On being Gluten Free in LA

For the Girly Pops w/ sensitive stomachs

In the spirit of keeping things chaotic and thematically unhinged around here, we’re staying in the food world for this week’s Substack. And I have not a clue what will pop up for next week, naturally.

If you know me, you know that being gluten-free is one of my core identity traits—I truly don’t shut up about it. Also, 3/4 of my immediate family is on the same GF train, so we’re really committed to this bit.

Since moving to LA, I’ve made it a personal mission to hunt down the best gluten-free spots this city has to offer and convert you into believers. I’ll be the first to admit: a lot of gluten-free food is, quite frankly, truly terrible. We're talking pizza that tastes like cardboard, bread that disintegrates on contact, pasta with a texture you can’t quite place, and bagels or buns that shouldn’t legally be called either.

However—and this is a big however—Los Angeles is a Mecca for the Gluten-Free Girlies. This city has nailed some of my all-time favorite items, and I’m here to share the standouts that actually taste like real food.

So, without further ado, here are my top picks.

Pizza @ GOOP

This pizza is one of my favorite parts about living in LA, period. Anyone that has tried it can attest to this - it is truly the biggest game changer and never misses. (Sidebar: every single item on the GOOP menu is actually Gluten Free and 10/10, so they have my heart forever).

Pasta at Marvin (and an honorable shout out to Little Dom’s).
Marvin, I’ve come to find out, is a bit of a polarizing restaurant. But I’m all in on Marvin - their Bolognese and Penne alla vodka are out of control.

Burger at For The Win

I’ve tried so many goddamn burgers in my lifetime and as much as I can get behind a lettuce wrapped moment, For The Win absolutely nails a GF bun and their fries taste like McDonald’s, so what else could you ever possibly want?

Breakfast Burrito at Erewhon (and an honorable shout out to Dialog Cafe)

I hate how much I love Erewhon. I think most people who live here feel this way. Their general prices, on every item, are hard to stomach - but what they do, they do so well. This is a perfect breakfast burrito on a GF tortilla that won’t chip a tooth.

Bagels at Modern Bread and Bagel

Everything they do is phenomenal and truly a dream for anyone Gluten Free.

Tacos at Escuela

I eat here more than I eat anywhere else in LA. The least pretentious spot while also being incredibly cool (confusing). Their crispy beef and pickle taco tastes like a Big Mac and will alter your brain chemistry.

Donuts at Mochinut

Mochi donuts are not discussed enough in general. I could write an essay about the texture alone! I absolutely fucking love mochi donuts and whenever I bring them to a social gathering, I’ve never felt better about myself.

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And completely unrelated to Gluten Free Food, here’s a song I’ve been listening to a lot this week.

Xo Blair