Urth Caffe

Super long line but great food and gluten free options

This place offers the most disappointing gluten free experience I can at this moment ever remember ever had. The selection of items that is free from gluten containing ingredients is fantastic. You look at the menu, and you realize you might be able to have things you haven’t tried in ages. Then at the counter you’re handed a waiver of liability, strongly discouraged from trying any “gluten free” food, and refused any information about the actual efforts made to keep gluten free ingredients gluten free. I understand that it’s hard to keep a gluten free kitchen. I understand not wanting to be sued, but why refuse to provide any information about the gluten free practices you keep in the kitchen? I rather suspect those practices are in fact quite good! After all, they have many excellent looking dishes they clearly put thought into. Why not let customers know what precautions you take, how they might fail, so they can make an informed decision rather than stonewall, refusing to give up helpful information. I really wanted to like this place. The ambiance is cute even if outlets are scarce, and I haven’t felt so excited at the prospect of trying gluten free versions of foods celiacs has denied me in ages. But in the reasonable attempt to protect themselves from personal injury liability they unreasonably denied me information I need to make an informed decision, so at this point I’d need a promise to improve their communication and, honestly, a free meal as apology before I gave this place another chance.

The breakfast here is fantastic! With plenty of gluten-free options available, I enjoyed a delicious corn waffle, along with other tasty dishes. The setting is charming, featuring an old cottage and outdoor seating surrounded by flowers. I highly recommend stopping by if you’re ever in Laguna!