Top 7 Gluten-Free Vegetarian Havens to Explore in Irvine

Tori Liezen

Great experience all around! Husband has celiac disease so having a dedicated gluten free facility is A DREAM! Biscuits were the highlight. Also had the cinnamon roll and breakfast crepe which were also great! Beautiful and serene atmosphere on the patio. Will be back.

Aaron Stanek

Gluten free pita!

Isabelle Grace

Today was my first time eating at Urban Plates and it certainly won’t be my last! I ordered the chili glazed grilled tofu with a side of roasted brussels sprouts and sesame broccolini - all of these items were 10/10! Very tasty a good healthy meal! As a vegan, I appreciate the many options that cater to different preferences and allergies. There were many options for vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, and dairy free diets with everything marked on the menu which is always a plus! Also, a special shout out to Fatima who was very helpful and gave me excellent customer service. Thank you Urban Plates!

Wesley Thibault

Michele T was super helpful with gluten free and dairy free options! Thank you Michele!

Dom R

Customer service is amazing. They go above and beyond. They are knowledgeable on celiac disease and care for customers.

Nikki Lee

I appreciate how thorough our server was with checking on ingredients for the gluten-free pasta. The dish was truly delicious

Christine Farag

First time here. Food and service was great. One gluten free patron in our party (celiac) and staff was very understanding. Carlos made the experience wonderful with checking in frequently!

T1 triRents

To Whom It May Concern, I'm writing to express deep frustration and disappointment following a visit to your Irvine BJ's Restaurant on May 22nd, 2025, for my wife Roz’s birthday celebration. We had a party of 13 and called ahead, only to be told the wait would be 30–45 minutes. Instead, we waited over 2 hours while being repeatedly given conflicting and inaccurate wait times (20 mins, then 5 mins, then 15 mins, etc.). It was only after escalating the issue to a manager that we were finally seated — a full 45 minutes after being told our table was "being cleaned." The service did not improve once seated. Staff were rude and dismissive — not just to my wife, but to multiple members of our party who politely asked for status updates. At one point, BJ's attempted to offer "lobby pizza" to the waiting group, which would have been appreciated if they had respected dietary restrictions. My wife has celiac disease, and we explained she could not eat gluten. Despite this, we were told there would be no accommodations — even if we were willing to pay. To make matters worse, Roz also suffers from hypoglycemia, and being forced to wait that long without food triggered a medical episode. This was not just inconvenient — it was dangerous and negligent. When we were finally seated, the experience did not improve: only one overwhelmed waitress was assigned to our large group, service remained slow and unfriendly, and to add insult to injury, an 18% gratuity was automatically added — despite the substandard and outright harmful service. Our total came to nearly $800, and every single member of the group was charged that gratuity — regardless of their experience. This was meant to be a celebratory evening for my wife’s birthday. Instead, it was a source of anxiety, frustration, and actual physical harm. We expect a full apology and request appropriate compensation for the unacceptable experience we were put through. Sincerely, Mario A.

Belem Ramos

I visited this establishment for the first time recently and had an overall decent experience, though there were a few areas for improvement. When I arrived, I wasn’t greeted or acknowledged, which felt a bit impersonal. You basically wait in line until they call you up with a quick “next,” which was a bit underwhelming in terms of customer service. The cleanliness could also use some attention. There was a lot of water or soda on the floor near the machine, and the tables and surrounding area had visible trash and crumbs. It didn’t seem like much effort was made to keep the space tidy. When it came to the pizza, I ordered the combo with sausage, pepperoni, bell peppers, and olives. The toppings were a little light—especially the bell peppers, which were chopped very small—and I found the pizza to be lacking in both sauce and cheese. However, the meats were tasty, and overall, the pizza had good flavor. One positive note is that they offer a gluten-free crust, which is a great option for people with dietary restrictions, though it does come with a $4+ upcharge. The crust was crunchy and flavorful, though I’m not sure if it’s fully celiac-safe. While the price didn’t seem to fully match the quality of the food, it’s still a good option for a quick, no-frills pizza, especially if you’re looking for something fast and solo. I would definitely consider coming back for the gluten-free crust, but I hope they can improve the overall experience in terms of service and cleanliness.

Maddiy Cook

separate prep kitchen for gluten allergy!

Rich Vohra

Overview: Nestled in the Quail Hill Shopping Center in Irvine, Oliver’s Trattoria is a delightful Italian eatery that brings the flavors of Emilia-Romagna to life with a contemporary twist. From homemade pasta and wood-fired pizza to classic Italian specialties, the restaurant delivers an inviting and versatile dining experience for families and food enthusiasts alike. Its relaxed atmosphere, combined with exceptional service and a commitment to catering to dietary needs, makes Oliver’s Trattoria a standout in the local dining scene. Ambiance and Atmosphere: The moment you step into Oliver’s Trattoria, you’re embraced by its warm and welcoming ambiance. The inviting glass-wrapped patio overlooking a serene fountain adds an extra touch of charm, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing meal. The space strikes a balance between vibrant and cozy, ensuring diners feel comfortable whether they’re celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a casual lunch. Service: The service at Oliver’s is nothing short of extraordinary. The owner greeted us personally and continued to check on us throughout our meal, making us feel truly valued and cared for. His humor and attentiveness set the tone for a memorable dining experience, showing the kind of hospitality that keeps guests coming back. Menu Highlights: Oliver’s Trattoria offers a thoughtful menu that caters to a wide range of preferences and dietary needs, including gluten-free and vegan options. My Wife’s Dish: The restaurant exceeded our expectations by crafting a gluten-free vegan pizza that was both flavorful and satisfying—no small feat given the challenges of accommodating such restrictions. My wife, who rarely finds meals that meet her needs so well, was thrilled to return for a second visit in two days. My Son’s Dish: The Margherita pizza was a hit with my son, who finished every bite—a rare occurrence and a testament to its quality. My Daughter’s Dish: The plain pasta, her usual favorite, was simple yet perfectly prepared, earning her stamp of approval. My Dish: I opted for the lamb chops, which were flavorful but slightly underwhelming. The portion size could have been more generous, and the cooking did not match my medium-rare request. While the dish was enjoyable overall, it fell short of the high standard set by the rest of the meal. Final Thoughts Oliver’s Trattoria delivers on many fronts: excellent food, outstanding service, and a welcoming atmosphere. While my dish left room for improvement, the overall experience was undeniably positive, especially given their exceptional ability to cater to gluten-free and vegan diets without compromising on flavor. This family-friendly restaurant has something for everyone, and the personalized touch from the staff and owner elevates it to a must-visit destination for Italian cuisine in Irvine. Rating: 9.5/10 Would highly recommend for its exceptional service, inclusive menu, and charming ambiance.

William Bennett

Alison Culp

Florence Juliano

Cathy Villa