Gluten-Free Dining in San Diego: 12 Verified Spots

San Diego may be the sunniest city in our US database — and one of the most reassuring for someone with celiac disease: 12 verified spots, 11 of them fully dedicated. Its signature? A very Californian “free-from” culture, where gluten-free happily pairs with vegan, organic and allergen-free, plus two of the most surprising ice cream shops in the United States.

The city in numbers

The dry cleaner that serves ice cream

It’s regulars’ favorite story: behind the “dry cleaner” storefront of An’s Dry Cleaning (4.7★, about 1,600 reviews) hides a 100% gluten-free artisan ice cream shop in North Park, repeatedly named (Forbes, USA Today, Thrillist) one of the best ice cream shops in the country — including waffle cones, which are also entirely gluten-free, a rarity. The concept has spawned a sibling: An’s Electronics Repair (4.8★), a fake “electronics repair shop” in Ocean Beach, follows the same recipe. Two spots where, for once, you can order the cone without asking any questions.

Dedicated kitchens, from tacos to poke

El Tianguis Rolled Taquitos (4.8★, about 700 reviews) is the list’s Mexican pride: rolled taquitos, tacos, quesatacos, nachos and bowls — the entire menu is gluten-free, and the staff are known for how well they look after celiac guests. In Ocean Beach, Peace Pies (4.7★) has spent nearly twenty years serving raw, vegan, gluten-free and soy-free food — tarts, raw pizzas and desserts in a plant-filled setting. Over in La Jolla, Trilogy Sanctuary (4.6★) combines an ocean-view rooftop, yoga classes and a menu that’s 100% organic, vegan and gluten-free, while Beach Break Market (4.9★) prepares fresh, gluten-free, dairy-free takeout dishes made with grass-fed meats. And for a quick lunch, the poke bowls at Sweetfin (Del Mar / One Paseo) are entirely gluten-free, as they are across the whole chain.

Donuts, cookies and zero allergens

Chani’s Donuts (4.8★) is a circus-themed shop that’s entirely gluten-free, vegan and free of the ten major allergens — the mini donuts, made with rice, sorghum and tapioca flours, pair nicely with an organic coffee. Just as radical a commitment at Starry Lane Bakery (Hillcrest): no gluten, soy, dairy or tree nuts ever enter the kitchen — one of the most acclaimed gluten-free bakeries in the country. More intimate, Coco & Jules Cookies (5.0★!) rotates its menu of homemade cookies out of a 100% dedicated space, gluten-free and nut-free. The juices and bowls at Choice Juicery (India Street) round out the picture, 100% gluten-free, organic and plant-based.

One caveat to close: Phatties Bake Shop (4.8★), in Ocean Beach, offers a genuine, clearly labeled range of gluten-free and vegan options — but the kitchen is shared: best reserved for moderate sensitivities, or after checking in with the team.

Tips for while you’re there

• The phrase to know: “I have celiac disease — is this prepared in a dedicated gluten-free kitchen?” The word “dedicated” is well understood across the United States.
• The label check: the “gluten-free” claim is regulated by the FDA (under 20 ppm), as explained in our guide to reading labels.
• Pair it with the coast: Los Angeles is a two-hour drive away — our Los Angeles guide picks up from here.

Explore the 12 spots

Every spot listed here has been verified at the source: existence, level of gluten-free provision, contamination risks. All 12 are on the Nutrixe map — and if your favorite San Diego find is missing, suggest it. Every one of them also appears on our verified gluten-free addresses in San Diego page.