By the ferry landing on First street, Coronado: Village Pizzeria and Candelas
Do you have friends you’re reluctant to invite out to dinner because you feel it’s just too difficult to accommodate their gluten free dietary requirements? Or, perhaps you’re the one on a gluten free diet?
Fear not, if you are in the vicinity of Coronado, gluten free options abound!
But first, allow me to enlighten you with a brief history of my gastrointestinal woes (because we all love to hear stories about other people’s stomach afflictions). I was diagnosed with celiac disease, a digestive illness that damages the small intestine and interferes with the absorption of nutrients, in 2002 via an endoscopic biopsy. Thankfully, celiac disease is treated by change of diet. Back then, in Australia, my beloved home country, gluten free options were few and unpalatable. A loaf of bread weighed approximately the same as a house brick and I imagine tasted similar to one too with its heavy mix of gritty, dense flours.
Fortunately, the quality of gluten free bread has come a long way since then, I am happy to report. However, I am yet to find a decent loaf of bread that doesn’t require toasting before consuming, unless you’re a fan of pasty, heavy textures. If you know of a tasty gluten free loaf, particularly in Coronado, please let me know!
As the years have rolled on, restaurants and cafes have become much more accommodating to patrons with special dietary requirements, especially in the gluten free domain. It’s not too tough to find a restaurant that offers gluten free meals, though the meals options are usually limited.
Brigantine, located at 1333 Orange Ave Coronado
Thankfully there are myriad restaurants and cafés on Coronado that cater to a gluten free diet. If you are highly sensitive to gluten, it is best to keep in mind that these establishments also prepare wheat based products on their premises, so it is worth considering that there may be a possibility of cross contamination. If you are highly sensitive, call the restaurant in advance to discuss your dietary needs or purchase your food from a food market, such as Boney’s who have an excellent range of gluten free, organic and non GMO products. Boney’s is located on 155 Orange Ave (between 1st St & 2nd St) Coronado. Supermarkets, such as Alberstons and Vons, both located in Coronado, also offer gluten free pre-packaged food products.
Sapori, located at 120 Orange Ave, Coronado. Photo credit: Sapori Restaurant
Cafes and Restaurants in Coronado that accommodate a gluten free diet:
Burger Lounge: Located at 922 Orange Ave, Coronado, Burger Lounge offers a gluten free menu, and is a great place to grab a quick burger. To view the Burger Lounge website and gluten free menu, click here.
Leroy’s Kitchen + Lounge: Located at 1015 Orange Ave, Coronado, Leroy’s will happily accommodate your gluten free requirements. To visit the Leroy’s Kitchen + Lounge website, click here.
Lil’ Piggy’s BBQ: Located at 1201 First Street, Coronado, Lil’ Piggy’s doesn’t offer a specific a gluten free menu, but can make gluten free salads on request. Be sure to inform your server upon arrival. To view the Lil’ Piggy’s BBQ website, click here.
Tartine: Located at 1106 First street, Coronado, Tartine’s chef can “tweak” their menu to accommodate any gluten free requirements. They also have a few gluten free dessert options. To view Tartine’s website, click here.
The Tavern: Located at 1310 Orange Ave, Coronado, Tavern has a considerable gluten free menu. To view the Tavern website, click here.
Candelas: Serving Mexican cuisine and located at 1201 First Street, Coronado, Candelas has a small gluten free menu, which is clearly marked on their main menu. To view the Candelas by the Bay website, click here.
Wine a Bit: Located at 928 Orange Ave, Coronado, Wine a Bit can provide gluten free crackers. To view Wine a Bit’s website, click here.
Nado Gelato: Located at 1017 C Ave, Coronado, Nado Gelato has a few gluten free gelato flavors. Visit Nado Gelato’s Facebook page here.
Yogurt Escape: Located at 942 Orange Ave, Coronado, Yogurt Escape has some wheat free flavors. To view the Yogurt Escape website, click here.
Chez Loma: Located at 1132 Loma Ave, Chez Loma boasts a menu which is predominantly gluten free. Inform your server upon arrival and they can assist you with gluten free options. To view the Chez Loma website, click here.
Island Pasta: Located at 849 Orange Ave, Coronado, Island Pasta has gluten free pasta and some gluten free sauces. View the Island Pasta website here.
Il Fornaio Restaurant: Serving Italian cuisine, located at 1333 First St, Coronado, Il Fornaio has a gluten free menu upon request. To view Il Fornaio’s website, click here.
Primavera Ristorante: Located at 932 Orange Ave, Coronado, Primavera has an extensive gluten free menu, which is included and clearly marked on their main menu. To view Primavera Ristorante’s website, click here.
Sapori: Located at 120 Orange Ave, Coronado, Sapori has gluten free options such as risotto and pastas. To view Sapori’s website and gluten free menu, click here.
Vigilucci’s Ristorante: Located at 1300 Orange Ave, Coronado, Vigilucci’s can accommodate your gluten free needs. To view Vigilucci’s Ristorante website, click here.
Village Pizzeria: (Orange Ave) and Village Pizzeria Bayside (in the center of the Ferry Landing) serve a gluten free crust in a 10 inch pie. Check with the chef regarding toppings. To view the Village Pizzeria website, click here.
Costa Azul Grill and Rotisserie: Located at 1031 Orange Ave, Coronado, Costa Azul offers some gluten free options. To view their website, click here.
Miguel’s Cocina: Located at 1351 Orange Ave, Coronado, Miguel’s has a separate gluten free menu. To view Miguel”s website, click here.
Brigantine: Located at 1333 Orange Ave, the Brig also has a separate gluten free menu. To view Brigantine’s website, click here.
1887 on the Bay: Located at 1701 Strand Way, Coronado, 1887 can accommodate people on gluten free diet. To view their website, click here.
Peohe’s: Located at 1201 1st St, Peohe’s has some gluten free options. To view their website click here.
Bistro d’Asia: Located at 1301 Orange Ave, Bistro d’Asia offers some gluten free options. To view Bistro d’Asia’s website, click here.
Saiko Sushi: Located at 116 Orange Ave, Saiko can accommodate people on a gluten free diet. To view their website, click here.
Sheerwater: Located at the Hotel Del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave, Sheerwater has a gluten free menu which is clearly marked on the main menu. to view the Hotel Del Coronado website, click here.
The Hotel Del Coronado, located at 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado
Enjoy your gluten free dining experience in Coronado!
Have a gluten free favorite that we missed? Let us know in the comments!
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Siobhan Bailie
Staff Writer
eCoronado.com
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