Top 3 Gluten-Free Cafes to Enjoy in Canterbury

Nicole Fröhlich

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

Robin Smith

One of my favourite places for brunch/lunch! Heaps of gluten-free options in the cabinet and on the menu and everything I’ve tried so far has been delicious. The gf chicken and waffles and the bowls are always a treat ☺️

Shona Hickey

Great customer service - good wine selections and food well priced. A lot of Gluten free options and a bonus gf complementary shortbread with my coffee - that made me very happy.

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.

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

carol parkinson

Had gluten free eggs bene; the hash brown was the most delicious I have ever eaten. Crisp on the outside & fluffy inside. Very generous size portions too. The coffee wasn't hot enough for our liking but otherwise fantastic breakfast. Busy cafe; obviously popular.

Chauntelle Marr

Gluten free french toast

Michelle Amos

Delicious food such a great range for coeliacs!

Rebecca Borland

My husband and I have brunch here recently when in Christchurch for a weekend away, without kids, and really enjoyed it. The food was top notch. I’m gluten intolerant and don’t normally have many options but I had quite a few choices. My husband went with the breakfast stack and it did not disappoint, other than the fact he couldn’t finish it as he didn’t want to overstuff himself for the road trip home! I got the pancakes, what a treat! They were delicious and I absolutely did finish them! We both got coffees, which were so drinkable we wanted more. We have recommended this place already!

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.

Susan Bond

I'm Celiac so not much choice, but my husband loves the pie's there, by tge looks of them, they are so full of meat and pastry looks delicious. Service was great, the lady bringing out drinks etc was super friendly. We sat outside as quite noisy inside.

Lidia Labuschagne

I would highly recommend trying out Moment Cafe. They have gluten free options like french (photo attached) which was so beautifully presented and even more delicious to eat. On top of that the service was very friendly and the ambiance of the Cafe so cozy/welcoming. Definitely a nice place to visit in the city centre if you get a chance.

Emma Childs

I needed a gluten free black forest gateau and I rang so many places. These guys went out of their way to help 😎 total legends! Can't give a big enough thank you and shhhh it didn't break the bank and it's a generous size!

Jessica Jackson

Overall great experience- great gluten free chicken and my partner enjoyed the pasta. Great service- the only thing I would fault is the pay wave system, even though I swiped the card I still got charged as pay wave and it wouldn't let me insert it, I guess it's just the paywave system but was disappointed. But the staff we were really lovely about it and Overall.

Kerryn Searle (Amazing Amazing)

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

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.

Natalie Youssef

A friend and I stopped here for a quick meal during our drive down south since we were hungry but I honestly wish we stayed on the road instead. We had high hopes and saw the gorgeous view of the lake when we walked in with an empty dining room, so we figured we’d be sat by the window to enjoy the view. Instead, they sat us as far away as possible from the window, with a divider completely blocking the view so that was a bummer. I ordered a chicken caesar salad thinking it’s a hard thing to mess up, but they managed to do that. They used canned chicken, threw in some balsamic vinegar and added canned mango chunks for some odd reason. My friend ordered a salad with shrimp which on the menu was listed as having a gluten free option. The server then came back and said that the shrimp wasn’t gluten free and provided no other option despite the gluten free option listed under the menu. They then ordered the soup of the day which was tomato, thinking that was a safe bet. Newsflash it was not. Once the soup arrived it was a pale orange colour, which tomato soup should not be but whatever maybe it tasted fine. It did not taste fine, they don’t even know how to describe it, but it did not taste good. And on top of all that it was doused in balsamic vinegar for what purpose is don’t know. Needless to say, we have no intention on returning to this restaurant on our drive back up the island

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.

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.

Connor

Went for brunch got a gluten free chicken burger the (JFK), it was amazing would 1000% recommend for gluten free people. There ice lattè was really nice also.

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.

Ronja

The coffee tasted very good and the service was very friendly. The atmosphere is also very cozy and you can also buy a few small gifts on site. There is also a lot of choice for gluten-free dishes and vegetarian dishes are also available.

Stacey McQueen

The service staff at the Cafe were lovely. We were part of a large party. Staying in Geraldine for the weekend. Everyone else at the table had lovely meals. I am gluten free (medical) when my food arrived it was not gluten free, I had informed the person when I ordered .They happily took it back to the kitchen. But when it came back the eggs and bacon were cold. They took it back and heated it back up. Other than that everyone else was happy with their meal.

Karin Rattray

Great range for sale and lots of gluten free products

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

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! 💯

Rori Green

Niche has been a part of our group's weekly sunrise walk for a few years. It's amazing and I can't recommend it more. The wealth of gluten free options is impressive and tasty (and I am not GF). It is not unusual to see a delightful new flavour combo for the savoury and sweet loaf-- even after a few years!!

Rosalie Sinclair

I took my Mum here for high tea to celebrate Mother’s Day and was so impressed by the whole experience. All staff were lovely and very helpful, and the food was divine and so beautifully presented. I had challenging dietary requirements of vegetarian, dairy free and gluten free and they were able to accommodate that and still make everything delicious.

Victoria Hasler

Great coffee, good vibes. Would be perfect if they had a separate cooker for gluten free chips, but they do have other gf food available.

Clare Mackenzie

The service was great, friendly and attentive yet not too OTT. I had he creamy mushrooms which were delicious and flavoursome. The others in the group all enjoyed their burgers and they are fussy. One member is coeliac and she was well catered for with GF options. Well done Joe's, Rolleston

Sandyb

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

Grace Titterton

Leeve’s Café is an absolute gem! Their food is to die for – all house-made and packed with flavour. I love that they cater to everyone, with gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options that don’t compromise on taste. The staff are so friendly and welcoming, and I especially love being able to bring my dog into the sunny courtyard. Such a great vibe and an even better menu – highly recommend!

Ronja

A really great cafe! The food was excellent – ​​I was particularly impressed by the large selection of gluten-free and vegetarian options. The rest of the menu also leaves nothing to be desired. The coffee was really tasty. The service was incredibly friendly and attentive. I particularly liked how child-, pet- and wheelchair-friendly the café is - everyone really feels welcome here. The ambience is beautifully designed and invites you to linger. Absolutely recommended – I would love to come back!

Jack Panckhurst

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

Kirini

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

martin rigby

Great food, plenty of gluten free options, awesome baking.

Molly Magid

Love the atmosphere here with plenty of seating outside to enjoy nice weather and outdoor art. The food is delicious and there a plenty of options for my friends with dietary restrictions like vegetarian and gluten free. The service is great too! All in all, a gem of a place.

Elaine Mehlhopt

So excited to find a different option for Gluten Free at this lovely cafe today. The savoury loaf was delicious! Thanks so very much. So sick of friands and orange cakes offered by every cafe!!

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.

sarah crooks

Great food and cup of tea.. the gluten free range is pretty good too

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!

Lyn Kean

Selection of gluten free food very limited but enjoyed Thai Pumpkin ball. Coffee was a cup full of lukewarm milk froth , no liquid at all

Kyla Jasperse

Our waiter was outstanding, we missed his name, a gentleman with a bead, he was attentive but not intrusive. The 2 person tables were well spaced so you could quietly chat, the kings choice meals was brilliant, I usually have trouble finding food as vegan and gluten free, but this was expertly catered for.

Jodie Lagana

Thank you for a delicious dinner. We are appreciative of your knowledge and care with gluten free food, and the meal was amazing. The best meal we had in Tekapo!

Deirdre Johns

Great food and lovely staff. Gluten free, vegetarian options. Excellent scones and yummy smoothies

Jessica C

Really average service and meals. This place has definitely gone down hill. Ordered a salad with no croutons (gluten) arrived with croutons had to wait for a replacement by which time the entire table had finished their meals and I ate alone. Absolutely no apology at all. Coke was flat. Chips which have always been a favourite at joes garage were not pleasant at all. Will not be returning.

Viv Roberts

Great coffee, friendly prompt service even though they were busy. Good choice of cabinet food, very yummy. Caters for gluten free.

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!

Penelope Suckling

The most unbelievable Gluten free cookies I have ever tasted. Delicious coffee too. Ask for the cookies if they aren't on display.

Warren Frost

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