Top 50 Gluten-Free Lunch Spots to Enjoy in Nanaimo

Cheryl Hutley

I really wanted to enjoy my meal but I was so disappointed. The Caribbean chicken bowl I ordered was very poor. I had four 1-inch pieces of dry chicken. No juices or sauce, which should surely be there if it's 'braised'. There was a lot of rice, but it was so dry. The vegetables were ok, I really liked the carrots. That was it! I was so happy to find a gluten-free restaurant, but it was a big letdown.

Johansson Josefin

As someone who has a hard time finding Gluten-Free pizza…Mambo’s surpassed my expectations. Probably one of the best pizzas I have had. Thank you!!

Neal Terrio

Great selection and quality on fish and chips. Fish tacos were awesome. I love trying chowder all over, but this one disappointed. It's probably a "true" white clam chowder, which is fine, but I want more than that in my chowder. Busy spot, lots of takeout and other delivery drivers in and out. Very basic, cafeteria style seating. Fantastic that there are more than just the basic options for fish and chips, and they make a gluten free version as well that is apparently tasty.

ted Leonard

Best Gluten Free fish and chips.

Mia Collavini

Stopped by because of the claim of having gluten free breakfast ood items. We were there right when they opened, one of 2 tables and then boom the place was packed with customers. And we could see why: Excellent tasting food and we found the portion size was just right- my partner is a big eater and he was pleasantly stuffed. You do pay a bit more but the food was of excellent quality and prepared very well. Coffee was done expertly. It is cafeteria style- go to the counter to put in your order and then your food is quickly delivered to your table. The place has a great vibe: reclaimed wood furniture, repurchased burlap coffee bags as upholstery and local artist art on the wall. Very inviting: small patio outside the Cafe on the street: great for people watching. Definitely will return if we are in the area again. My partner couldn't stop raving about the place when we discussed our experience to the friends we were visiting.

chelsea selinger

Food was really good, told waitress I liked it spicy and she made sure to bring out a whole bunch of hot sauces! Had the fish tacos made gluten free with corn tacos and house salad. Meal was amazing, and THAT SALAD DRESSING- OMG! Partner had the Chipotle dinner, he really enjoyed it! Service was really good, waitress really knew all the dishes when we had questions and was very friendly. Will be back again soon!

Ty Sundquist

So happy to find a gluten-free and vegan Nanaimo bar in Nanaimo! The employees were super helpful and friendly. The black rabbit outside was amazing and perfect!

Ziying L

Out of the three places I’ve tried in Nanaimo this might be my favorite Nanaimo bar. It’s thinner, which means each bite had more balanced ratio of chocolate, cream, and crust. The crust has a nice mix of nuts and is perfectly crunchy (I believe it’s gluten free). The cream layer is not too sweet and overpowering either. Overall a delightful treat with iced coffee! My companion had a bagel sandwich which was delicious as well. Loved this cute little cafe.

Stephanie Didsbury

Food was great. Nice to have some gluten free options. Staff is great.

Chelsea Keith

Such a cute and cozy spot! So thankful to have found this incredible place this morning. The staff was warm and friendly, the drip coffee was SO good, will be going back tomorrow and Monday for morning before we head back home. The crepes are FANTASTIC. Seriously, so good. Super impressed, they offer vegan and gluten free options as well as a great kids menu with the best options. Female owned local business 10/10!

Rick Simpson

I'm one of those pain in the butt customers who has celiac disease and needs to have a gluten-free option. This is why I come here, and the service at the Hammond Bay location is exceptional and my burrito fantastic!

Lauren Melzack

Food is above average with good portion size. Can be fully gluten free if you need it. A great find

Mackenzi Vanderhoef

Gorgeous cafe, I got the portobello mushroom sandwich on gluten free bread, and a matcha latte and both were amazing. The flavour on mushroom was so creamy and salty and the matcha late was very smooth and just the right amount of sweet. Super reasonably priced and beautiful interior!

Gluten Free Brad

Staff were well-informed about celiac when I visited for lunch. The menu has some GF items noted but more can be made gluten-free - just ask your server. I enjoyed the oshi sushi and spicy salmon roll.

Jacob Nagrocki

Friendly staff, great breakfast (they had gluten-free toast, yay!) Always enjoy the weird art and quirky things to look at while hanging around. Also, always so glad to see the host of events there

Mollie Michaud

Super safe for coeliac! Tasty and the price is super reasonable! Staff is friendly :)

Nyeomi

Everyone is a sweetie here & the food is great. I always go here after my nature wander around hemer park. Have some gluten free, dairy free goodies.

Kathy Howes

Had a Gluten Free Beef Dip and fries. Delicious. First time in 5 years. So good.

Karisa S

Ordered my food at the till, chose my seat, and within minutes it was in front of me. Brisket, fries, and beans. So hungry, so tasty. The bbq sauce was very vinegary to my taste, though not overwhelming. That's more my personal preference which doesn't mean that it isn't still tasty. I have a feeling that if you like the sour part of "sweet and sour pork" when looking for your favourite chinese takeout, then you would thoroughly enjoy this bbq sauce. (No, it doesnt taste like sweet and sour pork, it tastes like bbq sauce). The cornbread probably had some gluten so I got fries as the side instead. The fries were delightfully crispy (I can see why the poutine would be a favourite for many). The beans were really good too. ... I completely forgot about the coleslaw 0_0 The staff were very friendly and quick to help explain what to expect or what to do if you walk in looking a bit confused (thats me!). The overall atmosphere was good. Music that I haven't heard playing everywhere else and not too loud, and some interesting wall art that fit right in.

Michaela Dansereau

We love eating here. Great food, service and prices. Very accommodating for gluten free and/or vegetarian/vegan options.

Kathryn C.

You get a nice view of the wharf, the boats and seaplanes taking off. The food is amazing! I recommend the Beef Rib Eye Steak, a gluten-free entree which is a plus for those who are gluten intolerant.

Rani

The food was delicious, and they have gluten-free options. Staff was helpful. The restaurant was quiet. Highly recommend for some yummy Vietnamese food. Will go back again.

Kim T

I was THRILLED to discover a Mod Pizza here in Nanaimo. Their build your own pizza and salad concept has been a favourite for years in the states. My pizza yesterday- the first one on the island- was delicious. I always get their cauliflower crust as it's gluten free. Sonia takes great pride in making sure it's done as you like it and it didn't disappoint. If you haven't been, Mod is a great spot for dining in or take-out. This location is bright, welcoming, and friendly. We will be back, regularly...

Rani

The service here was very quick and friendly, despite it being dinner time and busy. The food was really delicious and good portions. There was alot of food choices including gluten free and vegan options. I Highly recommend this yummy Vietnamese restaurant!! I will come again. Thank you.

Sydney Young

Some family and I gathered here for lunch on Thanksgiving Day. Azra was so friendly to us, and didn't rush us out when we were finished. We all enjoyed our meals. I have Celiac disease and had a quite a few options (including fries!). We had a really great time!

Ashley “AP”

Our server was Caitlyn, and she was exceptional! The host and other staff members were all awesome as well. Food was delicious and the gluten free options were abundant. The dynamite roll was outstanding. Nachos were so delicious and flavourful. Enjoyed the wings. Service truly was top notch and would definitely return here.

J.P. G.

We had an exceptional dining experience, thanks largely to Lexus, who truly went above and beyond. When she heard that one of our party members had recently developed a gluten intolerance, she immediately offered thoughtful menu suggestions and even brought out peppermint tea, just in case it was needed. The food itself was phenomenal, the ambience was warm and inviting, and the prices were pleasantly surprising. Even when one of our friends received pickles on her burger after requesting none, Lexus graciously provided a generous discount to make it right. Her level of care and dedication was extraordinary—if six stars were possible, she would certainly earn them! ⭐️

Donald W S

I like the ribs and it is mostly gluten free

juhli shauer

Best fried chicken I’ve had!!! So amazing and even better the original is gluten free. The service is fabulous. The first time I went I ordered a side of the daikon but they were out… the next time I went back(about 3 months later) she remembered and just brought me out a free side… I’m just sad I no longer live on the island

Colby Chapman

I stopped in to grab a burrito before taking the ferry. Really enjoyed it - similar to MuchoBurrito (maybe better). I had the ancho chipotle sauce - it was great. Really good fresh ingredients. Sounds like you can get gluten free tortillas there - I had the real deal (whole wheat) - highly recommend it! The owner was behind the counter - very nice lady

Lauren Steele

Went here in the afternoon to get some coffee and was hoping to get a gluten free treat. Website made it look like there were safe options for gluten free but they were not celiac safe. Unfortunately the bar and bakery stand looked filthy and there were flies everywhere. Didn't even end up drinking the coffees we got because we were so disgusted.

Dennika Sharan

Food was delicious, great gluten free options. Service was fast and efficient and the ambiance was cozy

Deanna Fourt

The seafood Jambalaya was delicious gluten-free option. Nicely seasoned with lots of seafood.

Roberta Giampaolo Guimaraes

I love their pizza and they have a really good gluten free pizza 🍕 Also the staff is always so smiling and friendly 😊 Great choice for hotlunch for school too 😀

Deanna Fourt

Enjoyed the fabulous harbour view. I had the salmon burger with a gluten-free bun with the mixed green salad. All were delicious. The service was also spot on.

Avtar Kaur Jandoo

Best Gluten free pizza EVER! Filled with toppings from edge to edge! Fresh and hot from the oven! Lots of variety of toppings to choose from! Don't miss out! Also open late, especially getting the ferry late!

CJ Beler

Vegan and gluten free options, great vibe, friendly attentive staff. Our weekly date night go to……always enjoyable. Great value for the money, portions are perfect.

Dibs !

Friendly service at both locations I've been to. Gluten free options. Customizable dishes. Dairy free milk for the bubble tea is always a win! Very big portions for a decent price.

Jane Brook

I am not generally a burger lover, but I am a lover of Bin 4 Burger Lounge burgers…they are unique, delicious and the unusual combinations of ingredients make my mouth water. I really like the fact that I can have half-and-half-sides…fries and salad…the best of both worlds! The selection of flavoured dips is an added “nice touch.” There’s an extensive drinks menu too…wines, beers (including gluten free) cocktails and non-alcoholics. The staff here in Nanaimo are so welcoming and make our dinner experience the best it can be. There’s a knack to “hospitality…they all understand how to make a customer feel valued and appreciated. Thank you April…you’re a 5-star gem and Liza…you’re doing a great job. You all are…!

Oberzocker 511

Had a small dinner with my girlfriend yesterday. We‘ve enjoyed the ambience, views over the marina, food was tasty and also a few Gluten- free options available. Quick, friendly service at a reasonable price. We really enjoyed our meal. Worth a visit if you’re in Nanaimo Thanks

Jennifer Korisanszky

Decently priced and absolutely delicious. The staff are very friendly. Menu offers gluten free and dairy free.

Louise Ashtree Academics & Mediation

Eggs Benny with eggs cooked to perfection, loads of bacon, gf bun option, home fried potatoes, peach lemonade to quench your thirst.. One of my better ordered meals in awhile. More importantly, a staff member who bothered to call to confirm about gluten free options and packed accordingly even though I didn't pick up her calls. Thank you for a great ordered breakfast with gluten free considerations protected. Whoever was on the grill and the calling did an outstanding job with my order today!

S H

I got an ad for this place on Instagram for their nation wide $3.95 personal pizza special. Went in and got one with pineapple and cheddar. I have to say, it was absolutely delicious. However, they did skimp on the cheddar. I only saw a few little spots of cheddar. Regardless, this is my new pizza joint. They are priced well and have many different toppings, they also have gluten free and vegan options! I am never going back to Papa Johns, Dominoes, or Pizza Hut.

Gillian Heed

Party of 6. Everyone had a different dish. Everything was wonderful. The service was impeccable and the servers really helped my celiac friend with gluten free food choices. This is our go to place for dinner with friends.

Kayley Smith

Great for vegan and gluten free. Everyone loved their food. Staff super awesome. Will eat there again

Sally Clapper

Amazing food and cocktails. Great wine list. Service deserves 10 ⭐️S!!! Best Mai Tai I’ve ever had and I’ve had many in Maui. Food is clean with great flavors and gluten free options too. Highly recommend.

Kevin Didsbury

A shout out to the staff for Top Notch. From being seated to being presented the bill, our experience was fantastic. Our server, Kalynn was cheerful efficient and incredibly helpful for ordering a celiac-friendly meal. Truly a great food and atmosphere combination. Thank you Kalynn!

shakk saikia

Very tasty food with great service and very affordable prices unlike some other Indian restaurants these days. All the mains included rice or naan. They also vegan and gluten free noted properly on the menu

Brittany Wakely

AMAZING! We had heard great things about this place for a bit now and so we decided to check it out today for lunch. We were greeted warmly by Chris, the owner, and his lovely waitress. They were quite full, which was a good sign for the food, but we were not sure if we would get a table. They quickly shuffled things around to accommodate us, with a smile on their face. We were sold on their quiche and soup without even having to look over the menu due to the amazing description from Chris. We shared that and enjoyed every bite. One of us was vegetarian so we weren't sure f they would have options, but they did for sure and it was delicious. The crust of the quiche was also made from potato so great for gluten free customers as well (not that we were but a bonus for those that are). We were treated with such great service the entire time, had some laughs, smiled lots and enjoyed some amazing food. We will be back for sure and will have to try the eggs benny because those that were being served to others looked amazing! I would recommend you stop by!

Rani

I ate here for the first time a couple of weeks ago and it was delicious so I came back! The service is friendly and helpful. The food delicious with gluten free options. The atmosphere is unique and inviting with alot of natural light plants.