Top 25 Gluten-Free Spots to Explore in University City, San Diego

Christine

We had Jade as our server and we went in because we were staying at the Embassy Suites. After a busy day of travel it was the easiest option. WE HAD THE BEST SERVICE! We went in with our family and 2 of us have gluten allergies. The menu was accommodating but also the manager came (on his own without being asked) and made sure we knew what had gluten and what didn't. Our server was so helpful and sweet the entire staff was incredible, the food was so good. I cannot say enough positive things about this PF Changs. They got it out of the park with quality and service. So impressed!

Jen Johnson

The food was wonderful. It's hard to find a restaurant that has good gluten free options that the kids and adults will all like. Our waiter wasn't the friendliest, but when there was an issue with some chicken that had been ordered, handled it quickly and notified the manager who was very quick to resolve this issue. Would definitely recommend.

Catherine Benton

We had a very positive experience at Leucadia Pizzeria. The service and food were excellent. I like the easy-going atmosphere here. The decor is fun and casual. They have a variety of pizzas and salads. We have also tried the chicken wings and the raspberry cheesecake. The sauces are unique and delicious. It is one our favorite places in the area. They have gluten free crust and it is fantastic. That is not always the case.

Olive T

We have been to Season 52 at the UTC Mall on many occasions over the years and never left a review. Last night, our family was shopping at the mall and decided to have dinner at Season 52 because this restaurant serves rotating seasonal American specialties/dishes. Also, we didn’t need advanced reservation on a busy Saturday evening at a fancier American seafood/steak restaurant. We were seated within 5 minutes of arrival. The interior has a warm and relaxed vibes. Our server brought us menu immediately and told us that they just changed it to their Spring menu. Some of us are lactose intolerant and we were surprised that the server brought us the lactose free, gluten free, vegan menu. Server told us that the chefs could make adjustment to the main menu dishes to meet our needs. We were pleased to know that. Also, server told us that they use butter very sparingly, if used at all because most of their dishes are under 590 calories per dish. We ordered the thin-crust pesto chicken and fresh mozzarella flat bread, slow-roasted grass fed beef meatballs in tomato basil sauce and grilled artichoke with lemon hummus as starters and they were brought up very promptly. Server also brought the complimentary pizza bread. For the main entrees, we ordered grilled salmon with salad, caramelized grilled sea scallops with mascarpone risotto and asparagus, wood-grilled dry-rubbed pork chop with lemon-honey glaze and Philly grilled steak flat bread and a bowl of Mac “n” cheese in parmesan panko, provolone cheese sauce. Our dinner was delicious and well prepared with just one minor exception: some of the rice grain in the risotto wasn’t cook all the way. Our server was very friendly, professional, attentive and helpful and made us all felt welcome. She even brought out orange slices, upon request, for one of our younger family members and didn’t make us pay for the orange slices. We didn’t expect this level of service in a busy establishment on a Saturday evening during rush hours. Kudos to the management for hiring the right server! This restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seatings and private dining spaces for larger groups. The outdoor patio has a very cozy fireplace which makes this an ideal place to have good conversation with friends and family and people watching. Interior has a very classy, easy decor with a bar in the middle of the dining area. The food is consistently good through the years. We will continue to eat at this restaurant.

Tanya Dantus

Been bringing my networking group here- friendly & lots of options for those with special dietary needs (gluten or dairy free), but also yummy stuff. Haven’t tried but their scone with creme Fraiche & honey looks ah-mazing!

Isadora Dropp

I love the bean burger here and the gluten free bun is great. Allasha and the chef were very accommodating helping me sub the meat patty for a bean patty on my daughter’s kids meal.

Kim Bergstrom

I can only eat their gluten free chocolate chip cookie and it’s delicious. Other family members enjoy eating the other varieties and are equally yummy!

Josh Baltazar

Ordered a Chillaxin (house tequila “gluten free” infused with cucumbers, agave, served over ice) and a Spicy Jalisco Mule (house tequila “gluten free”, lime juice, agave serrano syrup, ginger beer). Then we had 2-3 shots of Don Julio. Also we shared 2 orders of Empanada Poppers (fresh corn masa, spicy cream cheese, avocado tomatillo salsa), Spicy Adobo Wings (chipotle, citrus, pineapple glaze - this stuff was so spicy) and finally Pollo Asado Nachos (creamy queso, pico de gallo, sour cream, guacamole, black beans, pickled jalapeños). Everything was great just a bit pricey but the service was fantastic!

Alanna Cruz

Stopped into the super chic and clean restaurant! They were so welcoming and the food and atmosphere was AMAZING! Great authentic Italian cuisine. So many gluten free and vegan options, outdoor and indoor seating, super quick service. They also have a little shop inside with their handmade pasta, hand cut meats, and other options! Also amazing dessert!

Rachel Long

Beautiful atmosphere drew us in, but the service and food were both fantastic! My husband had the hanger steak and he said it was great but the asparagus was the most perfectly cooked he's ever had. He also got the giant pretzel and loved it. I has the way double smash burger, which was like a big Mac with a gluten free bun and egg and it was so good! I devoured it. The food also came out so fast, we couldn't believe it. Awesome experience.

Moriah Scott

This visit today was no different than any other visit I have had at this location every time my family and I come here. It was such an excellent experience!! The place is so clean. Everyone is so kind and helpful. Today my daughter and I dined in and I had mistakenly ordered my burger without a gluten-free bun and they were so kind and just immediately made me one with a gluten-free bun and brought it to our table. I didn’t have to leave the table and I sat with my daughter. I was also given a free refill with my root beer and I didn’t even have to go up and ask for the refill. They did that for me from my table. Ron was such a helpful person today as were two other employees, but I did not catch their names. Again every time we have visited this location they give us top-tier service and it is a wonderful location to eat at. We will keep coming back. Thank you!

Sylvia Khromina

Excellent coffee and friendly service. I love their draft lattes and hot lattes. Great selection of pastries (and a couple of gluten free options as well).

AldoXavier

Had the non gluten dairy free non gmo third party tested lgbtq antibiotics chicken sandwich here. It was amazing

Freda Linda

I had an amazing experience dining here! First of all, the food was delicious. I got lunch here with my work and everybody loved what they got. We had the ragu, carbonara, creamy mushroom and sausage, gorgonzola, pomodoro, and the amatriciana. Everything was phenomenal. The service was absolutely amazing and the people on the phone were so sweet and helpful. I would recommend anyone to eat here! Also two of us are gluten free and they had great options for that too :)

Shelly Roberts

Liz Hahn

I am dairy and gluten free and they had not one, but 3 flavors to choose from! And they weren’t boring ones like sorbet. Coming back for sure

Lucas Lish

When I go here I like to think of Milo and what his square meal looked like. This is what I imagine. Not anything extraordinary or terrible. Nothing too filling but not too light. Not meat heavy, veggie only, or gluten free. Just an overall "square meal' is what you can expect. This is what classic San Diego fair is. P.S bring back the butter lettuce.

Jaime Brinkley

One of the few healthy places I can eat out at that is ALSO delicious! Many gluten and dairy free options. The salmon plate with curried cauliflower and avocado/tomato salad is my go to. The employees are always friendly, too. Highly recommend!

Brenda Gonzales

Deanne Hadnot

Brent Warner

I’ve been to this location about 5 times so far and it is so consistent on quality, service and offerings, I keep going back. Highly recommended in UTC, the wine list is top notch and food selections are dynamite. Keep it up! Many gluten free options too.

Ruth Scalf

Emma McCoy

Really tasty! Not a ton of options if you’re gluten free, but they are clear about what you can and can’t eat.

SB

Ordered a #6 which was just sausage and potato to share. All the options are a bit overwhelming. Make sure to check all the recommendations and take a peek at the toppings while your order is cooking. It’s a great gluten-free, corn-free snack as I believe they use rice flour, but I could be wrong, so do your own research if you have allergies. Imagine a hot dog and fries, without the bun and without having to eat a whole order of fries. I just wish the sausage (hot dog) was better quality.

Francesca Cruz

The food was delicious, the portions were big and filling for the price and the service was great! The atmosphere is homey and it makes you feel comfortable already. Would definitely recommend to come here they even have vegan and gluten free options that I will be trying next! Keep it up 10/10