Top 7 Gluten-Free Kid-Friendly Spots Across Little Italy, San Diego

Malia Faith

Gluten-free pasta is not celiac safe (shared pasta water). Entrees like the salmon can be made 100% gluten-free.

Jolene Theresa

TLDR: celiac friendly My celiac friend and I stopped by to try out their gluten free flatbread and she took half of hers to go which is highly uncommon. Most gf breads are like cardboard or rubbery but this flatbread tasted just like gluten bread! She didn't get sick so there was definitely no gluten in it but whatever it was, it was amazing! I ordered gluten full tortellini which looked and tasted like it was made in house and I was completely satisfied with my meal. We stopped by just as happy hour was ending and our waiter was quick to help us get some happy hour wine orders in before it was too late. The bathroom... it an experience. Like many cities, some locations work within their confines and RoVino got very clever. The restroom is a short walk outside the restaurant which at first seems so strange because they have someone walk you down to it. At the end of the block, tucked away you'll find a very clean little walk to a door with their logo. Type in the code and you enter a 1 stall restroom. It was so random but well done, I'll be talking about that little experience for a while.

A Bilancia

Whenever I come to San Diego, this is one of my favorite spots to go to! I had a slice of one of their gluten free cakes plus their hot dark chocolate beverages. Both were amazing!!!

David Lee

Had the chicken meal. It was alright, but it wasn't anything noteworthy. You won't be impressed, but you also won't be completely let down either. I think this place is probably better for you if you are gluten free or vegan, which is why I have it a 4 star instead of a 3.

Miss Michele

Had a wonderful dinner here this evening. I am gluten free and ordered the gnocchi and my husband had the lamb tagliatelle pasta. Great portion sizes. We ordered a bottle of the Super Tuscan which is luscious! We took what was left with us. We shared the misto salad which they graciously split for us. Our service and food were wonderful. We have been to Italy and this is top notch. Folks Italy is Italy-it’s the terroir of there and cannot be matched but this came pretty darn close! Would defiantly eat here again.

Renae Rockwood

We came on a rainy day for lunch and received phenomenal service. The hostess ensured we were seated in a spot with plenty of space for our strollers. The owner stopped by and chatted and provided recommendations. They allowed my four year old to order a simple pasta dish from off the menu. The complimentary bread was warm and fragrant. We enjoyed the fresh caprese appetizer and all of our pastas exceeded expectations. My husband loved his gluten free gnocchi dish. Eating here was truly a highlight of our sightseeing around little Italy.

Hannah Mullen

I’m gluten free, and I’ve eaten more than once here! The staff are always considerate and helpful when helping with dietary needs.

Tom Keller

We were very surprised by the menu and dishes served. There wasn't a theme I could discern. Most of the entrees were absolutely wild and unique to me and my gastroexpert wife. Don't get me wrong the food was extremely delicious, with serious attention to detail. Expansive beverage / wine / NA selection with some fun unique cocktails, like the iberico fat old fashioned. Appetizers were equally wild. Roasted oysters with bone marrow and horse radish butter? Venison tartar with calabrian chile? Yes yes and yes please! I'm sad we didn't try more : ( based on how scrumptious those were. Wild dishes that not only worked but stood above other elevated cuisines we've had in San Diego. Entrees continued the trend. We sampled two pizzas, one anchovi that was gobbled up and another that was gluten free and also goneso. I had the grilled iberico pork secreto, and found while some chew here and there, the balance with white beans, arugula and apple mostarda sauce was delightful. The Oxtail Gnocchi was sublime. The two real all stars of the night were the Torchio and the Cappelleti. Both for very different reasons. The latter has a lemon sauce that is vibrant, and the bugs bunny was very tender and flavorful. On the former it was a hot mess. Curly pasta with a huge burratta in the middle surrounded with succulent lamb. What?! I will say the portions of the gnocchi and cappelletti were perfect for a light meal. Side note, our server sent us two drinks that were not what we ordered (originally ordered the "shield" sauv blanc and got the "il masso" Pinot. Didn't complain because it was good but asked to taste the sauv and the server was correct in what I really wanted! Same with the Ponche he served the Lemon and Herbs and after trying both he was correct again!) Based purely on the vast differences of cuisine choices this is an easy repeat location. Atmosphere was open and inviting, modem but sophisticated. Glass Window Kitchen in the back provided all the right vibes. Looked at the desserts but could not indulge after such a filling and appetizing meal. Will repeat! Great job yet again, Brian!

Sarah DeBoy

I’m tellin’ you, this and a yap!! Bruschetta is prepped to share. $6 happy hour wine?! Lots of gluten free and low/no lactose options too!

Christopher Chin

Gluten-free delight! Delicious London Fog and Turkish Latte. The Cedros was a great GF protein forward option. Didn’t try the sandwiches but they looked yummy from afar. Relaxed open seating atmosphere with fast service. The matcha rose donut was crazy… couldn’t believe it was gluten-free!

William Silva

one of the best celiac disease spot for a juice!

Sabrina

Great meal! The octopus starter and the lobster bisque were both amazing. Plenty of accommodations for dietary restrictions, and you can look online for a full gluten-free menu. They offer the classic Italian pasta wheel, but unfortunately it wasn’t tableside so we didn’t get to see them make it. Friendly service and a warm atmosphere, and lots of options to choose from.

Erin Dwyer Trisko

Friendly and helpful server, easy place to dine with our kids, very helpful with figuring out gluten free food for the celiacs in our family, we’d definitely come back. Burrata, seafood pasta, and truffle fries all great

Lust TheWander

Our waiter Luca, didn't give us the full experience. Sadly I heard another waitress doing her job with such class and enthusiasm. No specials were said, the other waitress greeted her table with the specials. Apparently we weren't special. My husband's meal was lacking flavor and chicken. 3 small bits of chicken with his penne pasta. My daughters Alfredo, sauce was bland and this Mama never adds salt to ANYTHING, but this NEEDED it. It was great after I added some flavor. My tortellini fungi was amazing. My son's pizza and my mother gluten free pizza(yes they have gluten free pasta and pizza)was tasty. Never did we just get drink refills, we had to ask. Sadly I wished our waiter made our first experience here a nicer one. Don't think hubby will want to come back. 😢

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.

Jordyn Goffo

Fun date-night spot or dinner out with the friends. I loved that they had gluten free and dairy free options for me, that didn’t comprised the food. Had a great burger on a really good GF bun, with some of the best sweet potato fries I’ve ever had. Drinks were just okay. Atmosphere was a bit mixed. It’s a really cute place and it’s fun to look at all the flowers and other decorations. The downsides are the TVs they have going and the odd music choices. I don’t think they should have sports playing at a place like that. It seems like they have a bit of a mixed identify and aren’t picking a lane - Are they are fun, slightly upscale and social restaurant or a sports bar with a floral touch? They just don’t work together.

Rishi Raj Gupta

Aurora and her team is just amazing and super helpful. They were so considerate in making sure my meal is gluten free.

Hailey Evans

I work a few blocks away and often order lunch from here on days I need something quick and close by. Today, Alejandro recognized me from a couple weeks ago and was SO nice! He asked me how my workday was going and suggested a little extra caffeine tea to help get me through my day. He genuinely seemed interested in how I was doing, and it was so kind! It's little moments like that in your day that make a big difference. Alejandro deserves a great review. Also, side note, the food here is SO fresh and they have great Gluten Free options. :) Highly recommend!

Kalia Heno

The food was good. There is a line before the restaurant even opens. The ambiance is nice and the decor is super cute. The fried rice was perfect and the gluten free pancake is delicious even if you aren’t on a gf diet.

Earth Explorer

Exquisite Italian food they can make any of their pastas gluten free. Friendly servers but they forgot to put extra meat on our pasta and they forgot the dessert. But still it's a five star place.

A Universal Woman

Legit new york style pizzeria in the heart of Little Italy San Diego. Full meal for under $12. THANK YOU!!! Lots of seating inside and out. I dream of their new Hot Honey Ricotta Pie. Their meat pizzas and even their vegan and gluten free pizza are so yummy!!! Beer selection and wine are great too. They have a big sign saying ' Welcome Pizza Lovers'. Hahaha I guess I'm welcome here!

Kathy Torre

We would highly recommend Ristorante Illando and its staff if you are looking for a beautiful and delicious meal in downtown San Diego. Everything was perfect from the choices of beer and wine to the beautifully crafted food. And best of all, they offer Gluten Free Pasta for those with an issue eating gluten and the taste was still superb. The wait staff were very friendly, helpful and attentive without being overbearing. Five Stars all around!

Elizaveta Kirgizina

The place is in Little Italy. It is quite spacious and there is space inside and on the terrace. We loved the pizza. Also for $6 there is the opportunity to go gluten free. The pasta can also be gluten free. The flavor is good and the sauce they serve with the bread is delicious. The only disadvantage I can highlight is that there is no wifi! Sometimes if necessary!

Maddie Casey

Great place to celebrate a special occasion! Staff were kind and accommodating helping with everything from how much food to order and how to make sure our gluten free friend also had a great time. We were celebrating several occasions and they went above and beyond to help us from bubbles to start and cookies to end. Would definitely recommend and would love to go back next time I’m in San Diego

Mark H

Very good gluten free crust option!

Brian Price

Great gluten free options with generous portion sizes. Despite the busy atmosphere, the staff was quick and attentive. Highly recommend trying the risotto, it's absolutely delicious!

Organic

Absolutely no customer loyalty. Especially for a place I've given countless dollars to. Constantly given gluten when i ask for gluten free, and they always expect me to just "understand" when my thyroid was affected on multiple occasions. But I didnt get the same consideration in return. Honestly hurt by how all of this went. But I cant say that im surprised. I never leave reviews on restaurants, but today felt like a huge slap in the face. 👍 Thanks for nothing.

Mary Wenthur

Like many of the other reviews, a man stopped us and told us that this place was the best Italian and all the locals ate here…. I think Italy would be ashamed. The tomato on the caprese had zero flavor. Our entrées were good, but felt like the cheese cake factory version of Italian food. Service was amazing, very kind, very attentive. So just don’t listen to the guy out front, i think they pay him. They do have gluten free noodles tho!

Jim Black

So quick to get a table and food. Food was excellent. Best gluten free pasta I ever had.

Steven MacNeil (Mac)

Great coffee! The gluten free brownie was excellent!

Clark Mackey

I took a group of 8 to eat here and we had a very enjoyable meal. The food is authentic Italian, the portions are large, and the presentation unfussy. I like these things and sitting and eating together felt timeless and relaxing. The ravioli, the meat sauce, and the gnocchi were particularly good. And the Italian grocery store was a delight. If you need an imported Italian specialty product, wine, or homemade Italian sausage, this is your place. I appreciate the selection of gluten free pastas as well.

Zee

Regarding our visit on May 24, 2023, Ironside has an amazing selection of dishes, complemented by a frequently rotating menu. The captivating atmosphere and meticulous design of the restaurant contributed to an immersive dining experience. The knowledgeable servers adeptly catered to our needs and promptly addressed our inquiries, particularly in accommodating my boyfriend's gluten intolerance. The extensive offerings on the "Happy Hour" menu were impressive, and I am inspired to explore other restaurants affiliated with the CH Group.

Thomas Chung