Top 13 Gluten-Free American Spots to Delight in Santa Barbara

John Ward

So it's a pretty touristy experience. Brunch in the sun under an umbrella just off the beach? Check. Great food with little appetizer bonus? Check. (Blueberry muffin basket) People jogging by and a blonde waitress named Brooke with slight vocal fry? Check. But after driving up from LA all morning, that was what we wanted. In all seriousness, it was a great experience with unobtrusive gluten-free options. Will stop here again next time we are traveling through. Ymmv for locals, but the parking lot is almost empty and it's full, so people are walking here.

Grace Parkey

Beware! While I’ve always enjoyed Finney’s food and their many gluten free options, the last three times I’ve dined here my boyfriend and I have gotten horribly sick. Unfortunately will never eat here again. We last ate here on Wednesday 4/9/25 and spent the entire next day sick, my bf had to leave work due to vomiting and I had to leave school from nausea and stomach pain that lasted until Saturday morning. Food and price is not worth the aftermath.

Kevin Unterreiner

Great restaurant, comfortable patio, gluten free hamburger bun option

Alicia G

Loved the food, atmosphere, and our server Zack was amazing! I am gluten free and Zack was very knowledgeable and reassured me that he would take every precaution to ensure my meal was gluten free. We got the ahi tuna crudo, butter leaf salad, and catch of the day which all had excellent summer flavors and were the perfect portion sizes. Definitely recommend.

Jason Morales

I'm not used to eating at Gluten free restaurants, but this place had some surprising dishes. First off, wasn't too excited to be going here in the first place. Not much looked appealing. Ordered the salmon. And I was pleasantly surprised. It was very tasty. Also had this Kung pow cauliflower appetizer (I hate cauliflower) that was so delicious. Wow, so good! Overall, it was a great experience.

Tricia Davis

The store is always busy, love that I can get a lettuce wrapped gluten-free burger. The fries aren't that great but at least I've learned to order them crispier.

Emily

Lovely little brunch cafe! Full coffee and alcohol bar. They also have a few menu items for gluten free and vegan. Top notch food.

Kylie Van De Wyngaerde

Amazing gluten free waffles and pancakes in addition to a bunch of naturally gluten free breakfast items.

Elaine Lambert

Great restaurant with outdoor seating and gluten free buns for burgers.

Raymond Collins

Great food and awesome service! They were very accommodating to my fiancé's dairy and gluten allergies. We'll definitely be back!

Morgan Gatzlaff

Last time I went they said their meats are not gluten free, but this time I went they said their meats were definitely gluten free. Not sure who to believe but I hope they really are gluten free because I love to eat there.

C C

Although I'm giving this 5 stars, the inside noise level is too loud and the french fries really need some improvement. Service was definitely good and I appreciate the staff being familiar with gluten issues.

Amy Kimes

Last Summer while embarking on a road trip through the picturesque Santa Barbara area, my friends and I decided to make a pit stop along the beach for lunch, and Shoreline Cafe proved to be an excellent choice. Parking was conveniently located in a beachside lot adjacent to the restaurant, albeit requiring a modest fee, as is common at most beaches. The walk to the restaurant took merely a minute, making it incredibly accessible. Eager for a unique dining experience, we requested a table right on the sand. Though there was a short wait, the presence of Adirondack chairs in the sandy waiting area allowed us to enjoy the beach atmosphere while anticipating our meal. Within a brief 10 minutes, we were ushered to our table nestled in the sand. Our chosen spot offered an unparalleled view of the ocean, along with the perfect vantage point for people-watching and observing seagulls attempting to snatch unsuspecting diners' meals. The menu boasted several gluten-free options, and the server was attentive and knowledgeable in addressing our inquiries about food allergies and restrictions, instilling confidence in our dining choices. Opting for a safe and delicious option, I enjoyed a lettuce-wrapped burger patty with white rice and fresh fruit. Meanwhile, my friends indulged in the delectable fish and chips, attesting to its tastiness. The service was characterized by enthusiasm, patience, and a deep understanding of the menu. The staff even made efforts to deter seagulls, although, regrettably, a neighboring table fell victim to a seagull pilfering a sandwich. Nevertheless, the antics of the seagulls added a touch of amusement and lively conversation to our dining experience. Eagerly anticipating the next opportunity to share a meal with my friends, toes buried in the warm sand, at Shoreline Cafe.