Top 50 Gluten-Free Dinner Spots to Delight in Byward Market - Parliament Hill, Ottawa

Karyn Tindall

Love this place. Gluten free pizza Sofia was outstanding

Ashley Stebbins

My friend and our two daughters dined at Play Food & Wine for the first time this past Saturday and we had an incredible dinning experience. My daughter is celiac and the server catered to her, asking several questions and offering modifications to certain dishes, and impressed all of us with his patience and understanding. We ordered the charcuterie board and they separated the meat from the cheeses and made GF crostini so my daughter was able to enjoy the charcuterie as well. The food was incredibly fresh and delicious. We started with the hot olives and sourdough bread and had a variety of the steak, smoked duck (modified to accommodate celiac), prawns, salmon and the gnocchi. Right from when we first arrived to Play and were greeted at the door to the end when we had to decline dessert because we were so satisfied, everything was was wonderful. Highly, highly recommend!

Sarah pothier

My favourite go to sushi place! It's always delicious and they have great options for Celiac people :)

Marialicia

Great options for gluten free poutine! So delicious and so fresh. The portion size was also incredibly generous! 10/10 would recommend 😊

Emma

A must-try in Ottawa! This Thai gem in ByWard Market is a bit pricey, but everything is fantastic: delicious food, lovely atmosphere, and friendly service. Plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian and vegan options, including coconut milk curries. Thank you for a wonderful experience!

Addy Rogers

Huge portions! The food is great. They have a nice all you can eat salsa. Good place for gluten allergies.

Felipe Castillo

A group of us with dietary restrictions ate here. We had a vegetarian, and a gluten free person. The menu was already designed to accommodate everyone. There's clear labels for things without gluten and vegetarian. I eat meat, so my food was flavorful, the broth was amazing, the toppings were good but I wish they gave me more tripe and tendons. I think they limit it because people might not know what they're getting, but you can get the same dish without those toppings, so I would say that you know what you're getting if you're ordering this and expecting equal amounts of everything. The vegetarian said that their broth wasn't as flavorful, almost like salty water. They could add some more spices to it. I also tried it and I've had better veggie pho. I would rate that food 2 stars. Overall, I would go back to this place. If you need gluten free options but eat meat, definitely try this place.

Véronique Nollet

Superbe expérience! Énormément d'options véganes, j'adore ça en tant que végane! Mon copain et moi avons pris le Tali et j'ai pu découvrir le papadam! Le tout était super bon! Mes compliments au chef! Le Mango nectar aussi, un vrai délice sucrée! Et pour finir en beauté, une tarte au chocolat, qui était sans gluten, mais quand même excellente, même si je ne suis pas céliaque ;) Le service était charmant et les deux employés étaient super sympathiques! C'était une belle ambiance tranquille et bien décoré malgré le petit espace, mais j'ai su que dans 6 semaines ils auront un plus grand local juste à côté avec vu sur la rue ! C'est une bonne nouvelle ça! À la prochaine, c'est sûr !

Mathieu Larocque

We booked weeks in advance the "backroom" for a friends 40th. Please do not look at their current website as it is completely inaccurate, not the same menu, no gluten free options, the "backroom" looks like a dingy basement unlike the picutres. Location: This is about the only good thing going for them, they have a nice spot conveniently located right by a nice and affordable indoor parking lot. Service: Non-existant. I wish I had taken pictures of how filthy the place was when we got there. Nothing was set up although we booked well in advance... My wife and I showed up before their staff did, that was our first impression, while waiting we also kept seeing rats in their trash outside that is just there in plain sight next to the outdoor dining areas, there is sandbags and garbage in what was possibly once an operational fountain. They didn't have anything ready, floors needed to be mopped, fruit flies everywhere, sticky tables.. another GUEST had to go and grab cutlery, napkins, glassware (which was dirty, but in a clean area (lipstick and wine smell on the glasses)), etc.. When the night began they brought wings and never cleared any table, it was filthy all night long, after we order their garbage pizza, they never cleared the tables, they never offered us water, we had to get up every time we wanted a drink and that too was limited, the bartender had 2 guests fighting over the last redbull, their beer taps didn't work, their POS machine didn't work, and the music wasn't working until 3 hours in. Food: I know of a few guests that went to McDonald's on their way back home as the food was pretty bland and either burnt or under cooked. They had 1 heineken, stella and corona, you had to ask for a lime for your corona and seem to inconvience the barmaid. We ordered at 7:30 and I didn't get my pizza until 9:15.. 4 of us didn't get it until there.. the owners response was "people dont like eating past 9???" like are you serious? Your slogan under your "Backroom" sign says "Events venue" you can't even handle 20 people, what a joke. Atmosphere: Based on pics and other guests previous experience, it sounded fun and like a great place, when we got there it didn't feel like the old place it used to be, not even close. Big fat 0 for atmosphere. Take that 1 star because I'd give a 0 if I could.. AVOID AVOID AVOID AVOID unless you like eating fruit flies and garbage, and like waiting 2 hours for your sub-par pizza.

Camila Bousquet

Amazing service from Laura and her team. She was extremely attentive to our gluten sensitivities and went above and beyond with her customer service. Thank you Laura!

Katie A

They actually do not have a gluten free dedicated fryer for french fries. Was disappointed because reviews suggested otherwise. They do have gluten free buns though 🤷🏽‍♀️

sel

they did not accommodate to my celiac and wheat allergy. every time i have come before they take ingredients from the back for me because i can’t have my food be contaminated. the guy said “there was nothing in the back”and that “since there is a rush he won’t do it”. it would have taken him 4. seconds extra to take it from the back like every other employee has done for me before so rude and did not consider allergies and for that 1/5.

Mohamad Bustami

Wow wow wow!! What an amazing spot in the heart of byward market. Delicious authentic Mexican food. Some of the best tacos and quesadillas. Their different sauces are to die for. And then to top it off they have amazing delicious freshly made hibiscus tea. The staff and service are second to none as well. Oh and of course lots of gluten-free options since they have corn tortillas for both the tacos and quesadillas. Highly recommended and will be coming again for sure.

Ron Turley

Nice enough place. The gluten-free bun on my berger was not the best. Thick cut fries were good as was the salad. And it was a little noisy, but I would go back

Shawn Henderson

Went for brunch, with a friend. Was awesome. Portions were great, food fresh, service friendly. Good selection of gluten-free options, but that could actually improve. Space is a really fun design too.

Ariane Senécal

A no extra charge for gluten free, vegan pizza that looks hand thrown from actual dough (not a frozen cardboard perfect circle) and tastes great, even cold the next day for breakfast, like a real self-respecting pizza?! Sold! Excellent service on the phone and in person too. We'll be ordering again.

David Elliott Claveau

The Fairmont Château Laurier is always an unforgettable experience, but during the holiday season, it becomes simply magical. As soon as we arrived, the festive atmosphere enveloped us with the magnificent Christmas decorations, the illuminated trees and that touch of elegance which makes the Château a unique place. We chose to celebrate this special evening at Zoe’s restaurant, where the warm and cozy atmosphere, enhanced by impeccable service, gave us a memorable moment. Our waitress, Natalie, ensured throughout the meal that we had a perfect experience, combining professionalism and attention to the smallest details. We started the evening by ordering a bottle of Baco Noir, Henry of Pelham, a Niagara Peninsula VQA wine which perfectly accompanied our meal with its rich and balanced notes. To complete, we had a bottle of sparkling Eska, ideal for refreshing the palate between each course. Rather than each choosing our plates, we opted for a sharing approach, savoring each bite together, which made the meal even more enjoyable and enjoyable. We began our tasting with the foie gras torchon, magnificently coated in a pistachio crust, accompanied by apple compote and a Vidal icewine reduction. The richness of the foie gras paired wonderfully with the sweetness of the icewine and the crunch of the pistachio, while the toasted brioche provided the perfect finishing touch. Then, the lobster vol-au-vent seduced us with its velvety American sauce and pearl onions which added a delicate sweetness to the dish. The spinach puree and picked mushrooms balanced everything out, highlighting the freshness and tenderness of the lobster. We continued with the porcini and black barley risotto, a comforting dish where picked mushrooms, roasted squash and chive oil came together in an incredibly flavorful Parmesan broth. The black barley added a most pleasant texture, making this risotto both classic and original. Next, we tasted the beef medallion, accompanied by creamy polenta and pea puree, all enhanced by a remarkably deep Espagnole sauce. The meat, tender as can be, went perfectly with the sweetness of the polenta and the lightness of the pea puree. The highlight of the meal was the absolutely melt-in-your-mouth braised beef short rib, served with lightly sweetened apple puree, chestnut mushrooms and a sumptuous black truffle sauce. The balance of flavors was impeccable, each ingredient bringing a unique touch to the whole. To end on a sweet note, we chose the chocolate tart, which, in addition to being gluten-free and vegan, offered an exquisite chocolate intensity. Its crunchy shortcrust pastry, silky chocolate cream and coconut custard made a perfect trio. The cocoa crunch added a nice texture, making each bite even more satisfying. Each dish was a real discovery, and Natalie's attentive service made this evening even more memorable. Zoe’s never ceases to impress us with the quality of its dishes, the elegance of its atmosphere and the professionalism of its team. If you are looking for a place for a refined gastronomic experience in an enchanting setting, especially during the holiday season, Zoe’s at the Fairmont Château Laurier is a must-visit address. We will definitely come back to relive this magic again and again. David Elliott Claveau

Karthik Sreejith (bala_yoddah13Kj)

Kochin Kitchen is a restaurant in Ottawa that specializes in South Indian cuisine, particularly Keralan dishes. Here's a quick overview of what diners can expect: Pros: * Authentic flavors: Reviewers consistently praise the restaurant's delicious and authentic Kerala dishes. * Variety of options: The menu offers a good selection of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options alongside meat curries and seafood specialties. * Friendly service: Many reviewers mention the warm and welcoming service provided by the staff. Cons: * Limited seating: The restaurant may get crowded, so it's recommended to book a table in advance, especially during peak hours. * Parking availability: Parking can be challenging in the area, so consider taking public transportation or ride-sharing if possible. Overall, Kochin Kitchen is a great choice for anyone looking for a delicious and authentic South Indian dining experience in Ottawa. The wide variety of dishes, friendly service, and focus on fresh ingredients make it a popular spot. Just be sure to book a table in advance and consider your transportation options if you're driving.

Anika Matte

Amazing establishment, super kind staff and amazing owner. I have been there many times and have never been disappointed with quality of food or service. I always order the mashed potatoes with no gravy and ribs, they never cease to amaze me. They have options for gluten free and vegetarian and will make sure to take care of you and your preference/allergy.

Emily

We had a great experience dining at Joey Rideau! Our food was delicious. Highly recommend the steak frites (this dish is also celiac safe, if you cannot have gluten). Our server Daphne was very kind and made sure that we enjoyed everything! We were celebrating our anniversary and it was lovely.

Hamont Reviewer

Positives: Friendly staff and convenient location: The staff at Browns Socialhouse in downtown Ottawa were friendly and welcoming. The location was easy to get to from our hotel. Delicious food: The food was very good, especially the burger (made with gluten-free ingredients!), tuna poke bowl, and fish and chips. Areas for Improvement: Flat beverages: Unfortunately, the fountain pop was flat, and they only had bottled drinks available. The server mentioned they have recurring problems with this. Similarly, the beer on tap was also flat, which was a letdown. Gluten-free communication: I called the restaurant beforehand to inquire about gluten-free options. I was informed they have dedicated fryers for gluten-free items. However, upon arrival, the menu descriptions seemed to contradict this. It would be helpful if the menu could be more accurate regarding gluten-free options to avoid any confusion for future diners with dietary restrictions. Overall: Browns Socialhouse has the potential to be a great spot with its friendly staff and delicious food. However, some improvements in beverage service and menu accuracy, particularly regarding gluten-free options, would enhance the dining experience.

Michelle P

We just hosted our parents 50th Anniversary in their private lounge area - it went so smoothly, the food was delicious, service was spectacular and our young children even loved the restaurant. They even had many gluten free options. We would no doubt make a return soon. Thanks again.

Gennesse Walker-Scace

This is an EXCELLENT place to bring friends, visitors or a date. Any day but Saturday and Sunday you can stay as long as you want. An excellent, well organized selection of board games for all interests and abilities. Their cocktails are fun and tasty. The food is not very good but they offer gluten free and vegan options. The nachos we ordered were stale and unseasonably, but ample toppings. Fries were kinda soggy and just ok. Not a great spot for food as the main attraction. If you're looking for a fun place to hang out though this should be on your list.

Stefanie Nelson

Overall experience was nice for a night out with my girls! The service was great and the atmosphere was modern/chic and cozy. Atlantic Salmon (4/5): the salmon was moist, there was plenty of sauce (I’m a sauce connoisseur) and the zucchini paired well. I would have appreciated something fresh to help cut the heaviness of the dish. However; it was still a light and tasty dish! I also ordered a piece of their focaccia on the side to get all the sauce Pappardelle (4/5): Made with gluten free pasta for our gluten free friend! It was a good cream sauce dish, can’t go wrong here. Beef Tenderloin (4/5): Other than the beef being a little overdone than requested, the dish was also very good! Baked Rigatoni Alla Vodka (4/5): spicier than I am used to with vodka pastas but still good for those that have any spicy tolerance higher than mine (spice level: 3/5) Oysters (4/5): Decently sized! I just wish the lemons were cut into wedges rather than slices. Pumpkin Spice Flan (4/5): Creamy, smoothie and reminds me of fall Fall ‘set’ Cheesecake (4/5): A deconstructed cheesecake with bourbon soaked cherries. The cheese part of the cake was almost a whipped texture and the crumble was good! I wish the cheese part would have been a bit more solid and I would have appreciated more of the cherry ‘sauce’ on the plate. I would recommend this place to friends and would go again!

Carolyne Bjerring

I recently hosted a surprise party for my mom at this restaurant, and I can't say enough about how wonderful the experience was! The service was top-notch, and the food was absolutely delicious. The canapés were perfectly timed, and the bottle of bubbly was ready as soon as my mom arrived. A special shoutout to Maddie, our server, who went above and beyond. She spoke French fluently, which was a huge plus for our francophone guests. Maddie treated us like family, ensured that our gluten-intolerant guests had the right food, and even served my mom’s wine in a special glass she had for her 60th birthday. When my mom accidentally left the glass behind, Maddie kept it safe until she could come back for it. Everything was just perfect. A big thank you to the team for making the event so memorable!

paulomi patel

Food was amazing. It is one of few places which do gluten free gravy.

Tammy Storey

Happened to stumble upon this place with my husband on a cold Friday evening, and had no idea what to expect. The food is excellent, and the staff are very kind, cordial, and accommodating of allergies (celiac disease and a dairy allergy). Highly recommend the mixed kebab platter, cooked in the tandoori oven! Thanks so much.

Austin N

Gluten free club sandwich and a milkshake, awesome

Len Bunce

The best tasting, healthy and inexpensive treat. Go PILI PILI!! Try it you WILL be back. Oh also almost all items are gluten free

Zach Wilson

Visiting from the states and stopped in for breakfast and the food was delicious. Definitely would recommend. Gluten free friendly. Mushroom omelette was delicious

Gabriel Partington

Cute restaurant and our server was super fast and friendly, even with a packed restaurant. The food was good but nothing out of the ordinary. Serving sizes were quite good for the price and the fries were amazing! I had the Frida burger, which could have used more jalapeños. They also don’t have gluten free buns, so a lettuce wrap is the only gf alternative.

Maddie Burella

Staff were ok, too comfortable though, often squatting to chat at our table. Ignored our request to cancel a side order because it’s “just a lot of work to” and after we made the server aware of a Gluten allergy and requesting a lettuce wrap, he was served a fried burrito. All other food was terrible. Shrimp was cold and chicken was extremely dry. Waitress opening admitted that the steak is “really REALLY really” bad and the chimichangas were frozen. No compensation was offered and he was charged extra for the rice to replace the gluten in the replacement meal. Unfortunate situation.

Michelle Bradshaw

Very knowledgeable staff, took care to make sure we were comfortable with the gluten free preparation and food.

Alejandro Aspinwall

I recently visited Sidedoor and had a fantastic experience. The atmosphere was great, with beautiful decor and lighting. The service was top-notch, with our server Steph being very friendly, personable, and accommodating to my allergies. She even went out of her way to get a gluten-free/dairy-free dessert from the eighteen kitchen! The food was absolutely delicious, with a great presentation and attention to detail. The fusion menu was very interesting and unique, and I loved every dish we ordered. The value was also fair and reasonable, especially considering the high quality of the food and service. I highly recommend Sidedoor for anyone looking for a great dining experience in the Byward Market. Thank you to the entire team for an amazing evening!

Courtney J

A good place to go for professional dinners for large groups (20 people) with various dietary needs (vegan, gluten free etc). Seemed to be understaffed which led to a few issues with understanding what we were getting with the set 3-course menu.

Cab Tab

As many other reviewers have said, this was a VERY disappointing dining experience for myself and the 2 people that came with me. I convinced them to come with me as Tucker's was good back in the day. They are now back in Ottawa and it was totally disgusting. EVERYTHING was cold. Roast beef was very salty. Server could not answer one question we asked. Limited items. The butter bowl for the buns has ONE knife in it that ALL the customers use. In this day & age --- how gross is that. ZERO gluten-free options in the dessert bar. And did I mention everything was cold?? I spoke to the Manager before we left and he "explained" that they know about the temperature issues and that it's an on-going issue. Really?? You know it's bad, yet you keep taking people's money?? Unlike previous reviewers, we were NOT offered a discount or a comp meal --- however, we were asked "to not let this experience scare us from trying them again". REALLY ?? A MANAGER told us this. Unbelievable. STAY AWAY from this place. There is a reason the place was practically empty at 6 PM on a nice sunny Saturday afternoon.

Filippo Principato

Beautiful selection of steak and seafood. Offering pastas and appetizers, quite a large Raw Bar offering oysters shrimp cocktail crab legs ceviche. as well as handmade desserts. There gluten-free chocolate cake is to die for. Extensive wine list and knowledgeable bartenders. highly recommend to anyone traveling in the market or anywhere near that area Downtown.

Michael Gass

Was quite impressed with my first experience at Gyubee. Kate was our server, and she was attentive and helpful. I was nervous to go as I’m gluten free and I didn’t know what options there would be. That being said, almost every dish could be modified to be gluten free. Every time they brought something for the table, they told me if it was safe to eat. Extremely helpful staff, fun environment, and the style of grill it yourself made for a pleasantly satisfying portion. Not eating too fast, and not leaving bloated, but feeling very satisfied. 5/5, can’t wait to go back!

Tory Dickerson

Sofia Marko

We ordered two rolls and a sashimi platter and the quality was amazing! They do not skimp out on the portion sizes! The salmon maki had so much salmon in it. The woman taking out order was so lovely! She was very knowledgeable about gluten allergies.

Andrea Mailhot

Beautiful atmosphere. Would love to go back and sit on the patio. The pizza (gluten free) was amazing.

Pauline Nubla

I really like the cashew cheese on my Belle poutine order. Most of all I like the reset juices. Healthy and fresh juices that you can feel working. This location has outdoor/patio seating for nice and sunny weather days and wheelchair accessible for indoor seating. Pure Kitchen makes gluten free foods tasty, it's insane!

Aqualyra S.

I've only been twice. The 1st time I had a wonderful pork donkatsu with brown rice which was awesome. My boyfriend enjoyed the chicken teriyaki. It looks like they have changed the menu though. So this week I tried the spicy tofu salad which is gluten free. It was lovely!

Steve S

They make their own gluten free pizza, bread, and pasta! This is how you know they take great pride ensuring everyone can enjoy each bite the way it's meant to be enjoyed. Reg was our server on the bar side (very comfortable high top btw) and was incredibly sweet and attentive. His recommendations were spot on and he checked in on us just the right amount. Each dish was unique and full of flavour with very fresh ingredients. We tried a few dishes and regretted it because we ate so much. The roasted eggplant dip with the fresh made gluten free bread was an instant winner along with the fired olives. The chicken was like butter and the sauce definitely needs a piece of bread to get every last drop. I can't see anyone not having a great experience here. We will be adding this to our rotation.

Karen Maxwell

When you're gluten and lactose intolerant and low fodmap... and the server and chef take the time to accommodate; and then when the resulting meal is to die for, all you can say is thank you, but with your whole heart. Thank you for a wonderful meal. We will return!!

Jess Wiemer

I'm celiac and ordered beef with vietnamese noodles. Got a call pretty soon after letting me know that all their meats are marinated in hoisin and won't be gluten free, and asked if they could give me an alternative to the meat, plus an extra treat for my inconvenience. I got a HUGE portion of tofu replacing the meat, like a steak sized amount, and a summer roll. The tofu was super tender and delicious. Excellent customer service and delicious.

Lorna Mungur

Fantastic food and cocktails in the Market. The quality of the dishes was great. Highly recommend. The waiter was very helpful so we could select gluten free options.

Mitchell Singer

Great food and service. My girlfriend is celiac and was so easily accommodated! And with a smile

Ann R

We recently ate Chicken Biryani at the India Cafe in the Byward Market. The owner was friendly and helpful, letting us know which items were gluten and dairy free. After we’d ordered, we could hear lots of chopping and food prep sounds coming from the kitchen, and when our food arrived it was delicious and included whole cardamom pods and cloves, which naturally enhanced the excellent flavours.😋

Jennleigh O'Neill

Great spot for authentic Vietnamese food. Service is pleasant and prompt. One of the very few places downtown where one can get gluten free Pho. Homemade broth. Thanks!!