perfect for family gatherings.
Celiac accommodatingSome risk of cross-contamination
Dedicated GF place
Trained staff
Dedicated kitchen space
Dedicated appliances
Dedicated display area
Accessibility is okay. There's no automatic doors, but the curb cut is near the disabled parking and the restaurant. You'll need to call and make a reservation telling them you need the lower area. The bathrooms are accessible. The server was great and there is so much gluten friendly food!
Maggie's Seafood Market | Fish & Chips Eatery
1277 Island Highway #4, Nanaimo, Canada
Enjoy big portions of mouthwatering fish and chips in a laid-back vibe, with a crispy batter that keeps food lovers coming back for more!
Celiac accommodatingSome risk of cross-contamination
Dedicated GF place
Trained staff
Dedicated kitchen space
Dedicated appliances
Dedicated display area
Authentic fish and chips and the best gluten free options on the island! We attend every chance we get!
Trollers Fish & Chips
10 Wharf Street, FLOAT F, Nanaimo, BC V9R 2X3, Canada
Experience lunch on-the-dock, relishing a cute, waterside gem, famous for its unique vinegar spray and impressive service!
100% Dedicated Gluten-FreeThis place serves only gluten-free dishes
Based on crowdsourced informationAlways inquire directly about health and safety.
Our family has been enjoying fish and chips on the docks at Trollers for years! And now their ENTIRE menu is gluten-free! For quite a while, I couldn’t eat any of the deep-fried fish, but now their batter is gluten free! And so delicious, thin, and crispy-crunchy! And try a lemonade or a flavourful Italian soda. And I love the fresh coat of pretty blues and white paint, plus additional bench seating. You’re protected from the sun by awnings and from drizzle too. Enjoy this waterfront (literally ON the water) gem and longtime Nanaimo eatery!
Big Wheel Burger NANAIMO
601 Bruce Ave, Nanaimo, Canada
A great spot for hearty meals with generous portions and a killer selection of options that keeps diners coming back for more.
Celiac accommodatingSome risk of cross-contamination
Dedicated GF place
Trained staff
Dedicated kitchen space
Dedicated appliances
Dedicated display area
The food is good but extremely overpriced. they have gluten free options which we require. The staff are always lovely
Gina's Mexican Cafe
47 Skinner St, Nanaimo, Canada
Perched atop a cliff in downtown, this vibrant spot boasts a funky vibe and an energetic atmosphere that keeps diners coming back for more.
Celiac accommodatingSome risk of cross-contamination
Dedicated GF place
Trained staff
Dedicated kitchen space
Dedicated appliances
Dedicated display area
This place is fantastic! Quicky, unique, and fabulous. I first ate here in 2018 when visiting Nanaimo and put it on my priority list when i returned in 2023. Staff are awesome, food is delicious, and the decore is funky. They had great gluten free options for a celiac like me. Perched a top a cliff right in downtown Nanaimo, this is a MUST TRY! Highly Recommended.
Eve Olive
5281 Rutherford Rd #102, Nanaimo, Canada
Celebrate special moments with flavorful dishes and great portions in a cozy spot that’s perfect for gatherings!
Celiac accommodatingSome risk of cross-contamination
Dedicated GF place
Trained staff
Dedicated kitchen space
Dedicated appliances
Dedicated display area
This was a birthday dinner for our daughter. The food was really good. I had the Vietnamese Noodle Salad, my daughter had the Pulled Pork style Sandwich & my husband had the Beyond Meat Burger. We all enjoyed how our food tasted, portions were great and dessert delicious. We had a really lovely server who helped my (celiac) husband choose gluten free options to stay safe. Thank you for helping us celebrate 🥳😊