eat
Search
For those who are celiac, gluten-intolerant, vegan, lactose intolerant, or all of the above, consider this list your dining guide
San Diego has wonderful gluten-free and vegan dining options, and there are more and more establishments that cater to, and are 100% committed to, both.
Project Juice, Hillcrest
Project Juice is a 100% gluten, dairy, soy, peanut-free, plant-based juice bar and cafe. Their aesthetic is just as clean as their menu, which uses certified organic, non-GMO produce and products that are locally sourced.
Aside from offering nutrient-rich cold-pressed juices, their menu includes smoothies, soups, gluten-free oats, bowls, toasts, Paleo waffles, and a freshly-toasted Biome bagel topped with fermented veggies and Kite Hill almond-based cream cheese.
They also deliver nationally and are part of the Gourmet Superfood Company.
Don’t Miss: Paleo Grain-Free Almond Butter and Banana Waffle
Beaming, Del Mar and La Jolla
Beaming is another 100% organic, gluten-free, plant-based, fast-casual cafe that has a trendy and clean aesthetic. They specialize in high integrity juices, superfood smoothies, delicious baked goods, Acai bowls, complete cleansing programs from one to five days, and ready-to-eat meals like salads.
Their pantry is packed with gourmet nut butter, protein powders, and supplements. Like Project Juice, they are a part of the “Gourmet Superfood Company” and ship anything from their pantry or complete cleansing programs nationwide.
Don’t Miss: Gluten-free Blueberry Muffin and a cold-brew infused Mission Mocha superfood smoothie
Photo Credit: Leslie Patinsky
Photo Credit: Leslie Patinsky
Trilogy Sanctuary and Cafe, La Jolla
Trilogy Cafe is a 100% organic, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, refined-sugar-free, plant-based award-winning cafe and eatery. Located on a rooftop in the heart of La Jolla, with an amazing ocean view, it’s a sanctuary space that fosters spiritual healing and community gathering.
Their menu is packed with smoothies, cold-pressed juices, delicious cooked meals, raw options, and dessert. The owners’ goal is to nourish anyone who visits from the inside and out. Aside from their gorgeous ocean-view and healthful cuisine, they offer aerial yoga, infrared yoga classes, spiritual counseling, yoga teacher training, a Naturopathic doctor, various workshops, live music, speakers, and an eco-conscious boutique on site.
Don’t Miss: Two Perfect Tacos, two house-made red corn tortillas filled with homemade “quinrizo,” avocado, eggplant bacon, pico and mildly spicy almond love sauce with a salad on the side.
Soulshine, Mission Beach
Soulshine is a 100% organic, vegan, non-GMO and gluten-free restaurant in beautiful Mission Beach. Every menu item is nourishing and full of flavor, be it their drinks and juice, or tapas-style appetizers, and desserts. The cafe itself in colorful, happy and cozy inside due to their focus on peace beginning in the kitchen and diffusing to the rest of the world.
Aside from their delectable menu, they offer regular specials and host events that benefit the community, such as beach clean-ups, drives that help local animal shelters, wellness classes, happy hours and more.
Don’t Miss: French Toast Bites, made with homemade multigrain bread topped with cinnamon-spiced crumb, served with maple crema and fresh fruit. On the savory side, Breakfast Tacos are the move, made with black beans, oyster mushrooms, bell peppers, broccoli, salsa verde, with cashew cream, and chipotle sauce on blue corn tortillas.
Peace Pies, Ocean Beach and Encinitas
Peace Pies is a 100% raw, organic, vegan, gluten, soy-free award-winning cafe. Those who may assume a raw diet would only include eating whole fruits, veggies and nuts are in for a delicious surprise. The menu consists of everything from salads to pizza, quesadillas to lasagna and “mylk” shakes.
Much of their produce is sourced from local farms and the cafe itself practices a strict zero-waste policy, which includes earth-friendly packaging and composting of all food scraps.
Don’t Miss: Mystical Mushroom Quesadillas, made with red bell pepper coconut tortillas filled with ‘cheez,’ sauteed mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, and greens. You can also add ‘walnut meat’ for an additional layer of flavor. Served with guacamole and their original kale chips.
Starry Lane Bakery, Hillcrest
An award-winning, allergen-friendly bakery in town is located in the heart of Hillcrest. Perfect for anyone looking for a more decadent gluten-free and vegan option, this bakery is a top ten allergy-free facility, meaning you won’t find any gluten, dairy, eggs, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, mustard, or sesame underneath their roof, and they do not allow outside food or beverages that may contaminate their space.
The creative bakers make everything fresh daily, including their cookies, pastries, cupcakes, breads, muffins, scones, bars, tortes, specialty cakes, pies, and seasonal items. They also have a separate pantry full of allergen-friendly products, as well as their house-made grab-and-go items, like crostinis, crisps, cupcake and muffin batter, frosting, hummus and other options.
Don’t Miss: Star Sugar Cookies, made with soy-free Earth Balance, granulated sugar, water, powdered sugar, white rice flour, brown rice flour, cornstarch, baking powder, vanilla extract, and corn-derived xanthan gum. A soft texture, with a hint of vanilla, and plain sweet sugar icing make these stars irresistible.
Tags
No items found.
About the Contributor
Christina Kantzavelos
Christina Kantzavelos is a freelance writer and the owner and editor of the award-winning gluten-free and health-conscious travel and lifestyle blog @BuenQamino. She enjoys writing about food, travel, health, culture, and sustainable living in San Diego and beyond.
MORE ABOUT THIS CONTRIBUTOR
Join our newsletter
