Gluten Free Pizza San Diego

Some choose a gluten-free lifestyle based on a personal preference, while others require it for health concerns. If you’re not familiar with this nemesis of many sufferers, gluten is the name for the storage protein found in grains. It shows up in pastas and breads and can make dining anywhere turn into an ordeal.

While it sounds difficult to cut out the pizza parties or avoid Little Italy’s finest restaurants, gluten-free options are (finally) becoming more mainstream. As many of our San Diego restaurants are offering fresh, organic, and whole foods on their menus, you can now leave your own kitchen behind and have a night dining out on the town, no holds barred.

Discover five unexpected restaurants with gluten-free options.

Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza: Pizza has never looked so good, and now it’s good for you, too. The chef at Sammy’s has trained his kitchen staff to know the ins and out of gluten-free preparation, making sure the menu is contamination-free. The selection features gluten-free tapas such as Baba Ghanoush and Hummus with garbanzo beans, lemon, tahini and garlic dip, served with hearts of romaine. For fresh, light options choose from a gluten-free Oak Roasted Chicken Breast, Grilled Chicken Wrap, Chilled Roasted Vegetable Salad, Grilled Shrimp Salad, or Fresh Organic Beets and Arugula Salad. Of course, there are pizza options for the gluten-free eater, including Brie Cheese with Truffle Oil Pizza, LaDou’s Barbeque Chicken Pizza, or a favorite Redwood Hill Farms Smoked Goat Cheddar Pizza. Leave on a sweet note with classic Cotton Candy dusted with cocoa powder. For more information, visit sammyspizza.com

Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens: As a beer-lovers paradise, Stone Brewing Co. and their World Bistro welcomes gluten-free eaters to run in with equal enthusiasm as everyone else. Gluten-free menus are available upon arrival at the host-stand, but the chefs can also accommodate a variety of special dietary restrictions upon request. The gluten-free options change depending on what’s available, but a constant is the gluten-free beer, and a full gluten-free menu for both lunch, dinner, and even some dessert. Options sighted on the menu have included Tilapia Ceviche, Housemade Hummus, Tempeh Shepherd’s Pie, BBQ Duck Tacos, a Spicy Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry, Chicken Tikka Masala, Grilled Salmon Tournedo, and an Australian Wagyu Top Sirloin Steak. For more information, visit stonebrew.com

The Prado: The Prado at Balboa Park boasts an elegant dining experience marked with majestic and historic charm. To make any dietary restrictions easy to manage, The Prado clearly marks all gluten-free items on the menu so diners can easily discover options that don’t disturb. On the appetizer list, gluten-free options include the Shrimp Martini Cocktail, a Trio of Grilled Skewers, and the El Prado Tortilla Soup. Recommended entrees range from the Prado Seafood Paella, to the Forest Wild Mushroom Risotto, Slow Roasted Pork Prime Rib, and Rosemary Roasted Jidori Half Chicken. For more information, visit cohnrestaurants.com

Terra American Bistro: This gem of a restaurant prides itself on an ongoing commitment to gluten-free options in their local, sustainable and organic cuisine. The menu showcases innovative “New American” style options and makes it a point to label all gluten-free options with a clear “GF” marking. Chef and Owner Jeff Rossman has mapped out gluten-free dinner options such as the Steamed Carlsbad Black Mussels, an Organic Farmer’s Salad, Citrus Brined Free Range Chicken Breast with lemon-thyme jus, quinoa pilaf, and local vegetables, and a must-try Grilled Flat Iron Steak with port wine reduction, cambazola cheese, mashed potatoes and market vegetables. Previously located in Hillcrest, Terra American Bistro is now in the East College District of San Diego. For more information, visit terrasd.com

Sprinkles La Jolla: Your favorite cupcake stop now offers a gluten-free treat on the daily. The fan-favorite Red Velvet flavor is available for those seeking a gluten-free sweet, anytime. Kept specially in the back of the bakery to remain separated from the other cupcakes, they each feature a tiny red candy G as an edible marking of their contents. The cupcake itself is made with gluten-free flour and topped with an original cream cheese frosting. Just look for the red G, and you’ll be licking your lips in gluten-free heaven. For more information, visit sprinkles.com