Destination Guide: Gluten-Free Hamilton & Burlington, Ontario, Canada
- Alina
- Dec 30, 2025
- 8 min read
Nestled alongside Lake Ontario, just an hour west of Toronto and less than an hour north of Niagara Falls, are the cities of Burlington and Hamilton. In Hamilton, also known as the "City of Waterfalls," you'll find beautiful nature haunts and hikes and an eclectic, artsy downtown vibe. Burlington is Hamilton's trendy, haute sister, with waterfront dining and parks sure to capture your fancy. And what do they have in common? A pleasantly surprising surplus of celiac-safe dining!
We recently found ourselves in the area for a friend's wedding, and were shocked at everything available, from upscale dining on the lake to elevated mac n' cheese bars, fish n' chips, tacos, and dedicated gluten-free bakeries.
Ready to start planning your day or weekend trip? Or perhaps you’re looking for a celiac-friendly and more affordable base for a longer Niagara Falls excursion? Then read on for our tips, tricks, and recommendations for a celiac-safe, gluten-free excursion to Hamilton and Burlington, Ontario.
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Restaurants
Recommended Eats
Hamilton
Safety: ★★★★★
Dedicated, 100% gluten-free restaurant
Drinks: Double-check the drinks when you visit, but there were both alcoholic and non-alcoholic gluten-free drink options at the time of our visit
Vegan options should arrive in 2026
The only nuts in the restaurant are those in their peanut butter/peanut butter cookies
Taste: ★★★★★
Who says adults can’t enjoy mac n’ cheese? MacTini transforms this kid-friendly classic into an elevated palate-pleaser for diners of any age. There are so many fun, gourmet-style mac n' cheeses to choose from on their menu, and you can also pair your pasta with a salad, rack of lamb (which my husband thought was cooked absolutely perfectly), salmon, and more. We thought it was absolutely scrumptious! Fun fact: I also learned that A&W canned/bottled root beer is gluten-free in Canada, so that was fun to get to have again without any concern over the U.S. ambiguity in “natural flavors.”
Must tries: Maple Bacon Pickle Ranch Mac n' Cheese, Lamb Rack
Overall Experience: ★★★★★
We had a great lunch here! Besides the great food, the speakeasy vibe of the indoor decor is fabulous too! When we chatted with owner Joseph Johnson, he shared his passion for creating a space where everyone can enjoy elevated comfort food without worry; after a friend got diagnosed with celiac, he made it his mission to make a safe, gluten-free mac 'n cheese just as tasty as the regular version. His dedication to the gluten-free community really shines through in every detail, from careful kitchen protocols to creative menu options. You can read more about MacTini Bar’s story and celiac safety precautions in our Table Talk series.
Safety: ★★★★★
Dedicated, 100% gluten-free bakery.
Taste: ★★★★★
The bakery celiac dreams are made of! There's such a big assortment of breads, pastries, donuts, cakes, dessert and meat pies, and more here. We tried a smorgasbord of desserts and pastries, and they were all fabulous! I wish we could've tried even more, especially the many delectable-looking savories and breads.
Must tries: Cherry Brownie, Croissants (almost as big as your head!), Nanaimo Square (Canadian classic!), Lemon Tart
Overall Experience: ★★★★★
It was such a breath of fresh air to see how reasonable the prices were here — everything felt like a steal, priced cheaper than you’d see even at a regular, non-gluten-free bakery. We’re legitimately jealous of the people who get to come here on a regular basis, and we will happily return next time we’re in the area!
Note: There’s no seating, so plan to take your purchases to go.
Safety: ★★★★★
100% gluten-free restaurant, other than some gluten-containing beers
100% peanut-free
Allergy Aware Waitstaff
A separate fryer is used for calamari, making most fried options safe for those with shellfish allergies
All mocktails are gluten-free
Taste: ★★★★☆
We're spoiled in the US when it comes to Mexican food, so while we’d consider this to be more mid taste-wise, it was still enjoyable, and it absolutely gets extra points for being completely safe and worry-free. We tried the Dip Dip Dip Hooray (we’d stick to the cheese dip if we went again) and an array of tacos. The menu has so many options to choose from, so we may just not have found our favorites just yet! Tip: We’d recommend ordering at least 3 tacos per person (street taco sizing), unless you're going heavy on the appetizers.
Must tries: Brisket Tacos, Mocktails
Overall Experience: ★★★★☆
While we haven’t visited this particular location, we were well taken care of at their Burlington location and expect it to be similar across the board at this small chain. Our waitress was so reassuring about their experience and dedication to welcoming those with additional allergies besides celiac/gluten, and they have so many fun menu offerings. They have additional locations in nearby Burlington, as well as a few other cities in Ontario.
Burlington
Safety: ★★★★★
100% gluten-free restaurant, other than some gluten-containing beers
100% peanut-free
Allergy Aware Waitstaff
A separate fryer is used for calamari, making most fried options safe for those with shellfish allergies
All mocktails are gluten-free
Taste: ★★★★☆
We're spoiled in the US when it comes to Mexican food, so while we’d consider this to be more mid taste-wise, it was still enjoyable, and it absolutely gets extra points for being completely safe and worry-free. We tried the Dip Dip Dip Hooray (we’d stick to the cheese dip if we went again) and an array of tacos. The menu has so many options to choose from, so we may just not have found our favorites just yet! Tip: We’d recommend ordering at least 3 tacos per person (street taco sizing), unless you're going heavy on the appetizers.
Must tries: Brisket Tacos, Mocktails
Overall Experience: ★★★★☆
Our waitress was fabulous, and so reassuring about their experience and dedication to welcoming those with additional allergies besides celiac/gluten. Their Burlington location was bustling, so while we were lucky enough to get seated outside without reservations, we’d still highly recommend making one so you don’t end up disappointed. They also have additional locations in nearby Hamilton, as well as a few other cities in Ontario.
Note: There's a lot of yellow jackets flying around in the outside seating area, though they do have plenty of traps set up to keep them away from you/your food. If you get nervous around stinging bugs, we'd recommend making a reservation for indoor seating.
Safety: ★★★★☆
Not dedicated gluten-free, but staff is extremely knowledgeable about cross contact to safely accommodate patrons with celiac disease.
Pros:
Separate work bench for allergy meals
Staff proactively asks about allergies when taking orders and is knowledgeable about modifications that can be made/will happily double-check with the chef
Manager follows up with guests who have allergies to further discuss precautions being taken
Staff verbally repeats your allergies when serving each course, further assuaging any concerns about getting the right plate
Cons:
No gluten-free labeling on the menu, but staff can point out your options
Taste: ★★★★☆
We had a tasty, attentive meal, and it was wonderful that the adjustments they made for my allergies didn't compromise the quality of the food at all.
Overall Experience: ★★★★★
They were absolutely wonderful with celiac and my shellfish allergy. While we were here for a wedding in their adjacent event space rather than their regular restaurant seating, everything was served from the same staff and kitchen, so I have no doubt the experience would be just as safe as a regular restaurant patron. The views on the waterfront were immaculate as well — definitely get an outdoor table if you can. We would happily return!
Note: We highly recommend reservations, as well as arriving early for parking. Nearby lots fill up quickly.
Oakville
Safety: ★★★★★
Dedicated, 100% gluten-free cafe.
Taste: ★★★★☆
We had a yummy açaí bowl and panini, and they also had lots of baked goods, smoothies, lattes, a frozen meal section, and a small shelf stable goods/grocery area. Everything we tried was fresh and satisfying.
Overall Experience: ★★★★☆
Though technically not within Hamilton or Burlington, we had to throw The Simple Kitchen in this guide as well, as it’s a great in-between stop for breakfast or lunch if you’re coming from Toronto. The variety here is impressive, whether you want a quick bite or to stock up on some gluten-free staples to take with you to your hotel or AirBnB.
Additional Researched Options
You can find our full list of researched restaurants, including some we didn't get a chance to visit ourselves, on Find Me Gluten Free here (get $5 off FMGF Premium here). **Please note, all places on this list were well-reviewed for celiac safety at the time of our visit. We were only able to visit the above guide restaurants ourselves, though, so if venturing to any places on the larger app list, be sure to read the reviews and do your own due diligence before visiting.
Food Safety Tips
Tourist Attractions and Activities
Once you've got the food sorted, below are a few fun attractions and activities to consider around Hamilton and Burlington.
You'll want to rent a car to get to and between the two cities and the various waterfalls. In terms of lodging, we'd personally recommend basing yourself in Burlington, since Hamilton can get a bit gritty in places if you're not familiar with the area. Plus, it's a bit closer to Toronto if you're tacking this on to a trip there.
You may also want to consider these towns as a home base for a Niagara Falls trip, given the dearth of safe gluten-free restaurant options in the immediate Niagara Falls area.
Explore the Great Outdoors
Hike Hamilton's Waterfalls
Hamilton proudly calls itself the "City of Waterfalls," and for good reason — the city boasts over 100 waterfalls! The most popular ones include Webster's Falls (one of the largest in the area at 22 meters/72 feet), Tews Falls (the tallest at 41 meters/134 feet), Devil's Punchbowl (a 37-meter/121-foot ribbon waterfall dropping into a bowl-shaped gorge), and Albion Falls (a beautiful cascade-type waterfall). Most waterfalls are best viewed during spring when water flow is highest, but they're beautiful year-round. Wear good hiking shoes, as trails can be muddy or slippery!
Stroll along the Burlington Waterfront
Spencer Smith Park stretches along Burlington's waterfront with walking trails, a pier, and stunning views of Lake Ontario and the Burlington Lift Bridge. Walk out onto the Burlington Pier to see the iconic red lighthouse at the end — perfect for photos!
Smell the roses at the Royal Botanical Gardens
Located between Hamilton and Burlington, this is one of the largest botanical gardens in Canada. The gardens span 2,400 acres and include the famous Rock Garden, rose gardens, and beautiful nature trails. Check their calendar for special events, too — we were lucky enough to visit during a special Downton Abbey floral exhibit!
Culture It Up
Explore Hamilton’s Monthly Art Crawl at James Street North
Hamilton's arts district comes alive on the second Friday of every month for the Art Crawl. Even on regular days, you'll find galleries, indie shops, cafes, and street art. The area has a hip, creative vibe that's worth exploring.
Visit the Art Gallery of Hamilton
One of Canada's oldest and largest art galleries, it houses an impressive collection of Canadian and international art.
“Storm” Dundurn Castle
This historic 1835 mansion offers tours that transport you back to the Victorian era. The castle sits on beautiful grounds overlooking Hamilton Harbour.
Day Trip Option
Check Niagara Falls off your bucket list
Hamilton and Burlington are perfectly positioned for a day trip to Niagara Falls (about 45 minutes to an hour drive). While Niagara Falls itself has limited gluten-free options, you can enjoy the spectacular waterfalls and then return to Hamilton or Burlington for safe dining. Make sure to see the Canadian Horseshoe Falls and take a ride on the Maid of the Mist boat tour for an unforgettable, up-close experience.
***Date of travel: September 2025
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