Wild Poppy Bistro

A regular stop for us when in Ladysmith. Gluten free is not a factor for us… it’s the quality and uniqueness of their offering… right down to the tea and coffee. Best breakfast in town and their lunch offerings are interesting, fresh and delicious.

Had the pulled pork grilled cheese — OMG very tasty and Gluten Free! Thank you Celiac Scene for highlighting this restaurant!

Service is friendly, décor is simple.
The food here definitely feels healthy and amazing. But there are some ups and downs associated with each dish.
Roast Beef Sandwich (2.5÷5):
Flavor wise, it wasn’t too bad. HOWEVER, why would you use processed Kraft American Cheese? This definitely makes the whole sandwich unpleasant. Also, I don’t like how they used soft white bread instead of other healthier choices.
Salmon Cake (4.5÷5):
Moist, fishy, and crusty on the outside. Comes with salad and tartar sauce which makes it extra yum.
Beets and Seeds Salad with Grilled Salad (⁵⁄₅):
I have to say their salad with the signature poppy seed dressing is really amazing. This dish has all kinds of texture and dimensions of flavors which makes me want more.

Amazing gluten free options. We loved the pulled pork grilled cheese sandwich and Parmesan risotto cakes. There is a kid’s grilled cheese sandwich with a side of fruit that is not on the menu. We are staying in a nearby town but would make the drive to eat here again.

This is one of the best gluten free bakeries and restaurants and I’ve frequented quite a few. I’ve never had a bad anything from here. It’s all good. Always take home pastries and bread to put in the freezer until the next time I get to visit. Yum!

The food here is delicious. The homemade soup is always hot, yummy. Awesome, friendly service

Wow. I had lunch here while passing through the city and was more than impressed. The food was amazing, the portions large, and, unexpectedly, the coffee very enjoyable. I tried both the chilli and turkey sandwich. Check this place out, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

How is it there is only one review for his amazing gluten free gem that all of Vancouver Island should be proud to call their own!!!
I first stumbled on the Wild Poppy Bistro by accident and I am so happy I did. I don’t think I’ve had a single thing here that I have not been happy with. Now not everything is my favourite but there are a «few» pretty awesome things worth mentioning:
— thumbprint cookies with ooey gooey jam (Wild Poppy: please make sure enough jam to cookie ratio!);
— white chocolate blackberry scones are entirely brilliantly reminiscent of real gluten containing scones;
— french bread ~ good god bless their souls it is lofty, just chewy enough, moist, glutinous (whaat? How?!!) and praised by celiac and non-​celiacs alike!!!
— granola (by the bag) is fabulously nutty, just enough fruit and lightly spiced;
— beef dip (on that brilliant french bread) is massive and no shortage of fresh flavourful beef;
— lime/​lemon tart brilliant (one crust was a hint overcooked and the flours can taste a little bitter);
— cheesecake… Fantastic!
Even their house salads and salad dressing are fresh, flavourful and absolutely not plain! Grated carrot, beets, artisan greens and homemade creamy dill dressing.
Last but not least, while their bread prices are not terribly far off from most gluten free restaurants, their bread is enormous, very expertly crafted and worth every penny. The rest of their baked goods and lunch menu are an incredible price and value with much of their prices being a better value than your average café. If you are celiac and used to being gouged for mediocre food, you will recognize that this is incredible value.
On the one hand, I wish they were in Nanaimo. They are a noticeable step above local options. But on the other hand, I would spend too much time and money here!!!

Great gluten free restaurant. Quality food and menu by great chefs. You have to try it. Gluten free never tasted so good.