Gluten-Free Guide–Orange County
When trying to find out the cause for my amenorrhea, my doctor found out that I had an auto-immune disease–hypothyroidism. Further, when I eat gluten, it creates the antibodies that attack my thyroid gland. This took a toll on my foodie life because gluten is EVERYWHERE! Pastas, pastries, bread, soy sauce. I thought I wouldn’t be able to keep up with my favorite hobby–eating and photographing food. But, it didn’t have to be that way; I decided to focus my account on being healthier and serving as a guide for people looking for gluten-free restaurant dishes and products. I hope this guide helps you find somewhere new to eat whether you are gluten-intolerant or not. The food still tastes just as great!
Brunch
Lola’s Cafe
1101 Corporate Dr Suite A1, Ladera Ranch, CA 92694
My favorite cafe and my go-to. I love Lola’s so much, I’ve practically tried everything on their menu. The menu is labeled with gluten-free/vegan options. You can substitute gluten-free bread for their famous avocado toast or any other sandwich, and the entire left side of their pastry case is gluten-free. I recommend the cake–it rotates daily and is super light and fluffy. My other favorite items are the quinoa butternut power bowl and the house salad topped with their curried chicken salad. They also sell a wide variety of products made by local artisans.
quinoa butternut power bowl & avocado toast
house salad with curried chicken
Malibu Farm
3420 Via Oporto #101, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Malibu Farm has a dietary-friendly menu with many vegan options. This restaurant is at the Lido Marina, so it has a nice view! The village is super cute, and there are plenty of shops to explore after dining here. I recommend the pytti panna hash: potatoes, beets, squash, zucchini, onion, arugula, horseradish cream, smoked salmon with fried egg or tofu with tofu 'egg'. It’s super filling and gluten-free!
Breakfast Republic
4213 Campus Dr Suite P166B, Irvine, CA 92612
So I first tried Breakfast Republic in San Diego, and I had their pancake flight! Sadly, I can’t eat that anymore, but you should definitely get that if you are not gluten-intolerant. They recently opened at the UCI center, so now I’m jealous of the UCI students. This place is popping on weekends, and there are no reservations, so plan to get there super early.
I was so happy when I found out that they have a gluten-free cinnamon raisin french toast. Order it topped with bananas foster–you won’t regret it. It was so moist and delicious, you don’t even need syrup. You cannot even tell this dish is gluten-free. I also recommend ordering a kombucha flight! Their menu is clearly labeled with dietary symbols.
Brio
774 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618
Located at the Irvine Spectrum, Brio has a gluten-free menu. My favorite from the brunch menu is the greens and grains bowl. It has quinoa, charred broccoli, baby spinach, edamame, beets, avocado, dried cranberries, roasted almonds, and a poached egg. Super filling and healthy, too! If you can have gluten, their cinnamon roll is heavenly (I had it back when I could eat gluten).
Sidecar Doughnuts
270 E 17th St #18, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Sidecar will always be my favorite donut shop in the world. They make their donuts fresh every hour, so you are likely to get one that is still warm! Each month they have special flavors, along with their daily classics, and each week one of the flavors is made gluten-free. I go once a month whenever I’m home in Orange County. Recently, they opened up new locations! These are the freshest and yummiest doughnuts ever! I taste no difference between the gluten-free and regular versions–they also have vegan flavors, too!
Mains
Seabirds Kitchen
2930 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
This is my favorite dietary-friendly restaurant in Orange County. It is 100% vegan, an added bonus. The menu has a wide variety of gluten-free options. There’s two locations in Costa Mesa, and there are a few menu items that are special to those locations. For starters, I recommend the corn chowder, purple taquitos, and the brussels sprouts. The brussels sprouts are my absolute favorite (shh, I didn’t mention that in my brussels sprouts guide, but they are AMAZING!)
The warm cauliflower salad is deliciously filling and the jackfruit nachos are perfect to share–jackfruit seriously tastes like meat, it’s crazy! At the Costa Mesa location, you can get walnut chorizo enchiladas. A dish I normally can’t order at Mexican restaurants due to the cheese, these enchiladas take me back to the good ol’ days where I could eat cheese. It’s astounding how nuts can be soaked and transformed into cheese! I just tried the bibimbap bowl yesterday–not my favorite, but if you like those flavors, and spice, then it may be for you. I thought the steamed kale was too chewy, and the cauliflower was too crunchy.
Dessert…the best for last. The banana pudding at the South Coast location is fire! Just listen to this description: house made gluten free oreos, cashew milk based banana pudding, salted caramel, crushed banana chips. It doesn’t get any better than that! They also have gluten-free cookies–the one I had was crumbly and dry, so I wouldn’t really recommend it.
North Italia
2957 Michelson Dr, Irvine, CA 92612
Gluten-free pasta has come a long way, and the one from North Italia tastes like legit pasta. I know it’s only one shape, but they still prepare it like any of the other dishes. The chicken pesto is my favorite–the sauce is the perfect consistency, I love the crunch of the pine nuts, and the chicken is tender. You won’t believe their hazelnut torta is gluten-free. It’s soooo yummy and topped with salted caramel gelato. They also have gluten-free pizza crust and vegetable noodle substitutes.
Flower Child
1302 Bison Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92660
This is my favorite spot for lunch whenever I’m in the area! Their menu is labeled with dietary-friendly symbols and it’s also very healthy. All their dishes are made with ingredients that are not on the dirty dozen list. I love their salads: Vietnamese Crunch and Brussels & Squash. I always add tofu for protein (+$2.95) because it’s soft and grilled perfectly on the outside. I also recommend the glow bowl if you’re looking for something more filling–it’s made with sweet potato noodles!
They have so many delicious, gluten-free desserts. The muffins are light and fluffy, their brownies are moist, the cookies are great, and they also have a vegan chocolate pudding. I would buy everything if I could…and I have tried all the desserts…whoops!
Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen
13126 Jamboree Rd, Irvine, CA 92602
Another restaurant where the menu is clearly labeled–and they have a separate menu that is gluten-free, too! I came here for lunch today, and wow, everything is so flavorful! They have a beautiful outdoor, covered patio, a bar, and a beautiful interior design. Even though you’ll probably want to order tacos, I urge you to try one of their fish entrees. Both the mahi mahi and salmon are succulent and delicious. I had the mahi mahi today and finished the entire plate–it was so flavorful. Their cheese enchiladas are also gluten-free. For appetizers, get the ceviche sampler: shrimp ceviche, ahi aguachile. They’re super fresh and perfect to dip your chips in. The flan is delicious–just don’t eat the shortbread cookie hehe.
Descanso Mexican Grill
1555 Adams Ave #103, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
One of my favorite cuisines is Mexican, not only because it’s easier to navigate for gluten-free items, but because it’s just so tasty. Descanso is unique in that they have a taco bar–you get to see them cook your food in front of you, and you can also see them shaving the al pastor through the window in the back! They’re known for their alambre, a deconstructed fajita topped with a cheese blanket. I ordered the mahi mahi and al pastor tacos–they’re served on a half blue, half yellow corn tortilla…so unique! The al pastor was a bit overcooked, but the mahi mahi was succulent and delicious. My favorite dish was the elote asado–I highly recommend it! Don’t forget to order some sides of mexican fried rice and refried beans, and guacamole. The waitress was helpful in showing me what was gluten-free on the menu.
Puesto
8577 Irvine Center Dr, Irvine, CA
Oops! Another Mexican restaurant. They’re just all too good. Puesto is one of my favorites–it’s so colorful inside, they have handmade blue corn tortillas, and their taco menu is off the charts! It’s so creative! Their menu is clearly labeled with gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian marks. Make sure to try a housemade agua fresca–they’re so refreshing and not overly sweet. If you don’t want tacos, order the carnitas bowl, but if it’s your first time DEFINITELY get the tacos. My favorites are the mushroom, carnitas, and shrimp adobada. For a lighter option, I liked the ceviche acapulco.
Uroko Cafe
3030 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
I love Uroko Cafe because it’s very fresh and they serve your poke in a large dish. It’s more sustainable for the environment than the plastic to-go bowls, and it’s also easier to mix your bowl. I always make my poke bowls healthy, and all I need to change is the sauce. Many Asian sauces contain gluten because soy sauce is an ingredient in them, and it contains gluten. The safest choices are gluten-free soy sauce (tamari), sesame oil, and spicy mayo. Stay away from marinated proteins, crunchy onions, and the like. This goes for any poke restaurant. My other favorites in Orange County are Poke Wave and Pokeworks.
Active Culture
111 S El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672
One of my favorite places for a healthy lunch, Active Culture serves organic food made from the simplest ingredients. Their menu is labeled with gluten-free, soy-free, and vegan, so it’s easy to find what you can eat. The portions are huge! They also serve acai bowls and frozen yogurt to satisfy your sweet tooth! My favorite is the hummus quinoa salad.
Seasons 52
3333 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
This is my favorite place to come with family, especially for their holiday menus. They have an amazing Thanksgiving plate with all the fixings. I always associate them with the shot glass desserts aka mini indulgences–although none of them are gluten-free, they are quite delightful and satisfy your sweet tooth with less calories. But it should be noted that their name depicts their rotating, seasonal menu. Dine here at different times of the year, and you will be sure to get something new each time!
They have a gluten-free menu upon request. Any of the flatbreads can be made gluten-free. I enjoyed their honey-roasted golden beets and goat cheese salad and kona-krusted lamb loin–both gluten-free. They need to improve in the gluten-free dessert department as I was stuck with a wimpy shot glass of fruit.
Zov’s
21123 Newport Coast Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92657
Zov’s serves Eastern Mediterranean cuisine, and our server was very knowledgeable of gluten-free options on the menu! For appetizers you MUST get the brussels and bacon. The mezze platter is also the perfect choice to share–you can request vegetables instead of pita bread to dip in. I also recommend the lentil soup and fried cauliflower–both gluten-free as well. It includes hummus, babaganoush, muhammara, and more! For the entree, I liked the greek salad with salmon (minus the pita chips and feta cheese). Finish off your meal with a flourless chocolate cake. Now whenever I see flourless chocolate cakes, I have to order them. I used to shy away because they’re usually dense, but now it’s one of my favorite gluten-free dessert options!
modern greek salad
Luna Grill
Multiple SoCal locations
Luna Grill is another one of my favorite Mediterranean Restaurants. You should also check out Panini Kabob Grill. I love their dip trio–just ask for vegetables to dip instead of pita bread. Their salads and kabob plates are fresh and tasty. I don’t eat red meat often, but when I do, I love ordering their ground sirloin kabob. If you’re looking for a lighter option, I like the modern greek salad.
dip trio
Urban Plates
Multiple SoCal Locations
I love the vibe of Urban Plates! It works like a buffet, but the servers plate your food and cut the protein fresh. All the food is in front of you, so it’s easier to make a choice. Like they say, feast with your eyes. The menus are marked with dietary symbols, so there’s no confusion. My favorite sides are the beets and brussels sprouts. I also love their tuna nicoise salad. It has more filling toppings, yet it’s still light. BUT, I’m a sucker for beets, so the local mixed beet salad is also one of my favs. The curry tofu & vegetable braise is the perfect vegan and gluten-free option as well. For dessert, they have a few gluten-free cookies, and a light and delicious gluten-free pineapple cake. This is one of the only cakes I’ve had recently, aside from the usual flourless chocolate cake (which is still a great choice)! The pineapple cake is spiced with turmeric and the has a pineapple diplomat cream…mmmm.
Fork and Salad
240 W. Chapman Avenue Suite 102 ON, N Lemon St, Orange, CA 92866
A Maui-based salad bar, Fork and Salad offers build-your-own and signature salad creations. Unique ingredients such as japanese sweet potato, brussels sprouts, and papaya make this joint stand out. They also have kombucha, the perfect drink to go with your salad on a hot day…or just any day. Their signature salads are labeled with gluten/dairy-free and vegan labels.
Broken Rice
2222 Michelson Dr, Irvine, CA 92612
Another build-your-own bowl spot, Broken Rice is a Vietnamese restaurant located in TRADE Food Hall. I like customizable places like this because it’s easy to ensure that your meal will be gluten-free, and if you are picky, you just choose what you like. I recommend their shrimp and chicken with cilantro lime sauce! All the vegetables and flavors go together well in the bowl, and it can be a pretty healthy meal!
Ahi Ahi Sushi Bar & Grill
45 Auto Center DrSte 120Foothill Ranch, CA 92610
I’m half-Japanese, and Japanese food has always been my favorite growing up. From tempura, to ramen, to gyoza, to takoyaki, to chicken katsu, I loved it all. But you know what those all have in common?! Flour…and, therefore, gluten. Heck, even soy sauce has gluten. Big sad. I really miss eating those foods, so now I’m just stuck with edamame and sashimi.
BUT, I’ve been obsessed with ordering sashimi rolls. I get a little bit of each fish, avocado, and crab. Almost every sushi/Japanese restaurant offers something like this, and it is the safest roll to order. Just be sure to tell them no sauce. I’m weird, and I never ate my sushi with soy sauce in the first place, so it’s not too big of a deal. This is my favorite sashimi roll by far–it’s rice-less (so less carbs, and healthier) and wrapped in soy paper. Other restaurants even serve this in a cucumber roll!
I hope this guide was helpful, and I will continue to update it with new gluten-free menu items and restaurants in Orange County!
MamÓn
26676 Portola Pkwy Ste D Foothill Ranch, CA 92610
Mamón has a very gluten-free-friendly menu with bold flavors! It’s the perfect lunch spot, as they serve sandwiches, soups, and salads. There’s breakfast, too! All sandwiches can be made with a gluten-free wrap. I recommend the Just the Tip (marinated portobello with avocado, hemp seeds, tomato, and serrano pepper mayo).
The service here is awesome–the owner was so personable.
Fresh Brothers
24002 Aliso Creek Rd, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
I am SO happy I found Fresh Brothers! I thought I’d never be able to enjoy the classic American pizza and chicken nuggets ever again. They offer gluten-free bites (chicken nuggets), vegan cheese, and gluten-free crust (regular and cauliflower). And don’t forget the sauces: ketchup, ranch, mango habanero, BBQ. The food is so delicious and brings me a sense of comfort all while satisfying my cravings.
Banh Xeo Boys
12865 Beach Blvd #12, Stanton, CA 90680
Located in Rodeo 39 Public Market, Banh Xeo Boys is a vendor that serves up savory Vietnamese crepes made from a batter of rice flour, coconut, and turmeric. For starters, the batter is gluten-free, and most options for fillings are gluten-free: pork belly, chicken, seasoned shrimp. Served with sautéed onions, bean sprouts, lettuce, mint, cilantro, cucumber, pickled carrots and daikon, garlic, Thai chili, and housemade Nuoc Cham Vietnamese dipping sauce, there are so many fresh ingredients and layers of flavor in this crepe. The dish is meant to be eaten with your hands.