Having been there for only a week, it's hardly appropriate to name this blog 'Best of' as the food scene in San Francisco is incredibly diverse! I'm sure I've only scratched the surface (for example, I didn't make it to Slanted Door or Greens). Nevertheless, this feels like a city that embraces innovation. You can go out for almost any kind of meal and there will be plenty of vegan and/or gluten-free options. The beauty of this is it's so subtly accommodating that people who can (luckily) eat anything without repercussion won't feel like they have to go somewhere that compromises quality, taste, ambiance if they're trying to find somewhere where their digestion-challenged friends need to eat and vice versa.
Gluten Free in San Francisco
TOP TIPS
1. Grocery stores like Whole Foods and Bi-Rite have so many FRESH gluten free pasta options.. heavenly - a must try if you're staying somewhere with a kitchen available. We all know that gluten free options in restaurants can be at a premium.
2. Many places that aren't outright advertising gluten free options can usually accommodate as a lot of their food is made from scratch.
3. There are plenty of tacos around. I never came across wheat-based tortillas - soft or hard shells. Be sure to ask anyway just in case.
4. Although I just suggested going to Whole Foods, farmers markets are where it's at for really affordable local fruit and vegetables.
5. Two words: Happy Hour
6. California rolls at sushi restaurants with REAL CRAB. You may laugh, but crab in most sushi restaurants in Canada use fake crab sticks which contain wheat.
7. Be prepared to wait in line.
Below are my favourite Gluten Free finds in San Fran! I can't wait to go back.
1. Pica Pica - 401 Valencia St: 100% gluten free Venezuelan food. Amazing. Impossible to choose.
2. Proposition Chicken - 1750 Market St: Fried chicken anyone?
3. Mariposa - Ferry Market Building: Best commercial sandwich bread I've ever tried! I also highly recommend their croissants and baguettes.
4. Dynamo Donut + Coffee - 2760 24th St: Fried. Gluten. Free. Doughnuts.
5. Katana-ya - 430 Geary St: Buckwheat Soba Ramen & Sushi - very affordable, incredibly busy.
6. Palm House - 2032 Union Street: Ceviche with taro root chips & prosecco for happy hour. 'Nuff said.
7. Kitchen Story - 3499 16th St: A type of brunch you eat to then have a nap after.
To recap: 1. Pica Pica - 401 Valencia St 2. Proposition Chicken - 1750 Market St 3. Mariposa - Ferry Market Building 4. Dynamo Donut + Coffee - 2760 24th St 5. Katana-ya - 430 Geary St 6. Palm House - 2032 Union Street 7. Kitchen Story - 3499 16th St
What are your favourite San Fran finds? Post below!
