Top 26 Gluten-Free Asian Culinary Havens to Explore in San Diego

Tim Street

This place is fantastic. I have celiac and a wheat/oat allergy and the staff was knowledgeable about all allergens for menu items. I had no bad reactions to the food afterward. The food is delicious too - I'm an omnivore who eats vegan/vegetarian a decent amount. It stands amongst some of my favorite restaurants ever (non vegan included). Did not think it being vegan detracted from flavor whatsoever. Highly recommend, especially if you have gluten sensitivity.

Nina Diala

Upon entering for dinner my party of four were immediately greeted and sat. The lighting was dim, there was still some Christmas decor up. There were families and couples. The staff were neatly dressed to match and very kind and attentive. Our drinks came immediately. There were Thai Iced Teas everywhere but I opted for a hot green tea. I saw the Esarn Classic had a meat choice of “Crying Tiger” (marinated steak) which I always get at any Thai place that offers it. It’s my favorite. But I also love duck. Both dishes are more common at restaurants in SoCal than places in Washington state so I have to take advantage. Someone in my party got the Crying Tiger which I tried and recommend. I added a photo of that dish as well. I ordered the “Duck Three Ways” which I couldn’t find on the online menu to add to this review, unfortunately. But it was divine. It is a gluten free dish that comes with three sauces: a spicy lemon-grass, sweet chili, and tamarind. They were all so flavorful and amazing. The duck was on the bone but abundantly meaty. The skin was crispy and salty while the inside was slightly tough but juicy. The vegetables were bright and added great color and texture. Each sauce complimented the duck so well. The spicy lemongrass (see photo top left) was my favorite. I loaded the pulp on and could put that on pork, steak, chicken, or fish; anything. The sweet chili (top middle) was made in house similar to the bottled but the flavor was more intense the sauce was also less dense and gelatinous which I preferred. The tamarind reminded me of the plum sauce I would normally get with duck just more tang and less floral. It was slightly sweet and what I would compare more to a variation of hoisin. If it had more garlic I might have taken it home with me. But I actually enjoyed it more with the vegetables. Aside from parking, my experience was definitely satisfying and complete. I recommend this place.

Amanda Smith

Awesome fried chicken and sauces Chicken also happens to be gluten free!

Bri Alvis

Bree was an amazing server, knew what she was talking about, made extra suggestions regarding drinks and food due to non alcoholic drinkers and Gluten free/celiac. We would def come back and hope to have her serve us again!

Joel N

This place is my favourite sushi restaurant outside of Japan. The fish selection is top quality. The chef has dedicated his career to this craft. He's amazing. Plus everything is gluten free, even the tempura, which is unreal. Try the salmon belly. It melts in your mouth.

Lucy Peritz

So good! Incredibly delicious Thai food. Consistently good, and service is fast and friendly. Their panang curry is the absolute best one I’ve ever had. Their spice scale is legit too. If you want spicy, you can get spicy. Lots of gluten free and veggie options, too.

Casey Cromwell

Always had a good experience at this location! Have a gluten free menu with a good amount of options, and I love that they serve gluten free orders on different plates for extra safety. Always ask for gluten free soy sauce!

Ali Noir

I was in disbelief that gluten free Chinese food actually existed. I have enviously watched my family consume Chinese and could not partake so many times in the past. I ordered the orange chicken and beef broccoli and was impressed with the taste of both. The restaurant was clean and beautifully decorated. A lovely family run business and you can taste the love inside of each bite.

A T

Gluten free and dairy free options. Delicious! I recommend the Mongolian beef.

G Tabares

I was looking forward to trying out their gluten-free ramen. Could have been great if it had some flavor besides salt. I tried to add many spoons of the table chili to offset it but it wasn't strong enough. The egg was cold and the mushrooms were kind of hard. I could only eat half. The friendly waiter brought my bill & pointed out a seemingly generous discount for my experience... It was actually the local discount & I live ~1000 ft away. I'll probably go back but definitely avoiding the ramen.

mary hendrickson

Food was delicious and service first rate. One of our party has celiac disease. They handled this easily with their gluten free menu. Can't wait to go back!

Melinda C

When Siam Nara first opened, it was probably one of my favorite Thai restaurants in San Diego. It felt like quality authentic Thai food in a beautiful restaurant. The last few times I went, the food was good (not great) and the prices have only continued to climb. The quality of the food is very good. Things I love: They label gluten free items & ingredients clearly. Service is great! Decor is lush and beautiful. There is plenty of parking in the lot. They appreciate reservations, but take walk ins.

Caroline Papreck

I have celiac disease and Kappa has a lot of great gluten free options for rolls. Most rolls can be made GF. You can also ask for a GF menu from the server. They are well-versed in food safety to prevent cross-contact with gluten.

Heidi S.

Super flavorful and fresh poke and sushi options. We also loved the samosa rolls. The servers are friendly and attentive and there are several gluten free options. They can accommodate all poke options as gluten free with gluten free soy sauce. We come visit everytime we’re in La Jolla.

jesse

Just a really good place, with really good food and drinks. Gluten free options, cocktail variety, good vibes.

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.

Liesbet Bickett

LOVED: My salmon curry was delicious. The portion was perfect for one. It was slightly sweet - but not too sweet, slightly spicy (I asked for mild, but had enough to give it a little flavor. The salmon could have been a little more melt in your mouth. But it was very good. The presentation was pleasing to the eye. The fresh tofu rolls were very good - light and served with a delicious peanut sauce. The staff were very friendly and attentive. I Loved that they labeled the gluten-free dishes clearly. LIKED: The atmosphere was fresh, crisp, and clean. I like it. It has an indoor/outdoor feel. I was a little cold, otherwise it was perfect. MEH: The pumpkin ball desert was unimpressive. The coconut sauce was tasty - in a very sweet way - but the "pumpkin" balls didn't really have a flavor.

Ben

We spotted this restaurant near other great restaurants in the neighborhood and my wife noted the gluten-free options, since she's celiac. Returning from a trip to Temecula Valley, we rushed back instead of stopping at a restaurant along the way, arriving an hour before closing. Sadly, they wouldn't serve cauliflower rice...at all, wouldn't serve chicken satay, and wouldn't serve Malaysian noodles. Additionally, many of the meals lacked sauce and those with chicken were too dry. My wife ended up leaving over half her meal.

Robin K.

Had a great time there. Gluten free Ramen.... First time I have gotten to have it in at least 30 years... Well since being diagnosed with Celiac Disease. They were very nice folks working there. Service was great and food good. Good atmosphere...reminded me a little of when I lived in Japan.

Carina Szabo

OMGGG this place is so GOOOD. I ordered the avocado bulgogi and cauliflower wings and was beyond impressed. There is so much flavor and is gluten free. I have been wanting more healthy alternatives on days I don’t want to cook and love this place. Will definitely be ordering here again. And I’ll say it again so much flavor!!! The bowls come with Kimchi and it’s the best kimchi I’ve had!!

J Skid

Union Alliance Companies always enjoys entertaining clients at OB Noodle House Bar 1502... Ask for Keegan. She knows the menu well for Gluten-free and Celiac dining.

John Cardinale

Great restaurant! Very good Thai food Service was amazing They have a few gluten free options well labeled!

Hannah Juarez

Do not trust their gluten free claims. Used to love this place for how seriously it took my partner's gluten allergy. The menus rave about their gluten free sauces and marinades as well as their desire and ability to accommodate allergies, but the staff is a different story. We explained the situation clearly to our waitress, and asked to swap out three gluten-containing items from one of the premade bundles. We were told "no, order everything alacarte". Um okay? That doesn't seem particularly accommodating of allergies, but whatever. We order the bundle sans the gluten items (because it was still cheaper than ordering everything alacarte) with modifications like no dressing on the salad, a gluten free marinade on the chicken, etc. They sent out the salad with the dressing hidden on the bottom and the chicken had the regular marinade. We sent back things when we caught them, but it clearly wasn't enough. My partner ended up consuming gluten via cross contact and was sick all evening. The lack of concern for allergies here is horrendous.

Malia Faith

Gluten free thai

Beatriz Williamson

The waitress, Cristina, (other than addressing an older woman, as “Hon”), I thought was excellent! She was attentive, personable & paid great attention to my request for no msg (it gives me migraines) nor gluten (i have celiac). My reason for the very low rating on the food is because when my stir fry veggies with golden tofu was served within approximately 4 mins, i was very suspicious and told Cristina so. Truth be told, it looked like it had been sitting awhile. I was assured that there had been a large order so extra have been cooked which is why it came out so fast. Approximately two minutes later. Cristina came back out and said “Don’t take a bite”, it’s not gluten free. (of which i had taken exactly one bite). A new plate was brought. I wish i would have taken s picture of it because, for $17.00, you get a huge amount of rice noodles, and a rather small dinner entrée. The flavor was not bad, I’d give it a 5, on a 1-10. But what prompted me to write a review is that i was awakened with a headache. The only time i get headaches, is when i either consume gluten, or msg. I am certain my entrée had one or the other, so was pretty upset. As it was, i was not planning on going back because you don’t get much value for your money. Matter of fact, i had told Cristina i was still hungry afterward. (And im a small woman weighing only 102lbs). I surely hope Asian Bistro changes their ways. Thank you.

Been2 All50

Great restaurant. It’s been a landmark on Shelter Island for decades. I love the atmosphere inside, huge lodge poles, Timbers, teak floors, and lots of glass with awesome views of San Diego Bay and the downtown skyline. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. It was our anniversary so they gave us a free dessert. The main course was very good, as were the mai tais . My only complaint was that there wasn’t a lot of gluten free choices and my wife is gluten intolerant. But excellent nevertheless.

Lindsay Grizzard

So bummed Saffron closed and this took its place. saffron was my go to and always accommodated celiac needs but Asian Kitchen said they didn’t accommodate. Like… it wouldn’t be that hard. Server didn’t even know what celiac was

Galen Eckenroth

Sipz has been around for a long time! Reason: they're so good!! The food is vegetarian. So if the menu says 'chicken' it's actually not chicken but instead their vegetarian substitute. I believe the substitute meat has gluten so if you're gluten intolerant just check with them. Being lactose intolerant I haven't had cheese cake in so long but the dairy free cheese cake that they make is to die for. I order it every time I go there!

charline hao

Love this place! Yummy food and great atmosphere and service. Miss the gluten free ramen noodles tho.

Leah Humphrey

Gluten free and vegan options!! Their pad see ew is so good. I’ve eaten here multiple times and absolutely love the food.

Earth Explorer

Nice Ramen place in the heart of Ocean Beach on Newport Avenue. I recommend getting any one of the bowls and then adding a couple extra toppings. The seaweed is wonderful and you can substitute the noodles so that they are gluten free. The ambience and decor are nice.

Sofia Sanuni

Super great ramen! Has gluten free options! The personal is super nice :)

Alex Nongard

Very many clearly marked vegan AND gluten free options. Love restaurants with overlap. Super tasty, fast, and reasonably priced. Excellent portion size with lots of veggies and tofu. Big fan.

Alicia Wallace

Yummy ramen with a gluten free take as well which I appreciate! The Rudy curry was a unique spin on ramen I hadn’t had! They weren’t fully knowledgeable about where the soy sauce domes from (origin matters for my allergies) but overall very tasty and filling. Service was quick and professional and the interior was nice and comfortable. Decent amounts of parking.

Meredith Manning

I love 40N Pho and Grille. My family goes here regularly and it’s always excellent! Plus, they have gluten free food. I recommend this place to anyone looking for good pho.

Zach Roush

f’n delicious. chicken karaage, black garlic ramen were delicious. had a completely GLUTEN FREE option for my wife and sister, and they loved it. 😤🍜

Thomas Keady

My wife has Celiac Disease and Pho is a good safe go to. Just so everyone is aware, they cook the GF noodles in the same water as the non GF. This cross contamination results in the food no longer being gluten free. Shank and Bone needs to update their menu to show this and avoid getting anyone sick. Love this place so its sad to hear this

Hil Dahl

Diabetic and gluten friendly

Mary Wenthur

An amazing view of the ocean if you request to sit next to the window. We waited at least 10 minutes before anyone spoke to us while seated and it was very slow. The food was good! The service was okay, they had gluten free noodle options, but the most of the broths itself were not GF. the view was so so beautiful which made the evening so lovely! Not too expensive, lots of space for large parties.

Christina Zuniga

Food was out of this world. Some of the best Thai food I've had. The meats were tender and flavorful. That fried fish was crispy and most. The beef stew flavor was bright, savory, and crisp. Well worth what you pay for it. I would definitely be interested in trying some of those cocktails next time! My friend had the Beef Tallow fried rice and the NY steak on that was epic... Tender, juicy, and cooked to perfection. Order it Medium Rare at the very most.... But rare if you can handle it. You will not be disappointed. Plenty of gluten free and vegetarian options if needed.

Sandra Moore

Sam

I got the shoyu ramen with gluten free noodles, added an egg and some spicy meat. I should have held off on the spicy meat (HOT!!) but the gluten free noodles were good and I liked having the option.

maryam fani

We had sushi here, the food was amazing. However, the service was tooooo slow, we waited around 40 min between our first and second round of sushi order. They even took 20 minutes to bring gluten free soy sauce and any other little things we requested.

sarah alweiss

Great gluten free options! Tasty options and good portion sizes

Breana McGowan

Under new ownership. Unfortunately, they haven’t taken down the old photos of the dishes they no longer have that are still posted when you walk in. However, their smaller menu is delicious. The banchan was tasty but spicy which some may not like. We took a friend that was gluten free and they server did the best he could to accommodate and even went above and beyond to check some ingredients to make sure. Everything we had was delicious, the 3 of us shared 4 dishes and were more than full. The new owners definitely made sure to step up their game as we didn’t enjoy the place when we went years ago.

Gelvin Custom Guitars

I have ordered from here multiple times. I never have had a problem with anything. I have a gluten intolerance and this is a great way for me to have fried chicken that is actually crispier than regular. I highly suggest this place, especially if you like spicy. It is not over the top hot, but it has some sting.

Malia Faith

Gluten-free sushi options

Aimee Tariq

Gluten free friendly and nice staff

Yelena Myakisheva

Best sushi I've had in a long time! The specials are fresh and delicious, the menu is creative and there are tasty items I have not seen anywhere else. They even had ( gluten free ) tamari sauce! We had a varied crowd (vegetarian, celiac, foodie, and cooked food only people) and everyone loved their food.

Traci Wilkerson Steckel

I have been craving Asian cuisine since before Christmas, specifically Chinese food. I finally had a moment to myself and came to Pick Up Stix for lunch yesterday. Carla waited on me and recognized I was trying to figure out the menu and after I ordered something vegetarian, she said that I could order anything on the menu and get tofu instead of meat. She was very good, and very friendly! I was having a rather tough day and almost didn't stop in, had my dog with me and when she suggested I sign up for the rewards program I declined, but I will sign up now that I have free time today! But she made sure I knew it was available to me if I wasn't already a member. I was happy that there was plenty of parking closer to the side or rear entrance than the main one and parked very close to the door. It was very clean inside and including the tables and floors. Food came pretty fast and after I got it home to eat it I was so happy that my craving had been satisfied! I also wanted to make note that they have gluten-free options on the menu which is great! I am happy that there seem to be more vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options now than 10 years ago. I definitely recommend this Pick Up Stix location and if you ever order with Carla, tell her she's doing a great job!