(GLUTEN FREE THOUSAND OAKS)
An unexpected treasure when it comes to gluten free options, is the ciy of Thousand Oaks. Located approximately 15 miles from Los Angeles and 40 miles from Downtown, there is a fair chance you might end up dropping by or passing through this oak filled, gluten free friendly area.
When you do visit, these are some of the many places to grab lunch or a sweet treat at. There are plenty more, but I only list the one’s I’ve personally dined at so that I can actually vouch for them.
GLUTEN FREE – THOUSAND OAKS
100 % Gluten Free
JOi Café // Coffee by JOi
2855 Agoura Rd, Westlake Village, CA 91361
Celiac safety: 100% safe as this establishment is fully gluten free
Order: Gluten free avocado toast + cinnamon roll
Gluten free observations: Seeing how this cafe does not handle any gluten in its kitchen, there is no need to inform the staff of anything. The menu is also allergen marked for nuts and soy, in addition to being fully vegan. So, even though the menu may mention “tuna”, “scramble” etc – these are plant based equivalents.
As a Celiac, you can relax knowing that the entire menu is safe for you to indulge in.
Celiac safety: This establishment is 100% gluten free, so you can order whatever you want without worrying about cross contamination.
Tips: This has got to be one of the most popular gluten free cafes I’ve visited, so you can expect lines at certain hours of the day.
PLACES WITH GLUTEN FREE ON THE MENU
These are places that have “GLUTEN FREE” marked specifically on their menus, either in a separate section or through allergen marking (always keep in mind that cross contamination could be a risk for Celiacs at any establishment that is not 100% Celiac friendly).
Natural Cafe
968 S Westlake Blvd, Westlake Village, CA 91361
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
Order: Gluten free turkey chili with nacho chips + hummus platter
Gluten free observations: While the menu is not allergen marked, the restaurant has one copy of the menu that is revised to be gluten free. Meaning that the gluten ingredients have been crossed out and/or alternatives suggested in writing. This menu is available upon request.
When ordering, I ensured to mention I needed the gluten free version of the meals. The cashier was very attentive, and added “gluten free” to my order to be fully certain it would not be overlooked. She was also helpful in suggesting safe substitutes.
Celiac safety: I had no issues after my visit, and felt I was in good hands. Nonetheless, this establishment is not 100% gluten free, so there is a natural risk of cross contamination.
Tips: Portions are quite big, so one dish is definitely sufficient for one person.
Sweet Arleen’s Westlake Village
Westlake Plaza and Center, 960 S Westlake Blvd #4, Westlake Village, CA 91361
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
Order: Gluten free vanilla muffin with butter cream
Gluten free observations: The staff at this cupcake store, which apparently is also the winner of a Food Network competition, are fully aware of the allergens in their muffins. Gluten free versions are available in at least 5 different flavours, as well as other sweet treats. The gluten free items are kept separate from the gluten containing ones.
When I asked about the gluten free options, staff were also quick to let me know that they are made in a separate section of a shared kitchen. Thus there is a risk of cross contamination. I decided to take this risk, and I am a very sensitive Celiac, but you have to evaluate if you feel comfortable with this.
Celiac safety: I had no issues after my visit, and felt I was in good hands. Nonetheless, this establishment is not 100% gluten free, so there is a natural risk of cross contamination.
Tips: If you can’t decide what to get, they sell packages of 12 mini muffins with all of the flavours.
Finney’s Crafthouse – Westlake Village
982 S Westlake Blvd #2, Westlake Village, CA 91361, United States
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
Order: Moroccan salad with added chicken
Gluten free observations: The menu at this restaurant is allergen mared, but you should be aware that it says gc for “gluten concious” and not gluten free. This means that although the dish is gluten free ingredient wise, the restaurant cannot guarantee that it is safe for Celiacs due to the kitchen handling gluten ingredients. To be honest, this is the case for most restaurants with a shared kitchen, they just don’t always state it.
When I ordered, I stated that I am Celiac. The waitress did take note of that and informed the kitchen.
Celiac safety: I had no issues after my visit, and felt I was in good hands. Nonetheless, this establishment is not 100% gluten free, so there is a natural risk of cross contamination.
Tips: They have happy hour Monday to Friday from 3 pm to 5 pm, which is a good time to go if you want discounted cocktails with your meal.
PLACES WITH GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS WHEN ASKED
At these places, the menus did not have any information on allergens or ingredients, but staff was able to assist when asked about gluten free options (always keep in mind that cross contamination could be a risk for Celiacs at any establishment that is not 100% Celiac friendly).
CHIPOTLE
Various loctions
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
Order: Chipotle burrito bowl
Gluten free observations: The menu is not allergen marked at any Chipotle restaurants, but the only item that is not safe for a Celiac is the flour tortilla. As long as you stay away from that and do the salad or bowl, you’re okay.
As you decide yourself what to include in your bowl/salad, you get to observe as your order is being made. This adds another level of “safety”, although all choices are, as mentioned, gluten free. This may change if the menu is updated, though, so I encourage you to check the allergen menu on their website.
Additionally, when asking if the tortilla chips are gluten free, staff was able to check this and confirm that they are also safe for Celiacs.
Celiac safety: I had no issues after my visit, and felt I was in good hands. Nonetheless, this establishment is not 100% gluten free, so there is a natural risk of cross contamination.
Tips: If you’re not too hungry, their tortilla chips and guacamole serve as a good snack.
IN-N-OUT
Various locations
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
Order: Protein style burger, fries
Gluten free observations: In-n-out is one of my favorite fast food chains, but it’s also a little tricky at times. There is no allergen marked menu, although all items are gluten free aside from the buns.
They do have an allergy protocol if you inform them that you are Celiac, but you also need to keep in mind that this is an environment where food needs to come out fast. That creates room for mistakes and misunderstandings.
While the fries are fully gluten free and without any cross contamination risk in the frier, I aways carefully examine my protein style burger for any crumbs whenever I eat here. Just to be on the safe side.
There is an allergen menu on the website of In-n-Out, which I would recommend to check from time to time in case there are any changes.
Celiac safety: I had no issues after my visit, and felt I was in good hands. Nonetheless, this establishment is not 100% gluten free, so there is a natural risk of cross contamination.
Tips: The protein style burger can get VERY messy, so make sure to get enough napkins.
GLUTEN FREE IN GROCERIES/STORES
- Sprouts Farmers Market – All grocery chains will have gluten free options available. However, Sprouts really blew my mind. Not only do they have a separate gluten free section, but they also have tons of gluten free treats in the regular isles as well. And the best part? They put up yellow “gluten free” tags for all such items, so they are easier to find.
- Vons – At Vons, you can find the gluten free items in between the regular ones. So, if you are looking for gluten free spaghetti, go to the pasta section and be on the look out for those labelled gluten free. At the same time, there is a separate freezer section at some stores where you will only find gluten free items grouped together.
- Other groceries where you will find gluten free items:
FINAL NOTES
These are just some of the many places to eat gluten free in the area. Just remember – always ask about ingredients in addition to underlining that you are Celiac or “allergic to gluten”, as well as reconfirming when you receive your meal that it is in fact gluten free. Lastly, always trust your gut feeling. If you don’t feel it’s safe, don’t eat!
