Top 50 Gluten-Free Spots with Outdoor Seating to Enjoy in Santa Cruz

Sven Pedersen

Cute cafe with great food that caters to dietary restrictions like gluten free, vegan and vegetarian.

April Giesbrecht

Best pizza ever tasted! They were so helpful with my Gluten Allergy and made me the bestest pizza i had ever had! Haven’t got sick from it so far and i have a pretty sensitive gut! Shoutout to them making it a good experience. Only thing is it’s not cheap eating. Thanks a lot though.

Travis Mccleery

Amazing food and staff. Great vegetation and vegan options. It’s all glute free and celiac safe.

Robert Wilson

Easily one of the best chicken sandwiches in Santa Cruz, and possibly the best one I've ever had. The dining situation can be a bit funky at times as they share the space with a couple of other businesses, but usually everyone is super nice, and the atmosphere is great. They do offer takeout if you want to take it home, to the beach, or anywhere else! Aside from their original or spicy chicken sandwiches, which are locally known (and for good reason), they offer chicken tenders, sides like mashed potatoes and gravy, french fries, mac and cheese, and more. This restaurant offers gluten-free options and takes the proper precautions in doing so to prevent cross-contamination. However, I would suggest talking to staff about the measures they take, as they will happily explain them, which will help guests feel at ease eating there. They do offer vegetarian options, but they are made in shared fryers if that is an issue (but everything in those fryers IS gluten free). From good food to great staff, this is one of the places that make Santa Cruz Santa Cruz.

Robert Wilson

Every time I have gotten a meal here, I have had a fantastic meal, outstanding customer service and a good experience. All of their produce is organic, and there are plenty of options for everyone, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and meat options. Some of their options include teriyaki chicken, garlic tofu, and teriyaki salmon, which come with jasmine rice (or noodles) pickled vegetables and spring onions, or they have sandwiches, soups, salads and noodle bowls as well. The meals are well priced, and you can choose takeout or to sit down in their covered patio area. The staff are friendly, and there is parking (but, on a busy night, it could fill up). Overall, this is a great, affordable and yummy option in Santa Cruz and I would highly recommend it!

Robin K.

Didn't like being stuffed back into the corner. Dark back there. BUT they have a gluten free menu. Food very tasty. Gluten free menu. Server nice. Would go back!

James Ehret

Awesome Gluten Free Buns. Great food. Love the portions.

Koko Paulli

Late night pizza experience accomplished! Accommodating the Vegan gluten free request to max a whole pizza myself for a road trip was perfect. Thanks Pizza My Heart!

Shachar bar

A great place. great street location. Comfortable seating for a family. The food was really good and served fast. There are many Gluten free options and the staff are aware of Cross contamination. Highly recommended

Erica Carrasco

Hubby and I are new to Santa Cruz. We were shopping at Trader Joe's this evening and decided to go across the street to the indoor food mall. We almost missed it. It's a hidden gem. If you love Puerto Rican food, you will love Pana. Funny thing is, I was looking for something gluten free. They are gluten free! The flavors! The service! If I had questions, they were answered. The yucca fries 🍟 were delicious and filling. The fried plantains were perfecto! The green garlic sauce was divine! I enjoyed the dish with the beef, plantains, I added basil, mozzarella and avocado 🥑, black beans wrapped in a gluten free corn DELICIOUS wrap!! Guys! Please go find this place! So much food, we have leftover plantains and yucca fries. Air fryer tomorrow morning 😄. They cut everything fresh! You can watch them prepare your food while you read all the printed reviews that the restaurant has posted. Abbott square is the mall. They are located in that area. God bless them! Keep up the great work ! Be back soon!

Minecraft Power

We went there today and even drove an hour to get there because we saw that it’s gluten free and vegan and NOT EXPENSIVE which is REALLY hard to find. And then you’d think there must be a catch, it can’t be vegan, gluten free, inexpensive AND delicious but damm it was it was really tasty and so filling, and overall the food felt like a warm hug and the owner was really nice as well :) so 5 stars, would recommend

Lynn Sweet

Holly Finn

Good menu for all including vegetarians and gluten free options! Beer and wine too! 🍷

Megan Fischer

They are very nice and friendly to families with kids that can't have gluten.

Crystal Daily

Great find. Lots of gluten-free options; pizza and pasta. Even my kids cleared their plates.

Pooja Kodali

Hands down, it's the best gluten-free bun I have tasted so far !!! We visited Mad Yolks for a quick lunch and were immediately welcomed by friendly staff. We ordered a chicken sandwich, which was juice and crispy, and a mushroom sandwich was delicious as well! For drinks, we have Pineapple Orange, which had a refreshing twist for regular jasmine tea. The vibe and ambiance were warm. I would go back to try other items on the menu

Pamela Wagner

Such a great addition to Midtown SantaCruz! Hubby and I went after a friend recommended Sugo. We had such a great dinner! Prompt, attentive service, and incredible menu with vegetarian and gluten free options. Great cozy, clean, bustling atmosphere. After sharing a salad-plenty for two- I enjoyed the Mushroom ravioli. Hubby had a very nicely done margherita pizza. We will definitely be back, and try the order to pickup as well.

Morgan Sandusky

Great sushi and the menu labels what’s gluten free!

Katie Teschler

Steamer Lane is the place to be! Everything on the menu is delicious, and the staff are very friendly and care deeply about the community of Santa Cruz. Their menu has expanded over the years, and a lot of care is taken by the whole team to make sure the all of their offerings are really tasty and inclusive to all dietary needs. I have celiac disease, and typically feel safe eating here. They have a handful of very tasty gluten free items, and are very friendly and accommodating. I love the breakfast tacos, poke and other fish bowls, fish tacos, chicken leg plate, and the burger (with no bun). As with pretty much all places, not guaranteed to have no cross contamination, but if you want them to take extra precautions, just ask! I remind them I have celiac and they do a great job :)

Chris Lamb

I’m celiac. Their gluten free pizza was great. Best GF pizza I’ve had outside of Italy.

Clyde Valentine

This is one of the cutest outdoor bistro restaurants I’ve ever ever been to, and I always try to visit and try their cuisine anytime. I am in the Santa Cruz area. It is always a delight and the service and staff there are always friendly and make you feel at home. Today was certainly no exception. Thank you again chocolate for having the best gluten-free bread I’ve ever had!

Anthony Lambruschi

Great beer selection, they even had a gluten free beer tucked away in the back for my celiac partner to try! Hummus tray and the roasted potatoes were both great as well!

TheOne Anjel

I found this place several years ago when I lived in Santa Cruz, I always ordered the frittata panini on gluten free. It was the best sandwich! Now I live 2.5 hrs away & go once a year. The last 2 years the sandwich was barely yummy & in fact this time - last week - they had the nerve to hand me a burnt sandwich - for $22! People were waiting on me so I opted not to send it back but it should not have been served that way in the first place. It's also been lacking flavor and little or no butter was used, plus they seem to remove the potato when I add avocado (which costs extra). The sweet carrot missing, as well. They obviously have different cooks now& less concern on what comes out of the kitchen. On top of only going once a year, it's also my only cheat day per year, so the disappointment was palpable. Last week was my last visit. They obviously don't want my repeat business.

Andy Ng

I've lived in Santa Cruz for almost five years and have only recently gotten to try Engfer Pizza Works. Where have I been because they really offer one of the better vegan pizzas in town. They sport a large array of vegetarian friendly pizzas that can be veganized by removing the cheese (obvs) and using their house-made tofu spread and red sauce as a base for any pizza. They also offer a gluten-free crust too. Being newbies, it was fitting for us to try their New-Bee Pizza (vegan style) - a toasty mix of garlic, olives, and red bell peppers. A large sets us back about $35 including tax. We also ordered their soup of the day, which was this creamy sweet potato stew that was fully plant-based too. Our pizza was fantastic. Took about 15 minutes to come out but the crispy pizza crust with the fragrant toppings was really great. My only wish would be if they had some plant-based meat options or other appetizers besides the pizzas since we were hungry, but the pie itself was just great. Drinks are easy to handle as well. You simply serve yourself water or head over to the large fridges to grab another beverage of your choice, and pay at the end along with your pizza. Street parking is available if you're lucky to find some. It wasn't a problem for us visiting even late at night on a weekend.

Ron Clonts

If you are driving highway 1 and want a great taste of local California wine, beers, or seafood, this is a great option. The delicious gastropub quality food is worth the price because the flavors are amazing. There are many vegan and gluten free options on the menu. There is also a comfortable and warm dining area with outdoor seating as well.

Jacqueline Kimmey

Absolutely love this place, food and ambiance is incredible ever since the renovation last summer!! The orange salmon and saffron pasta are my regular favorites, but whatever you get, don’t miss out on the pork belly bao buns or tuna wontons (order split in half to accommodate a gluten free guest)! The chef is very understanding and accommodates any dietary restrictions. Sit at the bar with the bartender Rainbow- he is the BEST! Special Valentine’s Day lobster and pomegranate risotto was to die for!

Robin K.

Gluten free options marked on menu marked by 'G' on the menu. Server was great.... Had the seafood risotto and it was fabulous. Will go back!!

Akshata Katkar

Roxa Hammock Cafe is an absolute treasure in Santa Cruz, CA, offering an enchanting blend of art, alchemy, and health-conscious organic cuisine. 🌿🌌 This cafe isn’t just a place to grab a meal; it’s an experience that tantalizes the senses and nourishes the body and soul. It’s fascinating to know that it’s the first hammock cafe in the US, making it an exciting destination for families, friends, and couples alike. We embarked on a culinary journey, exploring their unique and health-focused menu. First, we sampled the herbal elixirs and tonics, each crafted with precision and care. Piper’s Calling, with its blend of Pc chuchuhuasi, piper methysticum, pine pollen, and piperine, was a revelation of flavors and medicinal benefits. Wanderlust, featuring fermented kanna, wild dagga, pine pollen, piper methysticum, and stevia, was like sipping a mystic potion, with its intriguing combination of ingredients. For coffee aficionados, the Mud coffee was a must-try. It’s the kind of coffee that warms the soul, and knowing it’s free from refined sugar and canola oil only added to the pleasure. The Acai bowl was a delightful treat, brimming with natural sweetness and freshness. Knowing that all ingredients are carefully selected and devoid of gluten made it even more enjoyable. The atmosphere here is a work of art in itself, with a floor infused with black tourmaline, creating an ambiance of tranquility and positivity. The window overlooking Abbot Square is a charming touch, connecting you to the vibrant energy of Santa Cruz. Upstairs on the second floor mezzanine, we found an elixir bar apothecary with siphon brew, adding to the mystical aura of the place. Roxa Hammock Cafe is a testament to the idea that food can be both delicious and nurturing. It’s a place where art, health, and culinary innovation harmoniously coexist. We left with our spirits lifted and our bodies rejuvenated, eager to return and explore more of their offerings. 🌟☕🌿

Katherine Wilson

Wow, this place is the real deal. My friend and I came here for lunch. My friend who got one of the moles was immediately in love. She has a super sensitive sense of taste and smell, because she is a chef. I'm gluten free and vegan for medical reasons, and they have a huge menu to fit both needs!! The tacos, which is what I had, with vegan carne asada were super tasty, and the beans they came with are unbeatable. I would order more of those beans as a side! The guacamole was *delicious*. Their salsas are outstanding. The chef there is a woman, and we were informed that she wanted to bring her recipes from Oaxaca to her new residence, in Santa Cruz. We are LUCKY to be this woman's guests. The tortillas were handmade corn, and GORGEOUS. I felt like each recipe was a home recipe, safe for me to eat but also far more delicious than I could think up or make at home. My friend saw one of the larger dishes, go by and we both gasped. It looked like a baby dinosaur! If you haven't been there, ask your server how much you want to eat. Some of the dishes are huge and some are smaller, like the tacos (perfect for lunch, I thought). The food is so good there that you might be tempted by the desserts there as well. I have said restrictions, but someone else would probably go for it! Their servers are super nice too. I can't remember our server's name unfortunately, but we had really sweet young lady on Friday 3/21/25, so thank you!! She was communicative, attentive, sweet, and never said a mean word even though I asked her a couple times about something. Super nice. I definitely will keep this place in mind, even though I don't go out much, I love food, and their place is right down the street from my place. Thank you Copal!!

Allison Schimke

Menu marked with gluten free options.

lucy wyatt

Loaded fries were insanely good and gluten free

Eriko Dreyer

One of the best weekend brunches in SC County! Highly recommend the Benedicts. Their gluten free options are excellent. No matter what you order, if you have toast, ask for the strawberry butter. It's divine.

Nick Leffler

Great service, great food, and a few options for the gluten free. I had some delicious pancakes and my wife had the gluten free French toast. It was a bit busy and we had to wait to be seated but once we were seated the service was great. I oversaw the sign saying to sign in when you arrive so be sure to do that. The waitress was kinda and accommodated my mistake gracefully though. Would definitely recommend this place for breakfast. My only disappointment is that I didn’t get to try the Cuban, those things are damn good and I’m sad to not see them in California more. On every block in Florida and I had them every day I was there. Will definitely try them here next time I’m back. Oh, as for the parking… it’s not ideal because there are exactly 9 parking spots but we found parking right in front of the salon on the street and it was so close it was more convenient than the parking lot.

Carrie Aiken

Totally local vibe for people of all kinds. Excellent gluten-free option

Roberta Rogers

I literally dream about these chicken wings and stop every trip to Santa Cruz! (Gluten free :) my son loves the Mac and cheese! (Regular, but very picky 5yo) Everything is so so good!

Marci Robertson

I love the food and that they have gluten free crepes that are actually good. I love their dill sauce!! The atmosphere is my fav! Outside it's like eating in a garden and I love all the little nooks they put their tables in. The service is always great!

Samir Jain

Got the chicken fusili dish with gluten free spaghetti with no cheese - incredible.

Katy Anderson

My favorite place in downtown. Food is excellent. Gluten free options. Reasonable prices. Service is wonderful. Outdoor dining. Parking garage and street parking nearby.

R F

We came here and one of us had a gluten intolerance. The personnel was very helpful and tried to find gluten free options, and we found finally a good solution. Thanks for the help and the good service! Also the other food was good we eat there.

Agnes Masters

ACC Cardone

One of the best breakfast / brunch places in Santa Cruz! Be warned that this restaurant is so good that people will wait for hours to get a table on the weekend. I’m not sure if the wait is still as long, after the pandemic, but the food is still as good. I’m not fond of most breakfast foods, especially eggs (which I find to be one of the tastes and textures I despise more than almost any other “food”). However, Cafe Brasil’s egg dishes are actually something I look forward to eating! Honestly, I can count the number of egg dishes that I have ever liked on one hand (before trying the egg dishes here), and still have spare fingers. Yet, Cafe Brasil has several egg dishes that I really like! If you don’t want eggs, though, they have so many other options that you are guaranteed to find at least a few dishes that you will fall in love with, from standard American fare to the very unusual. The most popular item on the menu is the “acai bowl”, which is similar to a frozen smoothie made from raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries (the flavor of the açaí berries) with crunchy vanilla granola on top, and then sliced strawberries and bananas topping all of that. I promise that this açaí bowl tastes even better than it sounds like it would! Yum! I found this restaurant because a friend introduced me to it and I fell in love with the food. Every person I have brought here still talks about it when they visit, and asks to go back. — The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating. — The outdoor seating is dog friendly. — There are plenty of options for most people with dietary restrictions; just let the staff know when you are ordering. (I am vegetarian and at least 1/2 of the menu is available for me to order with only a few items needing any adjustments. There are plenty of vegan options as well as gluten-free options. Just note that if you don’t tell your server, you should expect most dishes to come with fresh cooked bread and butter, and often pan fried potatoes.)

Ralph ibarra

First time here it's was delicious food taste fresh and was gluten free bread .Very clean great service.Meal does come with a candy mine was a 🍭

Garrison Williams

Delicious all you can eat vegan/gluten free Sri Lankan food. Not much more you could ask for.

Megan Dauphin

One of my favorite restaurants in Santa Cruz! I can get vegan gluten free curry noodle soup here that tastes amazing. My whole family loves the food here. Plus they are super quick and bring the food right out. I highly recommend Betty Noodles!

Ellen Calhoun

Nikki Wright

Such a great place!! Fabulous burger and super yummy gluten free bun!!! Beautifully curated craft cocktail menu. Ridiculously excellent service. All the stars!!! Will definitely be back!

Jeannette Calomeni

Sergio was friendly and accommodating to my questions about GF options. Everything on the menu is gluten free! 10/10 ceviche.

Rebekah Reed

Alex Lorden

Great tacos right by the beach, super convenient. Gluten free, celiac, and vegan options!

Greg Lang