Gluten free restaurants in Santa Monica

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Are you looking for a fun spot to grab a gluten free meal with friends in Santa Monica, California? Or maybe you are looking for a spot to grab a gluten free meal on the go? Well either way, you are in the right place! In this article, we talk about all of our favorite gluten free restaurants in Santa Monica, California.

First, we will lay out characteristics we describe to provide more information on each of these gluten free restaurants. After that, we will talk about some of our favorite sit down restaurants in Santa Monica. Next, we will talk about some of our favorite fast casual restaurants in Santa Monica, California.

Characteristics of gluten free restaurants

For each gluten free restaurant we discuss in this article, we will provide information about a few different characteristics of the restaurant. This information will help you determine which gluten free restaurant best suits your preferences. Here are the characteristics that we will provide information on for each of the gluten free restaurants we discuss.

Gluten free status. First, we will talk about the gluten free status of each restaurant. We will discuss whether each restaurant is a dedicated gluten free facility or not. For restaurants that are not dedicated to gluten free food, we will provide additional information that can be used to assess the risk of cross contamination.
Other dietary restrictions. After we discuss the gluten free status of each restaurant, we will also discuss whether there are any other dietary restrictions that the restaurant caters to.
Cuisine. Next, we will provide information on the type of cuisine that is offered at each of the gluten free restaurants.
Location. After that, we will discuss the location of each of the gluten free restaurants. This will include information on whether each location is easily accessible via public transportation.
Atmosphere. Next, we will discuss the atmosphere of each restaurant.
Seating. Finally, we will provide information on the seating options that are available at each location. This will include information on whether indoor and outdoor seating is available. We will also discuss whether seating is competitive and whether reservations are recommended.

Gluten free sit down restaurants in Santa Monica

In this section, we will talk about all of our favorite sit down restaurants in Santa Monica. These restaurants are roughly ordered in terms of preference, with our favorite restaurants appearing closer to the top of the list.

The Misfit

The Misfit is easily one of our favorite spots in Santa Monica. The Misfit is a trendy bar and restaurant that is located just a few blocks away from the Santa Monica pier. Due to its central location, it is very popular with tourists and locals alike. The creative cocktail menu and the lively atmosphere make it the perfect place to grab drinks with friends.

Gluten free status. The Misfit is not a dedicated gluten free facility. That being said, many dishes on the menu are gluten free or can be made gluten free. Gluten free items used to be labeled on the menu, but this is no longer the case. That being said, the staff are very knowledgeable about gluten free items on the menu and can help guide you to gluten free options. There is generally a gluten free fryer available and their famous mac and cheese is naturally gluten free.
Other dietary restrictions. There are a wide range of vegetarian options available on the menu. These options are not labeled, but they are generally fairly easy to spot.
Cuisine. The Misfit serves primarily American cuisine.
Location. The Misfit is conveniently located in downtown Santa Monica, just a few blocks away from the Santa Monica Pier. That means that it is easy to access via public transportation. It is also within easy walking distance from the beach.
Atmosphere. Of all of the downtown Santa Monica restaurants, the Misfit is one of the spots with the best atmosphere. The Misfit has a lively atmosphere with upbeat music and lavishly decorated surroundings. This is a really fun spot to grab drinks with friends or celebrate an occasion with a small group.
Seating. The Misfit has both indoor and outdoor seating available. The outdoor seating area generally has some heaters set up during the cooler months of the year. This is a very popular destination, so we highly recommend making a reservation or heading over a little on the early side to beat the rush.

Fritto Misto

Fritto Misto is an Italian spot in downtown Santa Monica that specializes in pasta dishes. Fritto Misto has a large and varied menu with all different types of pasta dishes. If the exact pasta dish you are looking for is not on the menu, they also offer a build your own pasta option that allows you to build your own dish. All in all, Fritto Misto is an absolute dream for pasta lovers who find themselves in downtown Santa Monica.

Gluten free status. Fritto Misto is not a dedicated gluten free facility. That being said, many of the pasta dishes can be made gluten free. The menu is labeled with information about what can be made gluten free.
Other dietary restrictions. Fritto Misto also has a variety of vegetarian and vegan options available. Vegetarian options are clearly labeled on the menu. Fritto Misto also has egg free pasta available that is suitable for vegans and people with egg allergies.
Cuisine. The menu at Fritto Misto focuses primarily on Italian food. While there are a few other types of Italian dishes served, the primary focus is on pasta dishes.
Location. Fritto Misto is located in downtown Santa Monica near the Santa Monica pier. It is located a little further inland than The Misfit, so it takes a little longer to get there if you are coming from the pier or the beach. That being said, it is still within walking distance. Since Fritto Misto is located in a concentrated downtown area, it is relatively easy to get to via public transportation.
Atmosphere. Fritto Misto has a relatively laid back atmosphere that feels very warm and homey. This is a good place to go if you are looking for a relaxed place to grab a bite in downtown Santa Monica.
Seating. Fritto Misto primarily has indoor seating. Like many of the restaurants in downtown Santa Monica, they tend to fill up during peak weekend dinner hours. They only accept reservations for large parties, so we recommend going a little bit on the early side if you are going during a busy time. If you are not going during peak weekend dinner hours, there is not as much competition for seating.

Rosti Tuscan Kitchen

Rosti Tuscan Kitchen is another popular spot for anyone who is a fan of Italian food. Rosti Tuscan Kitchen has a relatively laid atmosphere, so it is a great place to unwind and grab a casual meal with friends and family. Unlike Fritto Misto, Rosti Tuscan Kitchen does take reservations. That means that it might be a better bet if you want to eat during peak dining hours and do not want to risk having to wait for seats.

Note that Rosti Tuscan kitchen has multiple locations in the Los Angeles area. We are most familiar with the Santa Monica location and will base most of our comments on our experiences at the Santa Monica location.

Gluten free status. Rosti Tuscan Kitchen is not a dedicated gluten free facility. That being said, there are many dishes that can be made gluten free. The restaurant generally has a separate gluten free menu available that shows all of the options that are or can be made gluten free.
Other dietary restrictions. In addition to their gluten free options, Rosti Tuscan Kitchen also has a variety of vegetarian and vegan options available. There is generally a vegan and vegetarian menu available as well.
Cuisine. The menu at Rosti Tuscan Kitchen focuses primarily on Italian food. There are a variety of options available ranging from pizzas to salads.
Location. Rosti Tuscan Kitchen is a little bit further outside of the downtown Santa Monica area than most of the other restaurants we discuss in this article. That means that it is a little less accessible than some of the other restaurants we discussed. There is public transportation that heads in that direction, but it is not an easy walk from downtown.
Atmosphere. Rosti Tuscan kitchen has a more laid back atmosphere than some of the other restaurants discussed in this article. The atmosphere is very warm and inviting, but it is not as high energy. This is a good place to go for a relaxing night out with friends and family.
Seating. Most of the seating at Rosti Tuscan Kitchen is indoors, but there are some tables set up outside. The restaurant is somewhat small and seating is relatively limited, so we recommend making a reservation if you are going during a popular time.

Blue Daisy Cafe

Blue Daisy Cafe is a cozy spot in downtown Santa Monica that serves indulgent breakfast and brunch foods. This is a very, very popular spot for gluten free foodies and gluten eaters alike. In fact, it is probably one of the most popular spots in all of Santa Monica. This is absolutely the place to go for anyone who is looking for a full gluten free brunch or breakfast.

Gluten free status. Blue Daisy Cafe is not a dedicated gluten free facility. That being said, many of the dishes they serve can be made gluten free upon request. The gluten free items are not all labeled on the menu, but the waitstaff is very knowledgeable and can help guide you toward options that can be made gluten free.
Other dietary restrictions. Blue Daisy Cafe also has a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan options available. The vegan options are clearly labeled on the menu.
Cuisine. The menu at Blue Daisy Cafe focuses primarily on American food. There is a strong focus on traditional brunch foods like omelets, pancakes, crepes, waffles. That being said, there are some other options like sandwiches and burgers.
Location. Blue Daisy Cafe is located in downtown Santa Monica on the same block as Fritto Misto. That means that just like Fritto Misto, it is still walking distance from the beach and the pier. Since it is located in a popular downtown area, it is fairly easy to access via public transportation.
Atmosphere. The Blue Daisy Cafe has a warm and inviting atmosphere. The atmosphere can vary depending on whether you go during a busy time. During off-peak hours, the Blue Daisy Cafe has a relatively laid back vibe. During peak weekend brunch hours where the restaurant is busy, the atmosphere is more lively and upbeat.
Seating. Blue Daisy Cafe has a mixture of indoor and outdoor seating. They have much more outdoor seating available than most other downtown Santa Monica spots. Blue Daisy cafe is a very, very popular spot for weekend brunch. There are often lines out the door of people who are waiting for seats to open up. If you want to go to Blue Daisy cafe for a weekend brunch, we recommend arriving early.

True Food Kitchen

True Food Kitchen is a trendy health food restaurant that uses fresh, high quality ingredients. It has a large and varied menu that has a variety of gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian options. True Food Kitchen allows you to make relatively large reservations through their standard online ordering system. That means it is a popular spot for gluten free foodies who are planning large gatherings with family and friends.

Note that while True Food Kitchen is a relatively large chain with locations in many cities, the comments that we make in this section are specifically about the Santa Monica location. Your experience may vary depending on the location you go to.

Gluten free status. True Food Kitchen is not a dedicated gluten free facility. That being said, gluten free options are clearly labeled on the menu.
Other dietary restrictions. There are also many vegetarian and vegan options available at True Food Kitchen. Vegetarian and vegan options are clearly labeled on the menu.
Cuisine. True Food Kitchen serves American cuisine with a healthier twist. Many of their dishes substitute fresh seasonal ingredients for less healthy alternatives.
Location. The True Food Kitchen in Santa Monica is located in downtown Santa Monica just a few blocks away from the Santa Monica pier. That means that it is easily within walking distance if you are coming from the pier or the beach. True Food Kitchen is actually located in the main mall on the Third Street Promenade, so it is also a super convenient spot to stop at after a long day of shopping on the Promenade. It is easily accessible via public transportation.
Atmosphere. The atmosphere at the Santa Monica True Food Kitchen location is more lively and upbeat than the atmosphere at most of their other locations. This is partially because of the location right in the heart of the Santa Monica mall and promenade. This is a nice spot to go to celebrate an occasion with friends.
Seating. There is only indoor seating available at True Food Kitchen. There is a decent amount of seating, but they do fill up during peak dining hours on the weekends. If you are not going during peak hours, you may be able to walk in. If you are going during peak hours, we recommend making a reservation.

Stella Barra

Stella Barra is a trendy pizzeria and wine bar that is located a little bit out of the main downtown area. This is a beautifully decorated spot with a carefully curated atmosphere, so it is a great choice if you are looking for a cool spot to grab a drink with friends.

Gluten free status. Stella Barra is not a dedicated gluten free facility. They are a pizzeria that does not have a dedicated gluten free kitchen space, so there is a risk of cross contamination from flour in the air and on the countertops. That being said, I have not had an issue there as someone who is relatively sensitive to cross contamination. Their menu does contain information on what can be made gluten free.
Other dietary restrictions. Stella Barra also has a variety of vegan and vegetarian options. Just like the gluten free options, the vegan and vegetarian options are clearly labeled on the menu.
Cuisine. Stella Barra is a pizzeria first, which means that pizza is the main focus of their menu. That being said, they also offer other Italian dishes such as pasta dishes.
Location. Stella Barra is located outside of the main downtown area on another cute street that is lined with restaurants and cafes. It is still relatively close to the beach to the south of the pier and is an easy walk from the beach. Since it is farther out of the main downtown area, it is a little more difficult to access via public transportation than some of the other restaurants we have discussed.
Atmosphere. Stella Barra is a trendy spot that is meticulously decorated with unique accents. It is a fun spot for people who appreciate carefully thought out decor. It is popular among the younger crowd, so the atmosphere tends to be somewhat lively.
Seating. Stella Barra has a mixture of indoor and outdoor seating available. There is a decent amount of seating, but it can fill up during peak dining hours – especially on the weekends. If you plan to go to Stella Barra during a popular weekend time, we recommend making a reservation. Otherwise, you should be fine coming in as a walk-in.

Gluten free fast casual restaurants in Santa Monica

Now that we have talked about some of our favorite sit down restaurants in Santa Monica, we will take some time to discuss our favorite fast casual restaurants in Santa Monica. These cafes and restaurants are listed roughly in order of preference, with our favorite spots appearing closer to the top of the list.

Sweetfin

Sweetfin is a delicious poke spot that serves up all different kinds of poke bowls. The menu at Sweetfin is 100% gluten free, so Sweetfin is a great spot if you want to pick up a quick meal from a spot that you know you can trust. Their poke bowls are highly customizable, so it is also a good option for picky eaters.

Gluten free status. Sweetfin is a dedicated gluten free establishment. Everything on the menu is 100% gluten free.
Other dietary restrictions. Sweetfin is conscious of a variety of food allergies and dietary preferences. They label options that are vegan and keto friendly on their menu, as well as dishes that contain nuts. It is a great place to go if you have a group with a variety of allergies and dietary preferences.
Cuisine. The menu at Sweetfin is entirely dedicated to poke bowls.
Location. Sweetfin is located a little bit outside of the main downtown area. It is a long walk or a short bus ride from the beach. Sweetfin is still close enough to the main downtown area that it is relatively accessible via public transportation.
Atmosphere. Sweetfin is a cozy little spot with clean and trendy decor. The atmosphere is nicer than the average fast casual restaurant.
Seating. There is indoor seating available at Sweetfin. The seating area is somewhat small, but most people take their meals to go. That means that it is not competitive to get a seat.

Tocaya Modern Mexican

Tocaya Modern Mexican is a trendy fast casual spot that serves a wide variety of Mexican American items. The Santa Monica location is located just a few blocks away from the beach and the pier, which means that it is the perfect spot to grab a quick meal after a long day at the beach.

Note that while Tocaya Modern Mexican is a chain that has multiple locations throughout Los Angeles, the comments we make in this section specifically pertain to our experiences at the Santa Monica location.

Gluten free status. Tocaya Modern Mexican is not a dedicated gluten free establishment. That being said, there are many gluten free options. Gluten free dishes are clearly labeled on the menu.
Other dietary restrictions. Tocaya Modern Mexican has many vegan and vegetarian options available. They have an entire vegan menu, most of which is entirely gluten free.
Cuisine. Tocaya Modern Mexican serves Americanized Mexican food. Their menu consists of options like tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.
Location. Tocaya Modern Mexican is located just a few blocks away from the beach in Santa Monica. It is a short walk from popular attractions like the Santa Monica Pier and the Third Street Promenade.
Atmosphere. Just like Sweetfin, Tocaya Modern Mexican is a trendy spot that is nicely decorated with unique accents. It has a very calm and laid back atmosphere that makes it the perfect place to grab a casual meal.
Seating. There is a lot of indoor seating available at the Santa Monica location. It is usually pretty easy to get a seat.

Other gluten free restaurants in Santa Monica

Ingo’s Tasty Diner

Ingo’s Tasty Diner is an upscale diner that is owned by the same company that owns The Misfit. Just like The Misfit, Ingo’s Tasty Diner is a trendy bar and restaurant with amazing food and even better cocktails. They also have a fun, lively atmosphere that is really popular with the younger crowd.

Truthfully, Ingo’s Tasty Diner is probably our favorite spot in all of Santa Monica. The only reason that we did not include it in our list is that they temporarily closed down during the pandemic. But fear not – they have plans to reopen in Summer of 2023.