Gluten Free Los Angeles, CA: A Complete Guide for Celiacs

Despite living in San Francisco for nearly 10 years and having family near Los Angeles, my partner and I had not spent significant time in Los Angeles. Thus, when seeking a warm, sunny location for a week or two, Los Angeles quickly rose to the top of our list.

Without ever having spent much time there previously, I had presuppositions about L.A. that turned out to be generally accurate. There’s a ton of vehicle traffic. Parking can be problematic. It takes forever to arrive anywhere. I also knew that there is a good gluten free option, but I wasn’t certain how accommodating it would be for Celiac disease.

As you are aware, the gluten free trend is a double-edged sword when it comes to dining out – on one hand, there are more options than ever before. On the other hand, some establishments are not knowledgeable about the steps required to prevent cross-contamination and serve people with celiac disease safely.

After over a week in L.A. I can confidently say that eating gluten free in Los Angeles is straightforward. There are more than six dedicated gluten free bakeries in L.A., along with two dedicated gluten free ice cream shops, and a handful of entirely gluten free restaurants offering everything from sushi to pizza.

In this guide, you’ll find the best gluten free eateries in Los Angeles. With a major focus on fully dedicated gluten free locations – bakeries, restaurants, and gelato shops – so that you don’t have to worry about whether that avocado toast was toasted on the same toaster as regular bread.

A few establishments with shared kitchens near the bottom communicated with me and I`m confident their process is set up to safely serve gluten-free meals.

While you’re here, you won’t want to miss our other Los Angeles Travel Guides:

• Where to Remain in Los Angeles: The 4 Best Areas to Stay in LA
• 5 Days in Los Angeles: A Total Itinerary

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

The Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Los Angeles, California

Below you`ll discover the best 100% gluten free restaurants and bakeries, as well as a couple locations that aren`t dedicated gluten free but have processes to minimize potential cross-contamination based on my experience.

There are almost certainly more gluten free restaurants in L.A. But they aren’t on the list because I haven’t personally reached out to them to talk to them about their processes. I’ve seen a lot of “gluten free friendly” menus that I’m not sure I trust.

I advise checking directly with each restaurant to confirm details, as their options may align differently than my experiences. Menu items can change, so ensure the eatery accommodates your preferences.

Additionally, I regularly say that one shouldn`t inherently believe an unknown online figure`s views. Not even my own!

With that context provided, let`s explore the top gluten free restaurants in L.A.

Dedicated Gluten Free Restaurants in Los Angeles

The dining establishments in this section completely avoid gluten, which means the risk of unintended mixing is notably reduced than places with combined kitchens. Nonetheless, be sure to communicate your needs to the restaurant and ensure they can meet your dietary restrictions (and that no changes have occurred in their food preparation methods).

Honey Hi

This place closed down briefly literally the day before we were planning on going, and I could not have been more disappointed about it.

Honey Hi is a 100% gluten free cafe in Echo Park “serving cuisine that promotes personal, public & planetary wellness,” which is a mission worthwhile supporting, in my view.

Devoción: We have actually visited their cafe in Bogotá, Colombia, and I didn’t even know they had shops in NYC until we walked by the one in Williamsburg. The beans come straight from Colombia (within 10 days of roasting), and they have a BEAUTIFUL space filled with lots of plants and natural light.

In any case, you should go and order the Lambwich or the Breakfast Bowl, which were the menu choices that attracted our attention.

Sweetfin

Sweetfin is an excellent quick casual location for a speedy and safe meal. It’s a 100% gluten free poke chain, and they have areas ALL OVER the city. Essentially anywhere you locate yourself in LA, you’ll be within a mile of a Sweetfin.

The seafood dish that was shared from the special menu and consumed in a nearby park at this establishment was quite tasty – it contained cooked shrimp and was entirely gluten free while having the style of sushi but in a bowl. This location is one of the better places to find a gluten free lunch option in Los Angeles.

Ecco Un Poco

We really enjoyed this place. It’s regarding as genuine as it will get, and it reminds me of the exceptional 100% gelato retailers you’ll find in Rome. The entire at A local gelato shop is gluten free. The cones. The cookies. The gelato. All of it.

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We sampled their hazelnut and pistachio flavors in double portions, and it was magical. So good that we returned for seconds. If searching for a gluten-free dessert in Los Angeles on a warm summer day, I`d recommend visiting here. They can be found on West 3^rd Street near the Grove and Melrose Place.

Fatamorgana Gelato

Speaking of gelato in Rome, Fatamorgana is the identical 100% gluten free gelato shop that are some of my favorite gluten free places in Rome. Cones and gelato are all gluten free, and they also use natural ingredients (though I didn’t get the story behind all the ingredients from them because the owners weren’t behind the counter).

There are so many flavors to choose from, along with a bunch of dairy free options if you don’t do well with dairy. It’s right off of S Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills (they also have a location in Studio City).

Moon Bowls

I may have found my new favorite restaurant – Moon Bowls. They craft `Korean-inspired` dishes that are completely gluten-free and entirely delicious. They also offer several plant-based options including using Impossible Meats in their potstickers (also gluten-free). Making everything from scratch means they avoid hidden gluten in Korean sauces.

Order the dumplings, the fried cauliflower wings, and the avocado bulgogi made with simulated “Beef.” And the kimchi. Definitely acquire the kimchi.

It’s a delivery/pickup just business, which implies they don’t have an actual eatery that you can go to and eat at.

Califlower Pizza

I truly wished to adore this place. And to be sincere, the cuisine was excellent. But the experience? Not so much.

Pizza may be tricky if obtained from establishments handling mixed items. However, Califlower is a totally gluten-free pizza place focused primarily on delivery rather than dine-in customers.

You can choose to have it transported (a $4.99 charge, which isn`t steep) or pick it up from one of several places in LA. And as you may guess from the name, they make an excellent cauliflower crust pizza using cauliflower, chia seed and a gluten free flour blend as the base.

The resulting crust option is free of gluten, soy and nuts. Vegan selections are also offered. Fried cauliflower florets, which have been a personal favorite for years now due to questioning the necessity of poultry wings, are highlighted on the menu.

The pizza itself was not the issue, as the gluten-free variety ordered was delicious. Rather, service caused frustration. Two pizzas were ordered but only one received, an understandable mistake. As instructed, the provided number was texted noting the missing BBQ chicken pizza. A response came from “Sam” apologizing and asking which was absent. However, after letting “Sam” know, over thirty minutes passed without further communication.

Now, this might have been partially my fault. I was expecting to get that pizza. But half an hour later, when I followed up asking for an update, “Sam” let me know she was sorry, she would check with the kitchen to see what happened so that it wouldn’t happen again, and that I would get a refund for the pizza in 2-3 business days. No pizza. 

So the four of us shared one pizza and an order of cauliflower wings, and ate pop tarts from Wow Bakes instead. Though the pizza from Califlower wasn`t bad, I likely won`t order from there again even though they have a location in San Francisco, as they don`t necessarily always source 100% gluten-free ingredients or avoid having gluten dishes on the menu, presenting some risk of cross-contamination.

Had I to repeat the experience, I`d collect my order and ensure its accuracy before departing. If seeking gluten free pizza in Los Angeles, that`s the recommended approach.

Azla Ethiopian (Vegan)*

I love Ethiopian cuisine, but it’s not easy to find safely gluten free Ethiopian food because of the injera, which is the teff flatbread that is a little sour, like a good sourdough, that is served with every Ethiopian feast I’ve ever been a part of.

In the US, injera is nearly always blended with wheat flour, and if they do offer a gluten-free alternative that is 100% teff, it’s prepared on the same appliances as the regular version.”

That is not the case at Azla! It’s just teff and water, and everything is 100% gluten free AND vegan*.

*Though you should double check, as she did mention that they source ingredients from vendors that aren’t necessarily 100% gluten free and very occasionally have gluten-containing dishes on the menu, so there’s some risk of cross-contamination.

They offer a range of different wots (stews) and salads to select from that you’ll scoop up with pieces of injera, which I always take pleasure in. There’s something appealing to me about eating with the hands – tacos, arepas, injera, etc. The Kik (curry split peas) and Yatakilt (curried potatoes, carrots, and cabbage) stood out most for us in terms of the food.

And I haven’t even mentioned the drinks yet! The Sorrel, a union of hibiscus iced tea, cinnamon, and cloves, is a must-order. Go for the “Feast for One,” which was what we selected and adequately fed two people (likely oversufficient for a pair of average appetites, honestly).

I recommend experiencing this unique gluten-free dining option. It will be an unforgettable introduction to Ethiopian cuisine unlike anything else.

Powerplant Superfood Cafe

I was a bit skeptical but thoroughly enjoyed their 100% gluten free AND vegan double decker pesto burger. I`m now fully supportive of the Powerplant.

Other Dedicated Gluten Free Restaurants in LA

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Dedicated Gluten Free Bakeries in Los Angeles

This is where Los Angeles really excels. There are over seven gluten free bakeries in Los Angeles, and we visited almost all of them over the course of a week. That’s a lot of donuts, which are my pastry of choice.

I’ve ordered this list in order of my preference, with the first few being the ones that you should emphasize, at least in my opinion.

Kirari West Bakery 

Kirari West was our initial bakery stop in L.A., setting a notably high standard. Their warmth, lightness and fluffiness epitomize any gluten free pastry I`ve had, ranking among the top 5 gluten free baked goods ever.

It`s a bakery specializing in gluten-free products that started in Japan using rice flour instead of wheat as the basis for their goods. They became the first bakery focused entirely on gluten-free options in the Fukushima area. Then, in 2014, they opened their inaugural location in the United States in Redondo Beach, California.

This establishment offers a variety of baked goods beyond that outstanding item, like a brioche au chocolat similar to a chocolate croissant. There is also a menu of breakfast and lunch sandwiches for those seeking something a bit more like real nourishment. Situated in Redondo Beach, a short distance south of Los Angeles` core, it merits the drive in my view.

Wow Bakes (Delivery or Pickup Only)

Wow Bakes was perhaps my favorite uncovering in LA. Acquainted with most entries beforehand, but stumbled upon Wow Bakes either there or just before. Pleased with discovery. Single person operation—Sharon handles all superb sourdough bakery alone in Santa Monica.”

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The bagels are boiled, unlike those that are more bread-like, ensuring a chewy inside and firm outside, just as you would expect from a quality bagel.

The most distinct offering – which immediately grabbed my attention – are the gluten free sourdough pastries. Only these were like artisanal baked goods filled with fillings ranging from raspberry jam to chocolate hazelnut butter.

She publishes the flavors for donuts, toaster pastries, and more on Instagram the week before, and orders need to be placed by Friday evening to be ready the following week. If you end up in LA, definitely do your utmost to connect with Sharon and find a way to get your hands on some of her baked goods. You won’t be let down.

Note: She utilizes oats in some products, but not the bagels, pizza crust, or pop tarts.

BreadBlok

I have mixed views about Breadblok. On one hand, their baked goods are exceptional. On the other hand, $20 for a loaf of bread? I live in the Bay Area, one of the priciest places in the country, and have never ever seen a loaf of bread even close to $20.

That said, I would strongly advise stopping here if you miss pastries. They utilize organic components, and they employ high-quality ingredients, free of thickeners, soy, and refined sugar. Which you can definitely detect in the finished products.

They have a breakfast and lunch food selection, all sorts of tasty pastries, and loaves of bread that are appetizing to view. We tried the mushroom topping, which was really very good (but costs $15+) and two autumn flavored brioche donuts – pumpkin spice and apple cider. Like I said, they create a really good product, but also really expensive.

Fonuts

Click here to view prices, reviews, and availability for Andrea’s Experience.

If you’re looking for gluten free donuts in Los Angeles, this would be my first recommendation thanks to their wide range of flavors. They make baked donuts, rather than fried, and have all sorts of different and interesting flavors. They have some vegan options, but not all of their donuts are vegan.

They operate from two locations in Los Angeles – one on Third Street near Melrose Place and the Grove shopping center, and one in Studio City.

If available, try the blackberry earl grey. It was extraordinary.

Note: Their donuts incorporate almond flour, if you’re sensitive to nuts (or have an allergy).

Karma Baker

Karma Baker is a bakery in Westlake Village, which isn’t really in L.A., but it deserves to be incorporated into this list anyway. We stopped by on the way to visiting family nearby, and I’m glad we made the quick detour.

It was the very beginning of southern California autumn, where temperatures had reduced to the 70s, making it perfect to try their pumpkin donut with chai spice frosting. This was tasty, moist, and had excellent frosting to donut proportions of at least 1 to 1.

Note: Some of their baked goods, including the donuts, use gluten free oat meal. If you’re sensitive, be sure to ask about ingredients. They have full lists available.

Twice Baked Baking Company

We greatly enjoyed Twice Baked, which is located south of Los Angeles in Long Beach, California. It’s situated in an ordinary strip mall, but don`t let the location mislead you. Twice Baked creates some truly outstanding gluten free products, ranging from breads and pizza crusts to our favorites, the bear claws and apple turnovers. They were exceptionally tasty. Seriously. Opt for the bear claw. We were contemplating the croissants, but were already satiated from previous bakery stops.

Erin Mckenna’s Bakery

We ended up not visiting Erin Mckenna’s dedicated gluten free bakery in New York City because we ran out of time on our trip. But I was pleased to learn that there are two locations in L.A. – one in Larchmont Village, and one on Montana Ave near Santa Monica. Their baked goods are free from basically everything – gluten, refined sugar, dairy, egg, and they’re even vegan.

The staff member at the establishment willingly examined a significant documentation containing the ingredients of all goods after being questioned regarding the bread products and pastries, in order to confirm whether they used gluten free oats, as requested.

The vegetable biscuit was delicious, light, and buttery (though likely not actual butter). The pastry was more like a small cake shaped as a donut, but it still tasted good. Overall, not my most favorite gluten free bakery in LA, but still worth a brief stop.

Other Gluten Free Bakeries in LA

But wait, there`s more! Even though we were there for a full week, we ran out of time and did not make it to three gluten-free bakeries in Los Angeles that we had hoped to try.

• Rising Hearts Bakery
• Sweet Laurel
• Ring Donuts

Other Celiac-Friendly Gluten Free Restaurants in Los Angeles

There are two other places that deserve mention in this guide to gluten free dining in LA, but do not have a fully gluten free menu. Both establishments take steps to prevent cross-contamination, and can provide guidance on options that can be safely ordered. However, as always, it is important to double check details, as policies can change.

Are there other places where you can find gluten free food in LA? Yes. But I found that many places that were highly recommended on various apps didn`t necessarily take the necessary precautions to consistently serve a safe gluten free meal. So I didn`t include any of them on this list.

In any case, here are those two gluten free restaurants in Los Angeles that aren’t 100% gluten free, but deserve consideration on your list of stops during your trip.

Guisados

We REALLY enjoyed Guisados. We’re big fans of pretty much any gluten free taco on a handmade corn tortilla that we’ve ever met. Guisados is a little unconventional than most because of the style of taco they’re making.

Many tacos are filled with grilled meats – carne asada, for example – but the tacos here are filled with delicious slowly braised tender and flavorful stewed meat. And it’s served on a handcrafted corn tortilla. No flour tortillas here!

Most of the menu is gluten free with a couple exceptions, outlined below.

They offer various filling options for you, from mole poblano, which is chicken simmered in a complex and nutty mole sauce, to my personal favorite cochinita pibil, which originates from the Yucatan peninsula and is an incredible blending of achiote, peppers, and pork stewed for hours until the pork essentially dissolves in your mouth. There are many other options, including fish and vegetarian tacos.

What’s not gluten free? Be careful with the shrimp, which contains a small amount of teriyaki sauce, and the vegan taco, which also has soy sauce. I`d also avoid the specials, one of which contained gluten when we were there. The staff was extremely helpful and informative, so tell them your needs and they will assist you.

Pikunico 

This location is in The Row DTLA, which is in the Arts District near downtown and merits a visit in its own right. Pikunico offers gluten free fried chicken – in the Japanese style. Also known as “karaage.” The fried chicken itself is gluten free – no shared cooking areas to worry about here (just make sure to check this hasn’t altered). The sole thing to watch for is the bread on the sandwiches.

Now for the sad part – they were temporarily closed when we were in town, so unfortunately we didn’t get to eat here, which we were both very disappointed about. We were 100% prepared to eat the family basket between the two of us in one sitting.

Final Thoughts: The Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Los Angeles

One certainty is that you’ll eat well in LA, even if requiring a completely gluten-free diet.