Restaurant Recommendations
Note: The following are recommendations from fellow gluten-free diners who shared their experiences within the last two years. The GF information has not been verified by the restaurants mentioned. Please always check each time you order in terms of the ingredients, and discuss cross-contamination issues. If you have a restaurant you would like to recommend, please see the section Contact Us.
http://www.2spoonscoffee.com/
3829 Plaza Dr., Oceanside 92056
760-724-1220
"I just stopped in to 2Spoons Coffee in Oceanside on my way to
work today and they have GF muffins and biscotti in individual wrapping to
protect from cross contamination. I am enjoying a carrot muffin as I write
this post." Loretta,
Oceanside, 1/10
www.alfrescositalianbuffet.com
707 Center Drive
San Marcos, 92069
760-233-9955
"After reading recommendation from September before October was posted and checking out their website we went yesterday to have our daughter's birthday dinner there. The waitress didn't know about gluten free food but tried to be helpful and went to get the manager who didn't bother to come to our table. We were told to stay away from the pasta. My daughter ate salad and veggies. It was supposed to be a special treat. What a disappointment!" Beate, San Diego 11/08
"10/25/08 - called. They said they do not have gf pasta or pizza
dough. They said the salad bar and entrees such as lobster are gf,
but those won't work for a picky autistic kid." Gary G. 10/08
"Alfresco's Italian Buffet is a wonderful place to enjoy a family meal. The selections are extensive, the food delicious, the entire restaurant immaculate and staff efficient, attentive and friendly! And the best part is that you can enjoy gluten-free entrees. I phoned owner Kyle ahead of time to ensure that my adult son and I would be able to have a safe meal as we were going to be a party of 11 and this is the best place to accomodate 6 adults and 5 children (under the age of 6) for dinner.
Upon our arrival, Kyle spent time with us pointing out which selections would be safe for us to eat. The salad bar with all freshly cut on on the premises vegetables is extensive, fresh, and immaculately presented. There are fish, meat, poultry entrees as well as pizza, vegetables and many side dishes. My son and I had a great variety to choose from. You can imagine our delight and surprise then when Kyle presented to our table platters of freshly cooked quinoa pasta - one with grilled vegetables, another with shrimp in garlic sauce. Then came gluten-free pizza which he created especially for us and then came fresh halibut and grilled vegetables! This gracious and thoughtful owner went above and beyond our expectations of a wonderful meal. And all of the food was excellent!
Dessert is included in the price of the buffet and includes not only freshly cut delicious fruit for celiacs, but a fabulous chocolate fountain. Alfresco's is conveniently located off the 78 and I-15 freeway. It's worth the trip from anywhere!" Barbara Droutman, 9/08
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(Hillcrest)
http://ristorante-arrivederci.com/
3845 Fourth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92103
619-299-6282
See review on Debbie Toon's blog "Gluten Free in San Diego". The entry was made 1/18/09, so you need to scan down a ways.
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(La Jolla)
1235 Coast Boulevard, La Jolla, 92037
858-454-7393
www.brocktonvilla.com
A GF breakfast at Brockton Villa is a breeze. They offer "Steamers", which are scrambled eggs that have been steamed - so no oil is involved or pans that might cause cross-contamination. There are several choices of Steamers, depending on the vegetables and cheeses used with the eggs. As a regular substitute, they will substitute the normal toast and potatoes with fresh fruit. A fun place to take out-of-town visitors as it was built in 1894 and is located over La Jolla Cove. Warning: There are stairs to climb, it is a busy breakfast spot, and parking can be a problem. The price is around $7 or $8 for Steamers with the fresh fruit.
Roxie Johnson 7/09
888 Prospect Street, La Jolla, 92037
858-551-4227
www.bubbassmokehousebbq.com
". . . 'gluten-free friendly' where my husband and I enjoy eating frequently. When I asked if the sauces are gluten free, the friendly owner said, "the smokin' hot one is and the sweet is not." It was great that he understood my question and could answer without hesitation. The food is delicious." Robin Gerson, 12/09
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www.cafechloe.com721 Ninth Ave. #1, San Diego 92101 (East Village, downtown)
619-232-3242
"The brunch menu does have some GF options, and wait staff is very willing to double check. For example, the boudin sausage that comes with the omelette is gf, and the savory custard is usually gf (ask, and if it is order without toast, or have them bring the toast on a separate plate and let your gluten eating companions have it )." Harriet B., 9/08
, Latin Cuisine
11385 Poway Road #106,
San Diego, 92128
858-748-2633
www.mycaribbeanflavor.com
". . . 'gluten-free friendly' where my husband and I enjoy eating . . . a small restaurant in a strip mall on Poway Road. We love arepas, which are Latin American corn cakes. Here is a link to a webpage that explains arepas and provides a recipe: www.whats4eats.com/breads/arepas-recipe
Most Latin American food is based on rice and beans so many of their other menu offerings are naturally gluten free. We recently tried this place, loved their arepas and saw many dishes on the menu we'll want to try in the future. They also serve Empanada which is made with the same corn flour, but are fried rather than baked. Roben Gerson. 12/09
(Old Town, San Diego)
www.bazaardelmundo.com/guad2006
We ate at Casa Guadalajara in Old Town last night – and the manager was super helpful and knowledgeable. He said that most GF people CALL AHEAD to let them know they are coming and they will prepare chips, shells, whatever in their own, new oil. They just need a heads up! Impressive. They were able to fry some tacos instead for my son – and they were great – my son loved them. We’ll be back – and next time you can bet, we’re calling ahead. I put their number in my phone! The manager gave me his card – his name is Eduardo Zepeda.
Also, I guess their refried beans are a no-no as they use some of their oil that fry their chimichangas & big flour tortilla shells as an ingredient in their beans. But they had another kind of bean that was GF. Great to have so much information – and such welcoming attitude towards accomodation. Casa Guadlajara, 619.295.5111" Deb D., 5/10
Chula Vista (91915) and San Diego, Fashion Valley (92108)
Read Debbie Toon's blog about the Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake at glutenfreeinsandiego.blogspot.com/2009/03/godiva-chocolate-cheesecake-yummy 3/09
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4380 Kearny Mesa Rd. (between Armour St. & Mercury St.)
SD, 92111
858-565-1288
"Chopstix, a popular Japanese eatery in the Kearny Mesa area has always been a favorite of mine. A year or so ago, the owners opened a second Chopstix restaurant, called Chopstix Too. It is also in the Kearny Mesa area in the same shopping mall as Mitsuwa, a Japanese market. When I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, I was very sad to give up Chopstix Too's delicious ramen dishes, but the sushi chef was kind enough to study his sushi menu, and make me a list of what I could, and could not eat from the menu, and what modifications I could make to some of the menu items so that they would be safe to eat. My husband and I have been loyal Chopstix clients for at least ten years. The owners and the staff are always friendly, helpful, and personable. The food is delicious! I highly recommend going to Chosptix Too if you are looking for a place that is friendly to those of us who have gluten-free needs." L. Chung 9/08
Carmel Valley (92130) & UTC (92037)
www.chuaochocolatier.com
"Chuao chocolate, a San Diego based company, makes the world’s most divine artisanal chocolates, most of which are gluten-free. The company has an allergen list on site at their two locations (UTC mall and Carmel Valley) and their staff is knowledgeable about gluten. Not only are most of their chocolates gluten-free, their irresistible Caramelo coffee drink is also gluten-free. A real treat for the holidays!" Daphne L. 12/09
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clairesoncedros.com
246 N. Cedros
Solana Beach 92075
858-259-8597
"They now have gluten-free bread available for their sandwiches and toast. They will bring you GF toast if you request it. Their menu adjusts slightly according to the season, so be sure to ask every time what items are GF. They are only open for breakfast and lunch and are closed on Tuesdays. Reservations are a good idea for lunch, as they are often quite busy." R. Johnson, La Jolla 7/10
"This bakery and cafe in Solana Beach is run by two women. They built it to be exceptionally green and sustainable. It is GF friendly with delicious, fresh food. The chef reported all salads are GF except for one, all the salad dressings are home-made and GF, and the turkey burger is GF (without the bun). I had their GF brownie for dessert, and they also have a GF chocolate chip cookie. They are in the process of developing a GF bread to use with their sandwiches." R. Johnson, La Jolla, 9/09
105 South Las Posas Rd. (in the Grand Plaza)
San Marcos, 92078 760-736-2200
www.elephantbar.com
"The Elephant Bar doesn’t have a gluten free menu; however, the staff went out of their way to provide information about what dishes could be made gluten free. I decided on the wood-fired catfish with veggies and steamed rice. I enjoyed that very much." 1/09, Carol Salvati
www.enotecaadriano.com
(Pacific Beach)
4864 Cass Street, SD, 92109
858-490-0085
"I highly recommend this small, friendly Italian wine bar/restaurant in Pacific Beach. They have gluten-free pasta available, and are quite knowledgeable about gluten free in general." Karen J., PB, 6/10
(Temecula)
31165 Hghwy 79S, Bldg. G, Suite 3, 92592
951-303-3300
www.francescasitaliankitchen.com
"We heard about Francesca's from the Cougar Winery in Temecula. They said that Francesca's served GF dishes. Before sitting down, I asked the hostess if they had GF dishes. She said that most things on the menu could be served gluten-free. If there was something that I wanted that wasn't on the menu, and they had the ingredients in the kitchen, they would make it for me.
The menu was impressive. I chose a pasta dish with filet mignon tips, mushrooms, and a creamy tomato sauce. It was absolutely amazing. The owner came around at least three times to make sure that we were enjoying our dinner. He said that his partner's wife was gluten-free, so they decided to serve GF Italian dishes. Francesca's was voted the best Italian restaurant in the area." Elaine Hoffman in the the OC CSA newsletter, 2/09.
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"The lunch menu is mostly sandwiches, but there are gf options, including their 'famous' soup, the grilled steak salad, the baja shrimp cocktail. They will do a bunless burger as well. Very tasty, and great view for the price!" Harriet B. 9/08
Il Fornaio
Del Mar
1555 Camino Del Mar (
Del Mar Plaza)
Del Mar, 92014, phone 858-755-8876
Coronado
1333 First St. (next ot the Coronado Ferry Plaza)
Coronado, 92118, phone 619-437-4911
Both
Il Fornaio
locations have gluten-free pasta upon request. Recommendations: Call before going to verify the GF pasta availability, and request a fresh clean pot with clean water for cooking the pasta. Roxie J., 7/10
www.jakesdelmar.com
1660 Coast Blvd., Del Mar 92014
858-755-3240
"Two weeks ago I went with friends to Jakes in del Mar. They took great care of me! I called ahead and let them know that I would have to eat gluten free. The hostess said that they would have no problem accommodating me. Our waitress, Heather, is a celiac and was well versed on what I could and couldn't eat. There were 5 or 6 entrées that were gluten free! Not only does this resteraunt have a nice ambiance, a fantastic beach front location, and great service, they are well aware of the needs of Celiacs!"
Karen in Pacific Beach
5/09
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(Kearney Mesa)
www.khanscave.com
9350 Clairemont Blvd
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 279-9799
"Khan’s Cave is an Asian Fusion restaurant in Kearny Mesa, at the corner of Clairemont Mesa Blvd and Ruffin. Khan’s Cave serves yummy asian fusion food. I found out that the chef is also the owner, and he is very “gluten aware” . He personally has prepared his regular menu items in gluten free versions for me, and they have all been outstanding. He is also honest about what will and will not taste good gluten free, and always offers a better option, on his own. I was so thrilled to find this place that I ate there 3 days in a row. All three of my guests loved their food as well. The chef is very well versed on gluten free alternatives. The food is fresh and healthy, but also filling. I dined on Mongolian beef, Moo goo guy pan chicken, and lemon chicken. All were served with rice and a delicious salad." MP, El Cajon, 3/09
(Del Mar)
www.marketdelmar.com
3702 Via de la Valle, 92014
858-523-0007
"I had a wonderful anniversary dinner last weekend at Market restaurant in Rancho Santa Fe. The chef and server were well-aware of gluten contamination and, in fact, servers are trained to check in with every table about dietary restrictions! The meal was flawless, from the corn chowder (soups are off-limits at most restaurants) to beef with béarnaise sauce, mushrooms, and cheddar potatoes. An exceptional meal for a special event."
Daphne, 7/10
www.brigantine.com/locations_miguels
1351 Orange Ave.
Coronado, 92118
619-437-4237
This restaurant is part of the Brigantine "family" of restaurants. Read a review from a visitor from Atlanta who visited the Miguel's in Coronado. glutenfreedomatlanta.com/2010/03/west-coast-vacation-enjoying-mexican-food-in-coronado-bay/ There is also a Miguel's in Point Loma (92106).
www.mortons.com
The Harbor Club (downtown SD)
285 J Street, SD, 92101
619-696-369
Read Debbie Toon's review on her blog at glutenfreeinsandiego.blogspot.com/2009/02/mortons-steakhouse 2/09
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(Banker's Hill/Hillcrest)
www.natures-express.com/main-sandiego
2949 5th Ave. (at Quince)
SD 92103
619-550-1818
"Nature's Express is a new raw-food and vegan in Bankers Hill/Hillcrest. They have a "drive-thru" open until 10 pm and a buffet/restaurant indoors during normal business hours. Much of the raw-food diet is naturally gluten free and dairy-free so it is easy to find options as long as you ask questions to double check. The drive-thru is basic American dinner fare (ie:burgers, fries, etc) and is very tasty. According to the staffperson at the drive-thru window, there is gluten-free options and the staff is knowledgable inside when the resturant is open. I visited just after they opened, so they were a little disorganized and the staff at the drive through didn't know a lot about GF." Rebecca V., Mission Hills, 1/09
"I have been to Nature’s Express in Hillcrest on several occasions and they offer great tasting GF pancakes (at least 2 varieties) every Saturday and Sunday during their brunch. They also have served GF biscuits for yummy biscuits and gravy and many other GF items on their hot and cold self-serve, pay by weight, food bar." Zander, 10/09
www.obnoodlehouse.com
2218 Cable St. San Diego (Ocean Beach) 92107
619-450-6868
Read Debbie Toon's blog for a review of this restaurant at glutenfreeinsandiego.blogspot.com/2009_11_01_archive 11/09
(Gaslamp Quarter, downtown)
www.osetrafishhouse.com/
904 5th Ave., SD 92101
619-239-1800
Read a review from a recent Atlanta visitor about dining GF at this seafood restaurant (formerly Osetra The Fish House). http://glutenfreedomatlanta.com/2010/03/san-diego-an-evening-downtown/
www.pickupstix.com
"I found out recently that Pickup Stix, while not offering a GF menu, does offer a GF item. Their Pad Thai, which can be ordered with chicken, shrimp, or vegetables, is naturally gluten-free. No soy sauce is used in the preparation, and the items that are fried are coated in corn starch rather then wheat. Yes there's still a contamination risk (as there is in almost any restaurant), but I have yet to get sick at all after eating there 3 times now. Interestingly, the first time I called them to verify the GF nature of their Pad Thai I was put on hold and when the person came back on the phone he told me that he checked the allergen list they keep in the restaurant and that it verified Pad Thai was wheat free!
Anyway, wanted to post this so other celiacs are aware. This item is GF and delicious! I've eaten it at the Mission Valley and the Del Mar Pickup Stix locations and have been fine after eating at both." A. Esposito,
MIssion Valley, 3/09
Warning: This is the Pick Up Stix corporate office's response in January '10 as to whether they have items that are gluten free at their restaurants:
"We are not able to guarantee any of our items to be gluten free, at this time. Manufacturers are not required to call out glutens in the ingredient statements like they are with the "Big 8" allergens. Our kitchens are not set up to prepare items in order to keep complete separation of gluten-free items from those containing gluten." Jonie,
Guest Relations
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Balboa Park (92101)
619-239-0512
B. Strudwick, 5/09
"In San Diego be sure and go to Balboa Park and the Prado restaurant. You can eat outside. They have several G-F choices. My favorite is the pressed salad. There used to be a waiter who is G-F, but I think he left."
Debbie Toon, 3/09
Read a review from her blog
: glutenfreeinsandiego.blogspot.com/2009/03/prado-restaurant
(Ocean Beach)
www.rootskindfood.com
4976 Newport Ave. (between Bacon St. & Cable St.)
SD 92107
619-222-9000
"Roots is a small "hole in the wall" cafe in downtown Ocean Beach. The owner is always there and is very knowledgeable on gluten-free, vegan, and raw food options. She makes seasonal menu options that always change and are always fresh. I've been there several times and she (and her staff) is always friendly and helpful. Many if not most items are naturally gluten free or convertible to GF. There is indoor and outdoor seating and you order at the street window." Rebecca, Mission Hills, 1/09
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www.tonysjacal.com
621 Valley Ave.
Solana Beach, 92075
858-755-2274
Read a positive GF review for this Mexican-style restaurant on Debbie Toon's blog. 5/10
Food Court in UTC (92037)
858-597-0775
"You should ask the staff what is gluten free, as they seem knowledgeable about the ingredients. Soy sauce is usually served only in packets with your meals, but anything with hoisine sauce or peanut sauce has gluten in it. The noodles in the menu items are rice noodles (GF), and the Spring Roll wrappers are made of rice paper (GF). My favorite is the Spring Rolls (#2) - but be sure to ask for the GF sauce rather than the peanut sauce." Roxie Johnson, La Jolla 7/10
(Del Mar)
http://www.sbiccabistro.com/
215 15th St.
Del Mar 92014
858-481-1001
"I had a business lunch today at Sbicca Bistro in Del Mar. When I told the waiter I had a gluten allergy, he said they are starting as of April 15, to mark their lunch and dinner menus, indicating which selections are gluten-free. The server and chef seemed very knowledgeable, which I expected, because I had attended a function in which Susan Sbicca was catering and there were many offerings that were specifically gluten-free. Several of the people in my group also mentioned that Sbicca is excellent for breakfast, and I look forward to trying it for that." Jill E. 4/10
RMJ's note: Evidently Sbicca's is not marking the menus, but is providing the GF information to the servers.
Vigilucci's
909 Prospect St.,
La Jolla, 92037, phone 858-9664
At the La Jolla location, Vigilucci's serves GF pasta upon request as shown on their online menu. They may have it at their other locations (Encinitas, Carlsbad, Coronado and Oceanside) as well, but it is not reflected on their online menus. Recommendations: Call before going to verify the GF pasta availability, and request a fresh clean pot with clean water for cooking the pasta. Roxie, 7/10
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www.viaitaliapizzeria.com
569 S. Pacific Coast Hwy. 101
Encinitas 92024
760-479-9757
Debbie Toon reports in her "Gluten Free in San Diego" blog: "Via Italia Trattoria in Encinitas makes all of their pasta on site at the restaurant. They also make their own gluten free pasta and gluten free gnocchi! Just request gluten free when you order. 10/09
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