Pho Concept 100% Gluten-Free Eatery by Riz — Restaurant in Toronto

Riz was a godsend. On a recent trip to Toronto during which several of our relations were impacted by the ice-storm outages, we stumbled across a new Toronto favorite; Riz.

As an Asian restaurant alone, Riz stands above. A wide selection of Asian specialties well prepared and presented. This food maintains all the flavour and heat one would expect in Asia, no watering down for North American tastes. The spicy dishes have a good amount of heat (and we are a family of Chili heads). We were a table of nine so had a chance to try a variety of dishes from hot pots to lobster; not a thumbs down in the lot.

But the most significant feature to us was the gluten-free options - our son is exquisitely celiac (will react adversely to the most minute cross-contamination) so dining out is always a harrowing experience. The attention to proper handling was outstanding. All gluten-free options (and Riz could be totally gluten-free and still have an outstanding extensive menu!) are presented on serving dishes marked gluten free. Wait staff seemed very aware of cross-contamination issues, and offered assurances that the kitchen was "celiac safe".

The wait staff were also very friendly and responsive; they really appreciate your business. Even as new comers, you could see that they cultivate relationships with their clientele; if we lived in Toronto, we would absolutely become regulars. The prices were quite reasonable ($12-18 range entrée) and no surcharge for GF! I've become accustomed to paying significantly more for truly safe GF dining, so thank you Riz for not...

Riz St. Clair doesn’t just serve food—it serves a culinary lifeline for anyone living the gluten-free life. But let me tell you, this place doesn’t need a gimmick. It’s just damn good food, gluten-free or not.

We rolled in with a group, one celiac in tow, and ordered family-style. The menu is vast and unapologetically ambitious, and it delivers. The Garlic Shrimp? Sublime—bursting with flavor, perfectly cooked, and downright addictive. The Very Popular Beef? For once, a name that’s not just marketing—it was tender, rich, and unforgettable. And the General Tao’s Chicken? Someone at our table declared it the best they’ve ever had, and I’d be hard-pressed to argue.

The supporting cast didn’t disappoint, either. The Thai Basil Chicken, Fried Rice, and Singapore Vermicelli all held their own. Even the spring rolls were a treat, though we leaned more toward the veggie over the chicken.

But this place isn’t just about the food—it’s about the experience. The staff were on point: friendly without hovering, knowledgeable without pretense. They made the whole evening feel effortless.

Riz St. Clair isn’t just a restaurant—it’s proof that gluten-free cuisine can be bold, satisfying, and downright thrilling. If you’re in Toronto, don’t sleep on this place. You’ll leave full, happy, and already planning...

Absolutely worth going to. Yes my short review is biased, but if you read the longer version below. It’ll make sense. Food: 10/10 Service: 10/10 Cleanliness: 10/10 Speed: 10/10

For the longer review - those who care to read: I won't pretend the restaurant is like a five-star hotel. In comparison to your top high-end luxury restaurants, it would be four stars. But you can't compare apples to oranges.

The one most crucial thing to note is the belief, the idea, and the story behind the restaurant. They are specially tailored to people who have strict allergy requirements. My personal needs are to avoid gluten, nuts, egg, and more. Try that anywhere else…. Most places will just "nicely" shoo you away—and while I understand any restaurant ultimately is a business to cater to the masses, those of us who have strict, deathly dietary requirements can finally experience a place to dine without fear. To enjoy a time with family and friends eating the same things. To experience the fun and joy of picking at another person's plate.

For those reasons, and to me, it's better than any Michelin-star restaurant. If you have allergies to gluten, if you have celiac disease, you can finally share the experience too. You may come out an emotional train...