Review of Annie's Seafood Restaurants

This charming spot is a gluten-free diner's dream come true!

I never dreamed I would be able to eat gluten-free fish and chips, but Annie's makes that possible. I became a GF peep when I was diagnosed with RA in 2012. My naturopath discovered it was gluten causing all my inflammation and it would 'turn on' my autoimmune response (this discovery was made via an elimination diet). I cannot cheat or it means months of misery afterward, so I choose my restaurants very carefully.

Annie's is so safe. They use red zones marked with tape and a dedicated fryer to eliminate cross-contamination, and the staff is trained so that they are certified GF. Even the owner has gone GF because of all the nasty things gluten, which is not natural and a by-product of genetic engineering, does to your body (read Wheat Belly and Grain Brain). I have spoken to them on several occasions and they go above and beyond what most restaurants do to ensure GF diners are safe. My husband and I have eaten here several times without ever having an issue.

The space is so quaint and cute. The wood at the counter and throughout looks like it came straight off a boat. There is such a cute beachside/East Coast feel to the spot. All the cute little nautical touches and warm lighting make the space very inviting. The staff is friendly and helpful and very conscious of GF dietary needs.

However, it is the food itself that sets this restaurant apart from ANY other restaurant where I've dined previously. I mean, GF fish and chips? I have never seen this available GF on any other menu. Usually, when I dine out the GF options are a burgerless bun (or GF bun if you're lucky), steak, salad, more places are getting better. But the great thing about Annie's is that almost the entire menu is GF!!! You can get the same things 'normal' people eat and here they are of exceptional quality and taste.

The battered halibut and onion rings are two of my favourites! You would never guess the breading is GF. It is DELICIOUS! Last night, I ordered scallops with my fish for takeout and didn't realize they were deep fried. I have never gotten them deep-fried before and these were incredible. The scallops were soft and buttery and the crust on them was so tasty. One of the best things I've eaten in my life! Of course, I had to get onion rings too, and the whole order from fish to fries to rings was just as amazing as always.

Annie's has an unbelievable number of frozen items in their takeout freezer too. I haven't explored every option yet, but I did bring home two GF eclairs. Again, would never guess they are GF. So good and got a huge thumbs up from very picky hubby too. I did see a baby turtle cheesecake (yes, also GF) in there. I do want to try one of those very soon. There is a lot more to explore at Annie's.

I also want to try more on the menu. I know they have GF mozza sticks. Where can you get those eating out? I've literally never seen the choices this place gives you on other menus. Most GF menus are so small and what I can order is so limited, but the choices are endless and delicious here. I can't wait to try the things on the menu I haven't ordered yet...if I can make myself give up eating that addictive halibut or those mouth-watering onion rings.

I always have to choose my restaurants for a trip or night out in advance and make sure GF options are offered. I've never seen the number of options or had the quality of taste on a GF menu like I do here, and it's close to Kitchener where I live, luckily. I'll keep coming back again and again because the taste is like the things I used to enjoy before I had to modify my diet, and I'm offered a variety of GF items I haven't seen at any other restaurant. Annie's truly is a dream come true for diners...whether you are GF or not!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

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

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

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