Top 9 Gluten-Free Asian Spots to Explore in Santa Barbara

Amir Lidgi

Great place for dinner, food was tasty, drinks were great. More than that the place is Gluten free friendly, we have celiac and waiters were very knowledgeable, knew about cross contamination, and recommended accordingly on dishes that will suit us. Gluten free sushi!!

Francisco Saez

Outstanding gluten free option.

J

The first time I went I had the Szechuan mei fun, they were able to make it gluten free! The second time I went for pho, it is the best in town. Lovely positive atmosphere and great food + great service!

C. Anita Nuñez

Yet another perfect dinner. Our 3rd time at this delightful little "bigger on the inside"joint right in the heart of the Mesa! After confirming with the management that safe, gluten free options were available, ( Remember to do this every time you go to any restaurant even if they've accommodated you before!) I had the Chirachi Sashimi Special with gluten free miso soup. My partner had Chicken Donburi and declared it excellent. We shared a wonderful roll that I'm embarrassed to report I can't recall the name of but it was tangy, slightly spicy and tasty!

Nereida La Sirena Rojas

Every time we go to Santa Barbara, California we make sure to stop by this Delicious restaurant. It has wonderful vegan and gluten-free meals that are filling. They are always kind and generous and guiding us to which are the best vegan and gluten-free for our needs. The creamy items are not too milky like in other Indian and the vegetables are cooked where they're still slightly crispy and not too limp. One has the option of how hot and spicy they want their meals from mild all the way to extra spicy 🔥.

Mary Liz Kane

Eat here! Gluten free options are not obviously labeled, but they will work with you. Gluten free soy sauce is available. Terrific, fast and friendly service. Charming atmosphere. Great for date night or a work lunch or dinner.

Lorraine Haataia

I chose Empty Bowl because most noodle places can accommodate vegans, but I discovered that they didn’t really have a dedicated vegan dish. I was craving rice noodles and veggies, and the staff was very accommodating. The person who took my order was patient and helpful when I requested no tofu and extra vegetables. However, I was disappointed with the dish I received. It was mostly noodles, with fewer vegetables than I would expect after requesting extra. The sauce was also much saltier than I prefer. They also didn’t have many gluten-free options, and when I asked about MSG, the person taking my order wasn’t sure if it was used in the food. Since I prefer to avoid MSG, this was a concern for me. I do like the community atmosphere of the food court, as it’s nice to have options that cater to both me as a vegan and my husband, who isn’t. However, the space was quite tight, and with sports games playing, it was louder than I’d prefer. A little more quiet and space between restaurants would enhance the experience.

Marc Miller

Authentic Japanese Sushi. If you are used to American Sushi the serving sizes are on the small end but lovingly crafted. Rotating list of specials, so some days you may have wagyu and other days you may have uni and other days you have something you never heard of before. Big plus if you are into surprises and trying new things, but a bit of a change from American restaurants that serve the same thing every day. Don't go if you are in a rush. Do go when you have time to savor the food. They do have some gluten free and vegetarian/vegan options if you ask politely. Chief's name is Teru

Alex Murdoch

The Pho is flavorful and satisfying. As someone who can't eat gluten, The cauliflower crust for the gluten free pizza is hardly a compromise. Fantastic owners as well! Will keep coming back.