Gluten Free San Diego: A Travel Guide for Celiacs

San Diego was one of our final stops on our journey through Southern California, and we essentially fell for the laid-back essence of the city, which offered a pleasant respite from the rush and commotion of Los Angeles (be sure to check out where to eat gluten free in Los Angeles). It’s a wonderful place for a pleasant sunny getaway, with weather that borderlines on perfection year-round and plenty to see and do whether you have a weekend in San Diego or additional time to explore the area

We lodged at a delightful Airbnb on the outskirts of the most suitable place to reside in San Diego – North Park ( here’s the Airbnb, if you’re curious), and spent our days fluctuating between exploring and unwinding. And, of course, consuming and drinking our way through the city. Below, you’ll find our top picks for where to eat gluten free in San Diego, including the best dedicated gluten free restaurants in San Diego, gluten free bakeries in San Diego, and where to find cider and gluten free beer.

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Gluten Free San Diego: A Complete Guide for Celiacs (Restaurants / Bakeries / Cider)

There aren`t truly an enormous amount of gluten free options that are safe for people with Celiac disease in San Diego, if we look at it realistically, but there are a few truly great spots that we cherished, and think you will too.

Dedicated Gluten Free Restaurants in San Diego

The options below are 100% gluten free

El Tianguis

El Tianguis was likely our preferred gluten free restaurant during our time in San Diego. They create rolled tacos that are entirely gluten free and were located conveniently near our short-term rental unit (which can enable overindulgence).

It’s an eatery offering fast, casual fare where you’ll indicate how many taquitos you want (I’d suggest AT MINIMUM 4-5 per individual), select your choices of fillings, toppings and sides, and sauces, and you’ll receive your taquitos within a couple of minutes.

I’d recommend the California, which is shredded beef, potato, and cheese, or just the potato. They have locations in North Park and Chula Vista, the latter is a little outside of town.

Brazilian Guys

Stuffed potatoes with sautéed vegetables. It was so satisfying, we returned twice. You can find the Brazilian men at most of the regional farmers markets, like the one in Little Italy on Saturdays and another in Hillcrest on Sundays, where we found them on consecutive days. See their changing locations here.

They prepare the stuffed hash browns in cast iron “flippy pans” – a name I can`t think is better at the moment – over an open flame, which results in an extremely crispy outside. And it`s incredible.

They offer a couple filling options to choose from, some more geared towards breakfast while we opted for the vegetarian version containing spinach, mushrooms, mozzarella cheese and feta. Be sure to get the hot sauce which adds flavor and the special garlic sauce which is similar to garlic aoli is worth the additional cost (it’s an extra $1.50).

Why is it called “Brazilian Guys?” Mostly because it was started by two Brazilian Guys.

Recognition to Gluten Free Globetrotter for bringing this to my attention!

Cocina Calavera

Cocina Calavera focuses on serving up classic dishes from Latin America using modern ingredients. You`ll find it in the Hillcrest neighborhood literally next door to Starry Lane Bakery, which you`ll see below in the gluten free bakeries section.

Started by Josh Evans, who grew up in Bakersfield and LA before living in Mexico for a couple of years and eventually settling in San Diego, they offer up Mexican classics – such as enchiladas and burritos – with a healthy twist, utilizing unique tortilla choices like cassava and cactus to make everything on the menu gluten free.

You read correctly – burritos that are gluten-free! Plenty of options for both vegans and meat lovers too, along with beverages made with cold-pressed juices.

Nectarine Grove

To put it frankly, I felt the excitement exceeded the actual merits at Nectarine Grove, but I also believe it was because we selected inappropriate items. Still, it`s worthwhile making a stop in Encinitas, a tranquil seaside town just north of San Diego, for their chicken and waffles.

The chicken dish is coated with plantain and served on top of a paleo-style Belgian waffle accompanied by mustard sauce and maple syrup. The menu also features pizza, burgers, and various other selections. It specializes in gluten-free options and offers Groundbreaker beer.

It also functioned as a bakery, even though we did not try any of the baked goods they had on display.

As I stated, I think it`s certainly worth a stop, but my expectations were likely a bit too high after salivating over the delicious food I saw posted on Instagram. Get the pizza and chicken and waffles and you`ll be pleased!

Healthy Creations

Healthy Creations is another spot up in Encinitas, but I wasn’t aware of this one while we were actually in San Diego, so it’ll have to go on my list for next time.

It’s 100% gluten free though, along with having plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and paleo options.

The establishment offers various breakfast selections that can be enjoyed all day, like a paleo waffle certain to be my first order, as well as sandwich and power bowl options for lunch crafted with house-made focaccia bread or diverse ingredients.” (Paraphrasing as instructed while preserving original meaning and HTML elements)

Dedicated Gluten Free Bakeries in San Diego

There are two gluten free bakeries we came across in San Diego, along with one farmers market stall I discovered mostly by chance at the Hillcrest Farmers Market.

The GF Baking Co

I really enjoyed the GF Baking Company, which is right in the busy area of North Park.

In particular, I enjoyed the Boston Crème donut, which was filled with custard. I’m not sure I’ve had many filled donuts since my diagnosis over a decade ago, and I was astounded by how good this one was.

We also got a chocolate donut with lavender icing, which tasted like what I imagine eating a sprig of lavender might taste like.

Essentially, what I’m telling you is go there immediately. Run, don’t walk. They also offer cookies, brownies, coffee cakes, and additional delicious gluten free treats.

Starry Lane Bakery

I had previously gone to Starry Lane on my initial trip to San Diego, when it was the sole gluten free bakery in town. Regrettably, they use gluten free oats in several of their products, which I personally try to avoid, so the options are limited for me.

However, if you can tolerate oats that are gluten free, then you have access to a wide variety of pastries, baked goods, breads, and more! It`s noteworthy that the carrot cupcake we had was quite delicious. The staff was extremely helpful when I asked if they use oats in any items, and assisted me in finding a suitable option.

Other Celiac-Friendly Gluten Free Restaurants in San Diego (Not 100% GF)

Here are some other gluten free spots in San Diego that aren’t strictly gluten free, but have Celiac-friendly options listed and work to limit cross-contamination. Still, they all use shared equipment, so the risk will be higher than at the restaurants mentioned earlier.

For what it is worth, I usually aim to prioritize locations completely devoted to gluten free cuisine when traveling, both because it feels safer and more at ease for me, but also to support those restaurants that are helping our community.

As always, do your own due diligence here. Things change in kitchens all the time, so be sure to talk to your server, ask questions, and ensure you feel comfortable eating at these locations.

Las Hadas: Many naturally gluten free alternatives, and they’re surprisingly educated about cross-contamination. For instance, the deep fryers are not safe, so they will grill chips for you so that you can still appreciate their chips and salsa.

In-N-Out Burger: When touring around California, you really need to stop at In-N-Out at minimum once. It`s a regular part of our road journeys since it presents a reasonably speedy and safe gluten free choice. There`s precisely one menu item that has gluten – the hamburger buns. The fries are the only thing that enters the deep fryer, and they`re gluten free. The shakes are gluten free. And you can get a burger wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun (they unfortunately don`t offer gluten free buns). To eat safely at In-N-Out, you must tell them that you have a “gluten allergy.” Yes, I understand that Coeliac Disease isn`t actually an allergy. But that`s the term that triggers their allergen protocol, which involves sanitizing the grill, switching gloves and utensils, and sometimes (depending on the store) using an entirely different grill surface. The other thing to watch out for, which I observed on a recent trip, is the signature sauce being spread by the same instrument used on the buns. Fortunately, they offer special sauce packets on the side to bypass that issue. Here`s my precise order, word for word: “Hello there, I`d love a double-double protein style with no special sauce. And mentioning that`s with a gluten allergy. Can I have a packet of special sauce on the side please?” This methodology has worked suitably well in my experience.

Bobboi Natural Gelato: While not entirely gluten free, the owner explained that most flavors are suitable, and they are glad to use fresh components and unopened containers. They craft excellent gelato using local, fresh ingredients as is evident in the end product (we enjoy gelato so much that we have been known to partake multiple times in a single day during trips to Italy). They have three locations – two in Little Italy and one in La Jolla.

Salt & Straw: The ice cream chain based in Portland that we first sampled a few years ago (and waited in a long line on a hot summer day in Portland) has expanded up and down the West Coast, including to San Diego. Their ice cream is phenomenal, and they’ve always been amenable to my request to use a fresh scoop from an unopened container. They are also very knowledgeable about ingredients and allergens, so the staff member helping you will be able to point out exactly what you can eat, and what you can’t.

Baked Bear: This ice cream spot has areas throughout the country, and they have a location in San Diego’s Pacific Beach (and one coming soon in Encinitas!). They are known for ice cream sandwiches. And unique amongst most ice cream places, they actively offer to scoop with a clean scoop and new tub of ice cream to minimize cross-contamination. I’d opt to skip the cookies, only because the risk of cross-contamination is higher, but they will switch gloves and use fresh utensils, and they’re kept independent from the normal cookies.

Where to Find Cider & Gluten Free Beer in San Diego

San Diego presents a truly impressive cider scene that was a pleasant surprise after L.A. let us down. Although, given that San Diego is among the birthplaces of craft beer and has the highest concentration of craft breweries per resident in the country (according to our acquaintances residing there), we shouldn’t have been taken aback.

We noticed hard kombucha being very popular around San Diego as well. I`m still unsure how I feel about its funkier, more vinegary taste – it`s certainly worth a taste test for anyone in the area though.

Cider in San Diego

Here are four locales to obtain local cider while you’re in San Diego.

Serpentine Cider

This was our favorite cider discovery in San Diego, and we were SO CLOSE to saying “nah let’s just stay home tonight.”

It was fortunate that we did not make that questionable decision, and instead opted to walk out to the location of Serpentine in University Heights. Fast forward 90 minutes and we were completely enamored with three crowlers in hand to share with our friends living just blocks away in San Diego, but had never visited the establishment prior.

The Pomegranate Mint was like being struck in the face with a mint leaf, which I intend as a compliment, and the hopped apricot was delightful.

They have an attractive outdoor patio too, complete with string lights. If you have an outdoor patio and you lack string lights…. What are you actually doing?

Plus, they allow you to bring your own nourishment, and El Tianguis is just up the road, so grab some taquitos, order a flight of cider, and get started on what is sure to be a great evening. If it starts like that, how could it not be?

Newtopia

Newtopia was an impromptu stop we made on our way into San Diego, and I’m glad we did because their cider was excellent. We visited their tasting area up in Scripps Ranch, featuring a pleasant outdoor lawn and industrial interior space.

We particularly enjoyed their hopped cider, which was very floral and light, with none of the unpleasant bitterness that you sometimes get with too many hops. Perfectly done.

Their taproom, situated 15 minutes outside downtown San Diego, is undoubtedly worth a stop for cider enthusiasts

Guthrie Cider

We didn’t make it up to Guthrie, which is near Newtopia north of the city, but we grabbed their hibiscus rose cider at a grocery store on our way out of San Diego and thought, “we should have gone up there.”

Situated north of the city near Newtopia, their taproom produces dry ciders with a champagne-esque quality that we enjoyed trying on our last visit. We`ll be making a point to stop by next time we find ourselves in San Diego.

Bivouac

The most advantageously located of any of the cider places on this list. Bivouac is directly on 30^th in the center of North Park, and is a superb spot to try several different kinds of ciders. Fruity, sweet, dry, botanical – they’ve got a long taplist, along with cans to go. I favored their black currant cider significantly, and their pumpkin spice latte seasonal was also exceptional.

Juneshine Hard Kombucha

With tasting rooms in two locations in the San Diego area, including one in North Park, Juneshine is a leader in the hard kombucha field. And I’m somewhat fond of it. It’s quite similar to hard cider, and Juneshine has some rather intriguing flavor blends.

Their taproom in North Park is a cool spot to try it, where you can obtain a flight in their outdoor patio area, which includes an Airstream (although presented only for viewing purposes – it serves no practical function from what I could discern).

Gluten Free Beer in San Diego

Regrettably, the neighborhood “gluten free” brewery is basically gluten reduced. Which means it’s not risk-free for Celiacs, no less in my view. Consume at your personal hazard. In a metropolis with an enormous quantity of standard breweries, it’s difficult to comprehend that nobody has stated “hey, what if we did that, but without barley?” yet.

Here are some locations to find bottles and cans of gluten free beer (and cider) while you’re in town.

• The Bottlecraft is a fantastic place to find unique gluten free beers and ciders in San Diego. They have locations around the city – including North Park and Little Italy – where patrons will find an entire refrigerator of gluten free beer, cider, and hard kombucha.
• The Best Damn Beer Shop is a small beer store downtown that might not look like much, but I found an unusual gluten free beer from Groundbreaker Brewing, a gluten free brewery in Portland, (“Gayle” – a Fresh Hop IPA) there unexpectedly. If searching for gluten free beer, it`s worth stopping by.

Lazy Acres, a grocery we will visit shortly, also carries a good selection of gluten free beers and ciders.

Grocery Stores to Shop At in San Diego

If you want to cook for yourself, as we often do, there are a couple really good grocery stores for finding gluten free ingredients to prepare at home.

Lazy Acres: Upscale yet enjoyed. We love exploring stores like this to discover emerging gluten-free brands not widely known, and this store has many. Prices are steep. Very steep. Know that going in.

Whole Foods: A solid choice, with many gluten free options ranging from pasta to bread and more. Prices are more reasonable since the Amazon acquisition, particularly if you’re a Prime member.

Trader Joes: We really enjoy Trader Joes. Only buy things that are explicitly labeled gluten free though. Good prices, but a sometimes-limited selection of gluten free items.

Safeway: While sometimes on par with prices at Whole Foods, Safeway generally has more affordable prices, especially when sale items are considered.

Be sure to check out our other gluten free travel guides:

• Locales in San Francisco Recommended for Individuals with Celiac Disease
• Travel Suggestions for Celiacs Visiting Los Angeles
• Recommended Places to Dine for Those Avoiding Gluten in Seattle
• Dining Options for Individuals with Gluten Intolerance in Portland
• 5 Specialized Gluten-Free Bakeries in Seattle
• Premier Gluten-Free Bakeries in Portland, Oregon