San Diego Gluten-Free: Where to Eat Gluten-Free in San Diego: Celiac Safe Restaurants
- Sep 9, 2022
- 8 min read
Updated: Feb 6
For most travelers, a trip to San Diego, California begins with a search of things to do in San Diego.
For people with Celiac Disease, a search will often begin with gluten-free restaurants or Celiac safe restaurants. San Diego is one of the best destinations in the United States for gluten-free travel if you have celiac disease.
While many cities rely heavily on shared kitchens, San Diego has a strong selection of dedicated gluten-free restaurants and bakeries. This makes it easier to eat safely while exploring popular attractions like the San Diego Zoo, La Jolla Cove, and the beaches along the coast.
This guide focuses on dedicated gluten-free restaurants I have personally visited and regularly frequent as a San Diego resident, with practical tips to help you plan a gluten-free visit to San Diego with less stress.
The good news is that San Diego is a great destination for wonderful activities for families and individuals. In between your adventures to the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, Legoland, Coronado Island or La Jolla Cove, you can find delicious, gluten free food to take on your adventures.
Each of these restaurants and bakeries is a dedicated gluten-free restaurant, and they have all been approved and checked by my gluten detection service dog, Suki. You may even see us at some of these locations. Many have gluten free or vegan options and most will make substitutions for other food allergies.
Closest to the Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, Downtown or Convention Center
Unfortunately, there aren't any dedicated gluten-free restaurants in the Gaslamp District or downtown, but Starrylane Bakery is only 3.5 miles away. This dedicated gluten-free bakery has the cakes, cookies and pies you would never know were gluten-free. They are also top 10 allergen-free. A pro-tip for making sure they don't run out the treats you want is to place an online order in advance. My favorite are the pretzel rolls. They are so close to the gluten originals you will not miss the gluten. They have the perfect texture and the right amount of salt. It brings me right back to Germany. You must not miss this stop. The parking in this area can be challenging, so a quick Uber ride from downtown may be the easiest option. They are closed on Monday and Tuesday.
After you stop at Starrylane Bakery, you can head to El Tianguis for a quick lunch. Their specialty is taquitos or rolled tacos. The also have churros, nachos, fish tacos, bowls, and loaded fries. This is a must visit. This is also the closest location to the San Diego Zoo.
I love the chicken and shredded beef taquitos with a side of rice and beans. The toppings of sour cream, cheese lettuce and guacamole are all optional as is the salsa. The guacamole comes plain or with Pico de Gallo. They also have vegan and vegetarian options for fillings, and some new bowls which I must try on my next visit. If you want some for later, you can order them in a large to go pack that will feed a crowd. They also have tacos, nachos, and bowls.
Which gluten-free restaurants are closest to Sea World, Mission Bay, Point Loma, Pacific Beach and Ocean Beach
Peace Pies is a raw, vegan restaurant that is 100% gluten-free and soy-free.
This is a unique culinary experience of fresh ingredients from local farms. Although completely uncooked, the dishes have complex and interesting flavors. My favorite dish is the mango curry wrap with the kale chips. You will not even think about the fact that it is raw.
They also have raw desserts like cheesecake, pie and truffles. I like to eat on their outdoor patio or take my food and head to the beach. They also have juices and other snacks packed to go.
Phattie's Bake Shop is vegan and gluten-free and very delicious. I was so surprised to try their treats, and I absolutely loved them. They are probably the best vegan, gluten-free treats I have tried. They are really delicious, and I definitely need to return to try their red velvet cake and their cinnamon roll.
Where Can I Find Gluten-Free Food Closest to La Jolla Cove, La Jolla Shores, Del Mar and Torrey Pines?
Right in the heart of La Jolla is a rooftop cafe, Trilogy Sanctuary. This rooftop organic vegan café has a dedicated gluten free kitchen and some very delicious dishes. All food is dairy-free, soy-free and refined sugar-free. The pancakes were delicious and a very filling meal. They even have aerial yoga classes you can watch while you eat, or you can work up an appetite in a regular yoga class and enjoy a smoothie or Acai bowl afterward. Afterwards take some time to shop in La Jolla or go down to La Jolla Cove watch the seals. You may want to plan a kayaking tour or go boogie boarding at La Jolla Shores. If the wind is right, you can also drive to the gliderport to watch the hangliders fly off the cliffs.
A morning hike at Torrey Pines can be followed up with a lunch at Sweetfin. This is a fresh poke restaurant chain that has locations throughout Southern California. They have a location at One Paseo in Carmel Valley at One Paseo. If you are craving poke, it is the perfect gluten-free stop. I build my own bowl with the fresh veggies and fish, but you can also choose a vegetable only bowl. They have a variety of special sauces and some unique sides like taro chips.
If you are headed to the Del Mar Horse Races at the Del Mar Race Track or Suki's favorite beach,
the Del Mar Dog Beach, you definitely need to stop by Nectarine Grove Café and Bakehouse. This is the second location for my favorite restaurant in San Diego. The Del Mar location is a breakfast and lunch place. They focus on baked goods sandwiches and breakfast bowls.
My favorite sandwiches are the Prosciutto and Fig Croissant or the Turkey Avocado.
The baked goods are all decadent and some of the best gluten free pastries I have had. I highly recommend the chocolate or almond croissants for an out-of-the-world experience. The sourdough bread in Del Mar is like a European farmer’s loaf and it is definitely full-sized. The cinnamon rolls are large enough for 2 or more people. I always eat food there and take some extra baked goods to go.
If you are taking the train to Solana Beach, walk across the street to The Coop. This dedicated gluten-free restaurant and bakehouse has cinnamon rolls, sandwiches, soups, salads, and pizzas. You can also get frozen bread, pies, cookies and other sweet treats from Gluten Freedom Baking Company. I recommend the cinnamon roll or the Trust Me Dude Panini on the "almost rye" gluten-free bread.
What Gluten-Free Food is Closest to Legoland, Encintas, Carlsbad and Oceanside?
No matter your San Diego destination, I highly recommend the original Nectarine Grove in Leucadia, California. A little bit north of San Diego, but well worth the drive for this delicious restaurant and bakery. The quality of ingredients is top notch and they have many options for dietary needs.
The Leucadia location is just north of Encinitas, California and that has a full menu and extended hours. You can have everything from cinnamon rolls and croissants to Pizza or my favorite the Chimichurri Steak Bowl. They even have fried chicken and waffles. The have vegan and vegetarian options as well. Sit outside and enjoy a leisurely brunch, or take your food to go and eat it on the beach at Moonlight Beach.
Healthy Creations in Encinitas, California is an organic and gluten-free café with sandwiches, wraps and baked goods. You can leave feeling full after eating the fresh, local food. Choose a variety of breads and wraps for your sandwiches, and they even have paninis. My favorite is the twisted reuben panini. They have vegan and vegetarian options as well.
There is something for everyone in San Diego, perfect weather, fun activities, and most of all delicious gluten free food. To save you time and stress planning your trip, sign up below for a free google map of these restaurants to help you plan your culinary gluten-free adventure.
FAQ's:
Is San Diego a good gluten-free destination for people with celiac disease? Yes, San Diego is a good destination for people with celiac disease. All of them are fast casual, so a true sit down dedicated gluten-free restaurant is lacking. If you eat at restaurants that are not dedicated gluten-free, know that California is not as celiac aware as other destinations. Gluten-free is much more of a marketing term, so it is critical for you to ask detailed questions about preparation of food and ingredients before you eat.
Are there dedicated gluten-free restaurants in San Diego? Yes, there are many dedicated gluten-free restaurants in San Diego. This blog is filled with only dedicated gluten-free restaurants.
Do I need a car to reach gluten-free restaurants? Yes, if you want to reach all the gluten-free restaurants, it is easies to have a car. Although San Diego has a trolley system which is convenient, most locations are not close to the the trolley. You could use rideshare or taxi to reach some locations, but that may be cost prohibitive depending on where you stay.  My free San Diego Gluten-Free map download can help you make your plan.
Are these restaurants safe for celiac disease? These restaurants are safe for someone with celiac disease. They are locations I visit frequently and they are all approved by my gluten detection celiac service dog.
What areas of San Diego are best for gluten-free dining? There is gluten-free dining all over San Diego. This blog gives you recommendations for my favorites and how close they are to San Diego attractions.  My free San Diego Gluten-Free map download can help you make your plan.
Where can I buy gluten-free groceries in San Diego? Many grocery stores stock gluten-free food, but my favorites are Sprouts, Whole Foods, Aldi, Trader Joe's, and Ralph's. You can find gluten-free bread, quick meals, and snacks.
Know Before You Go: Gluten-Free Travel in San Diego
Even in a gluten-free friendly city like San Diego, it is important to ask questions and advocate for yourself. Unfortunately, many restaurants in San Diego view gluten-free as marketing tool so it is important to ask all the questions (read my blog on finding celiac safe restaurants for my top tips). Dedicated gluten-free restaurants reduce risk, but staff, menus, and procedures can change. Always tell your server you have celiac disease, not just a gluten-free preference. If something does not feel safe, trust your instincts and skip the meal. There are enough dedicated gluten-free options in San Diego that you do not need to take unnecessary risks.
Would you like help planning your San Diego Gluten-Free Trip?
Schedule some time for me to help you figure out what to do on your trip and which restaurants will be the best for your needs.
