Coronado Island is more than just bodacious beaches and fun in the sun. This charming destination is also a hot spot for fabulous food. But what if you have special dietary needs? You’re in luck because Coronado Island offers worry-free dining experiences that satisfy every palate and dietary requirement. So, if you’ve undergone testing for celiac disease – you never have to miss out on the most mouthwatering foods with these best gluten-free (GF) dining options on Coronado Island. Ready to chow down? Let’s roll this beautiful GF restaurant footage!
The Henry
This casual, neighborhood restaurant has won the hearts of locals because of its consistently delicious food and exceptional service. The Henry uses only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients while serving classic Cali-American dishes on their ever-changing seasonal menus. The relaxed eatery is also a favorite for its gluten-free fare. Don’t believe us? Just check out their menu and you’ll see the “GF” symbol on just about every one of their dishes. Opt for a spicy tuna & crispy rice appetizer with creamy avocado and cilantro soy sauce. We also recommend the braised short rib entree with bourbon caramel, roasty ‘shrooms, and mashed potatoes. Yummo! The Henry also serves artisanal cocktails, and has a mightily impressive wine list.
- Address: 1031 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
- Phone: 619-762-1022
- Hours: Mon – Sun 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Garage Buona Forchetta
Who says you can’t have guilt-free, zero-gluten pizza and eat it too? Not Garage Buona Forchetta! Critically acclaimed by Eater and tapped for the best pizza in San Diego Magazine’s 2023 Critic’s Choice, Buona is a home run for satisfying your Italian cravings. Their pizzas are authentically woodfire-cooked, so you’ll get that smokey aroma and just the right amount of crunch to your crust with all the ooey-gooey toppings that make genuine Italian pizza the bomb. Choose from an array of GF options, like a classic Margherita pizza with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozz, basil, and EVOO. We love the tangy punch of their Michelle pizza which comes with caramelized onions, gorgonzola, speck, and mozzarella cheese. Want GF pasta? No problem. Buona has BIY (built-it-yourself) pasta options. Just choose your gluten-free pasta, sauce, toppings, and it’s mangiare time! FYI, most menu items can be prepared gluten-free, but there is a $3.00 upcharge.
- Address: 1000 C Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
- Phone: 619-675-0079
- Hours: Sun – Thurs 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Fri & Sat 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Serẽa Coastal Cuisine
If you’re a seafood lover, then prepare your tastebuds for the freshest, locally sourced, gluten-free seafood at Serẽa. This fresh-fish eatery is located in the iconic Hotel del Coronado, where Chef Jojo Ruiz is in charge of the kitchen, serving up elegant, ultra-fresh dishes with a Mediterranean twist. We were absolutely drooling over the seafood Kakavia, which is swordfish, scallops, shrimp, and clams served in a masterful Bourdain sauce and paprika oil. The charcoal-grilled octopus served with marble potatoes and red chimichurri sauce is sensational too. Don’t like seafood? Serẽa at the Del has ample GF options for land lovers too. Try their Kurobuta pork chop with caramelized cauliflower puree, punchy citrus glaze, and sunchoke salsa. We also love their gluten-free mushroom risotto with wild ‘shrooms, black truffles, crunchy shallots, and citrusy herbs.
- Address: 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
- Phone: 619-435-6611
- Hours: Mon – Fri 7:30 a.m. – 10: 30 a.m. & 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Sat 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. & 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Sun 10:30 am. – 2 p.m. & 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Miguel’s Cocina
Ay caramba! This is a spicy spot for spectacular GF Mexican feasts. This is a sit-down, full-service, Cali-inspired Mexican restaurant that is well known for its handmade tortillas, famous white jalapeno cream sauce, and scratch-made salsas. They have a mouthwatering menu with tons of items – not all are gluten-free, but an impressive number of their meals can be modified for GF diners. For starters, we loved the gluten-free Miguel’s taquitos stuffed with your choice of chicken or beef and topped with salsa fresca, sour cream, and fresh guacamole. For an entree, try their hand-made specialty tamales, filled with slowly marinated pork, tangy green chile cheese, and their signature salsas served with savory rice and beans. What about Taco Tuesdays? You’re covered. Miguel’s has around 12 different varieties of tacos – all of which can be made for gluten-free patrons.
- Address: 1351 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
- Phone: 619-437-4237
- Hours: Mon – Thurs 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Fri 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Sat 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Sun 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Gluten-Free Dining On Coronado Island Never Tasted So Good!
Have we fired up your appetite? We certainly hope so. Whether you’re just learning how to dine out gluten-free or craving something special without compromising dietary restrictions, these top gluten-free restaurants on Coronado Island will not disappoint. Bon appetit!
