San Diego is one of the largest cities in California and is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the state as well. It’s home to a ton of museums and parks, as well as art galleries and studios. The city has diverse offerings when it comes to food - lots of different cuisine options are available, ranging from standard American fare to amazing Mexican food. You can also find many bakeries selling delicious treats.
Sticking to a gluten-free diet while traveling can be quite a challenge. Seeing your friends and family scarf down whatever delicious eats they want while you scan the menu for a gluten-free dish in vain does not exactly sound great. However, there are plenty of gluten-free options in San Diego to cater to visitors with this specific diet. If you’re in the city and looking to try some fares, check out this list of gluten-free bakeries in San Diego, California.
You can also have a look at the top Airbnbs and other places to stay in the city in case you haven’t decided on accommodation yet.
Places to see in San Diego
San Diego Zoo: You can’t visit San Diego and not visit the San Diego Zoo! This natural paradise is home to many unique flora and fauna, from African penguins to zebras. According to CNN, the zoo’s latest inhabitants include a pair of giant pandas.
Balboa Park: More than just another city park, Balboa Park is an experience in itself, boasting many museums, attractions, and more. It’s home to popular spots in the city such as the Cabrillo Bridge and California Tower. Its Comic-Con Museum is a must-visit destination for enthusiasts of the popular namesake event.
1. Starry Lane Bakery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Starry Lane Bakery is owned by two sisters, one of which came to California to attend the culinary art institute and after a bout with an adult onset food allergy trip to the ER, Jaime Schwartz decided to open her own gluten-free bakery. They pride themselves on making all their food allergen free, so that means no dairy, no eggs, no nuts, no shellfish and everything is gluten-free.
Starry Lane Bakery
Address: 3925 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu: 10:00AM - 7:00PM; Fri-Sun: 10:00AM-8:00PM
Average Price for 2: Under 10 USD
Website: Starry Lane Bakery
2. Nutmeg Bakery & Café
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Nutmeg Bakery & Café is founded on the principles of providing delicious food from sustainable means. Nutmeg works with local farmers and producers to ensure that the quality of their products is top of the line. Some items on the menu vary with the seasons and not only does Nutmeg provide delicious baked goods, but they also have some amazing breakfast and lunch options that are made fresh in store.
Nutmeg Bakery & Café
Address: 12640 Sabre Springs Pkwy #107, San Diego, CA 92128, USA
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 7:30AM - 3:00PM, Sat-Sun: 8:00AM-2:30PM
Average Price for 2: 11-30 USD
Website: Nutmeg Bakery & Café
3. PURE Cupcakes
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The story of PURE Cupcakes is one that is fairly common. PURE Cupcakes was founded by Mary Sarain in 2009 as a means for her to escape her corporate life and indulge in something creative. Since then she’s been creating all her cupcakes using only the finest ingredients and over the last 10 years, she’s gained quite a following so much so that PURE Cupcakes have won 3 awards for having the best cupcakes.
PURE Cupcakes
Address: 1772-A Garnet Ave., San Diego, CA 92109, United States
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 11:00AM - 7:00PM, Sat-Sun: 10:00AM-4:00PM
Website: PURE Cupcakes
4. Le Chef Bakery
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Le Chef Bakery started in 1983 with a dream and a stove. From the confines of their Los Angeles apartment, the owners of Le Chef Bakery dedicated themselves to making some of the best European-style pastries and baked goods. Now the bakery offers a huge list of available products from frozen dough to bagels and buns to sweets and even savoury items like quiche.
Le Chef Bakery
Address: 4696 Ruffner St A, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Website: Le Chef Bakery
5. Frost Me Gourmet
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Looking for gluten-free cake in San Diego? Frost Me Gourmet has been featured on the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars season 7 and season 9 and even won the championship Breeder’s Cup. Now you can taste their winning cupcake as part of their daily menu and see for yourself what all the fuss is about. Their bakery offers amazing treats made from locally sourced ingredients. They also serve an array of coffees, beers and wine to go with breakfast or lunch.
Frost Me Gourmet
Address: 859 West Harbor Drive B, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 10AM - 9PM
Average Price for 2: 10-40 USD
Website: Frost Me Gourmet
6. Cupcakes a la Yola
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Cupcakes a la Yola is a small family-owned bakery that is new around the area. Having started in 2015, Cupcakes a la Yola has been making a name for itself with their amazing cupcakes that offer the classics like chocolate, but also with a new twist on some modern flavours like white chocolate orange or carrot pineapple.
Cupcakes a la Yola
Address: 10450 Friars Road S, San Diego, CA 92120, United States
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 11:00AM - 8:00PM
Website: Cupcakes a la Yola
7. Deanna's Gluten Free Bakery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Deanna’s Gluten Free Bakery is committed to providing some of the best gluten-free options for all types of food. Anything from bread to pastries to sweet treats and doughs, Deanna’s Gluten Free Bakery has you covered. Deanna’s story begins when her cousin couldn’t eat gluten and Deanna wanted to help. Her creation of a tasty gluten-free bread spread and soon she opened up her own bakery.
Deanna's Gluten Free Bakery
Address: 2250 S Escondido Blvd, Escondido, CA 92025, USA
Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 10:00AM - 5:00PM. Closed Weekends
Average price for 2: 11-30 USD
Website: Deanna’s Gluten Free Bakery
Gluten-free restaurants in San Diego
Good news for you! San Diego not only offers gluten-free bakeries but also excellent gluten-free restaurants. Have a safe and wholesome meal in any of the establishments below!
8. Red House Pizza
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
We are launching an expanded vegan menu on the 2nd!
Posted by Red House Pizza on Friday, 26 January 2018
Red House Pizza offers not just a wide range of gluten-free options, but also an extensive vegan menu, making this a perfect pizza stop for large groups of friends and family with varying dietary requirements. Gluten-free pizza options are also available, as well as vegetarian toppings such as eggplant, red onion, and fungi mushroom. Pizzas are available in different sizes for all to share.
Red House Pizza
Address: 4615 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92116, USA
Website: Red House Pizza
Opening hours: 4pm - 10pm (Mon - Thurs)/ 11.30am - 11pm (Fri - Sun)
9. Civico 1845
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
. ✅Homemade ✅Plant-based ✅Italian classic ✅Modern twist . #Civico1845 #DinnerPlans #Vegan #Lasagna #LittleItaly #SanDiego
Posted by Civico 1845 on Wednesday, 20 February 2019
Civico 1845 is a hip Italian restaurant specializing in pasta and pizza. Upon entering the restaurant, guests will be greeted by wafting aromas of fresh pizzas, warm-toned interior decor, and stylish wooden furniture. An entire vegan menu is available for vegan guests, and pasta can be made gluten-free upon request.
Civico 1845
Address: 1845 India St, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Website: Civico 1845
Opening hours: 11am - 10pm (Sun-Thurs) / 11am - 11pm (Fri-Sat)
10. Pesto Italian Craft Kitchen
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
There's a reason why the Margherita pizza is everyone's favorite —simple, fresh, and full of flavor! And here at...
Posted by Pesto Italian Craft Kitchen on Thursday, September 19, 2024
Pesto Italian Craft Kitchen specialises in hearty Italian comfort food. Many gluten-free pasta options are available, and guests can also choose from a wide range of salads, breads, and wine to accompany their main meal. Popular dining options at Pesto Italian Craft Kitchen include the beef lasagna, giant Caesar salad and Margarita pizza with fresh basil, all-classic Italian dishes made with love.
Pesto Italian Craft Kitchen
Address: 6011 El Cajon Blvd A, San Diego, CA 92115, USA
Website: Pesto Italian Craft Kitchen
Opening hours: 10:30am –9:30pm (Sun-Thurs) / 10:30am –10pm (Fri-Sat)
11. The Trails Eatery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by The Trails Eatery on Tuesday, 12 February 2019
The Trails Eatery is located within San Carlos Shopping Center and serves great breakfast, lunch, and brunch. Many guests enjoy their gluten-free pancakes, muffins, and bacon and eggs, all classic breakfast fare that can be enjoyed by gluten-sensitive customers. The interior of The Trails Eatery is cosy, bright, and modern, coloured in warm brown tones and furnished with casual wooden dining chairs.
The Trails Eatery
Address: 7389 Jackson Dr, San Diego, CA 92119, USA
Website: The Trails Eatery
Opening hours: 7am - 3pm
12. Woodstock's Pizza Pacific Beach
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Woodstock's Pizza Pacific Beach on Tuesday, 5 March 2019
Woodstock’s Pizza Pacific Beach is a casual pizzeria popular for its delicious crust and warm service. All pizzas are made with high-quality ingredients, and the dough is handmade fresh each day. Many classic pizza flavours such as the pepperoni and hawaiian pizzas remain firm favourites with Woodstock’s Pizza Pacific Beach customers, but they are also well-loved for their vegan and gluten-free options.
Woodstock's Pizza Pacific Beach
Address: 1221 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
Website: Woodstock’s Pizza Pacific Beach
Opening hours: 11am - 1am (Sun-Thurs) / 11am - 2am (Fri-Sat)
13. True Food Kitchen
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
True Food Kitchen is a clean eating-focused restaurant offering many gluten free salads and burgers. Customers can enjoy themselves, yet still eat guilt-free at True Food Kitchen, where items on the menu such as the Grilled Salmon entree, Dashi ramen, Roasted Brussels, and Fig and Onion Tart are made healthy yet delicious.
True Food Kitchen
Address: 7007 Friars Rd Suite 394, San Diego, CA 92108, USA
Website: True Food Kitchen
Opening hours: 11am - 9pm
14. Solare
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
"Ciccia al Sugo" -- Braised ribeye, sliced and dressed in a hearty Tuscan garlic tomato sauce and served with rustic...
Posted by Solare - Ristorante Italiano, Pizzeria, Lounge on Tuesday, 5 March 2019
Solare is a classic Italian restaurant known for its traditional Italian fare with a twist. Items that are-gluten free will be indicated as such on their menu, and chefs are more than willing to customise each dish according to the dietary needs of customers. Popular entrees include dishes such as the “Ciccia al Sugo” – braised ribeye, sliced and dressed in a hearty Tuscan garlic tomato sauce and served with rustic bread, and the “Spaghetti allo Scoglio” with Manila clams, Pacific black mussels, shrimp, and calamari.
Solare
Address: 2820 Roosevelt Rd, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
Website: Solare
Opening hours: 11:30 am – 10 pm (Tues-Sat) / 4:30 pm – 10 pm (Sun) / Closed on Mondays
15. Officine Buona Forchetta
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
One less hour of sleep isn't that bad, it just means that lunch is sooner! ? And why not start with our Affettati Misti? #daylightsavings #buonaforchetta #buonaforchettasd #officinebuonaforchetta
Posted by Officine Buona Forchetta on Sunday, 10 March 2019
Officine Buona Forchetta is an Italian restaurant located in the heart of San Diego which is popular with many locals and tourists alike. Guests can tuck in to some classic Italian dishes such as the Affettati Misti, as shown in the image above, some wood-fired pizzas or some Tagliata pasta with beef slices. Items that are gluten-free will be indicated as such on their menu.
Officine Buona Forchetta
Address: 2865 Sims Rd, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
Website: Officine Buona Forchetta
Opening hours: 11:30am - 3pm; 5pm - 9:30pm (Mon-Thurs) / 11:30am - 3pm; 5pm - 10:30pm (Fri-Sat) / 11:30am - 9pm (Sun)
16. Ambrogio15
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Gourmet Pizzas
Posted by Ambrogio15 on Tuesday, 29 May 2018
Ambrogio15 is a popular Italian restaurant serving up gourmet pizzas. A wide range of gluten-free pizza options are available at their restaurant, and even without the use of traditional base ingredients for gluten-free pizzas, quality, and taste are never compromised on. Guests can also complement their pizzas with a wide range of cocktails and spirits offered at the restaurant.
Ambrogio15
Address: 926 Turquoise St h, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
Website: Ambrogio15
Opening hours: 4:30pm - 10pm (Mon-Fri) / 12pm - 11pm (Sat-Sun)
17. Cucina Basilico
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
At Cucina Basilico, all pastas, sauces, and pizzas are handmade fresh each day. Many guests have praised the restaurant for its authentic Italian food and decor, swearing by their bruschetta and fettucine. Pizzas and pastas can be made gluten-free upon request.
Cucina Basilico
Address: 3755 Murphy Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
Website: Cucina Basilico
Opening hours: 11am - 2pm; 4:30pm - 9pm (Mon-Fri) / 4:30pm - 9pm (Sat-Sun)
Spoilt for choice
Gluten-free dieters need not worry about the lack of food options in San Diego. When you next head down to the city, be sure to use this list to find the best joints serving up fantastic gluten-free food. With all these options, you can relish anything from amazing breakfasts to scrumptious lunches without a worry!
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