Top 25 Gluten-Free Lunch Spots to Enjoy in Downtown San Mateo

Your curated guide to gluten-free dining options, with detailed reviews and recommendations for safe celiac-friendly meals.

The Barrel Bistro and Wine Bar

246 S B St, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
Gluten Free IconAccommodating Gluten-Free
LunchDinnerBrunchDeliveryTake AwayPet FriendlyOutdoor SeatingKid Friendly

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TK
TK
Efficient and courteous staff. Great food and vibe. Any of the flatbreads can be made with gluten free crusts.

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Gluten-free options are marked

SAJJ Mediterranean (San Mateo)

251 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
Gluten Free IconAccommodating Gluten-Free
LunchDinnerOpen LateMediterraneanDeliveryTake AwayKid FriendlyBread Items
This spot offers quick meals with a unique ordering system, generous portions, and nice outdoor seating for a relaxed vibe.

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Maureen Newman
Maureen Newman
Wonderful way to have a quick meal that is nearly all gluten free. All of the items behind the glass have V and/or GF, so I don't have to memorize ahead of time their pdf of allergens. Loved that the toppings were not additional cost, except for two. Only thing I was not a fan of was how it seems like there could be a lot of waste in the way things are served. The bowls are compostable, but the cups and utensils -- unclear what to do with those. Having silverware and cups that are washed would be less wasteful for eat-in customers (or have better signage by the compost/trash what goes where)

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Amici's East Coast Pizzeria

69 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
Gluten Free IconAccommodating Gluten-Free
LunchDinnerItalianPizzaDeliveryTake AwayOutdoor SeatingKid Friendly

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Alicia Glazer
Alicia Glazer
Delicious pizza and salad, and they were very accommodating to our dietary restrictions! Gluten free menu had a nice selection, and they also offer vegan cheese for those who are lactose sensitive! Service was fast and very pleasant.

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Gao Viet Kitchen

313 S San Mateo Dr, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
Gluten-free options
BreakfastLunchDinnerBrunchAsianDeliveryTake AwayOutdoor SeatingKid Friendly

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Hana Kim
Hana Kim
Delicious food that is gluten free friendly and the yelp wait-list is convenient, never have to wait too long for yummy pho.

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Pausa Bar & Cookery

223 E 4th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
Gluten-free options
LunchDinnerOpen LateItalianDeliveryTake AwayOutdoor SeatingRestaurant

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Linda B
Linda B
Their gluten free pasta was the best I’ve ever had!🤤 The texture is very similar to regular pasta, al dente. I have been craving it daily since I dined there.

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Jeffrey's Hamburgers

42 S B St, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
Gluten-free options
LunchDinnerBurgersDeliveryTake AwayOutdoor SeatingKid FriendlyRestaurantPet Friendly
With a cozy diner vibe and perfectly cooked burgers, this spot stands out for its homemade touches and reasonable prices.

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David Wood
David Wood
I like this place. I was able to get a simple burger that fit my dietary requirements but tasted really good. They do country homemade style gluten free buns and they ask you how you like your burger cooked - I went medium rare which was perfect. I also enjoyed the sweet potato fries which were not overly salty like they often are elsewhere. The decor is like a clean version of the stereotypical American diner and the staff were very pleasant. The prices were reasonable for San Mateo. I'll be back soon.

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Tomatina

401 S B St, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
Gluten-free options
LunchDinnerBrunchItalianDeliveryTake AwayKid FriendlyRestaurant

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Christine Risso
Christine Risso
They have a gluten free pasta option which I love! The staff is super friendly and food is good!! Right in the heart of downtown San Mateo so there's plenty to do after if you want a night out afterwards and is a great family restaurant as well

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New York Pizza

219 S B St, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
Gluten-free options
LunchDinnerOpen LatePizzaDeliveryTake AwayKid Friendly
Expect a hidden gem serving up some of the Peninsula's best pizza with perfectly cooked dough and fresh, tasty toppings—you'll keep coming back!

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Brendon Boulanger
Brendon Boulanger
Excellent service and delicious gluten free and dairy free cheese is always a welcome sight

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Curry Up Now

129 S B St, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
Gluten-free options
LunchDinnerVeganDeliveryTake AwayKid FriendlyIndianVegetarianRestaurant
Expect delicious, flavorful options that are surprisingly filling, even if the ambiance doesn't scream amazing food."

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Tori P
Tori P
I wish I would've taken pictures of my food like I normally do but I was so hungry I completely forgot! Anyways, the food was BOMB. I got the Hella Vegan Burrito and Hella Vegan Sexy Fries. I appreciate how they even had a gluten free tortilla option! That's what really sold me! Both items I ate were so flavorful and it was a good amount of food for the price! I wasn't able to finish my burrito so I took the rest to-go and it was still good the next day!! Inside the restaurant it's not really giving "the food here is delicious" vibes so don't let that fool you. Try it for yourself!

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Avocado Toast

226 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
Gluten-free options
BreakfastLunchBrunchSandwichesDeliveryTake AwayPet FriendlyOutdoor SeatingKid FriendlyBread ItemsRestaurant

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Meghan O'Keefe
Meghan O'Keefe
Great gluten free toast options. Quick and easy.

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Pacific Catch

243 S B St, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
Gluten Free IconAccommodating Gluten-Free
LunchDinnerSeafoodDeliveryTake AwayPet FriendlyOutdoor SeatingKid FriendlyBarRestaurant
Known for consistent flavorful dishes and reliable delivery, this spot is a favorite for enjoyable meals in a welcoming atmosphere.

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G G
G G
Love going to this restaurant! They have good options for gluten sensitive diners. I usually get the veggie roll and guac and chips. Our branch/office orders delivery for our client lunch meetings on a regular basis. The packaging presentation meets expectations and so far our orders have been accurate. When my friend and I went to dinner this past Sunday, we were pleasantly greeted by the host and served attentatively by our server. Our food came out promptly and delicious. Chef Eber and his team turn out flavorful dishes on a consistent basis, whether for in-house dining or delivery service. Pacific Catch continues to be my go-to restaurant when I want to have a great dining experience for myself, friends/family, and or clients.

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Dedicated gluten-free menu

Wursthall

310 Baldwin Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
Gluten-free options
LunchDinnerOpen LateAmericanDeliveryTake AwayPet FriendlyOutdoor SeatingKid FriendlyRestaurant

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Caitlin Anne Surakitbanharn
Caitlin Anne Surakitbanharn
Handles gluten free requests really well and the food was delicious!

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Charlie's Taqueria

725 S B St, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
Gluten-free options
BreakfastLunchDinnerMexicanTake AwayKid FriendlyRestaurant

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Michele P
Michele P
Charlie’s is Such a gem in San Mateo ! The staff is so welcoming and the food is authentic and delicious . The neighborhood feel is so comforting ! Also Tacos and chips are gluten free

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Porterhouse

164 S B St, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
Gluten-free options
LunchDinnerDeliveryTake AwayOutdoor SeatingBar

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Yoram Dayagi
Yoram Dayagi
Best steaks we had in the area. We celebrated a birthday for our son, 17. The filet mignon was excellent! And they have several gluten free dishes, including very good creme brulee.

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Bay Watch San Mateo

201 2nd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
Gluten-free options
BreakfastLunchDinnerBrunchAmericanDeliveryTake AwayKid Friendly

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Karen V Chin
Karen V Chin
A place that I come to meet friends and clients because Bay Watch has an extensive breakfast and lunch menu. There is something for everyone's taste, including vegetarians, weight watchers and gluten-free. I usually order breakfast or brunch. Today I had my usual, the Breakfast Scramble: scrambled eggs with ham, spinach and melted cheese served on top of a croissant with crispy hash browns and a petit cup of fresh fruit (no Hollandaise - my way of eating healthier) and a glass of water. My friend ordered her usual - Santa Fe Salad. Service is friendly and prompt. Food is tasty. Portions are great for the price. They have both booth and table seating. Weekends can get busy, you will have to wait for a table. Metered street parking.

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Chef Sha

231 S Ellsworth Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
Gluten-free options
LunchDinnerAsianDeliveryTake AwayKid FriendlyRestaurant

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Jinfeng Xiao
Jinfeng Xiao
It’s delicious! The owner is very friendly and the level of hospitality is heartwarming Recommended: cold pot fish, Yibin burning noodles, fish gluten

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Mr Pizza Man San Mateo

201 E 4th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
Gluten-free options
LunchDinnerOpen LateItalianPizzaDeliveryTake AwayPet FriendlyOutdoor SeatingKid Friendly

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Lavender House Cleaning
Lavender House Cleaning
I ordered a personal cheese pizza which was served to me so hot and fresh. The gluten crust was one of the best I've had. Their prices are amazing, and the food is always served fresh. The employees are very friendly. The classic salad is amazing too. I love Mr Pizza san mateo!

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New Thai Elephant

200 S B St, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
Gluten-free options
LunchDinnerAsianDeliveryTake AwayOutdoor SeatingKid FriendlyVegetarianRestaurant

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Maggie McMahon
Maggie McMahon
The food here is always so delicious! The staff is so friendly and I am grateful that they are able to accommodate gluten free options.

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Pizza My Heart

140 E 4th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
Gluten-free options
LunchDinnerPizzaDeliveryTake AwayPet FriendlyKid FriendlyRestaurant

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Tom Hill
Tom Hill
Very good pie. The place has a really cool surf theme with lots of memoribilia. I had mine gluten free, and it was one of the best ever. Gluten free crusts tend to be kind of awful; not this one. It was thin and crispy. Also, you can get a slice and a t-shirt for only $7.... such a deal!

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Vespucci Ristorante Italiano

147 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
Gluten-free options
LunchDinnerItalianDeliveryTake AwayOutdoor SeatingRestaurantPet Friendly

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Addison Duvall
Addison Duvall
Food, service, vibe, everything perfect. The owners personally accommodated a gluten intolerance at our table. Our waiter was also hilarious. They are METICULOUS with bringing classic Italy!!

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Koja Kitchen

150 S B St, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
Gluten-free options
LunchDeliveryTake AwayPet FriendlyKid Friendly
Offering a wide selection of tantalizing options, this cozy takeout spot is a hidden gem that's definitely worth a visit!

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Applesis
Applesis
For those with gluten intolerance, this takeout place is a gem. They offer a wide selection of gluten-free options, and take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety. Although it may not appear busy, the food is simply scrumptious. It's definitely worth a visit. So, if you're looking for a place to dine out without worrying about gluten, this is an excellent choice.

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Happy Lamb Hot Pot, San Mateo 快乐小羊

215 S Ellsworth Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
Gluten-free options
LunchDinnerDeliveryTake AwayKid FriendlyBar

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Simeon Jewell
Simeon Jewell
2021 Update: We were very excited to see that renovations were complete and were happy to come back once we had our vaccines. We even spotted the robot waiters crossing around inside - how cool! But then we managed to get in, and right away there was a problem - they replaced the old tabletop resistive coil burners, which worked fine, with new induction coil burners sunk down into the tables, with vent fans. These induction coils emit an ear-splitting whine in the 15khz-19khz range depending on how high they're turned up, which was louder than the (fairly noisy) background chatter in the restaurant. Trying to enjoy a meal while being assaulted by the same sound a dental drill makes was very difficult indeed. I got some earplugs from the pharmacy over the road, but they only barely made the noise tolerable, and made conversation a real chore. Sadly, because I have taken care of my hearing, I cannot comfortably eat at what used to be one of our absolute favourite restaurants. I will not be back, which is a pity because the food is still great. I can now only recommend this restaurant to people who are at least partially deaf. ------------- Original review: Really nice place to eat. The food is phenomenal (six stars!), but the service can sometimes be a little inattentive or not strong with English (four stars!), so I'd say this is a five-star place. Prices are not unreasonable if you don't go completely mad - keep in mind that the more expensive cuts of meat are still being *boiled*, so those fancy textures aren't necessarily worth paying for. Our favourite meats are the Angus and the Fatty Beef, which are two of the cheaper options. We typically also get Broccoli and Napa Cabbage. We get the regular broth, as the spicy broth is beyond our tolerances. Those are the two gluten-free broth options, but there are about four more which we haven't tried ourselves. We go here quite a bit, especially with close friends who don't mind dipping chopsticks straight into the communal pot! =)

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