My Favorite Gluten-Free Friendly Restaurants in North County San Diego
One of the many reasons why I love and appreciate San Diego, other than its constant sunny disposition and slew of things to do, is that it’s a city that really turned the tide and has made tremendous strides in bringing recognition to a growing problem that was going unchecked in the restaurant industry. With healthy, food allergy educated establishments popping up left and right, San Diego has made it incredibly easy for someone living with food allergies to enjoy a meal out free of stress and aggravation. No more negative connotations of that gluten f-word for me!
Below are my top favorite gluten-free friendly dining spots in North County San Diego that offer great food, a great atmosphere, and understand the struggles of a food sensitive individual:
1. Bushfire Kitchen
Bushfire’s Peri Peri Chicken. It is available as a whole chicken (shown) for catering, or as parts for an entrée.
- Location: 3433 Via Montebello Suite 166, Carlsbad, CA 92009 (with additional locations in Del Mar and Temecula)
- Website:https://www.bushfirekitchen.com
Bushfire is my absolute go-to dinner spot when I’m too lazy to cook at home but am craving that comfort and quality of a home-cooked meal. From burgers to bowls, salads and sandwiches, they’ve got it all. Preservatives, artificial colorings and flavors … you won’t find any of that here! What you will find are fresh, quality ingredients combined to make delicious, belly friendly meals. Most of their items are either naturally made gluten free or can be adjusted as such (they do offer gluten free buns!). Paleo and vegetarian diets can be accommodated as well. While not a 100% gluten free facility (they do offer regular burger buns, macaroni, and focaccia bread), I have never had an issue with cross-contamination and their food prep. The rustic restaurant décor embellished by vintage hanging Edison light bulbs also makes for a fun, relaxing atmosphere to further enjoy a meal out.
Favorites: Lettuce wrapped American burger (no cheese) with butternut squash and grilled vegetables for sides (or, sometimes I’ll go for the sweet potato fries). Or, a chicken bowl, or the salmon plate… Really, it’s all delectable. Good luck if you’re more on the indecisive side like myself! Ordering could take a while…
2. Urban Plates (UP)
Photo from https://urbanplates.com
- Location: 1923 Calle Barcelona #148, Carlsbad, CA 92009 (with additional San Diego locations in Del Mar and La Jolla, but can also be found in Orange County, Los Angeles, Northern California)
- Website: https://urbanplates.com/
This cafeteria-style, build-your-own-meal eatery is one of my favorites because the food is always fresh and many of the items are locally sourced and/or organic. It is certainly not that old-school cafeteria mush your childhood memories constantly try to repress. The UP motto is “real meals made-from-scratch”, and I must say, it shows. The kitchen is open for viewing as you slide along in line with your tray in hand, perusing the many options on display. Though generally the same throughout the year, their menu does slightly change with the seasons, offering delicious comfort foods in the fall and winter seasons and lighter, more refreshing options in the spring and summer months. Similar to Bushfire Kitchen, Urban Plates is not a 100% gluten free facility. However, their staff has a strong understanding of food sensitivities and are always happy to answer any questions, not to mention items on the menu are clearly marked “GF”, “DF”, “Veg” or “V” to denote gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, or vegan. This menu feature is greatly appreciated and makes my meal selection far less stressful. They even offer a small assortment of gluten free and vegan desserts (hey there, coconut macaroon!).
Favorites: Grilled chicken plate with rosemary potatoes and roasted beets or one of the “urban greens” salads (those babies are HUGE!)
3. Naked Café
Buckwheat Pancakes (vegan and GF) from Naked Cafe
- Location: 300 Carlsbad Village Dr #107a, Carlsbad, CA 92008(with additional locations in Encinitas, Solana Beach, and San Diego)
- Website: http://www.thenakedcafe.com
Their motto is “Eat Naked”, need I say more? Okay, if I must, Naked Café is one of my favorite breakfast spots for the sheer fact that their food is, as they say, naked. It’s clean, it’s natural, and it always makes me feel good. Items on their menu are labeled if they are gluten free, spicy, vegan, or contain nuts. Their menu also goes a step further than the previously mentioned establishments and offers a “Look Good Naked” section of meals complete with nutrition facts stating the amount of protein, fiber, carbs, fat, and calories in the dish. Again, they make known that cross-contamination in the kitchen is possible, but just like the restaurants mentioned above, that has never been a problem for me. With bamboo walls, eclectic local artwork, and 100% organic, fair trade coffee, how can one not love this place? There surely is a reason why the wait duration can be as long as a Friendsrerun.
Favorites: Artichoke Scramble, Good Karma, Gluten free pancakes
Fun fact: The Carlsbad location is my favorite for several reasons. First, the outdoor seating area is much more enjoyable as it is more spacious than the others and placed within a small, outdoor shopping area in the ever entertaining Carlsbad Village. Second, after my meal, I always make it a point to stop by my favorite North County dessert shop, Gaia Gelato, that is just a few steps away from the restaurant. Their authentic, house made gelato suits both dairy lovers and vegans and is created by a pair of passionate Italians who know a thing or two about real desserts!
Website: http://www.gaiagelato.com
4. Ki’s Restaurant
Photo from Ki’s Restaurant’s Facebook Page