Top 35 Gluten-Free Dining Spots to Explore in Encinitas

Lisa

A fully gluten free kitchen with a variety of options for dairy, vegan and Paleo diets. The line is long and moves very slowly (especially on weekends).

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!

SanDiego IsParadise

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

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.

Alexander Hemingway

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.

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??

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.

Julie Bradley

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

Andrew Devane

Thaddeus Mc

Mohammed Parsley

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.

Mattie Chaplin

Lillian Shelly

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.

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!

Jennifer Gonzalez

Alfonso Ward

Frank DelSavio

Good gluten free items

Mary Holder

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.

Joel Greenwald

Betty Harrell

Dawn Crawford

Billy Woodfin

Lori Davisson

Lynn Garrett

Aleida Montoya

Ian Lowman

Veronica Vaughn

Jessica Mayville