Eating gluten-free in the San Francisco Bay Area

Comments

1. Anita says

   Mar 13, 2009 at

   Alison, what about Dona Tomas in Oakland, I have a patient whose Mother tested them up and down and says they are great…and unfortunately Socca Oven closed in Berkeley…I actually really liked their pizza!
   🙂
   Anita

   Reply

2. karen says

   Mar 14, 2009 at

   Another great list!!! Thank you!

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3. Debbie Duncan says

   Mar 16, 2009 at

   Sprout is a new cafe on Univ. Ave. in Palo Alto. (I call it the Facebook cafeteria.) Both my celiac daughters and my wheat-allergic daughter have eaten successfully there (even Molly, the canary in the coal mine). Here’s their menu:

   http://cafesprout.com/tempsite/tempmenu081808.html

   HIGHLY recommended. Thanks for the list, Alison!

   Debbie

   Reply

4. Jen says

   Mar 16, 2009 at

   THANK YOU for posting this! What a helpful suggestion list! I plan on starting at the top and eat my way down! 😀

   Reply

5. heather kennedy says

   Mar 17, 2009 at

   This is the best list I’ve seen. Not just because it is local but because you added the details I’ve been looking for. Thank you!

   Reply

6. Tracy says

   Mar 18, 2009 at

   I live in Marin County (Mill Valley) and was diagnosed Gluten Intolerant one month ago. I have passed through a significant period of grieving for all the foods I won’t be eating any more, but I am now feeling positive about embracing this new life.

   I am excited to find your site! Thanks for this list. I am thrilled to know that one of my favorite Marin spots–Sol Food– is GF!

   I would love to know about any Marin (or SF) support group or advocacy groups. We need a strong voice in the Bay Area–as you note, there is astonishing little awareness of GF among Bay Area restaurants.

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7. Jeanne says

   Mar 25, 2009 at

   I have so many friends that need this list. Now I know where we can have dinner. Thanks!!

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8. Melissa Batavia says

   Apr 7, 2009 at

   Please help. My 18-year old daughter was diagnosed w/celiac at age 12. An endoscopy today 4/7/09 shows that she is still ingesting gluten although she has been strictly GF for 6 years. Before I begin my own investigation, does anyone have any recos for GF shampoos, soaps, and makeup?
   Thanks.

   Reply

9. E.Scott says

   Apr 22, 2009 at

   Here are some suggestions for gluten free beauty products:

   Nars – the entire line of makeup in GF. Great colors. Available at Sephora.

   Dessert Essence Organics – shampoos and body lotions all GF. Available at most health food stores.

   Burt’s bees – Many of their products are GF. On their website they have a list of all GF products.

   Good luck!

   Reply

10. Sheena says

    May 8, 2009 at

    California Baby super sensitive line is gluten free also

    Reply

11. Jasmine says

    Nov 18, 2009 at

    Greens is also really informed. They always have a good variety of gluten free menu items and the staff are happy to point them out to patrons

    Reply

12. Dave says

    Nov 26, 2009 at

    We ate at Flytrap @ Zares (2nd & Folsom) last night & the host knew what gluten was, the waitress pointed out the gluten-free items on the menu & the head chef/owner (Hoss Zare) came out & chatted with us for a bit. The bonus? The food was incredible. The salmon with yogurt sauce was melt-in-your-mouth good. Definitely a recommended place – we’ll be going back before we leave & we’re only going to be here three days!

    Reply

13. Elaine says

    Mar 22, 2010 at

    New restaurant in Berkeley on Oxford called Gather has gluten free and vegan options listed on the menu. Some items can be made Gluten free on request and they use mainly local organic ingrediants.

    Reply

    • alison says

      Mar 25, 2010 at

      Thanks Elaine – someone else alerted me to this restaurant also… I need to update this list and more and more restaurants are offering gf menus — finally! Yay!

      Reply

14. Selina says

    Mar 30, 2010 at

    Thanks for the restaurant list Alison. My family and I traveled to San Francisco over spring break and used a couple of your recommendations. We found Mariposa Baking Co. at the Ferry Building and enjoyed their muffins and bagels. They were a bit hit!

    We also tried Dosa, but I wanted to warn everyone that if you have multiple food allergies, this might not be a good choice. Shortly after beginning our meal, my youngest daughter broke out in hives from something in the food (she has dairy and nut allergies). We ordered from the Special Dietary Needs menu and spoke with our server before ordering. Luckily, Benadryl stopped her reaction.

    I’d also like to recommend Alamo Square Seafood Grill on Fillmore Street. They serve fish and seafood with simple but delicious ingredients and preparations. We had an awesome gluten-free (and dairy-free for my daughter) meal that wasn’t crazy expensive.

    Reply

15. alison says

    Mar 30, 2010 at

    Selina,
    That’s terrible about Dosa! I know they do use a lot of nuts in Indian food — do you think that was it? Scary! I haven’t brought my kids there. I am wary of Indian with nut allergies.

    Reply

16. Myriah says

    Apr 21, 2010 at

    Teacake Bake Shop (www.teacakebakeshop.com) just added a gluten free cupcake to their menu that is delicious!!!!! It’s a Vanilla Almond Cupcake with a Swiss Meringue Buttercream! They also offer $1 Frosting shots that are GF! Thats right, I said frosting shots! Locations in Corte Madera, Lafayette, Emeryville, and Burlingame.

    Reply

17. Carla says

    May 1, 2010 at

    Empress Pavilion at the SunValley mall in Concord/Pleasant Hill. If June is working she will make chicken and shrimp in cornstarch and cook anything without soy sauce for you. If you bring your own GF sauce, she will have them prepare the food with it if you like. We really love the Singapore Rice Noodles and the Hawaiian Fried Rice. I don’t suggest eating there unless June is working. We also get the sizzling rice soup.

    Reply

18. karin says

    Jun 5, 2010 at

    Harmony in Mill Valley has a gluten free menu & wheat free soy sauce.They also have gluten free beer.

    Reply

19. Simone Powers says

    Nov 8, 2010 at

    Hello there,

    Hot Spud in San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf also offers Gluten-Free options. Actually, 95% of the menu is naturally Gluten-Free (only a few add ons for the salads have gluten such as the crutons, wonton strips and the cheesecake and the brownie, although we are working on the Gluten-Free brownie). So come on down and check us out!

    Thank you.

    Reply

20. wendy says

    Nov 27, 2010 at

    Arbonne products are also Gluten Free. They have make up, skin care, and beauty products. Also, vitamins and protein powders that are Gluten Free and all natural.

    Reply

21. Renee W. says

    Dec 29, 2010 at

    Farenheit in San Jose has a new Chef who is GF Friendly. He personally came out to discuss GF options with us, and modified other dishes for us so they would be GF. I have learned he trained as a nutritionist and is very welcoming of GF customers. Their food is described as “Modern Global”, and his emphasis is on fresh, local and organic food. The food is a good value, too, as most of the entrees are under $20.

    Reply

    • alison says

      Jan 4, 2011 at

      Renee,
      Thanks for the info!

      Reply

22. Mary says

    Jan 16, 2011 at

    Piatti in Danville added a gluten free menu (largely because a lot of women in this area are doing a 28 day cleanse that has them eating gluten free). They have restaurants in Mill Valley and Santa Clara too and given the popularity of their gluten free menu in Danville (and from what I’m told by the manager their increased business as a result) they could probably be talked into adding it a their Mill Valley and Santa Clara sites as well.
    Amber Bistro in Danville also a number of gluten free items on the menu.

    Reply

    • Alison says

      Jan 24, 2011 at

      Thanks Mary,
      I’ll look into this!

      Reply

23. Angela DiGiovanni | Living Out Loud says

    Feb 2, 2011 at

    Thank you so much for the idea of asking for a gluten free menu! My hubs and I went to PF Changs tonight after seeing it on your list here and I ate with total confidence… SO yummy!

    Reply

24. Beth says

    Mar 7, 2011 at

    Zest Bakery in San Carlos is all organic and gluten free. They have delicious bread, muffins, and desserts.

    Reply

25. lawrence says

    May 26, 2011 at

    zpizza has gluten-free pizzas that are delicious. They just opened a restaurant in SOMA on Mission and Fifth Street. You can see their reviews at: http://www.yelp.com/biz/zpizza-san-francisco

    Reply

26. Carol Josephs says

    May 27, 2011 at

    Well, we had a couple of great dinners at Mezes, in S.F. on Chestnut St. They have a regular menu, and upon request will produce an entirely Gluten Free menu! Very tasty Greek food.

    Reply

    • Alison says

      Jun 1, 2011 at

      Carol,
      I have wondered about Mezes — glad to hear it was good and they have a gluten-free menu! That is great news!

      Reply

27. emily says

    May 31, 2011 at

    My neighborhood pizzeria in SF just started making house made gluten free pizza dough and they also carry gluten free beer! There are also quite a few other GF items on the menu too. Now i can have pizza and beer with my boyfriend!!!

    (The Pizza Place on Noriega is the name of the place.)

    Reply

28. zeibsrhdy says

    Jun 10, 2011 at

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    Reply

29. Carol says

    Jun 23, 2011 at

    Thank you for listing all of these restaurant options. I was hoping that there would be more in the southbay (San Jose-Santa Clara area).
    I would like to add that Pizza Party Restaurant on Homestead, near Lawrence Expressway has gluten free pizza and gluten free beer and it is delilcious!

    Reply

30. Jean Lawrence says

    Jul 13, 2011 at

    WOW, thank you all so much, just about to set off on a trip around california from the UK and I am getting info of the site on GF restaurents and food. Thank God I found this site. I am no longer worried……….thanks again. will let you know how I get on..

    Reply

    • Alison says

      Jul 13, 2011 at

      Jean,
      There are really so many more restaurants now than what I have listed here! It’s getting easier and easier. Have a great trip.

      Reply

31. Theresa says

    Jul 26, 2011 at

    If you work in the financial district, Power Source on Fremont in between Market and Mission is fantastic. They have a build your own bowl option and ALL the choices including the sauces are gluten free….and really delicious!

    Reply

32. Allison Agin says

    Aug 1, 2011 at

    I am headed out to the Peninsula from Atlanta for a trip and need to eat Gluten, Soy and Dairy Free. Does anyone have any recommendations for the Burlingame, Millbrae, San Mateo area? Thanks!

    Reply

33. Kate Hobbs says

    Jan 5, 2012 at

    Thanks for the great list. I would NOT recommend eating at Cafe Gratitude if you have allergies. They now have a disclaimer on their menu that says something along the lines of “if you have severe allergies do not eat here”. When I told the waitress, I have celiac disease she said that they could not guarantee anything and repeated the disclaimer on the menu.

    Reply

34. Maia Rabinov says

    Jan 21, 2012 at

    Cafe Gratitude has gone out of business.
    PF Chang’s has a place downtown San Jose.
    Oaxacan Foods has mobile trucks at some of the South Bay Farmers Markets…Campbell on Sunday and the ones in Palo Alto. These are fabulous and gluten free. The Campbell Sunday Market is awesome. Look for Raw Daddy for unique and amazing flax seed cones with gluten free ingredients. Yummy.

    Z Pizza in Mountain View has a very good Gluten free crust and Paxtel’s (hope I got the spelling right) on Emerson in Palo Alto and 24th St in SF has a very good gf crust also.

    Reply

35. Melissa J says

    Feb 10, 2012 at

    Sam’s Anchor Cafe in Tiburon offers many gluten free options on their menu.

    Reply

    • Alison says

      Feb 19, 2012 at

      Thanks Melissa – there are so many more options now since I wrote this article in 2009!

      Reply

36. cindy says

    Feb 23, 2012 at

    hi, we’re an independently owned pizzeria in san francisco. we offer homemade gluten-free pizzas to our guest and have many GF items on the menu. we do monthly farmers market dinners and last night’s dinner was gluten free and a huge hit. i’ve been GF for 5 years and it’s great to see the increase in interest in GF (whether for allergies or to live a healthier lifestyle)
    thanks for the great website, alison!

    Reply

37. wabvan says

    Mar 24, 2012 at

    Cindy,
    What is the name of your pizzeria?

    Reply

38. Susan says

    Mar 30, 2012 at

    My daughter has celiac and we will be visiting San Francisco soon. We will be staying at Fisherman’s Wharf. What are the best GF restaurants within walking distance?

    Reply

    • Alison says

      Apr 3, 2012 at

      There is an In n Out Burger right there — that’s a good go-to when you need something! Order the burger without a bun or “protein style” in a lettuce wrap. They only do fries, not onion rings. Watch out for all the sourdough bread everywhere! If I think of more, I’ll let you know. (in a hurry right now)

      Reply

39. Jennifer says

    May 14, 2012 at

    Hi there,

    Cups and Cakes Bakery at 451 9th St. in SF, 94103, offers a gluten free flavor every Friday in the case. Also, any of our over 80 flavors can be pre-ordered in Gluten Free! Minimum for pre-order are 1/2 dozen classic or 1 dozen minis per flavor.

    We thoroughly clean and disinfect our dishes, but if you have a severe allergy, we don’t recommend using us.

    Hours: Tue-Fri 10-6:30, Sat 12-7
    http://cupsandcakesbakery.com/dietary-restrictions/

    Reply

40. Saja says

    Jan 17, 2013 at

    Sadly Z’s pizza in Mountain View is closed. I believe Asian Box is taking the space

    Reply

41. Ron Maswon says

    Jan 29, 2013 at

    Staying at fishermans wharf (4th trip)and still not had Glutenfree clam chower have promised my wife this, can you please tell me where we can have nice meals including Chower.Thanks Ron mason Australia

    Reply

42. Jenn says

    Oct 16, 2013 at

    Patxi’s Pizza has an amazing gluten free crust! They have four locations in SF and 3 more within the Bay Area. Their locations are not a gluten free establishments. However my friend, who has Celiac, and I go there all the time and she has never had a reaction. You should try it!

    Reply