I am a gluten free girl who loves her pizza. Like, I really really love my cheese covered carbs. So I put together a list of the best gluten free pizza in San Diego. I’ll share pizza spots with gorgeous ambiance, pies for a crowd, the best artisanal toppings, as well as great takeout spots that will undoubtedly satisfy your pizza cravings.
How I chose our winners
Before we begin, I figured I should share my criteria. When I’m evaluating the best gluten free pizza, I’m looking for a crust that is chewy but won’t break your jaw, flavorful, and never soggy. Some crusts lean more towards thin and crispy, some are thicker and chewier, but all are Belinda approved. Additionally, we’re looking for delicious toppings that range from classic to mind-blowing.
Best of all, since my gluten-eating husband can test out the regular pies these are restaurants for everyone. So, you can certainly bring your gluten friendly friends to these spots and they will enjoy their dinners too!
Best Date Night Spots
First on our list, we have the best gluten free pizza in San Diego for a date night. Above all, think mood lighting, lively atmosphere, and some tasty appetizers and drinks to go with your pies.
Tribute Pizza
Located in the hip neighborhood of North Park, Tribute Pizza is without a doubt one of my all time favorite date night spots. It’s a bustling restaurant for a fun night on the town. Their crust is salty, chewy, and has perfectly crisp edges. I love the creative toppings as well! Even better, the salads and appetizers are incredible. And to round it all up, they have inventive cocktails and ample beer and wine options.
Buona Forchetta
With five locations in San Diego, Buona Forchetta is one of the most popular Italian restaurants in town. This gluten free pizza is the closest texture to the real thing, with a thick and chewy crust that you’ll love even if you’re not gluten free. I am a huge fan of the cozy Italian feel of this restaurant. You’ll find nearly every waiter has an Italian accent and all the wines are imported Italian.
URBN Pizza
Featuring a new-haven style thin crust pizza as well as craft wine, beers, and cocktails, URBN is another fun option for your next date night. With six locations in San Diego, they’ve got their vibe dialed.
I’m partial to the North Park and One Paseo locations, and enjoy sitting at the bar to watch the pies being made. Hot tip: the coal fired wings are delicious as an appetizer. Lastly, this gluten free pizza doesn’t reheat well, so eating at the restaurant when it’s hot out the oven is the best option.
Casual pizza joints
Next on our list are great casual spots when you’re sandy from a beach day or rolling up after a sweaty workout. Think quick, easy, and delicious!
Best Pizza and Brew
Boasting a plethora of locations, Best Pizza is a perfect quick bite on a hot summer day. They have regular pizza by the slice (perfect for a big group!) and a nice 12 inch gluten free crust option that’s thin with good chew. I love the buffalo chicken and pesto ricotta pepperoni pies.
Corner Pizza
I recently discovered Corner Pizza and was immediately a big fan. With creative, artisanal toppings and fun appetizers like oysters and delicious salads, this is basically everything I want in a pizza joint. I dig the outdoor picnic tables and laidback atmosphere that makes it an overall easy and approachable vibe. Corner pizza has locations in Oceanside and Leucadia.
Best takeout
Next on our list are great takeout spots for a beach picnic or lazy night at home. While they may be low in ambiance, the pies are nevertheless pretty dang great.
East Coast Pizza
East Coast Pizza is a community staple in Cardiff. Friday nights are particularly lively in the outdoor courtyard at the Seaside shopping center. This is another spot known for their pies by the slice, but you’ll need to order a whole gluten free pizza. I love the large 14″ gluten free pies and straightforward menu. Don’t sleep on the $2 soft serve that will bring you immediately back to childhood.
Leucadia Pizza
Leucadia Pizza is another San Diego staple that my family has been ordering from for 20+ years. Featuring a delicious 14″ gluten free thin crust, this is a great spot when you’re ordering for a crowd. We love the Thai chicken pizza (so unique!) as well as the five cheese. It’s the down home, get your grub on type of pizza you’d want for a tailgate.
And that’s a wrap!
That’s a round up on the best gluten free pizza in San Diego. Am I missing any of your favorites? Comment them below!
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