Almond Butterfly

Almond Butterfly’s Trinity Bellwoods location, known as the A.B. Bistro, is the flagship full-service evolution of the original Harbord Village bakeshop. Founded by Melody Saari and David Piesina, who began their journey in a Montreal CrossFit gym, the brand is built on a philosophy of high-quality, gluten-free nutrition that never compromises on texture or flavour. This Dundas West spot offers a bright, serene atmosphere filled with pastel hues, plants, and hanging lights, making it a comfortable destination for everything from casual weekend brunches to relaxed date nights. It is a dedicated 100% gluten-free facility, providing a rare sense of security for those with celiac disease or strict dietary requirements, while maintaining a menu that appeals to anyone who appreciates well-crafted comfort food.

For a first-timer, the buttermilk chicken tenders and fries are non-negotiable; they are remarkably crispy and consistently cited as a standout. The all-day brunch menu is equally impressive, featuring hearty options like loaded breakfast bagels and pancakes topped with fresh blueberry compote. If you are visiting for a drink, their cocktail list is entirely gluten-free, often featuring creative sips like cherry apple pie mai tais. Prices are mid-range, reflecting the quality of ingredients and the labour-intensive nature of scratch-made gluten-free cooking. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend brunch when the space becomes quite boisterous. While they are open seven days a week, aim for a weekday visit if you prefer a quieter experience, as the weekend brunch club can get very busy.