Watch CBS News

Gluten Free Restaurants & Bakeries in Los Angeles

kwanzaa_header
(credit: Coto de Caza)

If you haven't noticed, gluten free food is becoming very popular, especially in Los Angeles. First, it was all about being anti-carbs, then it was in-style to become vegetarian and now the rise of gluten free diets is growing. While some need a gluten-free diet for allergic reasons, others have embraced this form of eating for health reasons. What does gluten-free mean? Gluten-free means no more wheat, rye, and barley. Throughout Los Angeles, restaurants are creating special menu items ranging from gluten-free thai food and pizzas to gluten-free beer. We've selected the best and most delicious gluten-free restaurants LA has to offer.

kwanza300
(credit: Travel Pod)

Real Food Daily
414 N. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(310) 289-9910
www.realfood.com

Real Food Daily is one of the only LA restaurants with a 100% vegetarian menu using all organically grown produce. The pioneer of the green food movement, Ann Gentry, founded Real Food Daily with a dedication to providing delicious vegetarian food. The menu labels each item, gluten free, wheat free or yeast free making it worry-free when ordering. In addition, Real Food Daily offers online ordering as well as catering and cookbooks available for purchase.

featured cafe gratitude, raw
(credit: Cafe Gratitude)

Cafe Gratitude
639 N Larchmont Blvd
Los Angeles, CA
(323) 580-6383
www.cafegratitudela.com

San Francisco eatery Cafe Gratitude, with locations in Larchmont Village and Venice, makes any patron believe that food can be tasty without gluten. While the menu is not exclusively gluten-free, it does offer a good amount of options that are including gluten-free pancakes, banana bread, muffins, buckwheat crackers, tempeh, wraps, pasta and more. Even some of their desserts come gluten-free making it a great option if you're looking for something healthy and tasty too. Popular items include their macrobowls, salads, smoothies and juices as well as the Magical veggie burger which, of course comes on a gluten-free wrap.

crossroads
(credit: Crossroads Kitchen)

Crossroads
8284 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 782-9245
www.crossroadskitchen.com

For a more upscale dining option, Crossroads on Melrose offers tasty gluten-free options by master Chef Tal Ronnen. Putting together delicious Mediterranean style dishes, come for Sunday brunch, lunch, dinner, or just for drinks and dine on many options without gluten. Our favorites? Try the polenta fries with a house balsamic ketchup, the chilled cucumber soup, or one of their gluten-free flat breads. You'd be surprised that most of the menu is actually gluten free too. From salads, to small hot plates and more, you won't be scanning the menu trying to find something that you can eat. There are plenty of options!

True Food Kitchen
(credit: True Food Kitchen)

True Food Kitchen
395 Santa Monica Pl. #172
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 593-8300
www.truefoodkitchen.com

With locations in Santa Monica and Newport Beach, True Food Kitchen's menu proves that a restaurant can be both healthy and delicious. Dishes on the menu are marked as gluten-free to give those who desire it ample warning as to which items they can eat and which to stay away from. Our picks include their spaghetti squash casserole, panang curry as well as their veggie crudie and herb hummus. This restaurant will not disappoint.

kwanza300
(credit: citytour.com)

Hugo's Restaurant
8401 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles
(323) 654-3993
Additional Locations: Studio City & Agoura Hills
www.hugosrestaurant.com

Gluten free Macaroni and Cheese? Gluten free pancakes? Food allergy diners will feel at home at Hugo's restaurant. Hugo's is an old butcher shop run by a butcher named Hugo which was ultimately transformed into a neighborhood take-out joint with tasty and delicious food. As the popularity of this restaurant grew in the community, it gradually became a full sit down restaurant. There is a comprehensive allergy menu available online with every dish labeled with allergy symbols. Although everything is great, the top choice would be to dine from the "breakfast at night" menu. Who doesn't love breakfast for dinner?

kwanza300
(credit: quarrygirl.com)

EVO Kitchen
7950 Sunset Blvd #104
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 375-3390
www.evokitchenla.com

EVO Kitchen is a small family owned restaurant that prides itself on supporting local farmers and wineries. If you're in the mood for gluten-free pizza AND beer then this little restaurant on sunset is your kind of place. The menu has a wide-selection of gourmet pizzas, salads, sandwiches and soups. Popular items include the BBQ Chicken Pizza, the homemade brownies and the gluten-free mango avocado salad. In addition to offering delivery, happy hour and online ordering, the restaurant takes special care to prepare all foods in a separate station from other foods.

kwanza300
(credit: culturistas.com)

Veggie Grill
8000 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 822-7575
Additional Locations/a>
www.veggiegrill.com

Veggie Grill offers a comprehensive gluten free menu including a kale style burger with gluten free french fries. With different menus available tailored to fit gluten, soy, seed, nut and black pepper allergies, the dishes are fresh, light and hip for gluten free diners. For convenience, Veggie Grill offers catering and delivery available through LAbite.com as well. One of the top choices that keeps visitors coming back time and time again is the gluten-free macaroni and cheese.

RockSugar
(credit: rocksugarpanasiankitchen.com)

Rock Sugar Pan Asian Kitchen
10250 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90067
(310) 552-9988
www.rocksugarpanasiankitchen.com

Who would have thought gluten-free dining could be so good? If you're craving some delicious pan-Asian food choices, Chef Mohan Ismail crafted a menu with a myriad of gluten-free options. With just about anything imaginable, favorites include the Thai fried chicken wings, green mango salad, green curry chicken, Singapore rice noodles, spicy ahi rolls, coconut chicken soup, chicken tikka masala and the Vietnamese duck curry. If it's not on the menu, ask the waiter and they may even accommodate you!

kwanza300
(credit: agourahillsmom.com)

Fresh Brothers Pizza
Multiple Locations
www.freshbrothers.com

Looking for the best gluten free pizza in LA? Fresh Brothers has created the most flavorful gluten free pizza using a blend of flours, potato starch, olive oil, garlic and Italian seasonings. Fresh Brothers also has the unique option of Vegan cheese for their customers. For pick-up or delivery, gluten-free diners can still enjoy a delicious pizza with Fresh Brothers.

kwanza300
(credit: triplecreme.blogspot.com/)

The Sensitive Baker
10836 ½ Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 815-1800
www.thesensitivebaker.com

Birthday parties and celebrations can be one of the hardest times for allergy suffers. Having a bakery that can create allergy friendly breads and baked goods is a true gem for people who suffer from food allergies. The Sensitive Baker prepares gluten free, dairy free, kosher and vegan (by request) baked goods. When purchasing baked goods from The Sensitive Baker, freeze the items and quickly defrost when attending a special event. There is pre-ordering available over the phone or walk-in to enjoy a delicious allergy friendly treat.

M Cafe De Chaya ext
(credit: M Cafe)

M Cafe
9433 Brighton Way
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 858-8459
Additional Locations: Hollywood & Brentwood
www.mcafedechaya.com

Since its inception, M Cafe has grown in popularity for its macrobiotic, vegan and dairy-free menu which has many gluten-free options as well. All deli salads, and sushi items (except for the soba noodles) are gluten free. In addition, the tasty salmon and cod rice bowls are also gluten-free. Ask them to make any of their sandwiches without gluten as well!

Casa Del Mar DL
(credit: hotelcasadelmar.com)

Catch
Casa Del Mar
1910 Ocean Way
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 581-7714
www.hotelcasadelmar.com

Enjoy terrific views as well as an appealing gluten-free menu at Catch, located at Casa Del Mar on Santa Monica Beach. Chef Jason Bowlin serves up a delectable menu featuring starters such as the roasted beet and burrata salad, pork belly with garnet yams and roasted apples. Entree's include a striped bass, monkfish with artichokes and a red wine braised short rib.

breakaway bakery
(credit: Lynn C. / Yelp)

Breakaway Bakery
5264 Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90019
(310) 968-9380
www.breakawaybakery.com

Located on Pico Blvd., this bakery features items that are gluten, dairy, soy and casein free. In addition, you can scratch trans-fats off the menu as well as preservatives. Bite into one of their delicious cupcakes or muffins and you'll realize that you didn't need any of those for it to be great. Cookies and brownies are also a specialty. The menu changes daily so be sure to come by often to try the growing selection of treats.

kwanza300
(credit: virtualtourist.com)

Gaucho's Village
411 N Brand Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91203
(818) 550-1430
www.gauchosvillage.com

Savor the best Brazilian food in Los Angeles at Gauchos Village, while not having to worry about a gluten allergy. Guests can enjoy a variety of foods from the oversized salad bar, and freshly baked gluten free cheese bread. The server will come tableside with large skewers of meats prepared on a churrasqira. In addition to the delicious food, there is live music and a Samba show every Friday and Saturday night. Reservations are highly recommended for a night to remember at Gauchos Village.

Related: Guide To Gluten Free Bakeries and Restaurants in LA.

Shelby Barone is a freelance writer in Orange County. She is a Mom to three young children and spends her free time doing volunteer work in her community. She is passionate about health, nutrition and helping people to live with food allergies. She currently writes at Glitterful Felt Stories.
View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.