Courtyard Cafe

The Celiac Scene says “Courtyard Cafe - Changed to Courtyard Coffee (new owners not set up to serve celiacs)”

https://theceliacscene.com/places/canada/british-columbia/qualicum-beach/restaurant/courtyard-cafe-2/

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

— Not at all

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

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

— Somewhat

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

Very strict Covid protocols and knowledgeable of food sensitivities, allergy, conditions. One of the owners is celiac and they ask all food issues when you order to ensure they safely prepare your food. Small portions but good food. I had the breakfast wrap and chocolate cake. All items are or can be gluten free except two of the treats.

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

— Very

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?

— Good

Decor a little dated but a large menu, at least 80% of which is GF or can be made to be, including crepes and baked goods. Owner is celiac so they take cross contamination seriously. Service was slow but I know they have been hit hard by staff shortages as a result of Covid. Food arrived on paper plates with plastic cutlery which was irritating but I guess they have prioritized cooking and serving guests over washing dishes when they are short staffed. Food was very tasty, could have been hotter but I’d eat there again for sure

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

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 kids
• Good for lunch
• Offers outdoor seating

One conversation with the establishment’s owner made me confident that this is a safe establishment for celiacs. I had the plum muffin, and it was delicious. Only wish we’d discovered it earlier in our visit!

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

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
• Good with other allergies
• Offers outdoor seating

The owner is celiac and said everything on the menu can be made gluten free except a few baked goods. The crepes were really delicious for GF! Did not get sick.

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

— Somewhat

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 kids
• Good for lunch

Tried the crepes and a salad. Service was good, food was good, although portions are very small for price. Unfortunately I got quite sick from eating here. I’m celiac and I probably won’t be eating here again.

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

— Somewhat

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?

— Average

The owner is celiac and was very friendly. Everything on the menu can be made gf. Excellent gf crepes and Mexican soup.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Very helpful, friendly staff. Entire menu can be gluten free. We had a child with a tree nut allergy eating with us and they had no trouble with that as well.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Owner is celiac and the food was amazing! Worth the visit!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Exceptional knowledge and very yummy food! We make the trip every time we are in Parksville.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Loved this restaurant! Cozy and lots of gluten free. Had crepes which were amazing. Would come back here in a heartbeat! wonderful food and people

This place is awesome. On top of having some of the best gluten free lunch options I've ever encountered, the owners are marvelous people to boot. If you are in this town and have celiac and/or other food sensitivities or allergies come here. They roast their own meats, make amazing gluten and dairy free crepe sandwiches, and even have an outdoor dining patio. After a few days in Tofino where gf options were limited and uncertain, the Courtyard Cafe is a godsend in Qualicum Beach. If you are heading to Tofino, make the detour here for breakfast or lunch (they close at 5 I'm told). Also, this is the first time I have felt compelled to review and give 5 stars to a gf restaurant.

Great creaps and breakfast. All gf and super cute!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Knowledgeable staff, able to accommodate any allergies and celiac. Owner is a celiac so you can rest assured your food is safe.

Celiac friendly?

Yes