Riz 100% Gluten-Free Asian Kitchen — Restaurant in Toronto

Their hot and sour soup ($6) contains traditional ingredients such as tofu, black fungus, and green onions, but could also something crunchier to round out the textures - in lieu of julienned bamboo shoots, Riz uses a softer vegetable. Overall, the soup didn’t satisfy my craving, especially since it had a sweet finish that I found strange.

The rice noodles (ho fun) used in the veggies and tofu pad see ewe ($19.75) is much thicker than what you’d find elsewhere. Perhaps, this is also why we found the dish blander and lacking the aromatic wok hay that’s synonymous with the noodles. A bit more soy would have helped and perhaps we should have taken them up on having some chili oil with the dish.

Luckily, the black bean tiger shrimp ($22.50) was flavourful and went nicely with the pad see ewe. The normally pungent black bean was mellowed into a sweet sauce studded with garlic and onions. Incorporating a variety of vegetables, the broccoli really soaks up the sauce so some people may find this too salty… for me it was perfect. Make sure to get an order of steamed rice to pair with the dish.

If you read the description of the purple Saigon eggplant ($17.75), you’d think the hoisin, garlic chili, and soy sauce would create a sweet, spicy, and savoury dish. Instead, there’s a tanginess that while not off-putting is also not expected. The eggplant was cooked perfectly, flash fried to retain its vibrant purple hue and quickly tossed with the rest of the vegetables. Given the chili logo on the menu, I would have liked this spicier.

I love that Riz incorporates so many fresh vegetables in their dishes. If what’s used in the stir fries and noodles aren’t enough, the snow pea and broccoli ($17.75) offer even more greens. During our visit, the recipe also included snap peas, likely used to augment the off-season snow peas that were...

My husband and I are currently visiting our son, who has recently relocated to Toronto.

As someone with Celiac disease, it is crucial for me to find restaurants that cater to my dietary needs. Therefore, our family tradition upon arriving in Toronto is to have dinner at the Riz. This time, we decided to try out their new location situated at 3471a Yonge Street. The Riz proudly identifies itself as a 100% Gluten-Free Asian Kitchen.

For individuals who are gluten-sensitive, particularly those with Celiac disease, discovering a restaurant that truly understands the challenges we face and serves exceptional food is an absolute delight. The Riz has managed to exceed our expectations in this regard.

What truly sets the Riz apart is that even individuals without gluten allergies find it hard to believe that the food is gluten-free. As a Celiac, this experience allows me to feel like a regular person, enjoying a delightful evening with friends and family. The fact that everyone can partake in the same dishes without me constantly worrying about what I can or cannot eat is truly liberating.

I must commend our server, Emily, for her exceptional service this evening. Her kindness and attentiveness added to the overall pleasant dining experience. Every time I dine at the Riz, I cannot help but suggest that they expand their presence to Vancouver, where I could indulge in visiting their restaurant more frequently.

Our visit to the Riz in Toronto has once again reaffirmed its status as a go-to destination for individuals with gluten sensitivities, particularly those with Celiac disease. The Riz's commitment to providing a truly gluten-free dining experience, coupled with their outstanding food and exceptional service, make it a standout...

A Life-Changing Culinary Experience for the Gluten-Free Diner

​For anyone with a gluten allergy or intolerance, the thought of enjoying authentic Chinese or other Asian cuisines is often a distant memory. The classic sauces and noodles that define so many dishes are almost always off-limits. So, imagine my absolute delight and relief when my husband discovered a certified 100% gluten-free Asian restaurant. This wasn't just a meal; it was a reunion with flavors and textures I haven't tasted in over 15 years.

​To make up for lost time, I went all-in, ordering seven different kinds of dumplings to share. We also tried the Dan Dan noodles and the Pork Char-Siu ramen, a dish I've never even had the pleasure of tasting before. The flavors and textures were nothing short of "amazeballs." My husband, who can eat anything he wants, confirmed that every dish tasted exactly like "the real thing," which is the ultimate endorsement for a dedicated gluten-free establishment.

​The experience was made even more special by our interaction with the chef and owner. He was incredibly friendly and genuine, taking the time to chat with us about his journey and even sharing a political opinion or two. He went above and beyond by bringing us a special dish to try, a gesture that truly showed how much he cares about his customers and their dining experience.

​This restaurant didn't just satisfy a craving; it made my heart and belly incredibly happy. Finding a place that understands and flawlessly executes a truly gluten-free menu is a rare gift, and I am so grateful for the attention to detail and passion that clearly goes into every dish. I would highly recommend this establishment to anyone, whether they're gluten-free or not—the food is simply...