The Ultimate Local's Guide to Eating Gluten Free in Los Angeles
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It has been so fun to finally put together a gluten-free dining guide for my home town of Los Angeles! I have been so busy with travel, both for my Wandering Palate Book Tour and also for fun, this past year that I finally had a few months at home to work on this! Fortunately, it was a tasty endeavor because LA has so many delicious gluten-free dining options. Without further adieu, here is a compilation of my favorite gluten-free and gluten-free accommodating restaurants in LA! This is a list that will constantly be evolving as I try new places to eat so make sure to keep checking back for updates on this one!
This List Is Due For An Update, Coming Soon To The Guide
So much to eat, so little time! Other favorites I have in the city that I will be working on adding in are Birdie G’s, Tesse, Scopa, Watergrill, Matu Steak, Impasta, Breadblok, Shojin Sushi, Sweet Laurel, Totem Poultry, Kateen, Toscanova, Manuela, Redbird, Malibu Farm, Rustic Canyon, Greenleaf Chop Shop and so many more!
Dedicated Gluten-Free Restaurants in Los Angeles
There’s a good range of dedicated gluten-free restaurants in Los Angeles, and if you are plant-based, you are in luck because a majority of these spots are also plant-based! Let’s dive into all the 100% dedicated gluten-free restaurants and bakeries LA has to offer first!
Rice MB
Sushi is a complicated food to eat once you go gluten-free. Between soy sauce, gluten in sushi rice and tempura, the risk for cross-contamination is so high I barely get to eat it out anymore.
That was until I discovered Rice in Manhattan Beach and the entire restaurant is gluten-free! That’s right! It is 100% gluten-free including the sauces, ramen and even the tempura! I got to try things I have not eaten in over eight years since being diagnosed with Celiac Disease.
We had a vegan avocado tempura roll with truffle sauce and OMG it was soooo good! Of crouse, we had to order a bed of fresh sashimi and a few other tasty rolls including the sunset dream and the baked crab hand roll. They even have Ground Breaker Brewing’s gluten-free IPA that is made with Chestnuts! Definitely one of my favorite gluten-free beers.
Both gluten-free and gluten-eaters will appreciate how tasty the food is at Rice. It goes without saying that this is now my go-to Sushi spot. SO thankful to have an amazing sushi spot to eat at and enjoy it without the fear of getting glutened. It is definitely worth the drive down to Manhattan Beach.
Location: Manhattan Beach
100% Gluten-Free & Vegan Options
Wild Living Foods
Wild Living Foods is absolutely incredible and is going to be a regular stop for me when I head downtown. All of the food is 100% gluten-free, plant-based and everything is cooked below 118 degrees to keep the nutrients and enzymes intact. The food is not only healthy and exuberant, but it tastes incredible!
The mission of Wild Living Foods is: Food Is Spirit. Ultimately, we can change our health and the world with the food we eat, and I could not agree more! Wild Living Foods tries to make nutrient-dense food accessible and provide the community with healing plant-based foods. I absolutely love finding places to eat that serve high-quality ingredients and put care into how they source and prepare their foods. I felt so healthy and alive eating their food.
We tried the Mango Avocado Sushi Roll with cauliflower rice, the Flat Earth Pizza (which was one of the most amazing things I have tasted in a while), the spring rolls with kelp noodles and the rainbow wrap. The wraps are made from coconut, are sturdy and tasty as they hold the food together. They also have a salad bar where you can make your own salad combo.
In addition to delicious food, they also have any flavor combination of fresh cold-pressed juices as well as a remedy bar with superfood beverage tonics and tinctures. As if that is not enough, they also have fantastic desserts including dairy-free ice cream and chocolate truffles with nut butters that were so decadent and rich!
I would love it if a location opened on the west side, i’d be there all the time. Until then, I’m elated to have discovered this lovely, lively, healthy spot. Anytime I head downtown, I’ll be popping in for a tasty dish!
Location: DTLA
100% Gluten-Free & Plant Based
Kyes
Kyes is an adorable café in Santa Monica that specializes in the #kyerito which is a variety of super healthy and flavorful wraps! Kyes goes above and beyond to ensure the wraps are as nutritious as possible by including a myriad of vibrant vegetables and nutrient-dense foods in each item. A cornerstone of the menu is to use macrobiotic principles and macro pressing, which helps make vegetables more digestible while maintaining all the live enzymes. The philosophy at Kyes is that food as something that should be "portable, crave-able and sustainably farmed" and that is exactly what the Kyerito is!
In addition to the nutrient density, there are some amazing flavor profiles taking place with the various combinations of food; each wrap is full of flavor and tantalizing to your tastebuds. Regardless of what you order from the menu, it’s sure to have a bountiful serving of veggies. For example, the green eggs have spinach and the grass-fed burger has Swiss chard and spinach as well.
We had the Deli Turkey wrap with Gogi berry aioli and the macro wrap with wild salmon and wasabi dressing wrapped in seaweed. For dessert, we tried the amazing treats, including a vegan black bean brownie, chocolate chip cookie and a kabocha pie which was made with steamed kabocha squash. Sooooooo good!
One note on the menu, they have items marked GF and WF. The WF stands for wheat-free, which means these items contain ingredients that might have cross-contamination. If you are a sensitive celiac like myself, you will definitely want to stick to items marked GF to avoid any potential for cross-contamination of the ingredients.
Kyes also does catering and is going to roll out their healthy food in Santa Monica Schools! I love meeting and supporting women-owned local businesses doing amazing things for our gluten-free world and community. This is definitely going to become one of my new favorite spots and I’m so happy to have another gluten-free option I can get delivered to my door! They also now have a second location in Hollywood!
Location: Santa Monica and Hollywood
100% Gluten-Free & Vegan Options
100% Dedicated Gluten-Free Restaurants To Try On My List…
Next on my list to try is Shojin Sushi and Powerplant Superfood Kitchen which are both dedicated gluten-free and plant-based restaurants!
100% Dedicated Gluten-Free Bakeries & Desserts
Erin McKennas Bakery
Erin McKennas Bakery is a dreamy, super cute pink bakery with LA locations in Santa Monica and Larchmont, but also in NYC and Disney Springs!
The entire bakery is 100% gluten-free, dairy-free, egg free and soy free which is so amazing that they are able to cover all of those allergens and still create delicious baked good and tasty savory dishes!
The Santa Monica location is pretty unique from the others because, in addition to all the delectable baked cupcakes, donuts and other delicious treats, they also have savory brunch options like pizza and avocado toast which were so good!
The pizza was so good and completely vegan making it a guiltless tasty treat and I was also completely obsessed with their eclair which was the perfect amount of sweet and vegan cream. We also tried a berry powdered donut and their thin mint cookie. I don’t know about you, but I love mint and chocolate together.
I had also been here a few weeks before and we had the waffles and also the churro donuts with chocolate and oh my, it was heavenly. I promise you will leave your plate empty too when you come in for a visit!
Location: Santa Monica & Larchmont
100% Gluten-Free & Vegan
Fonuts
If you are Celiac, you’ve likely dreamed of being able to eat donuts again. Unfortunately, most donut shops are not safe. But at Fonuts? Each delectable treat is 100% gluten-free, baked (not fried), low sugar and many of the options are also vegan!
They have a variety of flavors from classic vanilla and chocolate to fruity flavors that use fresh farmers market fruit and also some more unique flavors like churro which was so delicious! They also have seasonal flavors that come and go through the year so make sure to check out the latest menu for what is in season when you go.
Some of my favorite flavors from this visit were the strawberry shortcake, earl grey blueberry and dark maple. The Churro was also amazing because I absolutely love churros. There are so many flavors to choose from, you are just going to have to go in for yourself and report back which is your favorite. :)
It’s so awesome to have a safe gluten-free donut option because I seriously can’t remember the last donut I ate. It was most likely before I went gluten-free in 2012!
Pro Tip - They have free valet parking behind the shop which is awesome because West Hollywood can be a little challenging to find parking sometimes.
Location: West Hollywood
100% Gluten-Free & Vegan Options
Ecco Un Poco
Dreams do come true at Ecco Un Poco, a brand new 100% gluten-free gelato shop in West Hollywood! Ice cream is usually off the table for most with celiac disease due to the cross-contamination between cones and flavors but everything here is totally safe!
The owners, Alessandro and Alejandra, are the most adorable couple that trained with a gelato master in Florence before opening up their delectable shop here in LA! Alejandra has a background as a pastry chef and makes the most amazing cannoli, tiramisu and all the waffle cones from scratch, and yes it is ALL gluten-free! The gelato flavors were amazing and range from traditional gelato to vegan flavors as well as sorbets! They even have flavors like cheesecake and cookies and cream. They get their hazelnuts and pistachios straight from Italy and it is the perfect balance of sweetness, cream and nuttiness. Eating their sweet treats makes me feel like I am eating gelato back in Italy.
How do they make such delicious, gluten-free gelato? The process is a stroke of genius. First, they bake the cookies and cheesecakes and THEN make it into Gelato! I love how they make everything from scratch and it is made to perfection! They also get fresh fruits from the Farmers Market down the street to make all of their fruit-based flavors and all of the eggs used are pasture-raised! The attention to detail on all of their ingredients really comes through in how unique and delicious all of their flavors are.
In addition to being delicious gelato, the entire store is also plastic-free so the gelato is so dreamy and store is good for the environment. Win-win!
Definitely add Ecco Un Pocco to your list of places to try whether you are gluten-free or not, you will not be disappointed with the entire experience, which I must say is exquisite!
Location: West Hollywood
100% Gluten-Free & Vegan Options
WOW Bakes
WOW Bakes, which stands for "With Out Wheat" is a woman-owned Santa Monica gem. Every baked item has an artisan sourdough base with gluten free flours. The menu is filled with a delicious assortment of sourdough loaves, cookies, crackers and even bagels that you can order online! Local Angelinos can indulge in their amazing sourdough donuts. It's seriously phenomenal to have a truly gluten free sourdough option here in LA, and to support a local business while indulging in delicious food!
Joy and Sweets
Joy and Sweets is an adorable little bakery in Culver City where everything is 100% gluten-free! They have amazing treats like cupcakes, brownies and cake pops, but what got me the most excited was their macarons!
Macarons are one of my favorite desserts and I can never find a true gluten-free version. I am so glad to have found Joy and Sweets, and honestly, it’s a little dangerous that it is not too far from my house so I might be going there a little too often now that I discovered it.
Everything we tried was delicious and the perfect amount of sweet. They also sell gelato but do not make it in-house so they can’t guarantee its 100% gluten-free. If you are really sensitive to gluten, stick to the baked goods that are for sure safe.
Location: Culver City
100% Gluten-Free & Vegan Options
Cake Girl
Cake Girl is an amazing find in East LA and everything at the bakery is gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free and nut-free! You are probably wondering what is left? I can tell you, pure deliciousness! They have a wide variety of tasty treats from cupcakes to donuts to muffins as well as a few savory items as well. They should definitely be a part of your LA gluten-free journey!
Location: East LA
100% Gluten-Free, Soy Free, Nut Free & Vegan Options
Rising Hearts Bakery
Rising Hearts is a 100% gluten-free and vegan bakery in LA from the Follow Your Heart Brand conveniently located in Culver City, making it pretty central to get to from anywhere in LA.
They have a variety of savory items you can grab and take home to heat up like bagels, pizza crust, challah, and breadsticks. Have a sweet tooth? Enjoy tasty cookies, cupcakes, and vegan cheesecakes! If you have a sensitivity to soy or seed oils make sure to ask about ingredients as a lot of items did contain soy.
Location: Culver City
100% Gluten-Free & Vegan
100% Dedicated Gluten-Free Bakeries & Dessert To Try Next On My List…
There is no shortage of amazing gluten-free bakeries and desserts to be found in LA! The next bakeries I want to try are Breadblok which is opening soon in Santa Monica and also Sweet Laurel Bakery in the Palisades.
If gelato is more your speed, there are two more on my list to try here in LA! Fatamorgana is in Studio City and Cocobella Creamery which is also 100% gluten-free and vegan, though they do use oat milk in some flavors so if you are sensitive to oats be mindful of that.
100% Dedicated Gluten-Free Delivery Only
Feeling too lazy to go out and need some safe and healthy food delivered to you? I’ve been there, which is why I recommend ordering from Fcuk Gluten or Cauliflower Pizza which are both 100% gluten-free. I have ordered from both of them and they are each trusted, delicious and safe.
100% Dedicated Gluten-Free Grab & Go
Urban Remedy and Pressed Juicery both have great grab and go options when you need something gluten-free, healthy and delicious on the go.
Urban Remedy has kiosks at most Whole Foods locations and you can grab salads, wraps, juices and a variety of other plant-based healthy options. Pressed Juicery is my favorite juices to get when I need a juice fix and they also have gluten-free soft serve!
Safe Restaurant Options That Are Not Dedicated Gluten-Free
While there are lots of great 100% dedicated gluten-free options in LA, there are also plenty of other restaurants that I eat at regularly and never have an issue. Here are some of my absolute favorite go-to’s in the city.
Chulita
Chulita is one of the most gorgeous restaurants Venice has to offer. The space is so bright open and inviting, it makes you want to hang out there all day!
Their entire menu is gluten-free except for one dessert that makes it a super safe place to eat for Celiacs like myself! I love that their menu is focused on fresh, clean whole foods and they even have grain-free cassava flour tortillas instead of flour making it a great option if you are on a Paleo or AIP diet as well!
We had some guacamole with heirloom tostadas that they press themselves and then the cauliflower and fish tacos, skirt steak with nopales, fresh corn, and super refreshing farmers market fruit lemonade. The steak was cooked to perfection and the tacos were an amazing combo of flavors. Everything was so fresh and delicious!
They also make fantastic cocktails and work with small-batch Mezcal producers and use fresh farmers market fruits.
One thing I discovered on my last visit is that they have an amazing brunch menu that includes a grain/gluten-free cassava flour waffle! I can’t wait to go back and enjoy this on the weekend!
This is definitely one of my favorite spots in the neighborhood when I want to eat delicious food and enjoy the Venice community vibe.
Location: Venice
Gluten-Free & Vegan Options
Barrique
Barrique is hands down one of my favorite and most romantic restaurants LA has to offer. The restaurant is housed in a small and charming little yellow house on Main St in Venice and you dine by candlelight to Michelin Awarded Chef, Antonio Mure.
Not only is the atmosphere absolutely beautiful and inviting, but the real reason you come here is for the delectable food!
As a Celiac, you would think Italian food is off the table but I eat at Barrique all the time and they always take care of my gluten-free needs with the most amazing food. In addition to having a mouthwatering menu, one of my favorite things is they always have amazing specials for the day and each time they are absolutely delicious.
On my most recent visit, we had the special appetizer of the night, beef carpaccio with truffle which, to this day, might be one of the most amazing things I have ever tasted. I actually went back the next night just to taste it one more time it was so magical.
We also had the scallops with Parmesan fondue/truffle and the tuna tartare. As you can see the theme of the night was truffle and, let’s face it— there is never such thing as too much truffle. As a matter of fact, they often have delicious pasta and appetizers with truffle and it is probably one of my favorite flavors in the world.
Next, we savored the lobster pasta with pink cream sauce and gluten-free pasta and the fresh trout that was on the special menu with fresh vegetables. I can’t decide which was my favorite because it was all so unique and delicious. We topped the amazing meal off by sharing a pannacotta because I can’t say no to a creamy dessert.
If you are not gluten-free, you are so lucky because they have amazing (so I hear) homemade pasta for all their dishes, but if you are gluten-free or celiac they will take care of you and I promise this will also become your favorite LA restaurant. You might even find me here on a regular basis enjoying the amazing food and beautiful atmosphere, especially on a warm LA night where you can enjoy their beautiful terrace at the little yellow house.
Location: Venice
Gluten-Free & Vegetarian Options
Venice Ale House
The Venice Boardwalk is known for its colorful carnival atmosphere, but not exactly the place you go for good food, with one exception: the Venice Ale House. This is hands down the only place I will eat on the Boardwalk and we come here all the time since we are locals! That is the very reason Venice Ale House was born! To offer "something delicious and nutritious while you watch the sun go down over the Pacific” and it does it absolutely perfectly.
Their menu has a great range from salads to burgers to ceviche and gluten-free Mac and cheese! The best part is that 90% of their menu is already gluten-free or can be modified to be gluten-free.
I love that they use all organic ingredients, only use olive and coconut oil and don’t have a fryer so your food is much healthier and you have no risk of cross-contamination.
Some of my favorites at the Venice Ale House are the fresh seafood ceviche with guacamole (and yes, the chips are gluten-free). I also love their Nachos with Carne Asada, the grass-fed burger and the Mac and Cheese with Salmon are absolutely amazing.
If you can make it to the Ale House at sunset you will get to delight in not only delicious and healthy food while you watch the sunset over the Pacific, but you will get to experience California living at its finest.
If you find yourself at the beach in Venice or Santa Monica and looking to refuel with some delicious food or a cocktail, this is definitely your spot and chances are you might even find me and Frenchie Beach Babies here enjoying their amazing food in the sunshine.
Location: Venice
Gluten-Free & Vegan Options
True Food Kitchen
True Food Kitchen is one of my favorite LA staples and I can aways count on them to serve up healthy, clean and nourishing food. The restaurant was inspired by the philosophy that food should make you feel better, not worse and that really comes across in their creative and healthy offerings.
Not only do they have extensive gluten free options labeled on the menu, they also have dairy free an vegan items. Literally every diet can find something delicious here!
We started off with the vegetable crudite with olive tapenade and tzatkiki sauce as well as the charred cauliflower which were both delicious. Not to mention, the presentation of the crudite is gorgeous! After the apps, we had the Tuscan Kale salad with grass fed steak and Thai Coconut sea bass. Both items were so tasty and full of flavor!
Of course, we had to save room for dessert since all of the dessert items are gluten free! We had the flourless chocolate cake and the squash pie with a gluten free graham crust. It’s so amazing to dine here and know that even the desserts are gluten free!
As of the delicious food hadn't already sealed the deal, there are also amazing fresh juice and beverage options. My go-to is usually the Kale Aid since I am all about the fresh pressed green juices. Yum!
Other Favorites Coming Soon To The Guide
So much to eat, so little time! Other favorites I have in the city that I will be working on adding in are Belcampo, Birdie G’s, Tesse, Scopa, Watergrill, Matu Steak, Sugargish, Toscanova, Manuela, Redbird, Malibu Farm, Rustic Canyon, Greenleaf Chop Shop and so many more!
Closed, But Hopefully Returning One Day
These restaurants unfortunately recently closed during the COVID 19 Pandemic but I am hoping they come back one day so leaving them in as an honorable mention in hopes they reopen again.
Bulletproof Cafe
If you have been following me a while, you know I am completely obsessed with Bulletproof Coffee and lucky for me, they have 2 cafés located in LA! Each spot serves up their signature coffee and a variety of beverages, including smoothies and teas. Just when I thought I couldn’t love Bulletproof more, they also serve up delicious food that is completely gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free (except for butter & ghee) and sugar-free! This place is pure heaven for me because it handles all of my dietary restrictions and the food is super high quality.
Bottom line: this is the optimal breakfast spot for dietary restrictions. But don’t stop there—they also have great lunch options including a salad or protein bowl with cauliflower rice. Sample the cornless tacos or sliders. Revel in the savory wild salmon, veggies or grass-fed beef, which you can add to any of their entrees. I probably eat there a few times a week either at the restaurant or delivery, it’s that good!
Location: Santa Monica & Arts District
100% Gluten Free & Vegetarian Options
Beaming
Beaming is one of my favorite gluten-free and plant-based restaurants in LA. The entire menu is super clean and healthy and you feel vibrant after eating their food. There are so many fresh and healthy options—from açaí bowls to smoothies, salads and avocado toast! Of course, I had to get my fix of avocado toast.
Served on gluten-free sourdough, it’s perfectly toasted and the avocado has a slight lemon undertone giving it a perfect tangy combo with the toast! They also have AMAZING Paleo waffles that you can top with either berries and almond cream cheese or almond butter and bananas. Both are decadent, super filling and make a perfect weekend brunch to get your day started right.
I am highly addicted to their açaí bowls which I order frequently on Postmates (use code KLJTY for $100 in free delivery fees). They have no added sugar and are topped with delicious superfoods like coconut, hempseed and bee pollen, along with fresh seasonal berries.
The menu at Beaming includes a wide variety of smoothies you can order. Or, if you’re short on time, grab a cold-pressed juice or healthy shot from the case. We tried the strawberry maca smoothie and the Recharge juice with beets and both were delicious!
The best part is that there are locations all over SoCal, including LAX making it easy to stop in or you can have it delivered to your door with Postmates. There is nothing better than having healthy and vibrant food and no risk of getting glutened!
Locations: Santa Monica, Century City, Pasadena, LAX (Terminal 1)
100% Gluten-Free & Plant-Based
Osso Good Bones
I am already 100% obsessed with Osso Good Bones broth and Paleo Soups, so it is no surprise that I absolutely fell in love with their West Hollywood Bone Broth café! All the bone broths and soups are available to order and sip on as well as delicious smoothies and tasty tonics.
What really got me excited about visiting is the Paleo Bone Broth Waffles!!!! Yes,—you read that right: Paleo waffles with nutritious bone broth in them!
Waffles are one of the foods I miss the most and rarely get to have them while eating out anymore. Fortunately, since Osso Good Bones is 100% gluten-free, there is no risk for cross-contamination and the waffles are delicious! They have both savory and sweet options, but honestly, a savory waffle is one of my most favorite things on earth!
We had a little sampler of the different waffle combos and they are all so unique and delicious! Some of my faves were the cheddar and ham waffle dipped into their tomato soup, the California Love which has avocado and pine nuts and, of course, the Canadian which is so classic with grass-fed butter and maple syrup. Honestly, they were all delicious and they have such a great variety that you can stop by and have a waffle that suits your mood any time of the day.
The best part is, if you don’t live in LA or aren’t visiting anytime soon, you can order the amazing bone broths to your door and also their tasty paleo soups. I like to keep the soups in my freezer for a light dinner when I am not that hungry but want to eat something light and nutritious. Make sure to use code TRAILTOHEALTH for $15 off your purchase.
I highly recommend stopping in for some delicious waffles and bone broth. It is the most magical combination and I am already itching for my next visit!
Location: West Hollywood, but you can order their broths and soups anywhere in the US! Use code TRAILTOHEALTH for $15 off when you order on their website.
100% Gluten-Free & Paleo Options
Grom
Grom is one of those magical places that reminds me of my trip to Italy last summer. They used to have three locations in LA, but two have closed down and only the Malibu one remains for now. The entire shop is gluten-free, even the cones which is so awesome because usually, ice cream shops are off-limits for me due to cross-contamination issues of scoops touching cones and then the bins of ice cream. The gelato here is delicious too and made with super clean ingredients and no gums! My favorite flavors are always Pistachio and Limon.
Location: Malibu
100% Gluten-Free & Vegan Options
Where Can I Find Truly Gluten-Free Deli In LA?
LA has no shortage of great delis that serve up Matzoh Ball Soup and Pastrami Sandwiches, or a great bagel… but where can I find one that is truly gluten-free? I am talking caution with cross-contamination, separate toasters, and prep areas? Delis, in general, are usually off the table for me because even a crumb of cross-contamination makes me sick for a week and between flour and bread, there is rarely a safe option… So, if you have a suggestion for where to find safe gluten-free deli in LA, give me a shout!
Are You A Los Angeles Gluten-Free Restaurant And Want To Be Featured?
I am always on the hunt to find amazing gluten-free food here in my home town. Please don’t hesitate to reach out and tell me a little about your restaurant and lets coordinate when I can come in and meet you!
Need The Ultimate Guide For What To Do In LA?
Your gluten-free food needs should be covered by now, so what about all the other things you should see and do while you are in LA? Lucky for you I have a Los Angeles Travel Guide, as well as a Santa Monica/Venice Beach Travel Guide!
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