Gluten-Free Restaurants

I don’t know how people can do it, live a gluten-free life that is. I for one am a gluten hound, engulfing myself in everything that is gluten like an Old Fashioned aperitif–muddled sugar, bitters, and a healthy amount of whiskey–rye whiskey to be more specific– in which has a copious amount of the gluten molecule intertwined with oak notes and a potent yet satisfying finish from the liquor. Even the items I consume on the daily–oven roasted turkey with a slice of provolone cheese on wheat–consists of the debilitating protein composite that many need to stray away from.

The reason for such a cautionary outlook for gluten is because of celiac disease, a condition that damages the lining of the small intestine, preventing it from absorbing parts of food that are important for staying healthy. The damage is due to a reaction to eating gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, rye, and possibly oats. So cross out irresistible items like bread, crackers, cookies, biscuits, breaded meat, croutons, pasta, pizza crust, and noodles (basically all the items in my food group) off the “Things I Can Eat” list if diagnosed with celiac disease–sorry. And gluten is not limited to just alcohol and bread; it’s found in items that we unknowingly suspect like cold-cut meats, hot dogs, pickles, blue cheese, salad dressing, soy sauce, et cetera

What is there to eat that is appetizing if you’re diagnosed with celiac disease? Even more so, where can a person eat if a plethora of ingredients contain gluten? Well look no further, here is a list of exquisite restaurants that have impeccable dishes that will satisfy your palate, and that are gluten-free.

Del Mar Rendezvous 

Creators of the Dumpling Inn on Convoy Street own Del Mar Rendezvous and it not only entice patrons with its Chinese fusion cuisine, but with its full fledged gluten-free menu as well that showcases an ample amount of entrees from tapas to noodles and rice. A noteworthy dish is Singapore Chow Konnyaku Noodles–sautéed chicken, shrimp, and egg sautéed with a medley of vegetables, topped with crushed peanuts. Konnyaku is non-wheat, gluten free root vegetable from the same family as taro. A healthy noodle alternative, Konnjaku noodles are less than 10 calories and less than five grams of carbohydrates per serving, no fat and high in dietary fiber.

Café Sevilla

Located in the heart of Downtown on 5th Street, Café Sevilla offers authentic Spanish ambiance alongside a traditional Spanish menu that presents delicious gluten-free tapas–small dishes–for diners to indulge on. Relinquish your hunger with gluten-free dishes like Tortilla Espanola “Potato Tart”, Meatballs al Jerez, seasoned Moorish style Brochetas, and Black Paella Tapa. Not only does Café Sevilla offer gluten-free entrees, they also support local organic produce and provide vegetarian options.

Corvette Diner

Corvette Diner is an old school 50’s American diner, where the staff is fashioned in garb straight from the movie Grease, and sweet tunes from Elvis Presley to Jerry Lee Lewis blasts from the jukebox. What else can you ask for in a 50’s themed restaurant? Oh, a gluten-free menu? They have that too. Corvette Diner offers mouthwatering gluten-free burgers that are perfect for the summer season. Try the Dante’s Inferno–jalapeno-mayo, pepper jack cheese, tomato, onions and spicy jalapenos, and the Kookie–grilled onions, Swiss cheese, sautéed mushrooms, tomatoes and pickles for a delightful gluten-free dish. If a burger doesn’t tickle your fancy, Corvette Diner also has sandwiches that are free from gluten’s grasp like its California Dreamin, grilled natural chicken breast, guacamole, green chilies, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pepper-jack cheese, and the simply yet satisfying Turkey and Swiss. So fellas comb your pompadour and ladies get your poodle skirt, we are heading to Corvette Diner for a gluten-free good time. 

BiCE Restaurante

Named after its founder, Beatrice Ruggeri, BiCE Resatuante offers Italian cuisine that’s skillfully mixed with traditional and contemporary trends. Executive Chef Mario Cassineri is the kitchen’s fearless leader, creating thoughtful and inspired dishes that are nonetheless immaculate in taste. With that vision, Chef Cassineri makes it a point to create all his pasta dishes with the option of gluten-free like Beef Tortellini in 24 Month Aged Parmesan Cheese Sauce, and Rigatoni alla Checca Con Pure di Meanzane–large tube pasta served with fresh chilled tomato and oven roasted eggplant. Guests that are in search for a fine dining Italian restaurant and are sensitive to gluten can now sigh in relief for BiCE’s gluten-free menu.