Top 28 Gluten-Free Cafes to Enjoy in San Diego

Nicki Ohrstrom

The best gluten free choices! The server was so fun & personable!

Arabella Redmond

Amazing vegan find in La Jolla, it was on a rooftop so it was so pretty and it was just an 11 min walk from the beach. We got desserts and both were amazing, we got the brownie and the carrot cake and both were soooo good. We couldn’t even tell the brownie was gluten free. They had so much food we wish we could’ve stayed for dinner.

Marcel Fafard

Caffe Calabria is one of my new favorites. The gluten free pizza here is the best I've ever had. Amazing bar, and coffee roasting on site.

Wayne West

Get ready, food lovers! Phatties Bakeshop is not just a bakery; it's a culinary powerhouse that also brings you Phattie Cakes, Crumbinal Cookies, and Phatties Roasters. For over five years, their original concept location has been delighting customers, and now they're set to explode onto the Southern California scene with multiple locations opening in and around San Diego But don't just take our word for it. Phatties has racked up an astonishing 20+ local awards, from best bagels to best donuts, proving they've mastered the art of baking. And their fame isn't limited to local accolades – they've also earned 10 national awards, signaling their undeniable quality and innovation. Why Phatties is the Next Big Thing In a world where dietary needs are constantly evolving, Phatties is ahead of the curve. With gluten intolerance on the rise, this is truly a spot to watch. Phatties isn't just serving up delicious treats; they're setting the stage to become a national sensation. Keep your eyes peeled, because Phatties Bakeshop is about to become your new favorite destination for award-winning, crave-worthy baked goods and more!

Kyra

The service was lovely and as someone with coeliac disease, I felt very safe eating here (the server let me know that the original owner’s wife is celiac, and so that made me feel like they would have a good understanding of cross-contamination). The eggs and hashbrowns were just OK and the chicken sausage and the pancake that I had were pretty good.

Beth Parsons

Great gluten free options!

Natasha “Nikki” Ferrer-Perez

They have a different singular gluten-free option each week, but they are in the same display as their gluten donuts and the only separation is the wooden trays that they’re displayed on. I asked and all donuts are made in-house, but the man at the register couldn’t answer about if there is separation in time and space for the preparation of the gluten free donut flavor, as well how well the mixing bowls, ovens, and equipment are cleaned before making of the gluten-free donut. I chose to eat a chocolate donut which was delicious and didn’t get sick that day but I did have swollen joints a few days later but it could have been from any number of restaurants I ate at in the days before it started, so it IS risky. Cross-contamination is just evident… everywhere.

Robin Ayers

Great gluten free options with a well labeled menu. Our Waiter said everything that goes in the fryer is gluten free (fried chicken, potatos, fries, etc) Good prices too

Reetika Sahni

Good food and special gluten free menu

David Rottblatt

A very fun (and delicious) brunch. My wife had the gluten free french toast which she loved, my one son had french toast and another had a kid’s pancake that came out as Mickey Mouse which was a very fun touch. We asked for an extra side of Bacon they call “Man Candy” which has a lot of potential but was ultimately soggy and missed the mark, making candied spiced bacon (their attempt at it) isnt hard, they just need to work on it a little more. I had the steak and eggs which was solid. The atmosphere was fun and the service was great. It got extremely busy on a Sunday after 10, so try to get in a little earlier!

Carolyn Floyd

Claudia Aa

I'm gluten intolerant and I really enjoyed the pastries they serve. They have a cool environment. Recommend 100%

Brianna Hunter

Literally my favorite coffee shop in PB. The BEST clean eating gluten free bakery items and you'd never know. Their coffee is also low acid and SO good!!!

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.

Dave Capra

Such a fun creative menu! Gluten free charcoal waffles with homemade nutella, healthy creative bowls, and quick friendly service. A brunch gem

Matthew Hooper

Several items in the bakery display were labelled gluten free, but when went to eat them, we discovered they weren't actually gluten free. The panna cotta was atop a wheat cake, for example. The lack of care for these details means I'd recommend anyone with dietary restrictions to avoid this establishment

brooke black

Sophia is such a sweetheart! I have celiac disease and she helped me pick out some gluten free treats. After ringing me up she complimented my necklace and told me to have a great day. Will be back!!

Henry

Great gluten-free menu and preparation. GF-knowledgeable staff. Reasonable prices. Great quality food.

Anna Forsberg

Matcha latte + gluten free blueberry oat bar was excellent. Friendly and fast service.

Alvina Khan

Love that this spot has healthy options and includes whether or not items on the menu are gluten free and dairy free. They also have a lot meals catered towards high protein.

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!

Steven Parsons

My fiance is gluten free and we had no idea she was in for such a treat. Great food and coffee.

Natasha Najjar

Been getting smoothies from Choice for years. I switch between the Carlsbad and downtown locations. The smoothies with peanut butter added are so good. I got the coffee buzz with peanut butter added, protein brownie and eco suntuna sushi roll. As a gluten free vegan I love the baked goods like the little muffins. Really everything I’ve gotten is so good, I don’t really have complaints. The Superhero smoothie and Coffee Buzz are my faves!

M C

A must while in SD We got it delivered and it was still wonderful. The lox bagel is a must try, without a doubt. Even the gluten free bagel is perfectly soft and ample enough for a bagel sandwich. One of the best black / white cookies I've ever had, don't skip it!

Elyz P

Cute. Cozy. Local cafe serving Cuban coffee and pastries like guava cheese danishes, Cuban pie and even gluten free. They have Cafe con leche that tastes just like they do it in Miami (I’ve never been to Cuba). Great location in old Ocean Beach. I walked over after shopping at Target. Desserts are so yummy and look pretty too.

Katelyn Griffith

I am absolutely OBSESSED with Vili’s, as is every single person I’ve ever introduced them to. So much so that I had them cater for my bridal party the morning of my wedding!!! Needless to say my bridesmaids were beyond stoked. As a health conscious foodie who wants my food/drinks to be BOTH healthy & delicious, Vili’s hits the spot EVERY SINGLE TIME. Their lattes, matcha, smoothie bowls, vitality shots, avocado toasts, and don’t even get me started on their oat bars, they’re all so. freaking. good. I’m allergic to both dairy and gluten and yet I can eat virtually everything on their menu. They always offer high quality ingredients that leave you feeling great AND taste like an indulgence. They are THE reason I come to OB. Grab a drink & a snack for your walk along Sunset Cliff’s. And thank me later!

Aprell Delo

The gluten free options were delicious! Great service as well.

Scott Anthony

Great crepes great coffee great service. They have gluten free crepes and they are delicious.

Liz Teplitsky

Amazing restaurant! The waitress told us that the owner has celiac, so many items are gluten free or can be made gluten free! I had the fish and chips, which they said are completely GF, and there’s no shared fryer with gluten containing items! The only modification I needed to make was asking to not have the malt vinegar on my plate.

E. T.

So you want/need a place with spacious, calming ambiance inside seating, as well as outside seating? You need to bring 15 friends?, well, they got you with plenty of room! ~Or maybe you meet one friend but have three hour’s worth of catching up to do? ~This is The Place! ~Where they have amazing vegan, gluten free donuts with chocolate frosting that tastes like a 5 star Michelin Bakery, haha!! Or maybe a beyond perfect raspberry square with a light buttery shortbread dough and perfection on the crumble topping which is not overly sweet that would please your Scottish Grandmom? How about awesome sandwiches, great toasted and cream cheese bagels, or Topo Chico if you don’t want coffee or tea?? AND Kind and cheerful waitstaff~Yes! We have been to many, many coffee shops/cafes around SD! So many seem to get their baked goods from Bread and Cie, which is ok, but super repetitive! I cannot say enough about this place. It is That Great! You will not be disappointed! Lastly there is a super cool little plant nursery that has wonderful succulent plants among others! There are also nice art cards and a small selection of gifts offered there! Enjoy!!

Melissa Elkins

Only gluten free thing is bread :/

ME MC

I loved it!! They have a gluten-free menu ❤️ and vegetarian options. The coffee is delicious!!! Their gluten-free bread is delicious!

Zel

A true gem! Gluten free options, tasty chai, and an amazing, shaded, outdoor space!

Dhea Powers

Gluten free waffle cone and ice cream.... felt like I was I Heaven!!! Such a special treat.... YUMMY!!! Thank you for having gluten-free options... especially the gluten-free waffle cones!!!

Meredith Pobanz

Super cute coffee shop. The sandwiches were amazing- specifically the avocado turkey sandwich. If you’re gluten free, they have gf bread as well! Highly recommend stopping by here.

Mary Haupt

Clara Morgan

Harvey Capehart

D'yan J DeBruin

So happy they have gluten free French toast and it was delicious with strawberries and whip cream!!

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!

Rosie Smith

ems dont

most pastries are gluten free! and all excellent choices, plus the most amazing staff

Frank Garcia

This is probably one of my favorite coffee shops in San Diego! Where do I begin...well first let me say I have a very up and down relationship with coffee (body doesn't always react well to it 😞) but I LOVE COFFEE! And my absolute favorite coffee drink of all time happens to be sold here, The BB Code 👑. It's cold brew coffee with their house made banana milk 🤤. Now I can't always have it because it's cold brew and I get kind of jittery with too much caffeine 😆 but it is amazing! I get mine with chocolate sauce on the inside of the cup. I also like matcha and their orange creamsicle matcha is probably the best matcha drink I've ever had (unfortunately it's a seasonal drink) but hopefully they bring it back 🙏. They also bake all their pastries in house lots of unique flavors but everything I've ever tried has been great! Plus they always have a few gluten free/vegan options daily which my son loves (he's on a strict diet). And lastly the staff is super friendly, they always make you feel welcome. I love this place and always look forward to my Friday forum trip.

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.

Diana Stocker

Best chai tea and love the gluten free food options!

Floyd Mills

John Tanaka

Christopher Rascoe

Erica Kennelly

Came here 3 times in 5 days on our vacation! I’m very picky with my coffee / espresso and when I tell you this place is amazing, you gotta believe me! The snickerdoodle latte (1/2 sweet) was SO GOOD. I wish I could get one everyday. The iced americanos are also good, very smooth not bitter at all. The gluten free bakery items (we aren’t gluten free but wanted what they had) were amazing!! The atmosphere is great. Service was fast all days, but Saturday was definitely busy. Line out the door but worth the wait! Go walk along mission beach boardwalk with your delicious coffee! Highly recommend !

Bonita Burt