Local Restaurants & Stores

There is also a listing of some RESTAURANTS we have successfully dined in while in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. THE KEY SKILL EVERY Celiac NEEDS, even in celiac friendly restaurants is good, courteous, communication with the waitpersons and ideally the cook. NOT EVERYTHING ON THE MENU AT THESE ESTABLISHMENTS ARE GLUTEN-FREE. Asking about oils and other products that might have gluten used by the establishment in any dish is always wise.  This alphabetical listing is organized by location (San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach/Arroyo Grande) and represents the findings of the group.  Restaurants and Stores in red type indicate they are a 2008 Central Coast Celiacs event sponsor.

San Luis Obispo

STORES

New Frontiers Natural Marketplace (896 Foothill Blvd (805.785.0194); there is also a Solvang location) - Good sized natural food store conveniently located near Cal Poly.  Dedicated gluten-free section with other foods mixed into mainstream offerings.

Trader Joe's (3977 South Higuera (805.783.2780); there is also an Arroyo Grande location) - Trader Joe's has a gluten-free offering pamphlet that can be found at the customer service counter.  Solid offering of Trader Joe products with some alternate suppliers.  Products are mixed in throughout store.

RESTAURANTS

The Art Cafe (Cafe) - The Art Cafe has moved to Atascadero (in the Carlton Hotel).

Big Sky (International) - Menu varies, but generally includes several celiac friendly dishes for breakfast and dinners. Lunch menu includes fewer items, but one can usually find something. The wait staff and the owner are familiar with the needs of celiacs. Location on Broad between Marsh and Higuera.

Chili Peppers (Mexican) - Avoid the sour cream, stick to items with soft corn tortillas and beef. Wide variety of additions available. Beans and rice seem safe, and are very good.

Embassy Suites Hotel (American) – Hotel has a very accommodating chef that would work with your dietary needs and make sure you don’t get gluten during your meal.

Flame Bay (Asian) – Manager is aware of celiac disease and will use a separate wok for cooking your meal. Always confirm, but they can cook with gluten free soy sauce.

McClintocks (BBQ/American) - Stick to steak, no sauce, oil & vinegar on salad, potato, but no beans. For breakfast, stick to eggs & bacon, pan fries.

Mo’s BBQ (BBQ) - BBQ beef / chicken / pork with no bun.  The beans, coleslaw, potato salad and all BBQ sauces are all gluten-free.  Make sure they do not place the bread on your plate.  Their homemade potato chips are awesome too.

Mondeo (International) - They have plain chicken skewers and steamed rice for the very careful celiac diet. Some dishes are made with rice stick noodles and steamed rice. Make sure they do not add soy sauce to the items. The Mu-Shu chicken on a bowl seems safe. Always double check all ingredients are safe. The manager is always very helpful to us.

Natural Cafe (International) - Organic cafe.  Tacos and corn tortillas are fine.  Higuera Street.

Oasis (Moroccan) - Must let them know of intolerance, and ask that Pita not be included. Location on Higuera - between Broad and Nipomo.

Panchos (Mexican) - Salsa is good. Machaca, Beef Taco's, beans and rice all seem fine as long as one specifies soft corn tortillas. Chicken dishes may use a marinade that is not gluten free. Wide variety of additions available, and the flan and hot cocoa are excellent.

Royal Thai (Thai) - Has many options for celiacs. Noodles are rice based but confirm when ordering.

Somo Sushi (Japanese) - Order any sashimi or sushi negri.  Stay away from the soy sauce, imitation crab, and the usual breaded items like tempura.

Surugi (Japanese) - Sushi works well as long as you bring your own soy sauce.

Tahoe Joe’s (American/BBQ) - Will prepare hamburgers, steaks, salads, etc and make sure they do not contain gluten. Ask for the manager as the waiters may or may not be familiar with the diet.

Thai Classic (Thai) - Thai restaurants are great places to eat and most dishes are naturally gluten free. Thai food is a great option for celiacs. They claim to use mostly fish sauce in their cooking, not soy sauce.

Tiki Hut - Ask for Stew's special [beef & rice bowl, lots of vegetables, no Teriaki sauce], or ask for the red potato bowl. Location is California and Taft in San Luis Obispo [right off the 101 South Bound Offramp].

Pismo Beach / Arroyo Grande /Grover Beach

STORES

Grande Foods Market (1154 East Grand Avenue in Arroyo Grande (805.489.1584)) - They have a dedicated aisle of offerings and are very receptive to bringing in more products with feedback from the customers.

JJ’s Market (2792 Halcyon Road on Arroyo Grande Mesa at intersection of Hwy 1 (805.489.9311) - Dedicated gluten-free aisle and are very receptive to bringing in more products.

RESTAURANTS

McClintocks (BBQ) - Stick to steak, no sauce, oil & vinegar on salad, potato, but no beans. For breakfast, stick to eggs & bacon, pan fries.

Mo’s BBQ (BBQ) - BBQ beef / chicken / pork with no bun.  The beans, coleslaw, potato salad and all BBQ sauces are all gluten-free.  Make sure they do not place the bread on your plate.  Their homemade potato chips are awesome too.

Doughboy's Pizzeria Tratoria - Casual pizza diner with a pleasant atmosphere.  Owner will accomodate all your dietary needs including additional allergies to dairy, etc.  Salads available.  Gluten-free deserts may be possible in near future.  Owner is very knowledgeable about the gluten-free diet and addresses cross contamination issues properly.  Please call in advance so she can make the necessary preparations.  Great gluten-free menu including gluten-free gourmet pizza!

North County (Atascadero, Templeton, Paso Robles)

Other Local Areas

Santa Maria

STORES

Lassen’s Natural Foods and Vitamins (1790 South Broadway (805.925.3432) - Offerings mixed throughout store.  Nice selection of items and they are receptive to bringing in more products based on customer feedback.

RESTAURANTS

The Office Restaurant and Saloon (Tavern) - (2712 Santa Maria Way (805.928-6916)) - Restaurant staff is aware of gluten intolerance and would try their best to accomodate the diet.  The staff is very friendly but they are closed on Sundays.

Stores and Restaurants that are known to offer gluten-free services but are not in our local area (and yes, we wish they were!!).  Keep an eye out for them when you travel.

STORES

Whole Foods Market - www.wholefoodsmarket.com.  They bake their own gluten-free breads, pies, brownies, etc that are located near the bakery section.  Wide offering of assorted other gluten-free products throughout the store.

RESTAURANTS

Outback Steakhouse (BBQ) - www.outbacksteakhouse.com.  Ask for gluten-free menu that shows you what and how to order.  If they do not have the menu, ask the manager to print one up for you.  Most staffing have taken gluten-free orders but do not understand the do's and dont's that may affect your dining experience.  Flourless brownie dessert especially nice.

PF Chang' s China Bistro (Asian) - www.pfchangs.com.  Ask for gluten-free menu that shows you offerings.  Ask for gluten-free soy sauce mix as they have a separate offering.  Staff are knowledgeable about their food offering so it really doesn't seem like a big deal to them anymore.  Watch out that they do not bring fortune cookies at end of meal as they are not gluten free.

Central Coast Celiacs provides basic information about Celiac Disease/Dermatitis Herpetiformis. Physician packages are also available upon request. Information shared by this support group does not constitute medical advice. Betty Guthrie and Isabella Porter are not physicians. Central Coast Celiacs does not recommend initiation of a gluten free diet without first consulting a physician familiar with CD/DH.