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Planning a trip to San Francisco but don’t know where to eat? Well you’re in luck, as San Fran has a ton of phenomenal gluten-free restaurants waiting for you to visit them. From gluten-free pizza and tacos to Nutella waffles and French toast, here are the best gluten-free restaurants in San Francisco!
Recommendation: If you like to travel make sure to check out our new gluten-free guidebook. It lists over 1000 dedicated gluten-free restaurants, bakeries, and stores around the world, including popular destinations like Italy, France, and even exotic places like Bali. Trust us, your life as a traveling celiac will never be the same. For more information about the ebook click here.
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Best Dedicated Gluten-Free Restaurants in San Francisco
As Quoted
San Francisco’s Presidio Heights is home to a wonderful 100% gluten-free eatery that serves delicious farm-to-table American cuisine. From breakfast to dinner, you can enjoy organic dishes such as salads, open-face sandwiches on great gluten-free bread, snacks, smoothies, and soups, all of which have plenty of dairy and soy-free options. However, they weekend brunch menu is the true star at As Quoted! I am talking about savory waffles, bagels and lox, and my favorite, the breakfast plate that comes with poached eggs, chicken apple sausage, potatoes, and half a waffle. Though pricey, As Quoted is one of my favorite places for a safe gluten-free brunch in San Francisco.
3613 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA | Visit Website
Asian Box
Asian Box is a fast casual mini-chain that serves flavorful and nourishing Asian street food that’s 100% gluten-free. The farm-to-box menu focuses on dishes that taste great but don’t compromise your health, just real food that’s always fresh and made from scratch! The customizable rice and noodle boxes are all topped with locally sourced proteins, vegetables, and one of their signature sauces. Favorites include “The Miss Jones” which comes with chilled noodles and lemongrass pork, and the Vietnamese staple Pho soup, but you can always go wild and make your own bowl. Asian Box has over ten locations scattered around California, so you’ll always have a tasty gluten-free option nearby.
Various locations | Visit Website
Kitava
This 100% gluten-free and paleo-friendly restaurant conjures up everything you’d hope for when it comes to comfort food. From Cuban bowls and meatloafs to General Tso’s chicken and tikka masala, your taste buds will be greatly satisfied. Not only is everything delicious, it’s healthy for both you and the planet. Locally sourced ingredients, grass-fed beef, and organic chicken are used in dishes while everything on the menu is free from gluten, dairy, soy, refined sugar, peanuts, and corn. Kitava is a perfect option if you have multiple allergies or follow the Whole30, AIP, or Paleo diet. There are also a handful of vegan and vegetarian options available.
2011 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA | Visit Website
Mariposa Gluten-Free Bakery
Located within one of San Fran’s most famous attractions, the Ferry Building, you can kill two birds with one stone with a visit to Mariposa Bakery. With a menu that includes gluten-free croissants, freshly baked baguettes, cinnamon rolls, bear claws, and even hot pockets, they have everything you need to make your mouth water. I wouldn’t be surprised if you order food to take back home with you. At Mariposa everything is gluten-free, so there’s no need to worry about cross-contamination or what you can have, as you can have it all. It’s safe to say you can’t visit San Francisco or Oakland without visiting one of the best gluten-free bakeries in the Bay Area.
Ferry Building, One Ferry Building #32, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA | Visit Website
Little Gem
From pasture-raised meats to additive and preservative-free ingredients, Little Gem serves outstanding food that excites the taste buds and nourishes the soul. Though the menu is not extensive, it does pack quite a punch both flavor and taste wise. Favorites are definitely the beef short rib and bibimbap bowls, they always hit the spot! For lunch and weekend brunch they offer a quick counter-service lunch and for dinner they have sit-down table service. Little Gem is truly a gluten-free gem in San Francisco and shouldn’t be missed.
400 Grove St, C1, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States | Visit Website
Pica Pica
Pica Pica is easily one of the best gluten-free restaurants in San Francisco, just ask any gluten-free local or frequent visitor. I personally love this place. Pica Pica takes great pride in providing safe food for celiacs and will even tell you about their partnerships and random tests to make sure their supplies and food are truly 100% gluten-free. Sticking to their Venezuelan culinary tradition, this family-run restaurant serves top-notch arepas (grilled corn bread) stuffed with mouthwatering fillings like slow cooked meats, beans, plantains, and cheese! Besides their signature dish, their menu includes yuca fries, empanadas, ceviche, salads, and dessert. One thing is for sure, when it comes to Pica Pica, their food won’t disappoint!
401 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA | Visit Website
Wholesome Bakery
Wholesome Bakery is a health-minded bakery that serves guilt-free baked goodies. At this dedicated gluten-free bakery everyone can savor delicious treats regardless of their allergies or dietary preference, as everything is free of gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, and trans-fat, as well as being low glycemic. Their selection includes cakes, bars, brownies, cookies, and pies. On the weekends they offer brunch that includes savory options like open-face sandwiches, jackfruit tacos, crepes, and more.
Celiac Note: Though certified gluten-free, they do use oats in their baked goods so be aware of what you are ordering if you’re sensitive to gluten-free oats.
299 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA | Visit Website
Copita Tequileria y Comida
Just across the famous Golden Gate Bridge in Sausalito is the popular upscale-y Mexican restaurant Copita Tequileria y Comida. The food is great but the price, not so much! Nonetheless, Copita is a great gluten-free restaurant in San Francisco for celiacs as nothing on the menu is off limits thanks to it being a 100% dedicated gluten-free restaurant. The seasonal menu is filled with classic Mexican dishes like tacos, empanadas, guacamole, salsa & chips, and even ceviche. Regardless of what you go for, you’ll start with complimentary jicama and cucumber with chile salt and end with a few shots of tequila! I mean, is it really a Mexican meal without margaritas or tequila shots? Luckily Copita is also a tequila bar with over 100 tequilas and mezcals, so if you’re looking for a place to enjoy happy hour or have fun, Copita’s Tequila Bar is your spot!
Celiac Note: Copita no longer uses gluten-removed beer batter for the cod but they do serve non-gluten-free beer.
739 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965, USA | Visit Website
The Hearth Table
Catching a Giants game at AT&T Park and want safe, gluten-free food to munch on during the game? Well you are in luck, as right under the scoreboard is a 100% dedicated gluten-free stand called Hearth Table in the park’s Garden area. Hearth Table serves delicious garden-to-table flatbreads made from seasonal and local ingredients harvested right from the Garden at AT&T Park. Though they also sell gluten-free hot dogs on GF buns and salads, I would skip these as the flatbreads are the true star. I recommend the roasted cauliflower flatbread or the homemade fennel sausage flatbread. They’re exceptionally good. They also serve gluten-free beer (naturally gluten-free and gluten-removed) and a strawberry cocktail.
Side note: Another GF option in the park is Budweiser Brew Pub behind section 112. They offer gluten-free hot dogs and beer too. The hot dogs are prepared and individually wrapped in a separate area.
24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA | Visit Website
Best Gluten-Free Friendly Restaurants in San Francisco
Peña Pachamama
Peña Pachamama is a unique South American restaurant that serves organic, non-gmo plant-based food with a side of live music, dances, and performances. The menu is pretty much 100% gluten-free with the exception of the bento boxes and salteñas. Everything else is made in-house and is 100% gluten-free and vegan. From traditional Bolivian tapas like empanadas and plantains to lasagna and tacos, you’re bound to find something you like. After 8:30pm Peña comes alive with performances and live music. I recommend a late dinner so you can enjoy this magical experience.
“Peña Pachamama – one of those magical places… where those who enter her doors are forever transformed by the spirit of the music and dance that takes them in.”
1630 Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA | Visit Website
The Game Parlour
Love board games and waffles? Then paradise awaits you at The Game Parlour! The cafe provides a unique dining experience where guests can play a bunch of board or card games for as long as you want while munching on delicious gluten-free food! There are over 800 games at your disposal and a gluten-free menu filled with savory waffle sandwiches and sweet mochi waffles to devour. The menu is mostly gluten-free, with the exception of two ice cream flavors, beers, and two items that are topped with furikake seasoning. The seasoning is processed in a factory that processes wheat, but celiacs can easily just ask for them to not add the seasoning on your waffle fries or chicken bites. The entire establishment is very celiac-friendly. The Game Parlour is definitely one of the best gluten-free restaurants in San Francisco for families and a perfect spot to hang out with friends. You won’t want to miss this cafe on your trip.
Please note: There is a gaming fee and it gets very busy on the weekends, so reservations are recommended for those days.
1342 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122, USA | Visit Website
Hot Spud
Love baked potatoes? This little eatery in Fisherman’s Wharf has perfected them, and best of all, they are gluten-free! The russet potatoes are baked to perfection and mixed with classic baked potato stuff like butter and cheese. If you go for the ones off the menu, you can enjoy everything from the grilled steak spud with Alfredo sauce and mushrooms to the Wharf with crab meat and lemon butter. Not feeling those choices? Then you can customize your spud just the way you’d like. Most of the toppings are naturally gluten-free, but there are three salad toppings (croutons, wonton chips, blue cheese) that are off limits as they are not gluten-free. The staff are careful to avoid cross-contamination as they prepare meals with these ingredients in a separate area. Hot Spud is a very celiac-friendly restaurant and is a great spot for a quick bite while exploring Fisherman’s Wharf.
2640 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
Zpizza
The California pizza chain in Mission is a great option for scrumptious gluten-free pizza at a fair price. Although this isn’t a dedicated gluten-free restaurant, the cooks and staff do take the proper precautions needed to avoid cross-contamination, such as using clean pans, clean pizza cutters, and a separate prep area. As for the pizzas, the crust is thin and crispy while the topping options are plentiful. Popular favorites are the BBQ chicken pizza and Provence pizza, which comes with artichoke hearts, capers, and garlic sauce. Zpizza also has gluten-free vegan pizzas for those who need them.
883 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA | Visit Website
Beach Street Grill Organic Restaurant (CLOSED)
Beach Street Grill in Fisherman’s Wharf has breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but it’s their breakfast options that are really worth gloating about. With pancakes, Eggs Benedict, French toast, sausages, omelettes, and freshly squeezed orange juice, Beach Grills has all the breakfast goodies celiacs only dream of! The celiac-friendly restaurant uses a separate grill, toaster, and utensils for gluten-free food and the staff are knowledge about what is gluten-free and cross-contamination! The food is really good, but it’s pricey, especially since you are charged extra for gluten-free options. I guess I shouldn’t expect anything less, as it is in a super touristy area.
380 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA | Visit Website
Bask
At Bask Restaurant you can savor authentic and delicious tapas, paellas, fresh seafood, grilled meats, French cheeses, and homemade sangria! The menu has a large selection of clearly marked gluten-free options that include cold to fried tapas like duck foie gras, meatballs, grilled octopus, and baked bone marrow. They also serve large plate entrée options. I highly recommend the black paella which is cooked with seafood in squid ink, but whatever you order, just be sure to mention you are a celiac so they can take the proper precautions to safely prepare your meal. It goes without saying that there is no better place in San Francisco to enjoy delicious gluten-free tapas and a glass of sangria than at Bask!
42 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA | Visit Website
Tony’s Pizza Napoletana
Tony’s is home to the best gluten-free pizza in San Francisco, the only problem is that you’ll probably wait a while to dig your teeth into this goodness. This North Beach pizza joint is very popular among tourist and locals, and also among celiacs for their safe yet awesome gluten-free pizza, so waiting is guaranteed! It’s totally worth it though, especially since a crowd and long wait time translates to sinfully good food that everyone wants. As for safety, they take celiac disease seriously and make every effort possible to avoid cross-contamination. Pizzas are prepared in a separate area in the kitchen in dedicated gf pans and are made in a dedicated gluten-free oven. Besides eating the perfect gluten-free pie, choices also include outstanding gluten-free breadsticks, pasta, and even beer. Though expensive, you don’t want to miss Tony’s if you’re serious about devouring top-notch gluten-free pizza or breadsticks!
1570 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA | Visit Website
Firefly restaurant
Firefly is the perfect proof that good food doesn’t need gluten. The creative seasonal menu changes regularly but there are always plenty of gluten-free options for us celiacs to savor. The menu is about 98% gluten-free, as only the bread and a few desserts aren’t gluten-free. With comfort food made with quality ingredients, it’s no wonder why their crispy and perfectly fried chicken with mashed potatoes and corn bread and chocolate s’mores are my favorites. A meal at Firefly is quite an experience, but it is on the expensive side. Nonetheless, with celiac chefs, knowledge staff, and a creative menu, you can rest assured that Firefly will serve you one of the best gluten-free meals in San Francisco.
4288 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94114, USA | Visit Website
Kawika’s Ocean Beach Deli
The small local deli in Ocean Beach that’s been selling sandwiches since 1985 also sells some of the best gluten-free sandwiches in San Francisco. The owner knows the key to a celiac’s heart, multiple safe options and precautions taken to avoiding cross-contamination. The homemade gluten-free multigrain bread and wraps are stored and made separately as well as cooked in a dedicated gluten-free oven. Some of the awesome sandwiches they have include the Reuben, pastrami, corned beef, pulled pork, and my favorite, the lamb sandwich. Don’t pass up the rotisserie meat that’s made in-house. It’s sinfully delicious. Some of the sides are gluten-free as well, and they are separated to avoid cross-contamination. For a proper sub, Kawika’s Ocean Beach Deli is where you want to be.
734 La Playa St, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA | Visit Website
Avatar’s Restaurant
Just over the Golden Gate Bridge in Sausalito is the remarkably good Indian-fusion eatery Avatars. At Avatars you and your taste buds are really catered to, giving you a truly personal dining experience. The owner comes to your table, introduces himself, and makes suggestions based on your preferences and dietary needs, regardless of how complicated they may be. The staff are really accommodating and knowledgeable about celiacs and cross-contamination. As for the menu, it’s filled with tasty and aromatic dishes. I almost always go for lamb at an Indian restaurant, and Avatar’s lamb dishes do not disappoint, but their famous Punjabi enchiladas should not be missed either. Oh, and the gluten-free samosas are so good! You will really be in for a treat if you dine at Avatar’s!
2656 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965, USA
Oriental Pearl Restaurant
If you are looking for delicious and authentic gluten-free Chinese food in San Fran, then head to Chinatown to Oriental Pearl. Though they do not have a gluten-free menu or GF labels on the menu, there are many gluten-free options. The waiters will walk you through the menu to suggest safe options or let you know what can be modified. Gluten-free options include dumplings, shrimp with honey glazed walnuts, some noodle dishes, cashew chicken, and more. If you bring your own gluten-free soy sauce, your choices become even greater. Oriental Pearl is a hidden gluten-free gem in Chinatown and I highly recommend it.
760 Clay St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA | Visit Website
There you have it folks, the best gluten-free restaurants in San Francisco! Let us know how your trip went. We’d love to hear your thoughts on how gluten-free friendly San Francisco is!
Recommendation: If you like to travel make sure to check out our new gluten-free guidebook. It lists over 1000 dedicated gluten-free restaurants, bakeries, and stores around the world, including popular destinations like Italy, France, and even exotic places like Bali. Trust us, your life as a traveling celiac will never be the same. For more information about the ebook click here.