Top 35 Gluten-Free Dining Spots to Explore in Encinitas

Elizabeth Finley

Totally Gluten free heaven

Earth Explorer

East Indian themed healthy restaurant with gluten-free and vegan options. The three egg omelet was pretty good and a frittata was even a little better. The coffee is very standard with no exotic options such as butter coffee or espresso tonic or pour over. The seating is very comfortable and the Wi-Fi was about 100/20. Overall this is the place I would recommend trying when you're in Encinitas.

Amy Kesler Andersen

Great buns!

Sophia

Good food although I don’t think I chose the best thing on the menu. They do have plenty of gluten free options (GF sourdough, GF cassava tortilla etc) and of course the food is clean and makes you feel good! Coffee was also delicious. Server was super kind and helpful!

Thomas Kirby

The server was amazing. Very understanding of celiac and it sounds like they take it very seriously. She explained to me they use separate utensils and very familiar with what is needed to keep celiacs safe. She said she’s worked there 10 years and no one has got sick on her watch. Sushi was very tasty. Didn’t feel sick after eating here. Would throughly recommend to celiacs!

Kerry Fisherkeller

Pizza served hot, cheesy with crispy crust this place has it going on. Small but good selection of beers, wines and cocktails to go with. Several classic Italian items on the menu as well as my favorite tiramisu. View of the ocean so I decided to try the garlic shrimp - delicious! My dining partner ordered the gluten free deluxe perfectly baked with slightly crisped pepperoni rising up like sails on the ocean! Divine.

Kim Salners

I really wanted to enjoy my solo dinner plans at Herb & Sea, but they failed… badly. My reservations were for 1 person on a Saturday night. I checked in and the place was packed, but I waited in front of the host stand for 30mins before being seated. I was ignored for 20 mins by 3 different hostesses until I asked what was going on. They had ready excuses and that my table was being bused as we spoke… waited another 10mins then asked to speak to the manager whose name was Luke. Amazingly, my table was ready right away and Luke sat me down and asked about diet restrictions. He recommended and ordered the ceviche with plantain chips for me. I told him I wasn’t going to order dinner anymore specifically bc of the wait time and I had to leave at 9pm and I didn’t trust they could cook and serve me in less than an hour. He said he’d send out the ceviche and I ordered a glass of wine. Nick was my waiter who came over with my wine and instead of standing upright like he did for all the other couples and groups, he leaned and crossed his arms over the other chair across from me. He took my menu and notated/wrote with a star what was gluten/dairy free… like I’m a child or a helpless little girl who can’t read or know what was gluten/dairy free. I ordered the tomatoes appetizer and he only filled my water glass after I pushed it toward him. Nick didn’t refill my water or take my ceviche plate away after I know he looked over at me and my table from the next table over. The tomatoes were served by another buser, but she had no silverware. Nick, at the next table over, heard/listening and turned around to give me a knife and fork then finished with the other table and left without checking in. Nick came by later and asked how was I. I said it was good, but I’d like the check. He leaned on my chair again while refilling my water glass. I told him ‘you know, you don’t need to lean on my chair’. Luke came by again asked about the tomatoes… I said they were spicy and he said that if it was being shared it wouldn’t be so ‘much’ and made it seem weird I was alone. He apologized for the wait and that he’d give me his card for the next time. I told him about Nick and his leaning on my chair and it was rude. I also said, “You know I’m going to do a review, right?”. I told him my evening was ruined by Herb & Sea and that I had planned my night with enough time… reservation at 730 to leave at 9pm for a previous engagement. He acknowledged and comped my ‘meal’ (2 appetizers) and glass of wine. All I can say is I won’t be back and they ALL need to do better. Restaurants are a dime a dozen and I would have loved to actually eat an entree there, but why go back??

SanDiego IsParadise

Delicious food with a gorgeous view! Plenty of gluten free options and substitutions!

Jennifer Joy

This place is gas, I don’t know how it wasn’t busier than it was!! Big portions, quick service, super delicious. They have a gluten free menu too! Get the orange ish chicken for sure.

Jeff Rushton

Here for the first time. Ian serving is. Wine is very well priced for the quality and the food very good especially for us liking Gluten free options which they have many! We have rebooked again later in the week.

Brent Warner

Excellent location - food was spot on. Protein style, double double, chopped chilis, whole grilled onions. Light well fries. Order burger protein style for gluten free option. Perfection at its finest.

Katherine Nichoson Love

Very friendly and speedy and knowledgeable about what items contain gluten.

Debra Fleurbaaij

The location is amazing. Service was so bad though. Didn’t take our order for even appetizers until we went to find the waiter after 45 minutes. Didn’t get our appetizers until again going to find waiter after 45 more minutes. Correct appetizers were not delivered. 1 appetizer-oysters wasn’t ever delivered and when we asked after 15 more minutes we were told they had been out since the morning. Imagine our surprise when the table next to us got an order of oysters 20 minutes later. Main courses were brought incorrectly and 3 people with gluten allergies were served gluten and had to send it back. Some sides were never delivered. The seabass was excellent, but the halibut and mahi mahi were very dry and tasteless. This place is expensive and everything should be excellent for what you’re paying. We’ve gone here many times in the past and will never go back. Wouldn’t recommend to anyone.

Brent Warner

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Lobster West, and I was absolutely blown away by the experience. The lobster rolls here are simply phenomenal—fresh, delicious, and packed with generous chunks of lobster. Each bite was a delightful blend of perfectly seasoned lobster meat and a buttery, toasted roll that made for an unforgettable meal. The quality and freshness of the lobster were evident in every bite. It's clear that Lobster West takes great care in sourcing and preparing their ingredients to ensure the highest quality. The lobster rolls are not only delicious but also offer great value, given the generous portion sizes. The ambiance is casual and inviting, making it a perfect spot for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. The staff were friendly, efficient, and genuinely passionate about their food, which added to the overall positive experience. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Lobster West is a must-visit for any seafood lover. I can't recommend it highly enough and will definitely be returning soon! Gluten free rolls available, if not, you can order without the roll.

Mohammed Parsley

Nienah

The gluten free blueberry oatcake is my favorite thing to get here! It’s their gf version of a pancake and it’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside been coming here for over 10 years with my family since i was a kid!

Irene Bubnack

To say Urbane Cafe is one of my ALL-TIME favorite restaurants is an understatement. I fell in love with the food while working at USD over the last 16 years. I can tell you that when asking our college students what food I should order for events, Urbane Cafe is always the #1 request (especially as they have options for vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free foods! It makes ordering for a crowd SO easy!!! Boxes are labeled with names and orders, and Bea is fantastic at getting everything set with catering delivery)! The food is always so satisfying. Consistently on par with quality, flavor, and value. I was thrilled when the Encinitas Restaurant opened, as I have friends and family in North County. I've ordered for family gatherings and love to meet friends for lunch and dinner (I'd love breakfast too ... I can dream of breakfast sandwhiches on that incredible bread)! It's a great location to grab a quick bite when shopping or to hang out with friends and family. I've had everything on the menu over the years (and the seasonal specials and have several go-to menu items I choose from regularly), and everyone in my family has their favorites. Still, my all-time favorite is the Urbane Cafe Salad. The blend of moist chicken, nuts, pear, and avocado is fantastic! I rarely eat bread anymore... but the one bread that is an exception is the fresh delicious Urbane bread (dipping it into a bit of dressing ... awe, heaven)! We are living in Morgan Hill, CA, right now ... and the very first thing I get when I drive into town is Urbane Cafe in Encinitas. I time my drive to be there when they open, and I usually order at least two salads and keep one for the next day (they refrigerate beautifully). I pray you open an Urbane Cafe in Morgan Hill very soon! Morgan Hill is a Foodie's paradise! I know the health-conscious, food-loving valley residents would be in heaven (and the value would certainly be appreciated)! And as most of San Jose and Gilroy travel to Morgan Hill for good food, this would be an ideal location to start! ... Plus, you have an Urbane Cafe Lover (ME) who would gladly stand on the corner and give sworn testimony! I can't wait to get my next Urbane Cafe fix on 11/7 ... I'll see you then! Best, Irene B.

Michelle Trostler

I’ve been here 20-30 times. This restaurant is being mismanaged. It used to be great. But now, hit or miss. Menu displays GF symbol prominently and I am gluten free. Awesome! But lately the wait staff often says they’re out of GF bread. Kinda puts a damper on the GF mussels when there’s no bread to sop up the sauce. Last night, the waiter said they were out of GF bread, but then he said he looked and they had some. It wasn’t the yummy flat bread from the last time I was there, but it was something. Makes me wonder if they’re actually out when they say they’re out? The waiter was able to find some after he’d been told there was none. My father ordered a glass of Merlot. The waiter came back saying they didn’t have merlot by the glass. I tried to order beef stroganoff with GF pasta. But they were out of GF pasta. GF pasta is shelf stable. This is just mismanagement. Don’t have a menu that offers GF dishes if you’re not prepared to serve them gluten free. It’s also insane to be unable to order a glass of merlot. C’mon…you’re better than this.

Samantha S.

Our favorite fish taco in the last few years! Corn tortillas are really good and a great size. Great for gluten free!

Julie Bradley

The coffee box has yummy gf pasties. We have 3 with celiac in the family and are very sensitive.

Polly Creveling

The gluten free pizza here has had me dreaming of going back to Encinitas ever since I took a bite. The owner has created a magical, fluffy, crispy dough that is every celiac pizza lovers dream.

Hathor Isis Moon

Love the food especially the vegan gluten free raspberry cheesecake cake is heaven on earth. Please make the raspberry sauce less sweet, it needs to be served with an insulin shot last time I went, before when I had it multiple times it wasn't as syrupy sweet like that.

nathalie river

Such a great restaurant! The risotto, brussels sprouts, falafel ball, kale salad, salmon, and margaritas were phenomenal! Gluten free and vegetarian, friendly! Love the ambience of the outdoor seating area.

Mariette

Love that the menu includes gluten-free and vegetarian options.

Forgotten Toaster Waffle

Excellent wine, fantastic food, and safe gluten free food. They understand cross contamination risks. Used to be too loud, but they put in sound absorbing ceiling panels and it is good now.

Ed Janet Quinlivan

Great cocktails and gluten free food.

Sydni Brawley

This is the best Indian food in north county San Diego. Our family regularly orders take out, and it’s perfect because I am gluten free. They have so many good options. We just ate in person, and it was great. We love the atmosphere. It’s clean, the staff are friendly, and the food is incredible.

Allen Amy Bauer

Amazing place! The food was so good and fresh! The options were great and I love to see so many #organic pastas and options and even #glutenfree options! The ladies there were just so friendly and helpful. It is definitely the place to go!

Bria Lynne

I will say that the pizza was tasted but word to the wise, the gluten free is TINY and so am I and I still wasn’t full after a whole one to myself. Fair warning. The truffle shuffle is phenomenal. If you get the signature , I would suggest adding garlic or something because it was too lemony and meh.

Frank DelSavio

Good gluten free items

SD Communicator

Rec'd an email w/a coupon for a free meal to celebrate my birthday. Since I've developed a gluten intolerance, instead of anything w/tortillas I ordered a California Bowl w/grilled salmon and quinoa instead of rice. Added salsa from the bar. OMG! It was to die for! Esp. because it for was a hot day. Can hardly wait to return and get another one. Also, the manager is always so nice and welcoming and remembers my name at the Encinitas store. Great inside and to-do service!

Rachel Miller

Really great spot for breakfast - one of the best lattes I've had and I was able to make my crepe gluten free ! This place should be packed with people!

Robin Silzer

Great salmon burger with gluten free option. Indoor/outdoor seating. My go to when I'm in Encinitas.

Christie Lange

Love this cafe for a work meeting or with a friend. Delicious matcha and gluten free options! Enjoyed a yummy gf chocolate macadamia nut cookie!

Ian Lowman