Top 13 Gluten-Free Spots Across Little Italy, San Diego

Malia Faith

Gluten-free pasta is not celiac safe (shared pasta water). Entrees like the salmon can be made 100% gluten-free.

Jolene Theresa

TLDR: celiac friendly My celiac friend and I stopped by to try out their gluten free flatbread and she took half of hers to go which is highly uncommon. Most gf breads are like cardboard or rubbery but this flatbread tasted just like gluten bread! She didn't get sick so there was definitely no gluten in it but whatever it was, it was amazing! I ordered gluten full tortellini which looked and tasted like it was made in house and I was completely satisfied with my meal. We stopped by just as happy hour was ending and our waiter was quick to help us get some happy hour wine orders in before it was too late. The bathroom... it an experience. Like many cities, some locations work within their confines and RoVino got very clever. The restroom is a short walk outside the restaurant which at first seems so strange because they have someone walk you down to it. At the end of the block, tucked away you'll find a very clean little walk to a door with their logo. Type in the code and you enter a 1 stall restroom. It was so random but well done, I'll be talking about that little experience for a while.

Audrey Holas

I think it's very nice that they have gluten free options here, and all of the workers seemed very polite except one. The worker checking me out had such an attitude. He had short brown hair and when i politely asked for the gluten free creme brulee he gave me such a rude look and said "your confusing me, look in the case that's all we have right now" in a very rude tone. While i'm not upset that they were limited on the gluten free options that day, i am upset that the worker had to be disrespectful to a customer trying to find a gluten free option. It was confusing as online they had a long list of gluten free options but only 2 available things in store.

Emma Lucas

I sought this place out during a short trip to San Diego because it’s seed-oil free, is committed to using organic and whole ingredients, and has lots of gluten-free options. Parakeet Café did not disappoint. I ordered their eggs and salmon w/ gluten free toast, and the acai bowl….they were both so good that I went I ordered the exact same thing at the Coronado location later that day. The staff were also nice.

Miss Michele

Had a wonderful dinner here this evening. I am gluten free and ordered the gnocchi and my husband had the lamb tagliatelle pasta. Great portion sizes. We ordered a bottle of the Super Tuscan which is luscious! We took what was left with us. We shared the misto salad which they graciously split for us. Our service and food were wonderful. We have been to Italy and this is top notch. Folks Italy is Italy-it’s the terroir of there and cannot be matched but this came pretty darn close! Would defiantly eat here again.

S.G. Matheny

Great food, good gluten-free options & loved the outdoor dining.

Joel Greenwald

Crystal G

We stopped by while in the area for lunch. It was a sunny day and we were thrilled we didn’t have to wait and got a table outside under cover for shade. I ordered a gluten free flatbread with prosciutto and arugula. It was a nice size, very tasty and fresh ingredients. Service was good even though it was a busy day.

dawn mattix

Love the ambience, food and wine here! They have one of the best gluten free pizzas I've ever had and their happy hour happy meal is fantastic!

Sarah DeBoy

I’m tellin’ you, this and a yap!! Bruschetta is prepped to share. $6 happy hour wine?! Lots of gluten free and low/no lactose options too!

Danielle

I visited this cafe while on vacation with my girlfriend & I wish I could take it home with me! The menu was creative. The london fog is finished with charcoal. They offered a lot of gluten free items. I had the most delicious gluten free pastries here. The coffee was great & the cafe itself is very chic. The patrons were fun to listen to & mesh with. There were a lot of regulars. We ordered the flower child & the encinitas on gluten free bread. The bread was dense & dry, but overall okay for gf bread. I would like to try more of their menu next time. We will definitely visit when we come back to San Diego!

William Silva

one of the best celiac disease spot for a juice!

Jacqueline Purtee

Gluten free gnocchi is not easy to find, so I was ecstatic to try it. 100% recommend!

Tara Popli

Loved the food! Took care for allergies and had great gluten free options!

Lust TheWander

Our waiter Luca, didn't give us the full experience. Sadly I heard another waitress doing her job with such class and enthusiasm. No specials were said, the other waitress greeted her table with the specials. Apparently we weren't special. My husband's meal was lacking flavor and chicken. 3 small bits of chicken with his penne pasta. My daughters Alfredo, sauce was bland and this Mama never adds salt to ANYTHING, but this NEEDED it. It was great after I added some flavor. My tortellini fungi was amazing. My son's pizza and my mother gluten free pizza(yes they have gluten free pasta and pizza)was tasty. Never did we just get drink refills, we had to ask. Sadly I wished our waiter made our first experience here a nicer one. Don't think hubby will want to come back. 😢

Katie Thomas

The food is amazing. I had vegan and gluten free Ramen, which is almost impossible to find elsewhere. The service was extremely attentive. We sat outside and it was absolutely lovely.

Jordyn Goffo

Fun date-night spot or dinner out with the friends. I loved that they had gluten free and dairy free options for me, that didn’t comprised the food. Had a great burger on a really good GF bun, with some of the best sweet potato fries I’ve ever had. Drinks were just okay. Atmosphere was a bit mixed. It’s a really cute place and it’s fun to look at all the flowers and other decorations. The downsides are the TVs they have going and the odd music choices. I don’t think they should have sports playing at a place like that. It seems like they have a bit of a mixed identify and aren’t picking a lane - Are they are fun, slightly upscale and social restaurant or a sports bar with a floral touch? They just don’t work together.

Sarah D

This is a great spot for fast, tasty food—whether you’re craving a burger, chicken sandwich, or even a veggie option. They’ve also got gluten-free buns and lettuce wraps, which is always a plus. Since it’s Pride Month 🏳️‍🌈, they’re offering colorful rainbow sprinkles on your shake to support GLAAD, which we love! I tried the Banana Pudding shake, and it was pretty good—loaded with crumbled vanilla wafers and fresh bananas. Other limited-time shakes include the Oreo Cookie Funnel Cake and Campfire S’mores—definitely worth stopping in while they’re still available! Ordering is quick and easy—they have kiosks inside, or you can order ahead online or through the app. There’s plenty of seating both indoors and out, and they even have a parking lot (a rare find in Little Italy!) It’s a solid stop for a quick, satisfying meal—and now’s a great time to go grab a shake and show some Pride! 🌈🥤💛

Ruth Benner

Absolutely incredible burgers! And god bless them they have gluten free buns. Kids eat free on Tuesdays!

Monica Scholl

First time in (been wanting to try this place for months, but it's always packed). Service was good, Bloody Mary was great. Nice atmosphere, super comfy booth seating with a retro vibe. Was sad to find limited vegan options. Opted for the vegan egg veggie scramble w/gluten free toast. Sadly, underwhelmed by the scramble and the toast was not the best (I've tried many different GF breads, this was not good). The guava preserves were divine, so there's that. I wanted to get the hashbrowns, but the server said they're pre-made with cheese so I couldn't get those. My BF got the dirty hashbrowns and said they were decent. He said the carbonara tasted like they used powdered cheese.

Earth Explorer

Exquisite Italian food they can make any of their pastas gluten free. Friendly servers but they forgot to put extra meat on our pasta and they forgot the dessert. But still it's a five star place.

A Universal Woman

Legit new york style pizzeria in the heart of Little Italy San Diego. Full meal for under $12. THANK YOU!!! Lots of seating inside and out. I dream of their new Hot Honey Ricotta Pie. Their meat pizzas and even their vegan and gluten free pizza are so yummy!!! Beer selection and wine are great too. They have a big sign saying ' Welcome Pizza Lovers'. Hahaha I guess I'm welcome here!

Kathy Torre

We would highly recommend Ristorante Illando and its staff if you are looking for a beautiful and delicious meal in downtown San Diego. Everything was perfect from the choices of beer and wine to the beautifully crafted food. And best of all, they offer Gluten Free Pasta for those with an issue eating gluten and the taste was still superb. The wait staff were very friendly, helpful and attentive without being overbearing. Five Stars all around!

Gregory Johnson

Went to Mr. Motos pizza. Very good gluten free pizza. Plenty of seating in the common area. Many food choices.Not overpriced.

Sophie Gezon

Best food ever and best service ever. We loved our waiter Stefano, he was so friendly. They also have amazing gluten free pasta 🍝

Elizaveta Kirgizina

The place is in Little Italy. It is quite spacious and there is space inside and on the terrace. We loved the pizza. Also for $6 there is the opportunity to go gluten free. The pasta can also be gluten free. The flavor is good and the sauce they serve with the bread is delicious. The only disadvantage I can highlight is that there is no wifi! Sometimes if necessary!

Charles Lewis

Maddie Casey

Great place to celebrate a special occasion! Staff were kind and accommodating helping with everything from how much food to order and how to make sure our gluten free friend also had a great time. We were celebrating several occasions and they went above and beyond to help us from bubbles to start and cookies to end. Would definitely recommend and would love to go back next time I’m in San Diego

Mark H

Very good gluten free crust option!

Caroline Barbee

A great place to eat , food was delicious . Gluten free/vegan options too . Staff was amazing . Unfortunately I orderd the spinach ravioli and it came out cold. My friend ordered lasagne and that came out HOT and delicious. I definitely would reccomend this place , I go to little italy often so I will be back.

Organic

Absolutely no customer loyalty. Especially for a place I've given countless dollars to. Constantly given gluten when i ask for gluten free, and they always expect me to just "understand" when my thyroid was affected on multiple occasions. But I didnt get the same consideration in return. Honestly hurt by how all of this went. But I cant say that im surprised. I never leave reviews on restaurants, but today felt like a huge slap in the face. 👍 Thanks for nothing.

Mary Wenthur

Like many of the other reviews, a man stopped us and told us that this place was the best Italian and all the locals ate here…. I think Italy would be ashamed. The tomato on the caprese had zero flavor. Our entrées were good, but felt like the cheese cake factory version of Italian food. Service was amazing, very kind, very attentive. So just don’t listen to the guy out front, i think they pay him. They do have gluten free noodles tho!

Betty Luna

Jim Black

So quick to get a table and food. Food was excellent. Best gluten free pasta I ever had.

Dorothy Gonzales

Clark Mackey

I took a group of 8 to eat here and we had a very enjoyable meal. The food is authentic Italian, the portions are large, and the presentation unfussy. I like these things and sitting and eating together felt timeless and relaxing. The ravioli, the meat sauce, and the gnocchi were particularly good. And the Italian grocery store was a delight. If you need an imported Italian specialty product, wine, or homemade Italian sausage, this is your place. I appreciate the selection of gluten free pastas as well.

Zee

Regarding our visit on May 24, 2023, Ironside has an amazing selection of dishes, complemented by a frequently rotating menu. The captivating atmosphere and meticulous design of the restaurant contributed to an immersive dining experience. The knowledgeable servers adeptly catered to our needs and promptly addressed our inquiries, particularly in accommodating my boyfriend's gluten intolerance. The extensive offerings on the "Happy Hour" menu were impressive, and I am inspired to explore other restaurants affiliated with the CH Group.

ronak naik

Great place to have tacos, they have an amazing gluten free tacos that’s made with sweet potatoes & fried avocados. We always go to this place when I am in San Diego. Cool music & great vibe. Must try

Thomas Chung