Top 50 Gluten-Free Kid-Friendly Spots to Explore in Encinitas

Elizabeth Finley

Totally Gluten free heaven

Natasha “Nikki” Ferrer-Perez

I had the California Sandwich on Focaccia and it was so yummy! I was meeting some friends to yap, so I didn’t want to be stuffing my face the whole time and stopped ordering after the sandwich, but I WANTED TO DO NOTHING BUT STUFF THEIR WHOLE PASTRY CASE into my mouth! I’ll definitely have to come back another time on my own just absolute pig out on everything!

Linda Berger

We had take away. Gluten free pizza crust was good. Sauce was typical So-Cal bland. Spinach salad with balsamic salad dressing had an alarming amount of rosemary. My sautéd spinach had a hard piece of foreign matter in it, which hurt my tooth and ruined my meal. I shared a photo of the object with the manager and he stated that he only needed to reimburse me for the spinach as that was the only part of my food impacted. Clearly he is fine with foreign matter in his pricy food. Not a restaurant that I will return to.

Allen Shaw

So tasty. Can’t tell they’re gluten and dairy free. Made the wife happy!

Jennifer Moul

Ice cream and waffle cone were delightful. I love how they have so many gluten free options. The addition of a cookie (reg or gf) is also a nice touch! The Mint Cookies n’ Cream & Peanut Butter Cup were delicious.

Earth Explorer

East Indian themed healthy restaurant with gluten-free and vegan options. The three egg omelet was pretty good and a frittata was even a little better. The coffee is very standard with no exotic options such as butter coffee or espresso tonic or pour over. The seating is very comfortable and the Wi-Fi was about 100/20. Overall this is the place I would recommend trying when you're in Encinitas.

Mary Carbajal

We had a fabulous dinner. You can’t find a better beach view. The ambiance is warm, comfortable and beautiful. The food was excellent. I’m so tired of having mediocre food and being disappointed. The service was outstanding. Our server was attentive and made good suggestions. I can’t wait to go back. There were so many things I wanted to try. They have a gluten free menu which made ordering food easy. This will be a favorite place !

Bayley Macintosh

We enjoyed our meal here. It was our first time trying it, the smell of the chicken lured us in, lol. The only complaint I have was the sauces. Theyre a little runny, lacked flavor, and therefore took away from the experience, as I love sauce and a good sauce elevates the meal. The best one was the BBQ one but again, runny. It barely stuck to the chicken. Aside from that though, we liked the food and a bonus is, we didnt feel sick or anything like we often do with eating out. The ingredients are clearly superior which I appreciate a lot. We got the gluten free fried whole bird and I think they did a good job with the gluten free recipe.

Fauzia Burke

Pannikin Coffee & Tea is one of my favorite local spots. Their chai is perfectly spiced—comforting without being too sweet—and I always feel well taken care of as someone who eats gluten-free. They have great g/f baked goods, and the gluten-free blueberry muffin is my go-to treat. Moist, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweetness. Such a cozy, welcoming vibe here. Highly recommend!

Amy Kesler Andersen

Great buns!

Sophia

Good food although I don’t think I chose the best thing on the menu. They do have plenty of gluten free options (GF sourdough, GF cassava tortilla etc) and of course the food is clean and makes you feel good! Coffee was also delicious. Server was super kind and helpful!

Thomas Kirby

The server was amazing. Very understanding of celiac and it sounds like they take it very seriously. She explained to me they use separate utensils and very familiar with what is needed to keep celiacs safe. She said she’s worked there 10 years and no one has got sick on her watch. Sushi was very tasty. Didn’t feel sick after eating here. Would throughly recommend to celiacs!

Earth Explorer

Excellent French cafe in the heart of Leucadia. I love the fact that they have started to offer bulletproof coffee and have gluten-free options. The Omelette I had was outstanding as was the gluten-free vegetarian crepes. What I didn't like was the fact they don't offer any wi-fi. Not even basic Wi-Fi so you can grab an Uber or do some necessary work. It wouldn't cost that much to add some basic Wi-Fi with about 10 / 10 speed. You wouldn't get digital nomads with those speeds but your reviews would be better. Other than that I love this place.

Frank DelSavio

Gluten-free bun on my iconic burger

SanDiego IsParadise

Delicious food with a gorgeous view! Plenty of gluten free options and substitutions!

Shawn Knight

My family had such an awesome time we came two nights in a row! The pizza and beers were delicious. Service was top notch, super friendly staff, Julian crushed it and was very helpful, props to great service! One in our family has a gluten allergy and their gluten free pizza was super tasty, would highly recommend. Great atmosphere with some outdoor seating and family friendly. Will definitely come again and again!

Elizabeth P

Great service and delicious gluten free churros. Just for that it’s an amazing place. Thank you for making gluten-free tacos! They are so rare and we were so happy to have some!

Kerry Fisherkeller

Pizza served hot, cheesy with crispy crust this place has it going on. Small but good selection of beers, wines and cocktails to go with. Several classic Italian items on the menu as well as my favorite tiramisu. View of the ocean so I decided to try the garlic shrimp - delicious! My dining partner ordered the gluten free deluxe perfectly baked with slightly crisped pepperoni rising up like sails on the ocean! Divine.

Paige Mazur

We absolutely LOVE Breakfast Republic! I have a gluten allergy and they do a phenomenal job at accommodating! Even our gluten eating friends love all their options! Jose is our usual server and he does a fantastic job. He is very kind and attentive. We have been consistent customers for years :)

Emy Moore

100% GF & vegan cafe. Great Lasagna and wrap

Kim Salners

I really wanted to enjoy my solo dinner plans at Herb & Sea, but they failed… badly. My reservations were for 1 person on a Saturday night. I checked in and the place was packed, but I waited in front of the host stand for 30mins before being seated. I was ignored for 20 mins by 3 different hostesses until I asked what was going on. They had ready excuses and that my table was being bused as we spoke… waited another 10mins then asked to speak to the manager whose name was Luke. Amazingly, my table was ready right away and Luke sat me down and asked about diet restrictions. He recommended and ordered the ceviche with plantain chips for me. I told him I wasn’t going to order dinner anymore specifically bc of the wait time and I had to leave at 9pm and I didn’t trust they could cook and serve me in less than an hour. He said he’d send out the ceviche and I ordered a glass of wine. Nick was my waiter who came over with my wine and instead of standing upright like he did for all the other couples and groups, he leaned and crossed his arms over the other chair across from me. He took my menu and notated/wrote with a star what was gluten/dairy free… like I’m a child or a helpless little girl who can’t read or know what was gluten/dairy free. I ordered the tomatoes appetizer and he only filled my water glass after I pushed it toward him. Nick didn’t refill my water or take my ceviche plate away after I know he looked over at me and my table from the next table over. The tomatoes were served by another buser, but she had no silverware. Nick, at the next table over, heard/listening and turned around to give me a knife and fork then finished with the other table and left without checking in. Nick came by later and asked how was I. I said it was good, but I’d like the check. He leaned on my chair again while refilling my water glass. I told him ‘you know, you don’t need to lean on my chair’. Luke came by again asked about the tomatoes… I said they were spicy and he said that if it was being shared it wouldn’t be so ‘much’ and made it seem weird I was alone. He apologized for the wait and that he’d give me his card for the next time. I told him about Nick and his leaning on my chair and it was rude. I also said, “You know I’m going to do a review, right?”. I told him my evening was ruined by Herb & Sea and that I had planned my night with enough time… reservation at 730 to leave at 9pm for a previous engagement. He acknowledged and comped my ‘meal’ (2 appetizers) and glass of wine. All I can say is I won’t be back and they ALL need to do better. Restaurants are a dime a dozen and I would have loved to actually eat an entree there, but why go back??

Brent Warner

Excellent location - food was spot on. Protein style, double double, chopped chilis, whole grilled onions. Light well fries. Order burger protein style for gluten free option. Perfection at its finest.

Jennifer Joy

This place is gas, I don’t know how it wasn’t busier than it was!! Big portions, quick service, super delicious. They have a gluten free menu too! Get the orange ish chicken for sure.

Annika Soderfelt

A cozy, delicious, fairly priced spot to eat in downtown Encinitas. I love all the vegetarian options, and there is no flavor sacrificed like there sometimes is in gluten-free or meat, free dishes. I’ve been a number of times and the service is always very professional and quick. my most recent time going, I arrived just before the start of halftime of a football game and was able to order, eat, and pay then return to the game just after kickoff. I cannot over hype their service.

Daryl Frazier

This was my first time at Borelli's. When I drove up I thought it was an odd location but inside it looked okay and I would think about coming back to eat inside. I ordered a 12" meat lover's 🍕, a12" Island style (originated in Windsor Canada) and a house salad 🥗. The meat lover's was pretty typical meat covered and good tasting. The Island was a cheese pizza with a few pieces of pineapple a couple of red onion half slices and a sprinkling of what I guess was Canadian bacon. In Palm Desert where I live a local Hawaiian pizza from Mario's Place is covered in pineapple 🍍 chunks, lots of Canadian bacon, smothered with slices of Maui style sweet onions, (I prefer it on the gluten free crust) in one bite you get some of all the ingredients together with sauce and cheese, it's fantastic! For $25.50 I thought their pizza could have been a lot tastier. I would definitely go back but would certainly ask about the food and try to direct the kitchen on how to make better meals without breaking the bank. I noticed their name on the outside directory was spelled incorrectly and mentioned it, they had no clue. Details matter, don't fall asleep at the wheel and get off course or you'll run into trouble 😵‍💫. Their house salad 🥗 was fabulous, with lots of goodies in it with a nice simple 🫒 olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing. Hopefully they read these reviews and will start adding some attention to the specialty pizzas.

Thomas Kirby

Everything is gluten free and dairy free. Great spot for celiacs or those with allergies. Yummy smoothies.

DS Hull

Great gluten-free meals are consistently flavored from dish to dish. Try the Nawaratan Korma, vegetable coconut curry, absolutely incredible. Medium heat rated at 5 is spicier than other local ratings. Our second entree, Lamb Tikka Masala, was equally good and we cut the spice rating to 3 and it was nicer. Again, incredible flavor and a great portion size. Indoor seating is nice when there is a breeze, but sit outside of the weather allows, the sunset views are relaxing.

Katherine Nichoson Love

Very friendly and speedy and knowledgeable about what items contain gluten.

Gluten Free Travel Girl

Excellent sushi - the fish is so fresh and tender. Skip the traditional rolls and try the hand rolls, it’s what they’re known for, hence the name Temaki. We loved the lobster, spicy scallop and the pop and rock hand rolls. The super ninja buddy roll is killer, so many flavors. So grateful for so many gluten free options too!

Debra Fleurbaaij

The location is amazing. Service was so bad though. Didn’t take our order for even appetizers until we went to find the waiter after 45 minutes. Didn’t get our appetizers until again going to find waiter after 45 more minutes. Correct appetizers were not delivered. 1 appetizer-oysters wasn’t ever delivered and when we asked after 15 more minutes we were told they had been out since the morning. Imagine our surprise when the table next to us got an order of oysters 20 minutes later. Main courses were brought incorrectly and 3 people with gluten allergies were served gluten and had to send it back. Some sides were never delivered. The seabass was excellent, but the halibut and mahi mahi were very dry and tasteless. This place is expensive and everything should be excellent for what you’re paying. We’ve gone here many times in the past and will never go back. Wouldn’t recommend to anyone.

Brent Warner

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Lobster West, and I was absolutely blown away by the experience. The lobster rolls here are simply phenomenal—fresh, delicious, and packed with generous chunks of lobster. Each bite was a delightful blend of perfectly seasoned lobster meat and a buttery, toasted roll that made for an unforgettable meal. The quality and freshness of the lobster were evident in every bite. It's clear that Lobster West takes great care in sourcing and preparing their ingredients to ensure the highest quality. The lobster rolls are not only delicious but also offer great value, given the generous portion sizes. The ambiance is casual and inviting, making it a perfect spot for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. The staff were friendly, efficient, and genuinely passionate about their food, which added to the overall positive experience. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Lobster West is a must-visit for any seafood lover. I can't recommend it highly enough and will definitely be returning soon! Gluten free rolls available, if not, you can order without the roll.

Sofia Sanuni

Super experience! They have a lot of gluten free options, good pancakes, toasts and meals! highly recommend!

Mohammed Parsley

agnese cimino

We stayed two nights in a row: delicious hamburgers even in the gluten-free version! Small place with very efficient service

Jessica Bracht

Really unique drink options on the menu, and big selection of baked goods. Lots of gluten free options too, which is hard to find such a variety in a bakery

Dan Garren

Eggs benedicts was over priced $21.00 for (1) plate. Charged $1.50 extra for (1) piece of gluten-free bread as a substitute. Cashier was rude, almost demanding a tip (for what?) me walking up and taking my order? The cashier brought her (2) children to work with her. They were not well behaved making noise inside and outside the bistro.

marlene

Love this place! Gluten free baked goods as well!

Maddy Hengge

My absolute favorite spot in town for birthday cakes, decadent chocolate croissants, and hot sandwiches (seriously, you have to try the Fifi Larue – prosciutto, mozzarella, basil, and tomato – it's heaven!). And don’t even get me started on their crêpes – they’re out of this world! Plus, they offer gluten-free options, which is a total game-changer. My go-to is the buckwheat Crêpe Monaco – so delish. The staff here is always super friendly and helpful, making every visit feel like a treat. Whether I’m soaking up the sun outside while enjoying my pastries or cozying up inside, surrounded by the irresistible smell of fresh-baked goodies, this place is my little slice of heaven!

SanDiego IsParadise

Lots of gluten free pastries - just ask! They are hiding in plain sight!

Nienah

The gluten free blueberry oatcake is my favorite thing to get here! It’s their gf version of a pancake and it’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside been coming here for over 10 years with my family since i was a kid!

Christopher Seneca

Food can be good here, but the experience is terrible. The line is always long and even after ordering it is another long wait for food. There are also never enough tables so there’s that whole vulture thing happening, too. Even worse we had a celiac with us (gluten free) and they said they wouldn’t change prep gloves or make any effort to avoid cross contact for just one person. They knew the process to do it, just didn’t care to.

Tori Morrison

I wish I had photos of the food here (it’s always so good I forget to take them). I love the ambiance, decor, service, and food here. This is also a great take out spot too! Recs: pad see ew noodles (beef or chicken), pho, any cocktail (can’t go wrong), and mango sticky rice (if it’s in season). I also love that they have Thai iced tea with coconut milk -super creamy and yummy. Also this place is great for you if you’re gluten free (rice noodles are in all noodle dishes or you can swap for them), vegetarian, and/or vegan. If you’re like me and love meat, they have plenty of that too.

Irene Bubnack

To say Urbane Cafe is one of my ALL-TIME favorite restaurants is an understatement. I fell in love with the food while working at USD over the last 16 years. I can tell you that when asking our college students what food I should order for events, Urbane Cafe is always the #1 request (especially as they have options for vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free foods! It makes ordering for a crowd SO easy!!! Boxes are labeled with names and orders, and Bea is fantastic at getting everything set with catering delivery)! The food is always so satisfying. Consistently on par with quality, flavor, and value. I was thrilled when the Encinitas Restaurant opened, as I have friends and family in North County. I've ordered for family gatherings and love to meet friends for lunch and dinner (I'd love breakfast too ... I can dream of breakfast sandwhiches on that incredible bread)! It's a great location to grab a quick bite when shopping or to hang out with friends and family. I've had everything on the menu over the years (and the seasonal specials and have several go-to menu items I choose from regularly), and everyone in my family has their favorites. Still, my all-time favorite is the Urbane Cafe Salad. The blend of moist chicken, nuts, pear, and avocado is fantastic! I rarely eat bread anymore... but the one bread that is an exception is the fresh delicious Urbane bread (dipping it into a bit of dressing ... awe, heaven)! We are living in Morgan Hill, CA, right now ... and the very first thing I get when I drive into town is Urbane Cafe in Encinitas. I time my drive to be there when they open, and I usually order at least two salads and keep one for the next day (they refrigerate beautifully). I pray you open an Urbane Cafe in Morgan Hill very soon! Morgan Hill is a Foodie's paradise! I know the health-conscious, food-loving valley residents would be in heaven (and the value would certainly be appreciated)! And as most of San Jose and Gilroy travel to Morgan Hill for good food, this would be an ideal location to start! ... Plus, you have an Urbane Cafe Lover (ME) who would gladly stand on the corner and give sworn testimony! I can't wait to get my next Urbane Cafe fix on 11/7 ... I'll see you then! Best, Irene B.

Andy Gates

Awesome food, well priced, and friendly staff. A hidden gem in Encinitas. Excellent selection of Gluten free and Vegan options.

Jason Berry

If you want one of the best breakfasts in San Diego, this is your destination. If you want fancy furniture and mimosas and overly attentive servers, go somewhere else. Servers are certainly friendly here, but the style is more of a small cafe. They are busy on weekends, but you'll only have a short wait, as they are pretty efficient at moving people through. Portions are large and there is no cost to share plates. Many gluten free options.

Cj Divine

Paradise bars are my favorite as I have celiac and these are gluten free. Only place I know with really delicious gluten free treats. ( Just wish I could get them delivered to home with my coffee beabs) Coffee is sooooo good. I even order bags of beans for home use. My favorite coffee ever.

Michelle Trostler

I’ve been here 20-30 times. This restaurant is being mismanaged. It used to be great. But now, hit or miss. Menu displays GF symbol prominently and I am gluten free. Awesome! But lately the wait staff often says they’re out of GF bread. Kinda puts a damper on the GF mussels when there’s no bread to sop up the sauce. Last night, the waiter said they were out of GF bread, but then he said he looked and they had some. It wasn’t the yummy flat bread from the last time I was there, but it was something. Makes me wonder if they’re actually out when they say they’re out? The waiter was able to find some after he’d been told there was none. My father ordered a glass of Merlot. The waiter came back saying they didn’t have merlot by the glass. I tried to order beef stroganoff with GF pasta. But they were out of GF pasta. GF pasta is shelf stable. This is just mismanagement. Don’t have a menu that offers GF dishes if you’re not prepared to serve them gluten free. It’s also insane to be unable to order a glass of merlot. C’mon…you’re better than this.

Christopher Seneca

The ultimate neighborhood gem. So thankful this friendly and delicious restaurant exists, as well as that they offer gluten free pizza. In the future it would be wonderful to see a few more gluten free items such as buns or beer, as they always seem to be out, but it would really make this place even more special.

Megan Lax

I am gluten and dairy free and it’s usually so hard to find good Italian food but I had the most delicious pizza here! The management is so nice and helpful, too. They make their own gluten free dough that’s super good, and they have gluten free pasta and focaccia, and vegan cheese. My mom also got a normal pizza that was delicious. Definitely recommend!

Bud Port