Following a trip to Pismo Beach in 2021, I returned home to a message from my doctor informing me that I had a wheat allergy. Three years later, I am back on California’s Central Coast as a first-time Cal Poly student who has to follow a gluten-free diet. Before starting college, I was nervous about the dining hall food, as most college freshmen are. However, my options were more limited than the average student. After spending the past two months on and off campus, I have created a list of my favorite gluten-free options. Everyone, gluten-free or those free to eat what they wish, can enjoy these delicious meals and restaurants!
ON CAMPUS
Picos
To start off this list, we have a 100% gluten-free restaurant located in 1901 Marketplace! Picos has a wide range of Mexican dishes with a California flare including street tacos, bowls, nachos, and burritos. In the three years I have been gluten-free, I haven’t had a gluten-free burrito from a restaurant; I always had to settle for a bowl or tacos. Picos was the first gluten-free burrito I have ordered, and it did not disappoint! I love to add a side of chips and guacamole to my order as well.Â
Grand Avenue Deli
Additionally, one of the hardest parts of changing to a gluten-free diet for me was the loss of sandwiches. Luckily, Cal Poly has an amazing deli located in the Vista Grande Market that has gluten-free bread! My favorite sandwich is the Capri, which includes balsamic glaze that I would quite literally die for. I typically add meat to the sandwiches, if they don’t come with it originally, to get more protein with my meal!Â
Hearth
Nothing hits the spot quite as well as a good pizza. Hearth is Cal Poly’s pizza restaurant that offers gluten-free crust! Sadly, their pizzas are prepared in a shared facility, meaning that cross-contamination with gluten may occur. Fortunately, I have not experienced cross-contamination, but anyone with celiac disease should be aware of the risks. The menu changes often, but my favorite pizza is currently the Caprese Pesto Pizza (there is an obvious caprese trend in my favorite foods…).Â
Shake Smart
As a California native and an avid gym-goer, I appreciate a good acai bowl and protein shake. Shake Smart, which is located right outside of Cal Poly’s Recreation Center, is the perfect place to stop before your morning classes or after a hard gym session. I love their p-b2 Specialty Shake, which has 31 grams of protein, and their Original Acai Blended Bowl (make sure to add peanut butter on top!).Â
Balance
To conclude my list of on-campus options is Balance, a restaurant in Vista Grande specifically for allergen-free individuals. They have a wide range of options including desserts, salads, and garlic fries. I love their smaller portion sizes that allow me to build a meal with multiple different options without breaking the bank.Â
AROUND SAN LUIS OBISPO
Petra Mediterranean Pizza and Grill
Beginning our tour of gluten-free meals and restaurants throughout SLO is Petra’s. Before attending a concert in downtown SLO one evening, my friends and I stopped at Petra’s without doing any research (not the best move for someone with dietary restrictions). To my delight, they had gluten-free crust available for their pizzas! Their Greek Feta and BBQ Cilantro Chicken hand-tossed pizzas are my personal favorite, but the Gyro Bowl is a great option as well.Â
Seeds
Seeds might be my favorite restaurant on this list. It has all of my favorite brunch foods: salads, avocado toast, acai bowls, and smoothies. They have their menu items numbered, which is great for creating lists, but a bit confusing for new customers. I would highly recommend reading the descriptions on their menu before ordering! I highly recommend Toasts 3, 4 and 6, Bowls 2 and 4, Greens 1 and 5, and Smoothies 2 and 6. Make sure to ask for gluten-free toast and granola when ordering!
Burger VillageÂ
One of the best gluten-free restaurants for people with more severe allergies is Burger Village! They have a dedicated fryer, gluten-free buns, and a very knowledgeable staff. Their burgers are amazing; there hasn’t been a single one I haven’t loved. My favorite is the Village Bison Burger, which I always get with a side of their fresh, hand-cut french fries. Don’t knock a bison patty until you try it!Â
Giuseppe’sÂ
Another contender for my favorite gluten-free accommodating restaurant in SLO is Giuseppe’s. They not only have gluten-free pasta and pizza dough available, but gluten-free bread to eat as an appetizer, a luxury I don’t find in many restaurants. Besides their olive oil bread dip, which might be my favorite item on this list (even if it isn’t a real meal), I absolutely adore their Pomodoro and Capesante e Gamberi con Spaghettini. If you were to try any dinner option on this list, Giuseppe’s should be it!Â
Monika’s Macarons & Bakery Boutique
There’s no better way to end a food recommendation than with a dessert and patisserie shop! Monika’s Macarons & Bakery Boutique has an almost entirely gluten-free menu. They have an amazing variety, and as far as I’ve tried, you can’t go wrong with ordering any one of their baked goods. Monika, the owner, has amazing macarons, but my favorite item is her carrot cake, which is especially perfect for fall!
Learning to live with a dietary restriction has been difficult, but with the help of online gluten-free recommendations, I’ve found numerous gluten-free alternatives. I hope you found this list to be just as informative and full of a variety of options for you and your sensitive stomach!