Best pizza ever tasted! They were so helpful with my Gluten Allergy and made me the bestest pizza i had ever had! Haven’t got sick from it so far and i have a pretty sensitive gut! Shoutout to them making it a good experience. Only thing is it’s not cheap eating. Thanks a lot though.
Easily one of the best chicken sandwiches in Santa Cruz, and possibly the best one I've ever had.
The dining situation can be a bit funky at times as they share the space with a couple of other businesses, but usually everyone is super nice, and the atmosphere is great. They do offer takeout if you want to take it home, to the beach, or anywhere else!
Aside from their original or spicy chicken sandwiches, which are locally known (and for good reason), they offer chicken tenders, sides like mashed potatoes and gravy, french fries, mac and cheese, and more.
This restaurant offers gluten-free options and takes the proper precautions in doing so to prevent cross-contamination. However, I would suggest talking to staff about the measures they take, as they will happily explain them, which will help guests feel at ease eating there. They do offer vegetarian options, but they are made in shared fryers if that is an issue (but everything in those fryers IS gluten free).
From good food to great staff, this is one of the places that make Santa Cruz Santa Cruz.
Every time I have gotten a meal here, I have had a fantastic meal, outstanding customer service and a good experience.
All of their produce is organic, and there are plenty of options for everyone, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and meat options. Some of their options include teriyaki chicken, garlic tofu, and teriyaki salmon, which come with jasmine rice (or noodles) pickled vegetables and spring onions, or they have sandwiches, soups, salads and noodle bowls as well. The meals are well priced, and you can choose takeout or to sit down in their covered patio area. The staff are friendly, and there is parking (but, on a busy night, it could fill up).
Overall, this is a great, affordable and yummy option in Santa Cruz and I would highly recommend it!
Didn't like being stuffed back into the corner. Dark back there. BUT they have a gluten free menu. Food very tasty. Gluten free menu. Server nice. Would go back!
Late night pizza experience accomplished! Accommodating the Vegan gluten free request to max a whole pizza myself for a road trip was perfect. Thanks Pizza My Heart!
A great place. great street location. Comfortable seating for a family. The food was really good and served fast. There are many Gluten free options and the staff are aware of Cross contamination.
Highly recommended
003-022-14, 2728 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
100% Dedicated Gluten-Free
Pet FriendlyGrab & GoLunchTake AwayDinnerDeliveryOutdoor SeatingKid Friendly100% GF
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Erica Carrasco
Hubby and I are new to Santa Cruz. We were shopping at Trader Joe's this evening and decided to go across the street to the indoor food mall. We almost missed it. It's a hidden gem. If you love Puerto Rican food, you will love Pana. Funny thing is, I was looking for something gluten free. They are gluten free! The flavors! The service! If I had questions, they were answered. The yucca fries 🍟 were delicious and filling. The fried plantains were perfecto! The green garlic sauce was divine! I enjoyed the dish with the beef, plantains, I added basil, mozzarella and avocado 🥑, black beans wrapped in a gluten free corn DELICIOUS wrap!! Guys! Please go find this place! So much food, we have leftover plantains and yucca fries. Air fryer tomorrow morning 😄. They cut everything fresh! You can watch them prepare your food while you read all the printed reviews that the restaurant has posted. Abbott square is the mall. They are located in that area. God bless them! Keep up the great work ! Be back soon!
We went there today and even drove an hour to get there because we saw that it’s gluten free and vegan and NOT EXPENSIVE which is REALLY hard to find. And then you’d think there must be a catch, it can’t be vegan, gluten free, inexpensive AND delicious but damm it was it was really tasty and so filling, and overall the food felt like a warm hug and the owner was really nice as well :) so 5 stars, would recommend
Such a great addition to Midtown SantaCruz! Hubby and I went after a friend recommended Sugo. We had such a great dinner! Prompt, attentive service, and incredible menu with vegetarian and gluten free options. Great cozy, clean, bustling atmosphere.
After sharing a salad-plenty for two- I enjoyed the Mushroom ravioli. Hubby had a very nicely done margherita pizza.
We will definitely be back, and try the order to pickup as well.
Very fast, friendly service and generous positions at this popular spot. Pretty good with dietary restrictions: most of the menu is gluten free (or can be adjusted to be GF), although celiacs should know that the fryer does have cross contamination so avoid the tempura, etc (personally I’d label that as “low gluten” but the staff seems knowledgeable so just be sure to communicate what kind of restrictions you have). The food was a bit more mixed: really nice appetizers (salads, Akira fries, etc) and the fish is pretty fresh (the hamachi was especially tasty), but despite the rolls being very large (seriously we probably could have had 1 per person) they seemed surprisingly lacking in flavor, almost bland. Also I liked my sashimi but it came with rice that was downright bad: stuck together and overcooked. I’m half Japanese so maybe I’m picky, but people forget that “sushi” refers to rice, not fish, so it’s disappointing when a sushi place gets rice wrong. Overall a good experience, albeit with some caveats.
Steamer Lane is the place to be! Everything on the menu is delicious, and the staff are very friendly and care deeply about the community of Santa Cruz. Their menu has expanded over the years, and a lot of care is taken by the whole team to make sure the all of their offerings are really tasty and inclusive to all dietary needs.
I have celiac disease, and typically feel safe eating here. They have a handful of very tasty gluten free items, and are very friendly and accommodating. I love the breakfast tacos, poke and other fish bowls, fish tacos, chicken leg plate, and the burger (with no bun). As with pretty much all places, not guaranteed to have no cross contamination, but if you want them to take extra precautions, just ask! I remind them I have celiac and they do a great job :)
This is one of the cutest outdoor bistro restaurants I’ve ever ever been to, and I always try to visit and try their cuisine anytime. I am in the Santa Cruz area. It is always a delight and the service and staff there are always friendly and make you feel at home. Today was certainly no exception. Thank you again chocolate for having the best gluten-free bread I’ve ever had!
Old school vibes, this place serves up reliable delicious breakfast staples and big portions. Perfect for Sunday morning after a night out.
They have gluten free toast too, no extra charge.
I had poached eggs and bacon, my boyfriend has Popeyes omelette which was huge and very cheesy.
It’s cash only, but there’s an atm for $2. Felt like a hidden gem and great to support a long time, locally run restaurant.
Great beer selection, they even had a gluten free beer tucked away in the back for my celiac partner to try!
Hummus tray and the roasted potatoes were both great as well!
I've lived in Santa Cruz for almost five years and have only recently gotten to try Engfer Pizza Works. Where have I been because they really offer one of the better vegan pizzas in town.
They sport a large array of vegetarian friendly pizzas that can be veganized by removing the cheese (obvs) and using their house-made tofu spread and red sauce as a base for any pizza. They also offer a gluten-free crust too.
Being newbies, it was fitting for us to try their New-Bee Pizza (vegan style) - a toasty mix of garlic, olives, and red bell peppers. A large sets us back about $35 including tax. We also ordered their soup of the day, which was this creamy sweet potato stew that was fully plant-based too.
Our pizza was fantastic. Took about 15 minutes to come out but the crispy pizza crust with the fragrant toppings was really great. My only wish would be if they had some plant-based meat options or other appetizers besides the pizzas since we were hungry, but the pie itself was just great.
Drinks are easy to handle as well. You simply serve yourself water or head over to the large fridges to grab another beverage of your choice, and pay at the end along with your pizza.
Street parking is available if you're lucky to find some. It wasn't a problem for us visiting even late at night on a weekend.
If you are driving highway 1 and want a great taste of local California wine, beers, or seafood, this is a great option. The delicious gastropub quality food is worth the price because the flavors are amazing. There are many vegan and gluten free options on the menu. There is also a comfortable and warm dining area with outdoor seating as well.
Absolutely love this place, food and ambiance is incredible ever since the renovation last summer!! The orange salmon and saffron pasta are my regular favorites, but whatever you get, don’t miss out on the pork belly bao buns or tuna wontons (order split in half to accommodate a gluten free guest)! The chef is very understanding and accommodates any dietary restrictions.
Sit at the bar with the bartender Rainbow- he is the BEST!
Special Valentine’s Day lobster and pomegranate risotto was to die for!
Roxa Hammock Cafe is an absolute treasure in Santa Cruz, CA, offering an enchanting blend of art, alchemy, and health-conscious organic cuisine. 🌿🌌
This cafe isn’t just a place to grab a meal; it’s an experience that tantalizes the senses and nourishes the body and soul. It’s fascinating to know that it’s the first hammock cafe in the US, making it an exciting destination for families, friends, and couples alike.
We embarked on a culinary journey, exploring their unique and health-focused menu. First, we sampled the herbal elixirs and tonics, each crafted with precision and care. Piper’s Calling, with its blend of Pc chuchuhuasi, piper methysticum, pine pollen, and piperine, was a revelation of flavors and medicinal benefits. Wanderlust, featuring fermented kanna, wild dagga, pine pollen, piper methysticum, and stevia, was like sipping a mystic potion, with its intriguing combination of ingredients.
For coffee aficionados, the Mud coffee was a must-try. It’s the kind of coffee that warms the soul, and knowing it’s free from refined sugar and canola oil only added to the pleasure.
The Acai bowl was a delightful treat, brimming with natural sweetness and freshness. Knowing that all ingredients are carefully selected and devoid of gluten made it even more enjoyable.
The atmosphere here is a work of art in itself, with a floor infused with black tourmaline, creating an ambiance of tranquility and positivity. The window overlooking Abbot Square is a charming touch, connecting you to the vibrant energy of Santa Cruz.
Upstairs on the second floor mezzanine, we found an elixir bar apothecary with siphon brew, adding to the mystical aura of the place.
Roxa Hammock Cafe is a testament to the idea that food can be both delicious and nurturing. It’s a place where art, health, and culinary innovation harmoniously coexist. We left with our spirits lifted and our bodies rejuvenated, eager to return and explore more of their offerings. 🌟☕🌿
Fantastic healthy find in midtown Santa Cruz. Organic Mexican food caught my eye. Most taqueria restaurants don’t have health and wellness in mind. Viva’s is the only Mexican restaurant that is forward thinking about what they are serving the community. I needed to find a place that will accommodate my need to have gluten free meals and this place has several to choose from and they are easy makes on the menu. I ordered the chicken enchilada plate. I am 100% satisfied with flavor, portion size and pricing. The staff was attentive and helpful. I would make the 3+ hour drive just to get this place again.
Food is fabulous. There is a gluten free option to substitute polenta for pasta, which I do and it works well. I get the same dish every time because it's consistently excellent - Fettuccine (polenta substitute) with Braised Beef Ragu. Try it!
If the noise level didn't get so high, it would be 5 stars.
Wow, this place is the real deal. My friend and I came here for lunch. My friend who got one of the moles was immediately in love. She has a super sensitive sense of taste and smell, because she is a chef. I'm gluten free and vegan for medical reasons, and they have a huge menu to fit both needs!!
The tacos, which is what I had, with vegan carne asada were super tasty, and the beans they came with are unbeatable. I would order more of those beans as a side!
The guacamole was *delicious*. Their salsas are outstanding. The chef there is a woman, and we were informed that she wanted to bring her recipes from Oaxaca to her new residence, in Santa Cruz. We are LUCKY to be this woman's guests. The tortillas were handmade corn, and GORGEOUS. I felt like each recipe was a home recipe, safe for me to eat but also far more delicious than I could think up or make at home. My friend saw one of the larger dishes, go by and we both gasped. It looked like a baby dinosaur! If you haven't been there, ask your server how much you want to eat. Some of the dishes are huge and some are smaller, like the tacos (perfect for lunch, I thought). The food is so good there that you might be tempted by the desserts there as well. I have said restrictions, but someone else would probably go for it! Their servers are super nice too. I can't remember our server's name unfortunately, but we had really sweet young lady on Friday 3/21/25, so thank you!! She was communicative, attentive, sweet, and never said a mean word even though I asked her a couple times about something. Super nice. I definitely will keep this place in mind, even though I don't go out much, I love food, and their place is right down the street from my place. Thank you Copal!!
One of the best weekend brunches in SC County! Highly recommend the Benedicts. Their gluten free options are excellent. No matter what you order, if you have toast, ask for the strawberry butter. It's divine.
Ordered :
Chicken chow mein + fried rice lunch special - 5/5. Awesome dish, but fried rice by default is pork fried rice. They were very accommodating in switching this to chicken fried rice especially after it had been served.
Kung Pao Chicken - 5/5. Very flavorful, next time order it spicy.
Vegetable Chow Fun (Gluten free, Vegan) - 5/5. The best gluten free chow fun I have had. Most other gluten free chow fun are flavorless due to no soy sauce, but this one was just amazing and tasty.
Will Order Again - 5/5 . Definitely, this is my go to chinese place in Santa Cruz and I plan to visit this place everytime i am in Santa Cruz
A great, family run chinese place that has its own touch to all the dishes. My favorite chinese restaurant now and I plan to try every dish I can eat at this place.
I love Sabieng but I'm gluten free and have had difficulty getting food that has no gluten containing sauces added to it. Would tred carefully for GF folks unless you don't mind the gluten reaction. If you're not gluten free you'll probably like the food.
I literally dream about these chicken wings and stop every trip to Santa Cruz! (Gluten free :) my son loves the Mac and cheese! (Regular, but very picky 5yo)
Everything is so so good!
Very good salmon fish and chips. The salads are good, but small for the price and a bit heavy on the dressing. It would be good if they used corn or potato starch rather than flour on the fries for those who are trying to avoid gluten (karma for stealing my husband's fries)
I love the food and that they have gluten free crepes that are actually good. I love their dill sauce!! The atmosphere is my fav! Outside it's like eating in a garden and I love all the little nooks they put their tables in. The service is always great!
I’m SO thrilled we have a downtown location of PGA, I’ve been a fan for many years.
I ordered takeout 2x recently and will be continuing to order regularly. My diet has changed a lot since I used to go to the old location, but luckily PGA has plenty of options for gluten free, dairy free, vegan.
I love their emphasis on fresh local produce and the fact that they have their own farm is next level legit.
Recently I ordered - the chopped salad, the beet salad, and the passion fruit chia pudding. All super healthy and delicious. I did add my own honey to the pudding which I recommend.
The second time I ordered the California burger on a GF bun and fries. It was delicious. Tasted like a much fresher, more flavorful, healthier version of fast food
The breakfast sandwiches are all delicious as well, i used to eat them often.
This place rocks!
My favorite place in downtown. Food is excellent. Gluten free options. Reasonable prices. Service is wonderful. Outdoor dining. Parking garage and street parking nearby.
Shun Feng is our go-to Chinese restaurant in Santa Cruz. Jesse consistently takes excellent care of our orders, ensuring everything is gluten-free for my wife. We absolutely love all of their delicious dishes!
We came here and one of us had a gluten intolerance. The personnel was very helpful and tried to find gluten free options, and we found finally a good solution. Thanks for the help and the good service! Also the other food was good we eat there.
Celiac friendly
