Celiac Scene Trusted Pizzerias Score Big in Times Colonist's Best Slice Contest

A huge congratulations to the following Celiac Scene approved pizza restaurants for scoring ‘Best in Gluten-Free’ in the Times Colonist’s Best Slice in Town Contest!

900 Degrees Pizzeria Langford

“I think the most innovative thing we have done is bringing really good gluten-free pizza to our customers. My son was diagnosed celiac when he was 5 years old … and he loved pizza. It broke my heart thinking that he could no longer have pizza, so I developed a gluten-free pizza dough just for him. It was a real challenge, a labour of love.” ^{Owner, Adrian Ortiz-Mena}

Learn more • Menu • Facebook • Instagram

Find 900 Degrees at101B 2401 Millstream Avenue in Langford. 250-590-4493 HOURS: Monday – Thursday: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday: 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Closed Sunday & Statutory Holidays.

The Joint Pizzeria

The Joint Pizzeria & Deli has been serving the gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan communities with integrity for more than ten years using the finest ingredients and the very best protocol. Yes, The Joint delivers – and how! 10″ and 14″ GF Sizes

Learn more • Menu • Facebook • Instagram

Find the Joint at 1219 Wharf Street. Call (250) 389-2226 for special gluten-free requests. HOURS: Sunday: Noon – 11pm (Delivery 4 – 10:30pm) Monday: Closed Tues-Wed: 11am – 11pm (Delivery 4 – 10:30pm) Thur-Sat: 11am – 3am (Delivery 4 – 10:30pm) Custom orders available to 10:30pm

Willows Pizza
As the daughter of a celiac, Willows Pizza owner well knows the precautions necessary to build a gluten-free pizza from the bottom up.

Crusts are sourced from a dedicated gluten-free manufacturer ($3 surcharge – 10″ or 12″)
Fresh tomato sauce and a separate ladle is used to dress gluten-free pizzas
Fresh cheese, vegetables, ham and chicken toppings are taken from unopened containers to prevent cross contamination through double dipping
Pizzas are baked on sanitized pizza pans, in the same ovens as regular pizzas
Gluten-free pizzas are cut on a dedicated, gluten-free cutting board

Willows’ only proviso is that GF pizzas may take a few more minutes to prepare than regular pizzas. Call ahead and ask about wait times. They want to take the very best care of us.

Find Willows at 2571 Cadboro Bay Rd (250) 595-9991 HOURS: Monday – Thursday: Noon – 10pm Friday-Saturday: Noon – 12pm Sunday: 4pm – 9pm willowspizza.ca • Facebook

Celiac Scene Special Mention – Six Mile Pub

Gluten-free pizza is available anytime – made with Six Mile Pub’s Signature Sourdough Crust.

Find Six Mile at 494 Old Island Hwy in View Royal • 250-478-3121 HOURS: Mon – Tue: 11am to 11pm Wed – Sat: 11am to 12am Sun: 10am to 11pm (Sunday Brunch from 10am to 2pm) sixmilepub.com • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram

CAUTION: A gluten-free crust does not make for a gluten-free pizza! What to ask Pizza Restaurants Promoting ‘Gluten-Free’ Options:

Questions Specific to Pizza Restaurants

The risk of cross contamination with airborne gluten flour is HIGH. Partake only if strict protocols are in place to protect your safety.
Are ‘gluten-free’ crusts prepared on-site?
- During regular operations? Before regular production? During downtimes / days?
- See questions in Ingredient section above.
Are pre-made ‘gluten-free’ crusts purchased from a dedicated gluten-free manufacturer? Who is the manufacturer?
How are gluten-free sauces and toppings prepared?
- During regular operations? Before regular production? During downtimes / days
- See questions in Ingredient section below.
How do staff ensure that all utensils used in preparing gluten-free orders are free of any trace of gluten?
How are utensils, crusts, sauces and toppings protected from cross-contamination with gluten while waiting to be used?
How will my order be protected from cross-contamination with gluten once it has been prepared and/or while waiting to be served?

Ingredients

What ingredients will be used to make my order?
How do staff know whether ingredients are really gluten free?
- Says so on labels?
- Checked product website?
- Called the manufacturer?
- Checked with The Celiac Scene? The CCA?
Will pure spices, prepared seasonings or soy sauce made from wheat be used to make my meal?
What other food items are cooked in the oil that ‘gluten-free’ items are cooked in?
How are sauces and dressings thickened?

Procedures

How will my server communicate with the kitchen that a gluten-free order has been placed?
How are gluten-free orders prepared in relation to the regular flow of the kitchen?
Will staff wash their hands / change gloves / change aprons clean surfaces before preparing my order?
How do staff ensure that all utensils used in preparing my food are free from any trace of gluten?
- Separate or scrubbed frying pan? Griddle scrubbed? Aluminum foil barrier? Dedicated pots? Dedicated colanders?
What other precautions do staff take to minimize / prevent cross contamination?
How will my server confirm with the kitchen that the order they are collecting has been prepared gluten free?
How will my server confirm that the order they are delivering to me is gluten free?

How did the restaurant learn how to meet the needs of gluten-free diners?

Through The Celiac Scene? Canadian Celiac Association?
Registered dietitian? Local health authority?
Staff members with celiac disease?

If the prospect of grilling restaurants about their gluten-free friendliness feels intimidating, you’ve got options!

Visit The Celiac Scene for restaurants that enjoy an excellent reputation within Victoria and Vancouver Island’s celiac community.

Join Victoria’s Gluten-Free Foodies to dine with a gluten-free group at carefully vetted restaurants. With more than 125 Meet-Ups under our belts, choose from a huge inventory of tried and tested celiac-friendly restaurants.