San Diego

★ = favorites

100% GF = nothing in the kitchen contains gluten

Allergen friendly = excellent at managing cross-contamination and allergies in general

North Park, South Park

bivoac

american & Cider • $$ • website • North park

They proclaim their ciders to be “eclectic, artisanal, and adventurous.” and I’m forced to agree. Their rotating selection of in-house ciders is always fun to explore and their taproom is decked out in classic mountaineering vibes. A great spot for a casual meal with friends, their seasonal food menu includes gluten free, vegan, and standard fare.

communal coffee

breakfast & flowers • $ • WEBSITE • north park • South Park

Though technically named as a coffee shop, Communal is less the place to go for an excellent espresso (though their drinks are good) and more the place to go if you’re looking for a light brunch accompanied by a lovely selection of flowers and gifts. It’s cute, friendly, and filled with good cheer. Also important, the Communal in North Park is right next to an excellent plant nursery for any additional greenery needs.

cori pastificio trattoria ★

italian • $$ • website • north park

Right at the corner of 30th and Upas, Cori sits at a funky intersection of food. You have the SD classic Taco Stand, a popular noodle place called Underbelly, and a Jack-in-the-Box. In my opinion, this makes their warm and cozy vibe even more impressive. Gluten-free items are clearly marked, their servers are well-informed, and they can swap in a rotating gluten free pasta for most of their sauces…though somehow I always end up with the Fetticine al Sugo di Salsiccia. For those with families, their kids menu is very cute and for those with dairy-free preferences, they have a strong selection of vegan options (including GF/vegan).

curryosity ★

indian • $$ • website • south park

The pun is excellent but the food is even better. Super fresh and wonderfully flavored, Curryosity has a great mix of both classic dishes and signature creations. Located on an adorable corner in South Park (check out the Book Catapult across the street if you like independent bookstores), you can’t go wrong whether you’re dining in or taking out. Really though, if I’ve gone more than two weeks without their Indian Latkes and a Nirvana curry, I start to get a bit antsy…GF and vegan options are clearly marked. As a bonus, they have a small but creative selection of cocktails.

el tianguis ★

100% GF • mexican • $ • website • North park

El Tianguis, also known as the absolute best and safest spot to find taquitos - and carne asada fries - in town. As a kid growing up in SD, taquitos were one of my favorite foods and I had a few heartbreaking years post-diagnosis before Tianguis opened, since taquitos are typically cooked in cross-contaminated fryers. Luckily, the Tianguis menu is simple, unbeatable, and 100% gluten free. You’ll choose any number and combo of 5 different types of fillings: chicken, beef, California, potato, or lentil/quinoa. They’ll come topped with (or without!) sour cream, cheese, lettuce, and your choice of salsa. As a pro-tip, Pure Project Brewery has a very cool tasting room about a block away and they allow outside food in. They don’t have GF beer but do have an alcoholic kombucha on tap. If you’re traveling with a beer aficionado, bring some taquitos over and enjoy the sun in some oversized chairs and picnic tables.

Gluten Free Baking Co

100% GF • bakery • $ • website • North park

The name says it all, and the gluten free cream puffs reign supreme. They’re 100% gluten free and conscientious of other allergens. Definitely, definitely worth a stop to pick up some sweet and savory goodies.

medina

mediterranean/moroccan • $ • WEBSITE • North park

I am unsure what they marinate their meats in, and which spices are involved with the vegetables, but whatever they do it works brilliantly. Really, really good, fresh food. You can easily take it to go but it’s a joy to stay and eat on their lovely patio. Let them know you have a gluten allergy and they can talk you through the menu but most things can be made gluten free. My go-tos are their chicken, merguez or veggie bowls, with potato subbed for the couscous (which, alas, is not a gluten free grain)

senor mangos

smoothies & acai bowls • $$ • website • north park

Señor Mangos is arguably the best purveyor of smoothies and açaí bowls in San Diego. There are no losing items on their menu but their mango mix smoothie is a lifesaver on a hot day and I am always a sucker for their açaí bowls. Important note that their granola is not GF, so make sure you ask them to leave it off!

the mission

breakfast & lunch • $$ • website • north park • Mission beach • east village

The Mission has been serving up fresh and flavorful breakfasts and lunches in town since I was approximately 4 years old. I still remember going to their original Mission Café and Coffeehouse in Mission Beach as a kid, but it’s not just the nostalgia that makes everything they make taste a little extra special. Their menu is fresh, flavorful, and whimsical, and they’re a big San Diegan fav. They’re comfortable handling allergies and are trained to minimize cross-contamination, though they do not have a dedicated gluten free kitchen. Their homemade gluten free rosemary bread is 10/10.

piacre mio

Italian • $$ • website • south park

Piacre Mio is one the coziest, most vibrant little spots for a date night, and luckily their food is as excellent as their atmosphere. GF menu items are clearly marked and their house GF pasta of the day (which can be used with most sauces) definitely ranks in the top 3 best GF pastas in San Diego. For any non-GF members of your evening, their stuffed pastas are apparently out of this world.

venissimo cheese

cheese & CHARCUTERIE • $$ • website • north park • hillcrest

Impeccable cheeses, adventurous charcuterie. Downright beautiful board arrangements for the at-home date night of your dreams. GF crackers upon request (make sure you tell them you have an allergy so they can protect you from any beer-soaked cheeses). What else can you ask for? Well actually, the North Park location is inside the Bottlecraft, which presents an excellent opportunity to pick up a nice wine, fun beer, or interesting amaro to go alongside.

Kensington, normal heights, university heights, hillcrest

an’s Dry Cleaning ★

Allergen friendly • gelato • $$ • website • university heights

My personal favorite ice cream shop in all of San Diego and of all time. An’s has a constantly rotating menu and all of their “fabrics” (flavors) are unique and delicious. Favorite fabrics include: Leather (brown butter, gf chocolate chip cookies), Termeh (saffron, vanilla, pistachio), Pique (cream, peach, maple, oat), Canvas (olive oil, rosemary), and Torchon (citrus mint tea, chocolate). They usually have 6-7 choices on the menu any given day and always have 2-3 vegan choices. Complimentary “flavor tours” let you try their whole selection, which is a joy in and of itself! They are almost 100% gluten-free, including all cones and all items made on-site. The only exception is if they have a collaboration with a local company that isn’t gluten free - this is pretty rare. However, they are very well informed on allergens, gluten and otherwise. 12/10 recommend.

Bahn thai

thai • $ • website • university heights • Hillcrest

Quick, easy, and excellent Thai food. Their menu clearly marks vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free (or gluten free upon request) options. I’ve never had a disappointing dish, but I am particularly partial to the panang curry and the pad Thai. Call the order in or order online! Their usual wait time is 15-35 minutes.

blue boheme ★

french • $$$ • website • kensington

GF French Onion Soup!! Unbelievable creme brûlée. Truly lovely candlelit dining indoors and a cozy heated patio outdoors. One of my favorite restaurants in San Diego, their menu changes seasonally to keep their food fresh, interesting, and local. Almost all of their menu items can be made gluten free and are marked as either “GF” or “GF preparation available,” which can be a rare find in a French restaurant. A perfect spot for an intimate date night or a celebratory evening with family, reservations are highly recommended.

Haven pizzeria

italian • $ • website • kensington

Truly a delightful neighborhood restaurant with tons of natural light and a great drink selection. A blend of Californian vibes and traditional Italian flavors, it’s a great place to go with friends and family any night of the week. Their salads are delicious, but assuming you’re here to dig into the carbs, almost all of their dishes can be made GF, vegan, or vegetarian. They can cook the GF pizza on a clean surface (though still in the same oven) and they are happy to toss your GF pasta in a fresh pot of water. Personal favorites? The pasta alla vodka and the Spud pizza, the latter of which features roasted potatoes, seasonal onions, candied bacon, mozzarella, and goat cheese. YUM.

muzita abussinian bistro

ethiopian • $ • WEBSITE • university heights

Muzita is cozy and a delight, serving traditional Eritrea/Ethiopian food where almost all of the dishes are gluten free (as always, check with your server). While their standard injera is made with wheat, spongy GF injera is available on weekends. For those unfamiliar with Ethiopian dining, this is ideal given that you eat the dishes from a shared plate, with injera and your hands instead of utensils. The beggie kilwa (lamb) is a personal favorite but everything on the menu is absolutely delicious - including lots of vegan options!

pappalecco

italian • $$ • website • kensington • Little Italy • Hillcrest

An authentic Italian café, it’s a lovely spot to grab an espresso or some gelato and hang out with friends. They have a classic cafe menu but it is filled with plenty of gluten…that said, the salads are excellent. Their Kensington location serves up GF pizza, but I can’t speak to their cross-contamination risks.

red house pizza

pizza • $$ • website • university heights

Red House has a huge menu filled with extremely well labeled GF and vegan options, including too many pizzas to count and oven baked pastas. The pizzas are delicious but safest if you order during off-peak hours to minimize the number of wheat crusts being thrown around at the same time.

stella jean’s

ice cream • $ • website • university heights

A close second to An’s Dry Cleaning Gelato, Stella Jean’s also makes homemade, small-batch, premium ice cream. Carrying both creative (Hojicha + Salted Cream) as well as traditional (Brown Butter Pecan or Madagascar Vanilla) flavors, Stella Jean’s has a little bit for everyone. They also have GF waffle cones, but they are not a gluten free facility. That said, GF and vegan flavors are clearly marked and delicious.

plumeria vegetarian

thai • $$ • website • university heights • Encinitas

If you prefer to eat vegetarian, Plumeria is the Thai restaurant for you. Dishes are free of fish sauce and animal products, with the exception of a few (optional) egg additions. All GF and vegan items are marked.

east village, Downtown, little italy, gaslamp, old town, barrio logan

callie

mediterranean • $$$ • website • east village

Reservations are required, far in advance. It’s worth it for a truly delightful, special meal from a menu filled with gluten free and gluten free optional dishes.

cafe21

breakfast & brunch • $$ • website • gaslamp

An abundance of well-plated dishes, with lots of vegetarian, vegan, and of course GF options

civico 1845

italian • $$ • website • little italy

Civico 1845 has a prime spot on a corner in Little Italy, with a beautiful patio and welcoming interior. It’s always busy on weekend evenings but worth the wait. They’re happy to cook their gluten free pasta in separate water and there is an abundance of vegan options for any vegan or dairy-free folks. The wine glasses bring me joy.

ciccio osteria

southern italian • $$ • website • barrio logan

A beautifully inviting and authentic space, Ciccia Osteria offers simple and mouthwatering dishes in abundance. They have a full, separate gluten free menu that includes multiple types of homemade pastas, including maccheroni, lemon fettuccine, spaghetti, and even ravioli. Gluten free desserts are rotating but guaranteed to be delicious. Check online or social media for current hours of operation and make sure to give them a call to reserve a table.

harney sushi

sushi • $$ • website • old town

Sushi restaurants can be both a blessing and a curse - so many fresh GF ingredients that run the risk of soy sauce, imitation crab, or malt vinegar. Harney, however, has fantastic sushi and a gluten free menu.

Puesto

Mexican • $$ • website • Seaport Village • La Jolla • Mission valley

Head to Puerto for a terrific taco Tuesday night out with friends. GF items are clearly marked on the menu, but if cross-contamination is a concern, double check with your server that the chips are safe (some are but I haven’t been to all locations). Margs are good, but even better during happy hour. It’s also a great choice when traveling with family or for work - the Seaport Village and La Jolla locations are great areas to walk around.

the mission

breakfast & lunch • $$ • website • East Village • North Park • Mission beach

ocean beach, Point Loma, liberty station

3rd corner

wine & bistro • $-$$ • WEBSITE • Point Loma • encinitas

Obviously included in the “wine shops” section, 3rd Corner’s bistro deserved a spot here as well. While not an explicitly GF spot (no dishes are marked on the menu), their food is wonderful, the atmosphere cozy, and the servers happy to check with the kitchen to see what is safe on the menu for the day. Pick up a bottle or a case of wine while you’re here.

fig tree cafe

breakfast & lunch • $$ • website • liberty station • pacific beach • east village

Fig Tree’s California cuisine passes their goal of “authentic and mouthwatering dishes at neighborhood prices” with flying colors. The Liberty Station location has a great covered patio to enjoy the fresh and sunny air alongside the fresh and sunny food.

miguel’s cocina

mexican • $$ • website • Point Loma • coronado • old town

GF items are clearly marked, but if you have Celiacs or are otherwise sensitive to cross-contamination, make sure to talk with your server, since there are no dedicated fryers (which alas, means no GF tortilla chips). For any gluten-friendly folks with you, the jalapeño cheese sauce is not GF but is a San Diego classic.

OB Noodle House & Bar 1502

asian fusion • $$ • website • ocean beach

OB Noodle House & Bar 1502 are sister restaurants and OB mainstays - I spent one summer rolling over there most Wednesday evenings after my beach volleyball league, surrounded by self-identified “misfits and characters”. Their menu has asterisks by all dishes that can be made GF, including most of their pho and fried rice dishes. Make sure to specifically request your food gluten free since changes need to be made to the dishes. They have an extensive and impressive spirits list, but if you’re in a fun mood (and not allergic to peanuts), try their World Famous Peanut Butter Jameson shot. If you like it, grab a bottle of Skrewball peanut butter whisky from any nearby liquor store - it was inspired by the success of the shot.

officine buona forchetta ★

italian • $$ • website • liberty station

I still remember the pizza I had in Italy pre-Celiacs diagnosis. This is every bit as authentic and incredible - one of the kitchen staff actually came out to talk with me the first time I ate there because I didn’t believe that the pizza was GF and therefore didn’t want to eat it. There are now multiple locations and all offer GF crusts. However, if you’re celiac or have a high sensitivity, I can only recommend the one in Liberty Station. They have a separate pizza oven named “Sergio” they use for GF pizza to minimize the risk of cross-contamination - do let them know you have an allergy.

mission beach, pacific beach, Bay Park, bird rock, la jolla

costa brava

spanish • $$ • website • pacific beach

Costa Brava’s patio is cozy and welcoming within the hubbub of Pacific Beach. For a light, fun meal I suggest selecting a handful of tapas plates to share alongside a bottle of wine. Although GF items aren’t marked, most of the tapas are GF and you can talk with your server to figure out the best options for you. The manchengo cheese and the patatas a la brava are personal favorites.

FIG TREE CAFE

BREAKFAST & LUNCH • $$ • WEBSITE • PACIFIC BEACH • LIBERTY STATION • EAST VILLAGE

Fig Tree’s California cuisine passes their goal of “authentic and mouthwatering dishes at neighborhood prices” with flying colors. The PB location is their original spot and it just feels exactly how a PB cafe should feel, right down to their motto: eat, beach, sleep, repeat. Did I mention they have a dog menu available for the pups?

mendocino farms

sandwiches & Fresh • $$ • website • La Jolla • Del Mar • downtown

A California chain, Mendocino is a strong candidate for the days when you need a quick, healthy, and delicious sandwich or salad, or when you’re trying to order for a work group.

Mountain Mike’s

100% GF • Pizza • $$ • website • Bay Park

Technically, I lie when I say that Mountain Mike’s is 100% GF because they do serve normal pizza, in abundance. However, they have a certified gluten free kitchen that they make their gluten free pizzas in, which is about as good as it gets for us celiacs folks. So I’m keeping the 100% GF label because you can trust that your pizza is extremely well protected from cross-contamination.

Parakeet Cafe

breakfast & lunch • $$ • website • La Jolla • del mar • coronado • little italy

Parakeet serves up health-conscious, organic meals for the “vegans, vegetarians, paleo, keto, and gluten-free eaters to gather ‘round our table.” While not everything is gluten free, items are clearly marked, from chilaquiles to cacao waffles. There’s something for everyone and their La Jolla patio is a small but happy place to enjoy the sun.

the Cottage

breakfast & lunch • $$ • website • la jolla

The Cottage is my mom’s favorite breakfast spot and for good reason. Founded in 1985 and taken over by the current owners in 1992, the Victorian-style bungalow serves up Southern California sunshine alongside classic breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Our family copy of their cookbook is falling apart at this point, and when I was first diagnosed with Celiacs, creating GF versions of their coffee cake and King Kong Muffins were two of my highest-priority kitchen experiments. They still don’t serve GF baked goods (though I’m happy to share my versions) but their omelettes and other egg-based dishes are nonetheless worth a trip. GF items are marked on their menu and they have GF bread available, though I would skip having it toasted if cross-contamination is a concern.

the mission

breakfast & lunch • $$ • website • Mission beach • East Village • North Park

solana beach, cardiff, encinitas, leucadia

bangkok bay

thai • $$ • website • Solana Beach

Traditional Thai food from a family owned and operated restaurant along the 101, Bangkok Bay has great lunch specials and a lovely dinner atmosphere. The menu isn’t marked with GF options, but let your server know about your allergy and they can assist!

claire’s on cedros

brunch & lunch • $$ • website • Solana Beach

Claire’s is a classic beachy breakfast, brunch, and lunch cafe. Full of the usual comfort-food suspects, anything that isn’t homemade is sourced from local bakeries, coffee roasters, and farms. They offer GF pancakes alongside non-GF buttermilk, multigrain, and lemon ricotta pancakes, so if you’re sensitive to cross-contamination, check confirm they have the time and space available to clean off the griddle. If not (it gets packed on the weekends!) the omelettes are fantastic.

goodonya ★

allergen friendly • american organic • $$ • website • encinitas

If you see food as a holistic part of your health, this is the restaurant for you. If you just want a sweet GF egg sandwich or stack of pancakes next to an iced salted Carmel latte, this is also the restaruant for you. Goodonya is 100% organic and non-GMO and while there are a few non-GF options on the menu (some tortillas and breads made off site), almost everything is GF. Most importantly, if you let them know you have an allergy (of any kind, not just gluten) you can know you are in good hands - the owner has both Celiacs and Hashimoto’s and is passionate about keeping folks healthy through food. They are a long-time favorite spot for breakfast and lunch but have more recently opened a wine patio in the back and a more traditional dinner service in the evenings. As a bonus, they are a certified ocean-friendly restaurant, so you can feel extra good about how your meal is impacting the environment as well as your autoimmune system.

healthy creations

100% GF • $ • website • encinitas

Another fully gluten-free spot, Healthy Creations is a little cafe in the corner of a strip-mall type parking lot. The food is fantastic - I went through a phase where I had the roasted mediterranean chicken panini at least once a week. All of their offerings are organic and much of it is also suitable for the keto, paleo, and vegan crowds.

le papagayo

mediterranean & Latin American fusion • $$ • website • leucadia

Fun, fusion food, well marked GF options, and something for everyone. Their patio area is lovely, with heaters, sun shades, and live music most nights after 7:00pm. As a bonus, the patio is often full of some great dogs.

nectarine Grove ★

100% gF • $$ • website • leucadia • Del Mar

If you’re down in PB or North Park, you might look at a map of Nectarine Grove and think “too far north, let’s pass.” In fairness, Leucadia is a smidge up the 5 and their newly opened Del Mar location is only open for breakfast and lunch. But Leucadia is a super sweet beach spot and if you are looking for a place that is 100% safe and 100% delicious, it’s worth every minute of the drive (which honestly…is not even that far). Breakfast sandwiches. Carne asada fries. Pancake stacks. Pizzas. All 100% gluten free, most paleo, an abundance of dairy free substitutions, and no refined sugars. Any additional allergens? You can check out their detailed ingredient book.

plumeria 101

thai • $$ • website • Encinitas • university heights

The recently opened sister restaurant to Plumeria Vegetarian in University Heights, Plumeria 101 is also a fully vegetarian, mostly vegan Thai spot. Their curries are made from scratch daily and are entirely gluten free.

clairemont mesa, kearny mesa, mission trails, la mesa, east county

cucina basilico

italian • $$ • website • la mesa • kearny mesa

Stop by for some fresh caprese and stay for a cozy bowl of gluten free pasta. For anyone non-gf joining you, they have an excellent selection of housemade pastas.

farmer’s table

Italian american • $$ • website • la mesa • Little Italy • Chula Vista

These true farm-to-fork restaurants are family-owned, with extensive GF options surrounded by rustic vintage vibes. The food is authentic, organic, and just plain good.

khan’s cave

asian fusion • $$ • website • clairemont mesa

Styled as a neighborhood Asian fusion grill and tavern, Khan’s is far from traditional. Blending American, Thai, Indian, Hawaiian, and Chinese cuisine, Khan’s has a separate GF menu with as many mouth-watering dishes as the normal one. Chat with them if you have an allergy - they’ve always been well versed in using fresh surfaces to cook your meal.

the trails eatery

allergen friendly • breakfast & lunch • $$ • website • mission trails

Full, separate GF menu that features classic omelette and egg dishes along with Sin-A-Mon Roll Pancakes and Lemon Berry French Toast. They have a full traditional, gluten-full menu as well, but they use a separate GF grill with color-coded utensils and have GF food “zones” so I personally feel extremely comfortable (and extremely stuffed) when I eat here.

coffee & Tea

Bird rock coffee

roaster • $ • WEBSITE • Little Italy • liberty station • liberty station • La Jolla • pacific beach • Del Mar

The quintessential San Diego coffee roaster, appropriately conveyed by their surfboard-carrying camper logo. They’re regularly recognized as on of the best roasters in the country and their “monkey bite” espresso makes a mean latte.

coffee & Tea collective ★

roaster • $ • WEBSITE • north park

Coffee & Tea is my personal favorite coffee spot in town. Like, if friends are in town for only one day, I drag them there over anywhere else. Their walls host a rotating cast of local artists and happy plants, and they’ve built a strong community and community space. Their single origin roasts are spectacular, beautifully packaged, and suitable for the pour over of your dreams. If you’re a fan of espresso drinks, their cortado is excellent year-round and if you’re feeling in a fun mood, all of their syrups are seasonal and homemade. Be a Pal!

Holsem

roaster • $ • WEBSITE • north park

The strongest cold brew you will ever, ever meet. If you’re looking for fun, flavorful, and fancy drinks - this is your place.

Lofty coffee

roaster • $ • WEBSITE • solana beach • Encinitas • carlsbad • Little Italy

Lofty is a lovely Encinitas roaster and a great choice if you’re looking for both good espresso drinks and a light breakfast (homemade GF bread available). If you’re in the mood for a kick, try the Aztec Mocha.

Paru tea ★

tea shop • $$ • WEBSITE • Point Loma • La Jolla

If loose leaf tea brings you any amount of joy, Paru is worth a visit a million times over. The owners, Amy and Lani, source their teas from family-owned tea gardens in East Asia and Southeast Asia. Their stated vision is “to create and share moments of calm through tea” and I’ve rarely seen a vision so perfectly brought to life. You can find both traditional teas as well as modern, creative blends, and the La Jolla flagship store offers out-of-this-world house-milled matcha. If you’re still overwhelmed by the selection, you can’t go wrong with their Honey Orchid Oolong, Citrus Mint, Coconut Chai, or my personal favorite, Fleur.

cider, kombucha, beer

bivouac

cider • $ • WEBSITE • north park

Bivouac’s taproom in North Park is decked out in mountaineering gear and fully prepared to host you, your date, your dog, or your friends for a good time. They craft their ciders, food, and cocktails to reflect everything they love about San Diego: eclectic, artisanal, and adventurous (their words, not mine). All ciders are gluten free, of course, but much of the menu is gluten free and/or vegan as well. The menu isn’t marked but your server should be informed.

duckfoot brewing co

beer • $ • WEBSITE • miramar

If you dig beer - this is worth the trip. Duckfoot is a “gluten reduced” beer, since the brews are crafted with wheat, barley, and rye then reduced via enzyme. That said, they test every batch of beer methodically, because their founder & head brewer opened Duckfoot when he himself was diagnosed with Celiacs. So we’ll qualify it as about as safe as you can bet on - a regular Celiac customer, I’ve always been fine, but you should always make the risk analysis yourself.

juneshine

kombucha • $ • WEBSITE • north park

Kombucha or bottled California vibes? You decide. In all seriousness, Juneshine was the first hard kombucha I tried and I still think it’s one of the best. Their flavors are distinct and delightful, and there’s something for everyone, whether you’re feeling sweet, spicy, or sour. The Blood Orange Mint is a beloved place to start and the dark gray Midnight Painkiller is another fan favorite.

lost cause meadery

mead • $ • WEBSITE • bay park • miramar

Who knew that fermented honey could be such a vibe? The meads at Lost Cause are complex, interesting, and naturally gluten free. For bonus points, the Miramar location shares a space with Serpentine Cidery, also listed below.

serpentine cidery

cider • $ • WEBSITE • univeristy heights • miramar

As mentioned above, the Miramar location shares a space with Lost Cause Meadery - two adventures for the price of one drive. For those wandering around further south, the University Heights tasting room is a little off the beaten brewery path but a cool place to grab a drink. Their ciders run the gamut from traditional (apple) to creative (strawberry black pepper). Try a flight!

wine shops

bine & vine

wine • $$-$$$ • WEBSITE • Normal heights

A relatively small but reliably excellent selection of wines, in a range of prices (though all good value), laid out by geography.

clos wine shop ★

organic & biodynamic wine • $-$$ • WEBSITE • university heights

Grab a bottle or two, and hang out on the patio in the sun. Beautifully curated, organic and biodynamic, awesome women and POC wine makers. The shop is laid out by light-bodied, medium-bodied, and full-bodied selections for reds, whites, roses, and oranges, which makes them a fantastic choice for folks who want to explore but might be intimidated by walls of wine with no indication of what you can expect inside the bottle. Their wine club is an excellent way to explore and with an average bottle price of around $23, it’s the place I recommend to all of my friends wanting to explore .

3rd corner

wine & bistro • $-$$ • WEBSITE • Point Loma • encinitas

One of the biggest, best value, well curated wine selections in town. Their wines are consistently good and extremely well priced. For dinner parties, or to explore more traditional wines without breaking the bank, it truly can’t be beat. Go during an off-time (aka not dinnertime) if you’d like some guidance on selecting and join their free wine club for the best deals and to stay up to date on the more interesting wines. As a bonus, it’s also a great spot for dinner and there are always a few GF mains on the menu.

vino carta

wine • $$-$$$ • WEBSITE • Little Italy • Solana Beach

Plan to grab a glass (or a bottle) and hang out on their Little Italy patio on a sunny day to enjoy both the grapes and the people watching.