Bella Vida Garden Cafe

Cute diner feel. Ventured over after being glutened the day before and was happy I did. Confirmed gluten free toaster and very vigilant about gluten free. Gluten free pancakes available. I had some toast and bacon and was happy and safe. Excited to try it again!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
• Other dedicated kitchen equipment (oven, toaster, pots, pans, utensils, etc.)
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast
• Good for brunch
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegetarian options
• Offers outdoor seating

Lots of options. Quaint little diner feel to it. Highly recommend!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

I’ve had nothing but absolute success here. They have a gluten “button” and seem to be extra careful. I’m very surprised they have less than 5 stars!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

They had a great selection for gluten free, however I got the wrong toast and didn’t realize until AFTER taking a bite. Wouldn’t have changed anything to say anything to the waitress, but I definitely wouldn’t recommend this for anyone GF.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

They didn’t have a separate menu but our waiter took extra care to explain options. He even brought my daughter gluten-free bread as starter without being asked.

Multiple items were both vegan and gluten-free

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers delivery
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating

I had a wonderful breakfast here! The GF pancakes are large and delicious and I also had an omelette with home fries and a slice of GF toast on the side (they have a dedicated toaster!). The waiter was very knowledgeable about the GF options and was able to answer all my questions.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for lunch
• Offers outdoor seating

Great service and great gluten free options.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

They know about being GF. So many options. One of my favorite places in Cape May. The food is really good. Our receipt noted Celiac.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Offers outdoor seating

Our go-to place when in town (and open off season!). Lots of GF options, good staff, never a problem with sensitive celiac daughter

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Incredible! So accommodating and the food was INCREDIBLE! The staff and food was the best we had and we would have paid double!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dairy-free
• Good for keto
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers delivery
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating

I have been coming here since I was a kid and they have great gluten free options! Food is always tasty as well, my favorite is the quesadillas.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dairy-free
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Offers outdoor seating

Gluten free pasta is marked on the menu; however a lot of the menu can be made/is gluten free. Was excited about this, but was really disappointed by the food quality. My shrimp and grits appetizer was bland and felt thrown together. I ordered the GF pasta with pesto sauce and did not enjoy that either. The pasta was overcooked and mushy, and the pesto sauce was way too oily. There was a pool of oil at the bottom of my bowl, yuck. The others I was with who are not GF were also very disappointed by their entrees. Although celiac safe, I would not recommend.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Poor

Had a wonderful breakfast here. Staff was knowledgeable about celiac, server told us they have a separate GF toaster. Server was going to notify cook staff to use caution.

Huge menu, GF, vegetarian and vegan options. Service and breakfast were fantastic.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Other dedicated kitchen equipment (oven, toaster, pots, pans, utensils, etc.)
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Offers outdoor seating

big plates of food. i had the quinoa plato with the gluten free veggie burger on top.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Great food. Friendly celiac-knowledgeable staff. Family run, seems to have many locals as customers. Large variety of choices, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free. Relaxed atmosphere. Nice alternative to overpriced, overrated downtown places.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Yummy! Our go to for breakfast when down the shore. I get the gf pancakes and am never disappointed.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Gluten free pasta can be substituted for regular pasta in any of their dishes. The chicken francaise came with mashed potatoes, and the server asked the chef if if was gluten free, which it was. It was fresh and delicious. My family members enjoyed their dishes as well. We will be returning to Bella Vida!

We had a great experience here. The waitress went above and beyond. My daughter and I have celiac. My daughter has other allergies ss well. We ate eell and like normal people! I had the steak. She had a vegan quesadilla....and my steak;.)....avacodo honey salade dressing was great.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

The omelettes are delicious. They use fresh vegetables and the waitress said the restaurant was farm to table. The have vegan options also.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I must have visited on an off day. Neither the host who seated us nor the waitress seemed to have any knowledge of gluten free needs ("I think our salad dressings are gf!" with no offer to check.) I became sick.

Very strong with celiac knowledge. When you order as a celiac it is marked on the order ticket. Home fries were very good. Like in most diners, the top of the stack if often not touched. Grill is cleaned. Cross Contamination is always a risk, but they appear to minimize it pretty well.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I was looking for a GF dessert. The flourless chocolate tort was excellent. And I didn’t get sick. Owner was super friendly and knowledgeable of GF. Will be back for the banana whip.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Celiac friendly?

Yes

GF pancakes are delicious! We are here several times during of our week-long vacation, as there are many options. GF chicken salad wrap was yummy also. Staff is friendly, asks if you are Celiac, and are knowledgeable about GF. Love this cozy little spot!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

We went for breakfast. They were wonderful! My son had gf French Toast and he loved it. Family friendly. We will come again

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Staff was friendly, knowledgeable of Celiac, made suggestions, and checked with kitchen when I had questions. Many tasty menu options to choose from for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on extensive menu. So many choices that I plan to go back and try more dishes! Majority of menu items can be tailored to be gluten free and still full of flavor.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Update: Been eating here regularly since our first review several years ago. I’ve never been disappointed and never had any reaction.

Delicious food. Knowledgable and accommodating staff. Gluten free for me and vegetarian options for my wife. With all the dining options in Cape May, Bella Vita and Lucky Bones are the safest for celiacs.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Great options for a GF and vegetarian lunch!

Update: Our family ate here again over the Easter holiday 2017. The server was fantastic and checked with the cook to ensure our safety. We again had a great meal with no issues.

My husband and I have eaten here every time we visit Cape May. Each time we have both enjoyed our meals. I have never had an issue with cross contamination. I feel very comfortable eating here and recommend it to anyone with celiac disease.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

They do have a gluten free menu however i was not given gluten free pancakes although told they were. I was sick all day. Also was stuck in a corner w plants crowding me and charged for the wrong meal. Eat here w caution.

Don't come if you have nut allergies. So, we came to this restaurant in hopes that my GF 8 year old would finally have a great meal (based on reviews). My son is also ANA to tree nuts. He wanted the flapjacks, was so excited this place had food he could eat! Unfortunately the flour they use has nut flour. Their fryer for French fries is not dedicated for GF. Very disappointed. Our non GF were excellent though. They did their best to find something that would work for my son. He ordered a GF grilled cheese. It was just ok. Only ate 1/4 of it.

My husband and I ate here for our first anniversary, and I can't wait to go back! Our waitress was extremely knowledgeable, and assured us that she would inform the cook of an allergy before I asked her to! (Plus, it was her first day! Kudos to Bella Vida for making Celiac awareness such a strong priority) I had some delicious raviolis, and my husband had shrimp and grits. They also offered us gluten free garlic bread, which really put the cherry on top. We can't wait to go back to try the breakfast and lunch menus, too!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Well-informed staff. Gluten-free and dairy-free choices. Not on the beach but worth the short drive. Also, most of the restaurants doing gf in Cape May are on the pricey side. This was reasonable.

Always delicious, always inquire if I require celiac awareness in the kitchen. I have been here numerous times and never glutened!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

In June 2013 I found this cute place. Very cozy, but BYOB. Not a problem. First day we went & had very scrumptious gf banana chocolate pancakes! Wow! They were awesome. However the next day we came for dinner. I got the gf pasta with a cream sauce with seafood on top. It was delicious. However I paid for it later in the evening & into the next day! I believe it was either not gf or not prepared properly. Maybe it was that it was not cooked in new water. Not sure, but I don't think I'll be back. Sorry!

Celiac friendly?

No

I have been here plenty of times in the past and have had a wonderful experience ... I went last night and it was not the same .. We stood at the entry and nobody came over to seat us ... Then a Costomer came over and said you can seat your self .. We sat down the menu looked like it had changed .. I did not see anything that said gluten free as I did on our pervious visits... At the bottom fine print it said gluten free pasta/ ravioli $3. Extra. I said to the waitress who was horrible from the beginning that I have celiac ... And she looked at me with confusion ... Not one employee was there that we recognized. My steak was warm not hot , mushrooms and onions were hot that were on top of the steak.. Mashed potatoes were cold... So much so that the butter did not melt...And green beans were undercooked! I will ask around to see if new management has taken over! Totally not the same as a month ago! The waitress had no idea what celiac was ... So I said I can't have any gluten like... Flour .. Bread! She served the table with a bread basket and said I guess you can't have this?!!! In the past they have served rolls and my own oil .. This visit two pieces of toast and my own oil.. Only after I ask for it!! UGH!!! Something has happened to my once favorite restaurant !

The waitress was very friendly and helpful. She made a note to the kitchen that I had celiac so they would be extra cautious when making my meal. They were accommodating, and I had many more choices than I usually do when eating out.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Breakfast was good gf French toast was great......

Dinner was very disappointing.... We came in for the gf meat loaf, which when we tried to order were told it is not gf...and that the menu has a few errors...that is just not right, when you say you have a gf menu and people who need it come in...FIX the menu, and teach whoever cooks the gf pasta to cool it correctly...it was all clumped together...

Celiac friendly?

No

We went here on our annual trip to cape may as I am a Celiac and my cousin a vegan and I was blown away by the food and hospitality. The staff was very friendly and were able to accommodate my needs in a safe and delicious way. The food was extremely tasteful and decadent for both vegan and gluten free food right down to the salad dressing. This is a place you most certainly won't want to miss if you're passing by.

They totally cater to GF customers! Many menu items and helpful staff

Had Chicken BLT on toasted GF bread for lunch. Very good. Staff was friendly helpful.

Lunch was awesome. Son eats gluten free and loved it. Very friendly and we will back in the a.m. for breakfast.

Amazingly good food. Almost anything on the menu can be ordered GF. The pancakes are amazing!

Excellant GF food & service.Good variety

gluten free breads,wraps, desserts, pancakes, pastas and so much more. awesome place love it

great menu for gf diets and for vegetarian - not vegan, though. will definitely come back. knowledgable and friendly staff.

Wow ! Everyone happy.... GF and normal diet. My next visit to Cape May will work around the cafe's hours.

service is very good - food is great. lots of options for gluten free pasta and pancakes and can handle peanut and tree nut allergies too. we keep coming back here every visit to cape may