Oakland Aces Gluten-Free

So much for celiacs to enjoy in the East Bay!

Last week, I told you that I’d just been in Berkeley, California, to visit with my eldest niece, who is studying there. I had a fantastic time, hanging out with her and seeing her world up close. That meant wandering around the beautiful campus of UC Berkeley, exploring the eclectic downtown area and leafy residential blocks, and checking out the Elmwood neighborhood, with its chic (and quirky) cafés, boutiques, and bookstores.

I also learned an important lesson: there are some restaurants that can provide a good gluten-free meal in Berkeley. But for a great food scene? Head to Oakland.

Before I visited, I wasn’t aware that the readers of Condé Nast Traveler had voted Oakland the “#1 Best Food City in the US” in 2024 for its vibrant, diverse culinary scene. Now, that distinction doesn’t necessarily make it great for the gluten-free, but I can tell you that it is. Options abound, and they include some dedicated GF spots. Here are the ones I loved, plus a couple of recommendations that I’m holding onto for my next trip.