A Guide to San Francisco’s Best Gluten-Free Restaurants

Thought the gluten-free thing was a fad? Think again. Celiac disease — an autoimmune disorder that results in damage to the lining of the small intestine and other medical complications when gluten is ingested — affects nearly 1% of the nation’s population (1 in 133 Americans have celiac disease) and another 6% suffer from nonceliac gluten sensitivity.

Thanks to trendy diets (hello, paleo), popular culture, and celebrity endorsements, celiac disease is getting the attention it deserves, making it easier than ever to find gluten-free fare in stores and at restaurants.

In observance of Celiac Awareness Month, we’ve rounded up a list of San Francisco’s best spots for gluten-free grub.

Little Gem
$$ | 400 Grove Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Little Gem only opened a few months ago, and it’s already Hayes Valley’s buzziest breakfast/brunch and take away spot. This fast-casual café offers complex, quality meals that are free of refined sugars, dairy and gluten. Little Gem has 75 seats and is a great spot to grab a quick, delicious, no-regrets meal.
What to Order: Pancakes (Breakfast); Flat Iron Steak Flatbread (Lunch); King of Hayes (Dinner)
Hours: Monday-Friday: 11:00AM–9:00PM, Saturday & Sunday: 9:00AM–9:00PM
Reservations: Walk-in only

The Pizza Place on Noriega
$$ | 3901 Noriega Street, San Francisco, CA 94122
When your doctor first diagnosed you with celiac disease or nonceliac gluten sensitivity, it’s likely your mind immediately screamed (in distress): “PIIIIIZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZAAAAA!!! ?” While there are plenty of options nowadays for gluten-free take-and-bake, nothing beats a brick oven baked pie. The Pizza Place on Noriega offers a ton of gluten-free options, including the infamous Besto, baked on house-made gluten-free, vegan dough.
What to Order: Besto, Sweet Potato Steak Fries
Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 12:00–10:00PM, Friday & Saturday: 12:00–10:30PM
Reservations: Walk-in only

Roam Burger
$ | 1923 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, CA 94115 & 1785 Union Street, San Francisco, CA 94123
Get ready to eat the best gluten-free burger you’ve ever had. Roam Burger in the Marina and Lower Pacific Heights offer gluten-free buns, lettuce wraps, and other alternatives so you can enjoy the gourmet burger you desperately need in your life. As always, inform your waiter to ensure appropriate measures are taken while preparing your burger.
What to Order: French and Fries or Heritage
Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 11:30AM–9:30PM, Friday & Saturday: 11:30AM–10:00PM
Reservations: Walk-in only

Glaze Teriyaki
$ | 1946 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, CA 94115 & 2095 Chestnut Street, San Francisco, CA 94123
Glaze Teriyaki features a simple menu with Seattle-style teriyaki (a combination of Korean and Japanese teriyaki), as well as a full gluten-free menu. While Glaze offers a gluten-free menu, be sure to direct them to mark your order gluten-free to avoid any confusion. On occasion, the restaurant has been known to mess up in the past.
What to Order: Combo Teriyaki Plate with Lemon Honey Dressing and GF Yaki Sauce
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 11:30AM–10:00PM, Sunday: 11:30AM–9:00PM
Reservations: Walk-in only

The Perennial
$$$ | 59 9th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
The Perennial, which just opened in January, focuses on locally sourced, eco-friendly and sustainable ingredients, earning it the title of “most environmental restaurant in the world”. Located on the cusp of Mid-Market, this industrial chic, New American bistro is helmed by noma (yes, that noma) alum Chris Kiyuna, and was just featured in GQ’s “Best New Restaurants of 2016”. The restaurant has an incredible bar program, so don’t skip on their tasty house cocktails. (And, in case you’re wondering: the straws are made from wheatstalks, and they are 100% gluten free!)
What to Order: Pumpkin Bisque and Strawberries with Pickled Douglas Fir Tips to start, then Stemple Cured Beef, finished off with Blueberry Sorbet.
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 5:30PM–10:00PM
Reservations: Opentable

BONUS: Tru Gourmet
$$ | San Rafael, Oakland, Palo Alto
Unfortunately, to find the best gluten-free dim sum, you’ll have to trek across a bridge or through Silicon Valley. Every weekend, Tru Gourmet is posted at farmers markets in San Rafael, Oakland, and Palo Alto, serving a long list of gluten-free dim sum — from dumplings to buns to sesame balls — and other traditional Chinese delicacies. You may get caught in traffic, but getting your dim sum fix is well worth the wait.
Hours: Hours and location vary, check website