Gluten Free San Francisco: A Complete Guide for Celiacs

Wondering if San Francisco is a good location to visit if you require a gluten free diet? You’re in luck. If you’re searching for the best gluten free eateries in San Francisco, I have recommendations. San Francisco is a gluten free paradise, provided you understand where to explore. As a food enthusiast with Celiac Disease, I haven’t let it dampen my love of food. I relocated to San Francisco seven years ago, and I have been on a mission to discover the finest gluten free restaurants in SF ever since.

Alysha (my wife) and I have personally explored the advantages and disadvantages (PS I love In-n-Out for Celiacs – protein style, “gluten allergy”, special sauce on the side!) of San Francisco’s best Celiac-friendly dining options. We’re here to share our most helpful tips to assist you in navigating San Francisco gluten free and planning an amazing visit.

Below the gluten free restaurant recommendations for Celiacs in San Francisco, you’ll find information about the best time to visit, where to stay, and how to get around. In other words, everything necessary to plan your trip to San Francisco.

Updated in 2021: While we no longer live in the city of San Francisco, we still spend part of the year in the Bay Area, and got around to updating this guide with some exciting new places to eat (and had to remove a few, sadly). .

” (No changes, per instructions)Heading to San Francisco? You’ll need an itinerary and a place to rest your head.

• Check out our guide to 4 days in San Francisco for a local’s perspective on the best plan for initial visitors to SF.
• Don’t miss our Guide to the Best Area to Stay in San Francisco for a local’s perspective on the best places to reside in SF.

Disclaimer: Some of the links below may provide small commissions without increasing costs, as they connect to places where purchases can be made. However, I would never suggest anything myself without full trust in its quality and usefulness.

Gluten Free San Francisco: A Complete Travel Guide for Celiacs

I created my Celiac City Guides to simplify gluten free travel and take the guesswork out of traveling with Celiac Disease.

Why listen to me? I have seven years of experience exploring San Francisco entirely without gluten, and I know it like the back of my hand. Allow me to spare you the guesswork of eating gluten free in San Francisco with a detailed travel guide made by a local person with Celiac disease, for others with Celiac disease.

Top Picks: The Best Gluten Free Restaurants in San Francisco

Here’s a connection to my Gluten Free San Francisco Google Mapwith things to do, places to see, and naturally, the best gluten free food in San Francisco.

My picks for the best gluten free restaurants, bakeries, and bars in San Francisco are below. Scroll down to read more in the full guide.

• Premier gluten free bakery: Mariposa Baking Co.
• Preeminent 100% gluten free restaurant: Pica Pica
• Best Celiac-friendly restaurant: Tie between Nopalito and Firefly
• Premier cider bar: Upcider
• Premier cocktail bar: ABV
• Premier wine bar: Robberbaron or High Treason
• Premier coffee: Too many to list, but Saint Frank and Sightglass are distinctive

If you have any questions, contact us. We’re pleased to chat about your upcoming gluten free adventure in San Francisco, and provide some itinerary recommendations.

The Best Dedicated Gluten Free Restaurants in San Francisco 

The locations below are 100% gluten free, which is generally what we seek out when traveling so that I don’t have to worry too much about cross-contamination.

Pica Pica Arepa Kitchen

Alert for 2021: You might have read that Pica Pica closed permanently. We thought they did too, but now they’re back! Go support them so they stay open for the long haul – they’re amazing!

Pica Pica is a restaurant in San Francisco that specializes entirely in gluten-free cuisine, and provides fantastic Venezuelan meals like arepas and cachapas brimming with a variety of tasty meat and meat-alternative combinations.

It happened to be the initial 100% gluten free meal I ever had while on a trip to SF with my older brother years prior. He saw it featured on Diner’s, Drive-ins, and Dives, so we went there during my visit to the Bay Area.

It changed my life. Now, I`m obsessed with arepas (I even create them at home!) and I go to Pica Pica at least once a month. I recommend the Crispy Chicken Cachapa, the Shredded Beef Pabellon Arepa, and the Nachos Pica Pica.

Don’t overlook the spicy orange flavored sauce, and be certain to pick up some of the finest gluten free beeraround (genuinely gluten free, not gluten removed) from Groundbreaker Brewing – one of the best gluten free breweries in Portland, OR – while you’re there.

The Game Parlour

Do you enjoy board games? What about 100% gluten free waffles free of gluten? If you answered yes to both, we’ve got a treat for you!

The Game Parlour is located in the Inner Sunset, and is a board game cafe with a fully gluten free menu and nearly every board game imaginable.

Choose from savory sandwich options made with waffles (the King of New York is amazing – meat, coleslaw, and dressing), sweet waffles (bannanagrams with bananas, nut spread, and whipped cream), and a couple of sides. The chicken bites and waffle pieces are both fantastic.

This is an amazing way to spend an evening in San Francisco, indulging yourself on gluten free waffles and playing a new board game.

We recently became quite fond of Ticket to Ride (we’d suggest the Europe version), and have been devoted to it, playing various games per week!

Asian Box

Asian Box is an excellent resource for those with Celiac disease in San Francisco! It’s a dedicated gluten free eatery with one location in the Marina on Chestnut Street, as well as multiple sites South of the city (Palo Alto, San Jose, etc).They serve Asian street foods that are 100% gluten free, sustainable (locally sourced ingredients, all dishes are compostable, and 35% recycled wood), and highly palatable.

This establishment deserves high praise for providing a quick, easy, and delicious meal option. It stands out as one of the best 100% gluten free restaurants in San Francisco.

They`re also on all the food delivery apps imaginable, so if you`re a Celiac traveling to SF for work and need something quick, they`ve got your back.

Mariposa Baking Company

Mariposa is a bakery focused on Gluten Free products with a stall at the Ferry Building. You’ll find baguettes, cinnamon rolls, sandwiches, pizza crusts, muffins – all 100% gluten free and safe for Celiac.

I always recommend a visit to the Farmer’s Market at the Ferry Building on Saturday mornings, and a Mariposa breakfast sandwich makes the perfect companion for strolling through the stalls of the busy market.

Don’t forget to purchase some baked goods to take home with you and enjoy later!

They also have a location in Oakland if you find yourself in the East Bay needing some gluten free baked goods!

Kitava

Kitava is a fairly new dedicated gluten free establishment in the Mission. It also happens to mainly offer paleo selections, if that`s how you prefer to eat. I’ve visited there a couple times now, and what has stood out is the Cuban Bowl. Rice, avocado, braised pork, and sweet plantains. The General Tso`s chicken is excellent too. Kitava is a good spot for a swift 100% gluten free lunch or supper while you’re in SF.

They also supply the food for Buck Wild Brewing, a brewery in Oakland that is 100% gluten free. More details on them below!

Moon Bowls

I was very excited to try this place, and it did not disappoint! It is an interesting business model, with no storefront and only delivery and pickup from a commercial kitchen. According to them, this allows them to focus more on the food rather than the dining experience.

Moon Bowls create completely gluten free Korean-inspired bowls, which is something I’ve honestly never witnessed before. We selected up a few bowls for a picnic in Golden Gate Park with friends last time we were in the city, and we truly enjoyed them!

The potstickers – which are something you don’t usually find gluten free – were great, and we really liked the cauliflower wings and the “Don’t Cauliflower it a Comeback” bowl.

They use Impossible Beef in some of their dishes, including the potstickers, which is a nice touch for vegetarians (and Alysha, who doesn’t really eat beef or pork).

Califlower Pizza

No, I didn’t misspell “cauliflower”. Califlower Pizza is another place offering delivery/pickup that makes the sole gluten-free pizza option in San Francisco. It features a cauliflower-based crust, as you may have inferred, and it’s gluten, soy, and nut-free! Two crust choices are available – both gluten-free, one vegan – along with various toppings to select from, some of which are vegan.”

My customary jeans consist of the Levi’s 512 Nimble Taper Flex. Were you aware Levi’s originates from the Bay Area? Their headquarters are located right here in San Francisco.

Regretfully, I only have one experience with them, and it was when in Los Angeles when they neglected one of our pizzas, and rather than sending another one, they essentially said “whoops!” and refunded us (which really didn’t solve the problem).

That being said, I’d totally give them another try, and am planning on it next time we’re in the city!

Flour Chylde Bakery

Currently, you can find them at the Clement Street Farmers Market on Sundays, but you should check their website for the most up-to-date info.”

As Quoted

As Quotedis a cafe that is entirely gluten free but has high prices, fairly average food, and decent coffee. Truthfully, there are better options.

Celiac-Friendly Gluten Free SF Restaurants (Not Dedicated Gluten Free)

The restaurants below are not 100% gluten free.

However, based on my own experiences visiting all of them, they have established good systems to prevent cross-contamination and serve individuals with Celiac Disease.

However, it is advisable to always verify directly with the restaurant. Situations change regularly (I recall a restaurant that was previously entirely gluten-free but recently added gluten unexpectedly to its menu).

Firefly

Firefly arrived incredibly recommended by some local Celiacs, and it took me a bit to finally pay a visit. Following my first meal there, I understood it was going to be a staple moving ahead.

The atmosphere is ideal for (gluten free) evening of fun, and most of the menu is gluten free by design. They even have gluten free bread to begin (it contains oats though, so avoid if you are sensitive) and Groundbreaker Brewing gluten free beer.

The highlight was the fried chicken, but the crab cakes were a close second choice. Highly recommend Firefly as a romantic nightspot for Celiacs or those needing gluten-free options – they took great care of me and made me feel very comfortable with cross-contamination issues.

Nopalito

I adore Mexican sustenance. Pujol in Mexico City is my #1 eatery encounter whenever. Cosme and Claro – I went by the two on my ongoing trek to gluten free NYC – were stunning cases of 100% gluten free Mexican nourishment.

Nopalito, while not dedicated strictly to gluten free cuisine, offers the finest example of gluten free Mexican food in SF.

A few things to note:

• The chips are deep fried in a dedicated fryer.
• The servers are knowledgeable, but you should know that the carnitas are simmered in beer – so anything with that is NOT GLUTEN FREE.
• They have a really good selection of Mezcal, if you’re interested in that. I know I am.

The highlights are the Totopos con Chile (above, basically slices with red sauce and cheese), Tacos de Pescado al Pastor, and the Pozole.

They have two locations – one in NOPA and one in the Inner Sunset. Both are right next to Golden Gate Park, making them a perfect stop during a day of exploring San Francisco. No reservations, first come first served.

Even More Celiac-Friendly Gluten Free SF Restaurants

Your first choice involves whale watching or bear watching. We opted for a bear watching tour with Ocean Outfitters, which took us out on a Zodiac boat into the inlets of the Clayoquot Sound.

Baskhas fantastic small plates. They know exactly how to handle Celiac Disease – no dedicated fryer here. Don’t miss the paella and the baked goat cheese. Oh, the sangria is also phenomenal.

Kuma Sushi & Sake on Polk Street in Nob Hill should be patrons` first destination seeking gluten-free sushi in San Francisco that is safe for people with Celiac disease. Gluten-free sushi can potentially pose issues – in addition to obvious concerns like tempura and soy sauce, some hidden sources of gluten may exist. At Kuma, all house-made sauces (except eel sauce) use tamari and are gluten-free, and staff will provide tamari at tables for those needing to avoid gluten. Their rice is also fresh and gluten-free. Kuma is not entirely gluten-free – tempura items must be avoided, but staff can recommend menu options. Some reviews on Findmeglutenfree expressed confusion about rice beer – it does contain gluten as far as I can tell. For the best gluten-free sushi in SF, look no further.

Cafe De Casa: I recently discovered my fondness for circular crepes made from tapioca after sampling them in the city of New York at an establishment called TAP NYC. Cafe De Casa is a gluten free Brazilian cafe located in San Francisco that is fairly new but executes their menu very well. They are NOT a completely gluten free restaurant – they offer various baked goods that I would recommend avoiding as a Celiac. This includes the pao de queijo (“cheese bread”) which is displayed together with the gluten-containing pastries. The tapioca crepes, on the other hand, are gluten free and safe for those with Celiac disease – the griddle is solely used for preparing the crepes. You can get a variety of sweet – like caramel & cashews – or savory – smoked salmon, avocado, and cream cheese. The coffee is good too, and it`s near Fisherman’s Wharf making it a convenient spot for sightseers.

Coqueta will satisfy your cravings for Spanish small plates and is conveniently located on the beautiful Embarcadero. Prior correspondence with them has been nothing but helpful and accommodating. We finally ate there right before leaving the city, and it did not disappoint. Be sure to try the paella and sample the Basque cider!

Kokkari Estiatorio caters to a higher-end clientele than most of the other eateries mentioned here, but offers an magnificent ambiance and cuisine. I was fortunate on my last visit that my server also had Celiac disease and could therefore completely accommodate my needs.

In-n-Out: When in California, you absolutely must visit In-n-Out. There is only one location actually within the city – it`s in Fisherman’s Wharf- but a few are just outside city limits. The fries and shakes are both gluten free (dedicated fryer). The only item containing gluten is the burger buns, which presents some cross-contamination issues as you might expect. However, here is how to order to minimize that risk and enjoy a safe burger from In-n-Out: “I’d like a burger type, protein style, no special sauce (can I have a packet on the side?), with a gluten sensitivity.” Yes, I realize Celiac Disease is not “a gluten sensitivity” but that is the terminology triggering their allergen protocol, which involves changing gloves and utensils, a separate tray and bag, and potentially a new grill (depending on location and available space).

More Gluten Free Restaurants in the Bay Area 

While those are some of my preferred gluten free restaurants in SF, there are many other Celiac-friendly dining locations throughout the Bay Area.

Gluten Free Restaurants in Oakland, California

Just across the Bay Bridge from San Francisco, you’ll find lovely Oakland, California, which has a couple of solid gluten free restaurant options, and is worth the trip if you have an extra day (or if you live here).

Buck Wild Brewing: For years, I’ve been expressing disappointment over the lack of gluten free breweries in the Bay Area. At last, someone has addressed this need! Buck Wild Brewing crafts completely gluten free beer using only naturally gluten free ingredients (avoiding gluten-reduced options), and they offer food made by Kitava! It`s another story of an individual who adopted a gluten free lifestyle, said “why are there so few gluten free beers that genuinely taste good,” and launched their own production. They have an excellent taproom in Jack London Square where visitors can sample a flight of their beers, purchase cans for off-site enjoyment, and savor 100% gluten free meals on their patio on a warm Oakland afternoon.

Mariposa Baking Company: While the spot at the Ferry Building in SF is superb, this is where the gluten free bakery originated, and carries on to be their baking facility. You’ll discover a broader selection of 100% gluten free baked goods here. It’s a great place to stop for lunch if you’re around in Oakland.

C Casa: A dedicated gluten free Mexican fast-casual eatery based in Emeryville, where I performed duties for half a decade. Everything is free of gluten. You may be wary of prices for a taco, but they’re tremendously sizable. You won’t require more than two per individual.

Jules Thin Crust Pizza: Separate areas for preparation, and take contamination very seriously. They bring out the pizza on a lined tray with a “Gluten Free” stamp. They also happen to have Groundbreaker Brewing gluten free beer on tap. Unfortunately closed in 2020.

Gluten Free Restaurants in Marin County, California

Copita (Sausalito): First of all, they catered our marriage celebration, which is likely endorsement enough. Excellent 100% gluten free Mexican cuisine in waterfront Sausalito using superior ingredients. I highly recommend starting your day walking across the renowned Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco and down to Sausalito, rounding out the venture with a relaxing dinner here (along with margaritas!).

Flour Craft Bakery (San Anselmo and Mill Valley): This bakery provides gluten-free options from two sites in Marin County. One location is in Mill Valley, about 20 minutes north of San Francisco, in proximity to hiking trails. Another site is in the town of San Anselmo further north. They offer some of my favorite gluten-free baked goods in the country.

They produce an assortment of gluten free baked goods, such as cookies, scones, muffins, and donuts, but the true star is their breads. Though I will say their scones rank among the finest I`ve ever tasted.

The walnut rustic bread and the brioche are exceptional, and deserve the outing to Marin. I acquire it in bulk and distribute it around the country to persons who have tasted it during visiting me in San Francisco. It’s that good.

Avatars (Sausalito): The owners of Avatar`s might have the kindest personalities out of everyone. If you go in, they may come over to talk you through gluten free options and tell you about their method and cuisine. It’s a blend of Indian and Mexican food, which could sound a bit unusual initially, but it’s wonderful food. If you’re planning a visit to Sausalito, you should stop at Avatar`s for an affordable and tasty gluten free meal.

Mas Masa (Fairfax): Mexican Restaurant in Fairfax, California with a primarily gluten free menu. Perfect lunch or dinner after a lovely Marin hike! CHIPS ARE NOT SAFE FOR CELIACS DUE TO POTENTIAL FOR CROSS-CONTAMINATION. Everything else is safe. Get the pozole if they have it, and the tacos al pastor!

Where to Drink as a Celiac in San Francisco

Here are some of our favored drink establishments, cider spots, and wine bars in San Francisco according to nearly a decade of living there.

• Upcider (Nob Hill): Over 20 ciders available on tap, in addition to many bottles and cans. Beautiful atmosphere. The food options are not gluten free.
• Anina / Brass Tacks (Hayes Valley): Adjacent establishments owned by the same people. Fantastic cocktails available in either a speakeasy setting, or a bright airy outdoor area.
• Monk’s Kettle (Mission): Primarily a beer bar, but they have a robust, rotating selection of ciders and wines available both on tap and in bottles/cans.
• ABV (Mission): Excellent cocktails near Pica Pica.
• El Techo de Lolinda (Mission): Rooftop margaritas? Count me in.
• Fig & Thistle (Hayes Valley):Cute wine bar tucked away down an alley in Hayes Valley.
• Roberbarron (Nob Hill): Cozy neighborhood wine bar with a range of excellent wines available by the glass and possibly one or two ciders.
• High Treason (Inner Richmond): Great wine bar in the Inner Richmond with a wide variety of intriguing wines.

Where to Find the Best Coffee in San Francisco

I have high standards for coffee. On one occasion while in Australia, we drove around a city block for 45 minutes searching for a hipster coffee shop located down an alley that I had read a favorable review of.

I’m dedicated to finding the best coffee shops in cities we’re visiting. Or, in this case, live in. Here are my favorites.

• Andytown Coffee Roasters // Outer Sunset
• Contraband Coffee // Nob Hill & Soma
• Sightglass Coffee // Soma & Divisadero
• Blue Bottle Coffee // Multiple Locations (Ferry Building, Fillmore Street, Financial District)
• Ritual Coffee // Mission, Castro, Hayes Valley, and more
• Mazarine Coffee // Market Street
• Saint Frank Coffee // Russian Hill
• Verve Coffee // Castro
• Wrecking Ball Coffee // Marina
• Matching Half Cafe // Panhandle (serves Andytown!)

Best Neighborhoods to Explore in San Francisco

The most fascinating place to explore in San Francisco is any location other than Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf. Here are three vibrant neighborhoods worthy of adding to your itinerary.

1. The Nob Hill neighborhood, located centrally in the city, is highly walkable despite the hilly terrain and offers endless attractions to explore.
2. The Mission area is warm, pedestrian-friendly, and home to some of the best eating and drinking establishments in the city.
3. Hayes Valley and NOPA provide a charming view of San Francisco with sights such as Golden Gate Park and the iconic Painted Ladies within short distance on foot along with some of the finest cuisine in the city.

Top Things to Do in San Francisco

• Take a relaxing stroll at popular city destinations like Lands End and Baker Beach or spend time in lovely Golden Gate Park. You can also explore scenic Fort Funston.
• Here is one of the most picturesque routes to enjoy the scenery in San Francisco (you can do it in reverse as well): Begin at the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, wander through the lovely Presidio park to Baker Beach, continue along the appealing Lands End trail up to the Cliff House overlook, then catch the beautiful sunset on Ocean Beach.
• Be sure to stop by the lively Ferry Building Farmer`s Market on Saturday mornings to sample tasty treats from Dandelion Chocolate, Mariposa Baking Co. and the excellent Blue Bottle Coffee.

• Dolores Park – Pack a meal (from Pica Pica or from the nearby Bi-Rite Market) and head to the grassy area. Be ready for some interesting people watching.
• Sightglass Coffee Cupping – If you enjoy coffee, this is the best coffee roaster in San Francisco. Certainly worth a visit. Info here
• Heath Ceramics in the Mission. Also check out their factory tour and discounted ceramic products store in Sausalito.
• Check out AT&T Park and catch a Giants game! Don`t miss the dedicated gluten free food in the Hearth Table area in left-center field (gluten free flat breads and hot dogs!)

Planning a trip to San Francisco? You`ll find additional San Francisco travel guides we`ve put together here to assist with an incredible visit.

• 4 Days in San Francisco: A Complete SF Itinerary
• Where to Stay in San Francisco (& Where NOT to)
• The Best Day Trips from San Francisco
• What to Pack for San Francisco

Traveling gluten free? Be sure to check out our complete guide to gluten-free travel, containing our strategies for touring the world completely gluten-free.

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