Resturants In Santa Barbarba, Ca

[dede7650]

Hi all,

I am a new celiac and I am working on figuring out a new diet and where it is okay to eat. I was wondering if anyone out that might know of any good restaurants in Santa Barbara that are not to expensive since I am college student and don't have much money for eating out often.

Thanks!

[p38lightningbolt]

I grew up in SB and went to UCSB as well. Your best bets for gluten-free fast food in Goleta are In-N-Out Burger on Turnpike, near 101 and Wendy's on Hollister (in old town Goleta). My personal favorite cheap sit-down restaurant is the Natural Cafe. They have quite a few gluten-free choices on their menu, you just have to ask. They are always very helpful and accommodating. Just watch out for the salad dressing. I'm not sure if any of their dressings are safe. They have locations all over SB and Goleta, as well as in Ventura and San Luis Obispo.

I got sick every time I ate on campus at UCSB. Sorry. The French fries were not safe. I usually just resorted to Jamba Juice.

Most of the high end restaurants are very accommodating. If you ever really want to splurge (maybe if someone else is paying!), Fresco on the beach is currently my favorite restaurant in the world. It's really not that expensive, considering how amazing the food, service and setting are. The chef came right to the table and went over every ingredient in everything I ordered. The chef and server made me feel privileged, not inconvenienced!

For gluten-free groceries, Trader Joe's and Lassen's at Magnolia Center (on Hollister) are cheapest. Lazy Acres market on the Mesa has some stuff, but it is much pricier than Lassen's. They do have a lot of gluten-free stuff in the cold deli case. It can be expensive, but soooo worth it for special treats. They make a flourless chocolate cake in their bakery that is divine and has never yet made me sick. I usually buy a big one, freeze slices in Ziploc bags, and defrost them one at a time for special treats at home.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to email me. I just moved up to Sacramento, so I know how it feels to be new in town and not know where you'll be safe to eat.

[MaryJones2]

One half of the in-laws lives in Santa Ynez (just north of Santa Barbara) and I've eaten successfully at the Shoreline Beach Caf

[hippiegirl2001]

  janetw said:

One half of the in-laws lives in Santa Ynez (just north of Santa Barbara) and I've eaten successfully at the Shoreline Beach Caf

[MaryJones2]

There is a health food store in Solvang called New Frontier that carries tons of gluten-free stuff. They also have a cafe and I believe they have gluten-free stuff on the menu there. I've eaten successfully several times at the Alisal in Solvang and at a cafe in Los Olivos. I can't remember the name but it's located at the corner of Alamo Pintado and Grand. There is also a sandwich shop in an old gas station that might be able to accomodate you with a special salad.

[hippiegirl2001]

  janetw said:

There is a health food store in Solvang called New Frontier that carries tons of gluten-free stuff. They also have a cafe and I believe they have gluten-free stuff on the menu there. I've eaten successfully several times at the Alisal in Solvang and at a cafe in Los Olivos. I can't remember the name but it's located at the corner of Alamo Pintado and Grand. There is also a sandwich shop in an old gas station that might be able to accomodate you with a special salad.

Thanks so much for the information!

I look forward to trying some of your suggestions.

[hippiegirl2001]

  hippiegirl2001 said:

Thanks so much for the information!

I look forward to trying some of your suggestions.

Follow-up.

I did go to the New Frontiers cafe in Solvang a week ago. Mixed reviews. I asked what they had that was gluten free. The first person had to ask someone else because they didn't know what that meant. The person in charge just pointed to a few items in their case and said "those are your best bets". I asked what brand of ice tea they serve. Answer "I don't know." Period. The second person I asked simply reached for a tea bag behind them and showed it to me, how hard was that? It was Paradise brand tea, whom I've written to recently and who told me that all their products are gluten-free. I never saw a menu (except a take out paper menu that doesn't help with gluten issues) or a list of ingredients, general items listed overhead, except printed on the receipt after I had ordered. When I went for a refill of ice tea, I noticed 2 bakery items by the register off to the side away from where I was: a Ginger Almond Scone, and a Peanut Butter Cookie, both Gluten Free! But no one told me about them despite the fact that I had politely asked what they have that is Gluten Free. They were not helpful. For the record the food was great but if you have to figure out what they carry yourself, or if all you are given is "your Best Bets" for being gluten free, that is not good enough to recommend.

They do carry many gluten-free products in the store part of New Frontiers. Until service gets better you are better off just purchasing something there and making it yourself. What a shame.

[daylirose]

Pizza Guru located at 3534 State St in Santa Barbara has delicious Gluten Free pizza, pasta, and beer and their pizza topping and salads are organic! Check out their menu at www.pizzaguru.com

[mollymop]

  On 9/10/2007 at 12:02 AM, dede7650 said:

Hi all,

I am a new celiac and I am working on figuring out a new diet and where it is okay to eat. I was wondering if anyone out that might know of any good restaurants in Santa Barbara that are not to expensive since I am college student and don't have much money for eating out often.

Thanks!

The Spiritland Bistro on West Victoria in downtown Santa Barbara has an extensive gluten free menu.