Santa Barbara has a little bit of everything to offer for a cultured weekend getaway: California sunshine, whitewashed Mediterranean-inspired architecture, the Santa Ynez Mountains on the horizon, and most importantly, lots of good eats for gluten-free foodies. When you’re only in town for a short while, searching for gluten-free food options can be time-consuming, especially if you’re on a tight schedule. Not to mention, there’s nothing more disappointing than taking a gamble on a restaurant or cafe only to find out that there is only one option for you on the menu.
Having sought out and tried some of the best gluten-free spots in town, I’ve rounded up the best options that you should schedule into your next or first visit to Santa Barbara. Run by owners who understand and care about gluten-free needs, you’ll feel spoiled by the plethora of gluten-free options available on the menu. These spots and their selections are guaranteed to satisfy your savory and sweet cravings with just the right amount of vacation decadence.
Elubia’s Kitchen
Don’t you love it when you stumble upon the perfect find as your first stop? This Latin American restaurant, which offers dine-in and take-out options, has a 100% gluten-free menu. It was started by Elubia Orozco & Ruben Orozco after Elubia embarked on her own gluten-free health journey, and wanted to create an amazing dining spot for celiacs and non-celiac gluten-free diners alike. She goes above and beyond to ensure that every ingredient, from marinades to spices, do not have hidden gluten. This level of care and attention is all we gluten-free foodies ever want to hear, as cross-contamination — especially in restaurants that cater to everyone — can be a huge issue.
The options on offer are amazing, from classics like tacos, taquitos, and tamales (on some days), with vegan and vegetarian filling options, as well as traditionally prepared meats, too. There are also plenty of side options like casamiento (rice and beans), and they even have an incredible Arroz Con Leche (rice pudding) to round up the meal. If you’re opting for take-out, you can also stop by Santa Barbara cider next door to grab some beverages for the meal.
Lilac Patisserie
Here’s one for all the gluten-free foodies with a sweet tooth like me. It wouldn’t be a stretch to describe this sensational bakery as out of this world, and it’s perfect for a Saturday morning brunch spot to fuel you up for the day. Gluten-free eaters will know that, oftentimes, you might just have the choice of one or two GF options, so when you come across somewhere that offers choice, you have to make the most of it! I decided to sample a few things at Lilac Patisserie, and the eggs benedict has always been my go-to brunch item, which I ordered along with the fluffiest brioche French toast, topped with fresh berries.
I also couldn’t resist a slice of the raspberry lemon and berry patch cakes, both as incredible as each other, and I’m not normally a cake person! They offered a perfect amount of sweetness in a moist, fluffy sponge, decorated with fresh fruit. I also tried the lemon bar, brownie, orange chocolate cones, and coffee cake. If all this sounds a little bit sweet for you, they also have salads, soups, and sandwiches for brunch options.
Green Table
If you’re approaching the end of your stay in Santa Barbara and maybe craving something a little lighter, Green Table is a great option. They are, of course, 100 percent gluten-free, but everything on the menu is also organic, vegetarian, locally-sourced, and contains no refined sugar. They don’t even use gluten-free flour because it is overly processed — they use almond and coconut flour instead.
Not only is everything on the menu super fresh, but some of it is also homegrown. They sprout their own almonds to make almond milk every day, and instead of using sugar as sweetener, they opt for bananas, maple syrup, and dates. It’s amazing because you can enjoy the treat of eating out, while still feeling like you are eating consistently with your own food and health standards at home.
If you’re feeling in need of a cleanse, the Skinny G juice is a refreshing blend of seasonal fresh-pressed organic greens, cucumber, and lemon. The vegetarian quiche lorraine with olives was the perfect light option, and still left room for a little sweet treat — the midnight bite dessert with dark chocolate, homemade walnut butter, and raspberry.
Save yourself from time spent checking maps and reviews when looking for gluten-free spots in Santa Barbara, and give these fantastic options a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
For more city eating guides, check out Erica Schlick’s blog.
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