Top 3 Gluten-Free Cafes to Enjoy in Canterbury

Nicole Trayner-Smith

As a gluten free person Lucianos is a dream with heaps of cabinet and menu items catering to those with a gf diet. Coffee was fantastic. I can see why it’s so busy all the time. Parking was a tad difficult and I could see that people couldn’t find seats hence just 4 stars for atmosphere

Nicole Fröhlich

I was happy to find a gluten free place to eat. I enjoyed the food and the service.

Chauntelle Marr

Gluten free french toast

Richard Hall

One of the best meals of our trip. Octopus starter followed by Blue Warehou (fish special)/lamb (all superbly cooked) and orange cake. Coeliac friendly with excellent cocktails and a great selection of wines. What’s not to like? 10/10

Michelle Amos

Delicious food such a great range for coeliacs!

Jason Batchelor

Great [place to stop for a meal or just a coffee. Lots of Gluten Free options here too!!

Jason Batchelor

Excellent pies and good gluten free slices too.

Kerryn Searle (Amazing Amazing)

This place is cool! Great gluten free and plant based options

April van Es

Excellent coffee. It took a while to arrive and we had finished our breakfast by the time it arrived but it was worth waiting for, for sure. Nice gluten free breakfast.

Stellar Nepia

Delicious coffee! However, it is expensive for alternative milks, at $1.50 for almond or soy. Very short on gluten free cabinet food. Lots of sandwiches and bread rolls. Nice atmosphere, can be very busy.

A Lewis

Dinner was okay. Their pizza sauce is way too sweet for me and I didn't care for it. Glad they had a gluten free crust but it wasn't the best I've had.

Chad Tahana

I got a $18 burger and I feel like I ate a $36 burger filling and tasty and gluten free. My partner bought a fish burger and finished the whole thing (that's a 1st) and those chips where mean as! 💯

Kathryn Barnhill

Visited for lunch with family and everyone loved their meals. Lovely open space for seating and not too loud. Staff very knowledgeable and accomodating of gluten free requirements, used seperate pans etc for cooking, with many gluten free options from the menu.

Kristina Russell

Absolutely delicious gluten free steak and brandy pie. It’s a few weeks since we ate there, and I’m still dreaming about it. The gf are much smaller than the regular pies, but definitely not lacking in flavour.

Julie Gaudin

Excellent choice of gluten-free food. Delicious cabinet food and lovely creamy coffee.

Jack Panckhurst

Amazing deliciousand juciy fried chicken, so good and it's gluten free too. Amazing creme brule for desert. Highly recommend

jaz king

Great place for brunch. Gets very busy so would recommend booking! The gingerbread hot chocolate is to die for. They cater very well to gluten and dairy free people such as myself.

Cassie

Highly recommend this quirky cafe! Lots of gluten free options, great coffee and such an interesting atmosphere lots of little quirks. They also have a car for kids to play in which kept our 3 year old busy while waiting for food. Highly recommend with kids and for allergies.

stephen m (bigsteviem)

Great little cafe set just off the seafront very friendly staff great selection of gluten-free food

Kirini

Great meals and service. The new menu offers a variety of foods and is adaptable for those who are Gluten intolerant.

Kerryn Searle (Amazing Amazing)

Great food with lots of gluten free options

dot mangin

Amazing staff who accomidated my dad and I for lunch, asked for information got quick response and they even told me where they get their gluten free bread. I asked for no Onion and garlic and oat milk and was very very impressed with my coffee! My dad was able to take home the delicious soup which was a lovely feature. My only downside was the over cooked eggs on my eggs beni but given how busy it was I could understand the extra min going over!! The rest of the beni was beautiful and tasted amazing! Parking was not the best but there was plenty of off street parking which more than makes up for it. The service food and coffee is well worth the visit and the space is very cool 😎 thanks team!

Laura Carolina

The Breakfast Burger is delicious! The tasty patty came adorned with hash-brown sticks, on a bun with cheez melted onto it. Menu includes smoothies, milkshakes, housemade ginger ale, hot chocolate; buddha bowl, onion rings, daily soup, breakfast plate and more. Shop shelves have many interesting products and include some good things for travellers, such as peanut-butter sachets, oatmilk powder and containers of pâté and “fish” salad. Lots of sweet things to choose from. Chiller has takeaway sandwich filling, coleslaw, Dunedin-made cheezy spreads, etc. Appetizers and gift boxes available to take away. Spices, soup mixes, fresh bread and ciabatta buns, handmade soaps and many gluten-free items. Cabinet is full of fabulous sandwiches, wraps, savoury piesand many baked treats. I’ve tried the Pinkalicious slice and iced carrot-cake cupcake - both scrumptious. No animal products anywhere in the store. Catering, wholesale and online shop available.

steph

what a great spot for breakfast with the family. delicious eggs benedict, excellent plating and presentation, and great staff as well! they have plenty of gluten free goodies as well

Rachel Hanover-O'Connor

Really really tasty food. And you can't beat eating it in a sunny courtyard surrounded by plants and the gentle sound of a fountain (there is an inside too if it's cold). Excellent gluten free savoury and sweet options that are actually fresh, have some originality, and very tasty. (Can't give much info about whether it'd be safe for coeliacs though as I didn't personally need to ask about things like separate tongs / cross contamination in preparation etc. I did notice they thoughtfully had the gluten free items on their own high shelf though.)

Janet Howison

Booked today for lunch thinking would beat the usual Mother’s Day rush - so did everyone else as restaurant was packed but staff were amazing rushing around taking orders - checking on drinks etc and the food was up to usual standard. My friend is gluten intolerant and waitress spent tine talking through the menu with her. Excellent lunch - thank you Old Vicarage

Lynda Jayet

Need more gluten free choices. Otherwise really nice.

Cate McCallum

What a quirky little place! We're not locals so stopped in on a family recommendation...and what a little treasure! Food was divine (wish I'd taken a photo)...I had the creamy chili'shrooms, no problem for them to do gluten free for me and they were incredible! Next time I'm in CHCH I'll be back for more! Damn good coffee too!

Warren Frost

Great warm fire, and good variation of dairy and gluten free food. Well done!

Lynda Jayet

A lovely cafe for a cuppa and plenty of Gluten Free choices. Nice, helpful, friendly staff!

Sandyb

Thank you for going the extra mile for people who truly can't eat gluten.

Susan Bond

Stopped in at the fish n chips but no gluten-free options and lovely young guy directed us to the pub for celiac people, so across to the pub we went, wow, what a friendly welcome and yes we do celiac friendly meals, big range of options. Wasn't disappointed with chicken tenders, chips and coleslaw. Great service, friendly bar maid and highly recommend the pub for grub.

Anna Kempt

Really lovely people! Made me multiple gluten free sandwiches on request during many recent trips. Delicious and amazing service!

Karin Rattray

Great range for sale and lots of gluten free products

Sharon Hayward

Staff always willing to help and accommodate special needs. Good options for gluten free. Good atmosphere, value for money, fast service.

Grace Hughes

Wow this place was just awesome. We walked in and every single staff member was so friendly and welcoming making them feel like they know you, not just that but the food was so incredible and great quality. I wish this cafe was my local. If your looking for great food in a cosy and warm atmosphere than this is the place. Also if you are gluten free there are lots of options so you'll be looked after. Thanks again!

Suren Sivalingam JP (Suren)

The Lotus-Heart is an exceptional establishment in Christchurch, which includes a vegetarian restaurant, gift shop, and health food store. The restaurant offers an extensive menu of vegetarian and vegan dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The staff are friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. I appreciated the restaurant's commitment to sustainability and ethical practices, which was evident in everything from the eco-friendly packaging to the fair-trade coffee and tea. The restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking for a satisfying and sustainable vegetarian dining experience. The gift shop at The Lotus-Heart is a delightful addition to the establishment, offering a carefully curated selection of unique and beautiful gifts made by local artists and artisans. I was impressed by the shop's commitment to sustainability, with many items made from eco-friendly and recycled materials. The staff are knowledgeable and helpful, and I found the perfect gift for a friend. The health food store is another gem at The Lotus-Heart, providing a range of organic and natural foods, supplements, and personal care products to support healthy living. The store stocks a wide variety of locally-sourced, organic produce, including fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and grains. They also have a range of gluten-free products, herbal teas, and spices available. The store offers a selection of nutritional supplements, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal remedies to support a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, they offer a range of personal care products that are free from harmful chemicals and toxins. Overall, The Lotus-Heart is a must-visit establishment for anyone looking for a satisfying and sustainable vegetarian dining experience, unique and sustainable gifts, or natural and organic food and personal care products. The establishment's commitment to sustainability and ethical practices is evident in everything they do, and it's no wonder that they have become a beloved institution in Christchurch.

Kathy Ryder

My husband and I have been coming here for 20 years and bringing our kids since they were babies. It's a small family business. Delicious food with lots of options. Most of the menu items are vegan/ plant based. Everything on the menu is vegetarian. There are several gluten free options. A must visit for vegetarians and vegans. We have taken non vegetarian friends and family members and they enjoy the food too. Some of our favourites are tasty siew mai, steamed dumplings, fried tofu, cheeky nuggets, wontons, crispy tofu balls and the lemon honey red roast.

Alice S

I go here specifically for there giant gluten free chocolate chip cookies

trudy

This place offers a touch of class in a unique environment. We had a birthday brunch there recently, it was superb. What was one of the best moments was seeing my daughters face when her gluten free pancake arrived looking just as good as normal food and tasting amazing. There was a lot of choice to meet various dietary requirements and all looked good. we will definitely be back.

Tom Heijs

AMAZING <3 Such a great place to stop for lunch. We loved the gluten free options and enjoyed the karage chicken and home made corn bread very much.

Ary Mackinnon

Best brekkie and lunch spot in Geraldine, easily. Lovely staff, perfectly executed food, generous portions for great prices and great if you have dietary restrictions- they took extra care for our coeliac. Can't wait to come back to try more of the menu!

Shane Gwynne

What a wonderful experience, we took our 3yr old gluten-free grandson out for a treat the young lady who served us went out of her way to check every thing was gluten-free even down to the marshmallow and jelly beans, great to see your staff are educated in how important this is to some people. Thanks for your help and understanding

Rafael Parera

Beautiful place, good vibes and great coffee. Lot of gluten free options :)

Cathie Withington

I recently celebrated my 70th birthday. Triangle Espresso catered a morning tea, including gluten free food. All was delicious and beautifully presented. Triangle Espresso provided great trays of food that were clearly marked to ensure easy recognition and return.

Janita Patrick

Nice strong coffee just how I like it! Great service & very speedy. Lovely decor and ambience. Food looked amazing & caters for gluten free diners. Separate area that can be used for groups & fabulous location close to Canterbury University.

Kylie Joy

Great coffee. Awesome selection of food for those who are gluten free. Friendly staff who make fantastic coffee ... The soy latte is amazing! A coffee shop with a relaxed atmosphere where you can study or talk quietly without the need to either put headphones on or shout to drown out the noise.

Aleisha Bain

Great gluten free options. Staff understanding of allergy restrictions for someone with coeliac.Recommend trying the GF French toast option was amazing. Would go back again when passing through. 🙂

Chris Hackett

Wonderful place ! GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS. AWESOME ATMOSPHERE

Tom Wilson

Me and my partner went here and had lunch on the balcony, absolutely delicious food, albeit smaller portions - but filling. My partner is celiac, so we went for the Gluten Free options as the dishes are made to be shared. We ordered the Thai Black Beef Salad & the Chicken Skewers... no problems, chicken was cooked to perfection and the sauce was unparalleled. Beef had a little bit of gristle but overall was very tender & flavourful. Will definitely recommend & visit again.