My niece has celiac disease and has been loyal to one cafe since she moved to Calgary, as she doesn’t want to risk cross-contamination. When I went with her, I quickly understood why she rarely eats out and sticks to the same safe menu every time.
I tried ordering something different—a blueberry muffin—and it turned out dry, crumbly, and about as dense as a hockey puck.
Feeling bad that gluten-free eaters often have to settle for food like that, I decided to find cafes that do things differently. Ones that actually make gluten-free food taste amazing and take cross-contamination seriously.
After visiting several spots, taste-testing various menus, and chatting with other diners, here are the best gluten-free cafés in Calgary that truly impressed me.
How much does it cost to eat at a gluten-free cafe in Calgary?
It costs at least $15 to eat at a gluten-free cafe in Calgary. This is just an estimate. The actual price will vary depending on the cafe you go to, and more.
Table of Contents
1. The Cookie Jar. Gluten Free
Address: 128 28 St SE
Contact Details: +14034752699
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 8 AM to 4 PM
- Thursday & Friday – 8 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 4 PM
The Cookie Jar has me still thinking about their chocolate chip cookies. They were thick, chewy, with crispy edges. They had no gritty aftertaste that plagues so many gluten-free baked goods I’ve tried.
I’m not the only one who feels this way about their cookies. A regular told me she comes weekly for their 12-pack, calling them the only cookies their celiac kid enjoys.
Their banana bread also sealed the deal for me. It was dense but moist, with caramelized walnuts adding crunch—no dry crumbliness.
I appreciate that the staff clearly cares about the basics. When I inquired about cross-contamination, the staff told me they have a dedicated prep space and flour sourcing. This is such a relief for those with severe sensitivities.
Lunch is good here too. The clubhouse sandwich I tried had house-made gluten-free focaccia that actually held the mayo and turkey without disintegrating.
Others I spoke to raved about the Saskatoon berry pie, saying the flaky crust was the best part.
That said, their coffee was a bit of a letdown. My latte tasted too watery for my liking.
Everything was fantastic
“Normally I don’t like anything gluten free , I find it crumbly chalky and mealy. The cookie jar however is run by magicians. Everything was fantastic my wife had a quesadilla and I had a turkey sandwich on rye. Super generous and affordable. Kudos.”
– russ paranich, Google Reviews
Staff is exceptionally helpful and warm
“This is one of my absolute favourite places to go in Calgary. Even those who don’t need to eat gluten free will love this place. Staff is exceptionally helpful and warm. They provide great catering options too. Highly recommend!!!”
– Anne Logan, Google Reviews
2. Dairy Lane Cafe
Address: 319 19 St NW
Contact Details: +14032832497
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Sunday – 8 AM to 3 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday – 8 AM to 9 PM
Dairy Lane Cafe’s baked oatmeal & yogurt has earned its spot on my easy morning breakfast list.
They use organic oats with a nutty hint of flavor, topped with tart rhubarb compote and creamy yogurt. The granola added just the right amount of crunch without overpowering the berries.
Their barista nudged me to try their oatmeal with their bottomless coffee, which is one of the reasons why regulars stay past noon. It’s classic bold black coffee that’s not watery in the slightest.
People I spoke with also enjoy their Breakfast Tacos. The corn tortillas hold the loaded eggs, avocado, and tangy chipotle sour cream without tearing. The crispy red potato hash on the side has just the right hint of rosemary.
For those coming here for lunch, the pesto veggie burger patty is earthy and studded with lentils, and not the usual mushy bean paste. Those who order it weekly say they are almost always tempted to lick the savory shallot mayo off the plate.
Just make sure to ask the staff to substitute the buns with gluten-free buns. That comes with an extra $2 charge.
Plus, regulars who come on Wednesdays for their Burgers & Beer special love that they can pair it with a local brew.
The only slight complaint I have about this place is that they are a little overpriced.
If you are gluten free/ celiac this is a must visit
“Naturally gluten free should be the goal, these guys get it!
I had the delicious fried buttermilk chicken, nice and crispy, and absolutely packs the heat with flavour, 10/10 best gluten free (or any fried chicken) I’ve ever had! The honey sauce they sneak on there is an amazing touch. Sweet and savory gets my vote any time!
Staff were very nice and attentive, the space is a little tight but understandable considering the history of this business and the culture it’s brought, if it’s not broke don’t fix it and i love that. I love the aesthetic!
Oh, and don’t leave without having a milkshake! The salted caramel was amazing, brought memories back from when a cafe used to make similar shakes, but closed down unfortunately, brought a tear or two.
Price is a bit up there, but is to be expected, for me and my wife to have a main, share a shake and a desert was 80+ including gratuity. If you are gluten free/ celiac this is a must visit, We will be checking out breakfast soon to try the eggs Benny!”
– Delwin Penner, Google Reviews
Excellent gluten free options
“Excellent gluten free options (Celiac friendly)!
Went with celiac and the majority of their menu was gluten free or could be made gluten free, including the hollandaise sauce.
We ordered the Tostadas (picture) and Mexicali Hash Bowl (both GF, no subs needed) and they were delicious!! Food portions were hearty and definitely had a good mix of comfort food and well thought out flavours! The chai lattes were tasty.
Meal type”
– Reghan Walsh, Google Reviews
3. Good Heart Cafe
Address: 1011 SW, 1011 Glenmore Trail SW #100
Contact Details: +14032520656
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Friday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Good Heart Cafe is the spot for gluten-free soups.
I’m still savoring their Thai Coconut Chicken soup. It was creamy with lemongrass and lime leaves that zinged brighter than any takeout version. They only use real ingredients here, and none of those MSG bouillon cubes.
Regulars rave about the Hamburger soup. People like the combo of the savory beef-and-tomato base.
Even the Lentil soup, often bland elsewhere, has depth from the caramelized onions and smoked paprika.
But their soup portions are on the smaller side for the price Good Heart Cafe charges. I found myself wishing they had a bread bowl included with the soup for that price.
Still, they do a good job here with their drinks. In every sip of my Chai Tea Latte, the bold cardamom flavors enhanced the black tea.
Others who come here swear by their Royal Latte (turmeric, honey, oat milk) for that morning brain fog. One sip, and people are ready to go about their day.
So extremely flavorful
“I am so happy I stumbled across this place today. The owner is a true gem of a human. I could have stayed and talked to her all day.
I didn’t want Coffee and she suggested a dandelion root latte which was very good and earthy. I also tried her gluten free carrot cake which may have been the best carrot cake I’ve had, gluten free or not. She sweetens things just enough), not too much. I also got some Thai soup to go and it was so extremely flavorful. She makes the broth from scratch. You can tell everything she does is with love and care.”
– S Mac, Google Reviews
So many choices of gluten free
“This cafe serves homemade everything! Homemade soup, cake, muffins etc. So many choices of gluten free and keto, collagen powder, dandelion coffee and regular coffee. This cafe is rare and other cafes serve frozen soup etc. Amazing!!!!!!”
– Rain Kuystermans, Google Reviews
4. And Some Flower Cafe
Address: 540 7 Ave NW
Contact Details: +14034521463
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, Sunday – 8 AM to 11 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 8 AM to 12 PM
And Some Flower Cafe’s green onion everything bagel is perhaps one of the best things I’ve had here.
Their gluten-free bagels don’t taste like hockey pucks. The bagel I had was chewy, malty, and piled high with crispy dried bacon and a maple-kissed cream cheese schmear that balances sweet and savory.
Another customer told me they’re “addicted” to their smoked salmon bagels, praising how the capers and dill cut through the richness.
Their coffee game is equally bold. The Black Sesame Cream Coffee is my favourite. The nutty, toasty sesame paste swirls into the espresso, and it’s topped with a cloud of their house-whipped sesame cream.
Others love the Injeolmi Cream Coffee Latte. The roasted soybean syrup adds a toffee-like depth without cloying sweetness.
Even the Strawberry Dolce Latte is a drink I’d have again. They use real strawberry puree and a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into the espresso.
My biggest complaint about this place is the lack of clean tables. When I went, there were a couple of small two-person tables available, but all the larger ones were covered with grime.
Absolutely love the atmosphere
“My favorite coffee shop in Calgary!
They have a very diverse menu, delicious drinks and cakes, and you can even buy flowers here.
I absolutely love the atmosphere – it’s super cozy and welcoming.
I’d say this place has a very youthful vibe.
Highly recommend it to everyone!”
– Vika Lunova, Google Reviews
Quality of espresso is great
“LOVE this cafe omg! We ordered the black sesame cream latte, almond cream latte, chocolate matcha cream latte, and an americano. Quality of espresso is great and the flavors were really yummy. They offer unique flavors that other cafes don’t have. The pastries looked great as well. The atmosphere is very cute and they sell beautiful bouquets!!”
– Sophia Lam, Google Reviews
5. Canela Vegan Bakery & Cafe
Address:1319 9 Ave SE
Contact Details: +14032264199
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 9 AM to 5PM
- Friday – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday – 8:30 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Canela Vegan Bakery & Cafe GF Cookies ‘n’ Cream Sammie almost had me fooled—it tastes just like Oreos, but it’s definitely healthier.
The double chocolate cookies were fudgy yet crisp, sandwiching a vanilla buttercream so rich I double-checked with staff to confirm it was dairy-free.
Their GF Pumpkin Loaf was another win. It’s spiced, impossibly moist, and topped with maple cream cheese frosting that balances tangy and sweet. I just wish it came in individual pieces so I don’t have to buy the entire loaf every time I crave it.
Their savory GF Frittata holds its own too. The delicious taste and rich texture made it hard for some customers to believe it was actually gluten-free.
Coffee-wise, they sell legit roasted beans here, and more than espresso shots. The staff geeked when I asked about the Indonesian coffee beans, and mentioned their partnership with Calgary Heritage Roasting Co.
Absolutely amazing food and experience
“I came here with my dog to get a selection of gluten-free goodies, but didn’t want to leave her alone outside, so the supervisor (Tay or Kay, I believe) came outside and took my order and brought everything to me, which was so kind! The dog-friendly patio is also lovely and fairly private. Absolutely amazing food and experience, and of course the food ans drinks are incredible.”
– Sam Neumann, Google Reviews
Dedicated gluten free/vegan section!
“Such an amazing all vegan bakery and cafe! An amazing selection of all vegan pastries and deserts, as well as a dedicated gluten free/vegan section! They also have great seasonal drinks including a pumpkin latte! If you’re vegan and visiting Calgary this is a must to visit and enjoy!”
– Gareth Aegard, Google Reviews
