Gluten-Free And Celiac Guide To Thunder Bay, CA
Keywords: Gluten-Free Thunder Bay, Celiac Thunder Bay, Coeliac Thunder Bay, Gluten-Free Restaurants Thunder Bay, Celiac Restaurants Thunder Bay, Celiac NWO, Gluten-Free NWO, Gluten-Free Ontario, Celiac Ontario, Best Restaurants Thunder Bay, Culinary Thunder Bay, Find Me Gluten-Free
Introduction
We are blessed to call Northwestern Ontario our home for over 25 years, having lived in Thunder Bay for most of our lives.
Having Celiac Disease, I am always looking out for the most accommodating restaurants in the city. We know we are not the only ones, so we put this gluten-free and celiac guide together to help the celiac community!
Controversial Opinion: why are there always options for vegans, but rarely for celiacs? One is a life choice and the other is a disease? Why do so many restaurants cater to lifestyles but then fail to tell their customers what allergens are in the food!
Full Disclosure: Of course, you can go to any restaurant and ask for gluten-free options, but they may not be able to accommodate cross-contamination.
Below you will find a list of our favourite restaurants that have gluten-free options, and that we have personally tried ourselves!
Gluten-Free & Celiac Map of Thunder Bay, CA
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This custom Google map will help you plan your visit, or night out, in Thunder Bay.
An interactive way to use our Gluten-Free Guide!
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by ingesting gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When individuals with Celiac Disease consume gluten, their immune system responds by attacking the lining of the small intestine, leading to inflammation and damage. As a result, vital nutrients cannot be properly absorbed, leading to various health complications. Celiac Disease is now recognized as one of the most common autoimmune disorders globally.
I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease when I was just 2 years old. It is a constant struggle to find restaurants I can eat at. I’ve found that many restaurants offer gluten-friendly options but not gluten-free ones. During my travels, I have to research before I eat anywhere.
Gluten Free Guide Explained - Symbols vs Ask The Waiter
Ask the waiter! Some restaurants on this list don’t have gluten-free labelling on their menu. But you can ask the waiter what can be made gluten-free that day. In doing this I have had some amazing accommodations and daily specials.
Gluten-Free Symbols! These restaurants conveniently have gluten-free symbols on their menu. This lets the customer know that the kitchen is preparing the dish with allergies in mind. However, if you are celiac, you should always ask about cross-contamination.
Our favourite tool for finding GF restaurants is Find Me Gluten Free! FMGF is an online community where people looking for amazing gluten-free food can share their experiences. Restaurants are filtered by style of food, certified celiac-friendly, and much more!
We Use Find Me Gluten-Free Premium to create “Collections” or guides to the various cities we have lived abroad in.
Bordersology is a Find Me Gluten-Free Affiliate! >Get $5 off a Find Me Gluten-Free Premium Subscription Using Our Link! <
Best Celiac and Gluten-Free Spots Thunder Bay: In no specific order
#1: Jennifer’s Gluten Free Kitchen - Dedicated Gluten-Free
This is a new spot in Thunder Bay that is 100% gluten-free. You won’t find anything like this in town. With baked goods, catering, and the store front, you have endless possibilities for your taste buds. This is a place i’d go to daily when in town. Jennifer is also gluten intolerant and her motto for this new store is “Good food should be something everyone can enjoy”. This is an absolute must visit when coming to Thunder Bay and you have a gluten allergy, with amazing flavours and dedication you wont want to miss it!
Red Lion Smokehouse - Symbols
As of February 2024, The Red Lion Smokehouse is our pick for THE most gluten-friendly restaurant in Thunder Bay. They dedicated an entire month to adding gluten-free items to their menu at the beginning of 2024.
With incredible flavours and inspiring takes on dishes, you do not want to miss out! We recommend potato skins and chilli fries.
Red Lion has a creative cocktail menu and the largest list of beers on tap anywhere in the city (for your gluten-drinking friends).
Looking for pub foods and games, this is your place. Red Lion hosts monthly events like bingo, karaoke, beer yoga, live music, etc.
Rooster’s Bistro - Symbols
The Viking Eggs Benedict
The best breakfast and lunch spot in town for celiacs is Rooster’s Bistro! Rooster’s also has the most gluten-free options on the menu of any restaurant in Thunder Bay.
With their large menu, almost everything can be made gluten-free. Our favourite is the Canadiana Breakfast Poutine! Other gluten-free options include french toast, eggs Benedict, and breakfast/lunch sandwiches.
It can get quite busy on certain days so get there early. This is a locally owned restaurant in the heart of downtown Port Arthur!
Tomlin - Ask The Waiter
XL Dry Aged Ribeye
For an upscale restaurant with to-die-for flavours and seasonal dishes, I would highly recommend Tomlin. A locally owned restaurant using local ingredients, this is the local hotspot for a night out.
Even if you are not hungry the ever-changing cocktail menu leaves you wanting to try them all.
With their amazing customer service, ask your waiter/waitress what can be made gluten-free that day.
Pork Belly
It’s constantly busy here and if your group is under 6 people you cannot make a reservation. My advice is to go in as early as you can to either get in right away or put your name on the list for a walk-in call.
If you have a 6+ group I’d highly recommend reserving the Chef’s Table where the head chef gives you an array of sharing dishes for the table, just make sure to add in your allergies.
Growing Season Eatery / Rebel Salad - Symbols / Ask the waiter
Harvest Salad
For something healthy and hearty with fresh ingredients, I would recommend The Growing Season. They have gluten-free bread and labels on their menu for what has gluten.
Growing Season has a second location in Goods Co. on Red River Road. Here they have a few more treats than salads.
Their salads are so delicious you forget you're eating so healthy. With vegetarian and vegan options as well, they are very accommodating. The best are their salad dressings, which are so popular they sell them as well.
Rebel Salad is their sister spot around the corner! Here you build your own salad with all of your favourite ingredients. Then you get to choose one of their delicious dressings to top it off. If you're more picky like me this is a great spot for you. It can get busy at lunch so be aware.
Nook - Symbols / Ask The Waiter
For an Italian experience, The Nook is the spot. Nook does handmade gluten-free pasta in-house. Their sauces are my favourite. Besides pasta, there are a couple of things on their menu that are gluten-free, but you will have to ask the waiter.
Daytona’s Kitchen - Symbols
Daytona’s is a popular, locally run restaurant. The in-person menu has a lot more options than their online takeout menu. They have a great number of gluten-free options but, I would recommend asking about cross-contamination as some dishes are not made without, unfortunately. This is due to the fact they don’t have a designated fryer.
Daytona’s has a large dining room but gets very busy around lunch so you could be waiting a while if you don’t get there early.
Famous Tandoor Restaurant - Symbols
This is the only gluten-free Pakistani restaurant in Thunder Bay. There are a few gluten-free options on their menu. Pakoras are my absolute favourite. You can find this beauty on the busy downtown street of Algoma.
Thai Kitchen - Symbols
This spectacular Thai food restaurant is the only one with gluten-free options on its menu. If you love Thai food, this is your only option. Despite that fact, this is one of my favourite places to eat in town!
Thai Kitchen has a large menu and more than half can be made gluten-free. Their dishes are excellent and so flavourful! From curries to stir fry they have everything! A must-try. Their online menu does not show gluten-free options.
Nortenos Taqueria/Cantina - Symbols
This local Mexican Cantina has 2 locations, one near the airport and the other in the heart of downtown Port Arthur.
On the weekends they have live music or karaoke in the evening. Although this is a younger bar, they have attracted the local crowd and is now a hot spot for a night out.
Nortenos’ menu displays many gluten-free options that are very good! Dinner and entertainment can be found at Nortenos!
El Tres/ Poco Mas - Ask The Waiter
Carne Asada Tacos
A second popular Mexican restaurant is El Tres.
The only gluten-free dish is the tacos (besides the battered fish), as they use corn tortillas.
The reason I still recommend this place is their tacos are amazing! The sauces and the flavours they put together are to die for. My favourite tacos are the pork adobo!
Their cocktail menu is quite good but can be hit or miss depending on the bartender.
Osaka - Symbols/ Ask The Waiter
One of the few gluten-friendly sushi restaurants is Osaka. They are knowledgeable of what can be made gluten-free and what is gluten-free already. Delicious dishes and the best prices. I would highly recommend Osaka over other sushi options in Thunder Bay.
Caribou Restaurant + Wine Bar - Ask the waiter
With many gluten-free options that you cannot get anywhere else in town, this is a great find.
The only restaurant in Thunder Bay with gluten-free calamari and other breaded dishes!
Their staff are excellent and knowledgeable about celiac as well.
Neebing Roadhouse - ask the waiter
This restaurant is a bit out of the way but a true staple of Thunder Bay. Ever since we were kids the Neebing Roadhouse has always been around. It is incredibly close to the ski hill Loch Lomond.
The Neebing has a large menu, you just have to ask what can be made gluten-free.
A sports bar that always plays the games on their multiple TVs. In the summer they have their volleyball court open!
The Sal - Symbols
The Sal was originally opened in 1964, with changes of ownership throughout the years they have kept their traditional flavours in the heart of Westfort.
The Sal has many options for gluten-free dishes like tacos and sandwiches.
Lot 66 - Symbols
P.E.I. Mussels
A great restaurant close to the downtown bar scene is Lot 66. They have the best gluten-free pizza in town!
With their large menu, they have so many options for gluten-free food. A fusion of dishes from everywhere, outdoor seating and great drinks for a night out close to the bars.
Our favourite tool for finding GF restaurants is Find Me Gluten Free! FMGF is an online community where people looking for amazing gluten-free food can share their experiences. Restaurants are filtered by style of food, certified celiac-friendly, and much more!
We Use Find Me Gluten-Free Premium to create “Collections” or guides to the various cities we have lived abroad in.
Bordersology is a Find Me Gluten-Free Affiliate! >Get $5 off a Find Me Gluten-Free Premium Subscription Using Our Link! <
Bonobo’s Foods- Symbols
Special of the Day with a Mediterranean Salad
With so many local restaurants it’s hard to know which are worth the trip. Bonobo’s definitely is.
This is a vegan and vegetarian restaurant. As well as the only local restaurant with gluten-free burgers! Make sure to ask the waiter if the special of the day is gluten-free, it’s always delicious.
A healthy and fresh restaurant for everybody.
On Deck- Symbols
A bar that has been around for decades is On Deck. This dive bar is a local hotspot for anyone. With a jukebox, sports, and multiple pool tables, it’s a hit.
Weekends can get crazy but their menu is fantastic. So many gluten-free options that no other restaurant has. Wings, bam-bam shrimp, etc, can all be found here.
Both Hands Wood-Fired Pizzeria & bakery- Ask The Waiter
For another option of gluten-free pizza, this local restaurant does cauliflower crusts. Pizza made wood-fired in a pizza oven, it’s the real deal.
The Outpost- Symbols
A restaurant and bar located on-site at Lakehead University inside the Agora building. A huge venue that does themed nights during the school year.
The Outpost has international flavours for international students and a few options that can be made completely gluten-free.
Masala Grille- Symbols
For Indian cuisine try Masala Grille. This huge menu includes many things that are gluten-free. They are knowledgeable on the subject.
Spicy and sweet this restaurant is a great authentic place to eat with the family.
Prime Gelato - Symbols
Prime Gelato is a great place to get rich and interesting flavours. They have symbols for what is made gluten-free!
No gluten-free cones, but their gelato flavours are the best in town. As well as the only house-made gelato shop in Thunder Bay.
Sushi 7 - Ask The Waiter
Torched Salmon Nigiri
There are many sushi restaurants in town but few have gluten-free options. The waiters at Sushi 7 ask about allergies and can discuss what they can do for gluten-free options.
With tablet ordering you can see the pictures of what you're getting. This is one of my favourite places for delicious authentic sushi.
5 Forks Restaurant - ask the waiter
A chain restaurant with lots of gluten-free options is 5 Forks. Ask the waiter and they can let you know what can be gluten-free for you.
They also have gluten-free cheesecake for dessert.
Oriental Garden - Ask The Waiter
This is the only Vietnamese restaurant with gluten-free spring rolls! It’s authentic and delicious, if you ask they can make certain dishes gluten-free. They are great with substitutions.
Sovereign Room - Symbols
A low-lit bar with a vibe is The Sov (as the locals call it). Great food and great drinks all around.
Many options for gluten-free dishes like duck poutine!
A busy weekend bar and should be on your list for a downtown bar hop.
Lot 88 Steakhouse & Bar - Symbols
Lot 88 is a great steakhouse with gluten-free options. Attached to a night bar, it gets pretty lively. With great drinks and a dance floor across the building, it’s a great night out.
Wasabi - Ask The Waiter
California Roll
One of the most popular sushi restaurants in Thunder Bay is Wasabi.
Ask the waiter for substitutions and what can be made gluten-free.
A lively staff and authentic tastes for some delicious sushi.
The Foundry - Symbols
Dill Pickle Chips with Habanero Hot Sauce
A locally owned bar with live music, trivia and karaoke nights, they have a few gluten-free options.
The dill pickle chips are my favourite recommendation with a habanero hot sauce.
For a good time with food and friends, this is the spot.
Mongo’s Grill - symbols/Ask The Waiter
If you're a picky eater that loves stir fry this is a great place. With a make-your-own stir fry station, you can make it gluten-free. If you let your waiter know they can clean the grill when they make yours. As well as symbols on the sauces, it can be 100% gluten-free.
Wacky’s Thunder Bay - Symbols
This is a huge sports bar and arcade restaurant. Wacky’s has the largest wing sauce list in town and with gluten-free symbols, your options seem endless. Their gluten-free allergy menu is also available. Watch the game on the big screen or play ski ball while waiting for wings!
Joey’s Seafood Restaurant - Symbols
Crab legs with Garlic Butter Lobster Tail and Shrimp Scampi
One of the few seafood-based restaurants in Thunder Bay, amazing flavours coming your way.
Gluten-free options are available with a taste of the sea.
What Did We Miss?
This gluten-free and celiac guide is meant to be helpful and informative! If you think we left out a restaurant that deserves a mention PLEASE COMMENT BELOW!
Your comments will help other people find a restaurant that meets their dietary needs! Of course, be kind and informative so we can make this experience exciting for everyone.
Thank you!
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