Gluten-free travel can be challenging, especially for those traveling with celiac disease. The fear of cross-contamination is real, making the quest for safe and delicious options a top priority. As someone with Celiac, I understand the battle.
In this post, I’ve compiled a list of the 15 restaurants in Cabo San Lucas that can accommodate gluten-free travelers. I have also provided two gluten-free travel cards in Spanish, which contain information on cross-contamination, so they are also celiac-friendly.
I hope this post helps reduce anxiety associated with gluten-free travel during your next Cabo San Lucas vacation.
Gluten-Free Travel in Cabo San Lucas
What You Need to Know
This post contains a list of Cabo San Lucas restaurants tested by myself or other gluten-free travelers. Although I typically only list restaurants I’ve tried, I want to acknowledge that there are other good restaurants I have not tried. So, I’ve expanded the list to include restaurants other gluten-free travelers recommend to offer additional choices.
I’ve marked all restaurants I’ve personally tested as “Trudy Traveler Recommended” restaurants. In my experience, each restaurant has accommodated gluten-free dining needs, and I have not had cross-contamination issues. Some of these restaurants have more gluten-free options than others, which I will indicate throughout the post.
Disclaimer: The following recommendations are from personal experiences and insights shared by fellow gluten-free travelers. It is critical to acknowledge that none of the mentioned restaurants are exclusively gluten-free, although specific restaurants may have dedicated prep spaces. Dining at any of these establishments entails inherent risks for celiac travelers, and individuals dining at any of the mentioned restaurants are choosing to do so, exercising their discretion and risk.
Gluten-Free Precautions
Friends, unfortunately, I have learned from my mistakes. I am not always as cautious as I should be when traveling, and more than once I’ve paid a painful price.
Although this isn’t surprising, I have found that resorts and higher-end restaurants are most equipped to address the needs of celiac travelers. However, using a gluten-free travel card significantly lowers the risk of exposure to gluten.
Regarding gluten-free options, I have found that if you are concerned about cross-contamination, your options can be somewhat limited unless you are at a slightly higher-end restaurant. Although there are often grilled seafood or salad options available at most restaurants, I have found few gluten-free bread or bun options in Mexico outside of restaurants that will prepare gluten-free bread as a special side dish.
Gluten-Free Travel Cards
Speaking of gluten-free travel cards, they are a must-have travel hack, especially for celiac travelers. Both of our Spanish gluten-free travel cards are written with celiac travelers in mind and include information on cross-contamination. Even better, the travel cards can be edited to meet each gluten-free traveler’s individual gluten-free needs. For example, I have the same reaction to oats as to gluten, so I check that item, identifying oats as an allergen. However, not all celiac travelers react to oats, so there’s an option to not select oats on the travel card.
The first card includes an explanation of gluten, everyday gluten-containing foods, and precautions to prevent cross-contamination. The second, includes all the information above and a list of other common allergens you can select.
The travel cards are printable or can be saved in the files section of your phone, tablet or computer and edited to meet your specific gluten-free needs.
These gluten-free travel cards will bring additional peace of mind and enhance your dining experience in Cabo San Lucas.
Gluten-Free Options - Downtown Cabo
Misiones De Kino
Trudy Traveler Recommended
Don’t miss this hidden gem with garden dining—a Mexican oasis off the beaten path. We vote this as the best mid-range spot in Cabo and has made my gluten-free dining in Cabo San Lucas much more enjoyable. The menu offers fresh seafood and authentic dishes, rivaling high-end restaurants.
Try dishes with their magical chipalla sauce; the margaritas and pina coladas are unmatched. Their margarita has a nice balance of tequila, lime, and a slight touch of sweetness, and the pina colada is a creamy delight. Paired with friendly service, it’s an unforgettable dining experience. I can’t count the number of times I’ve been here, and as a person traveling with celiac, I’m happy to report I’ve had no issues with cross-contamination!
Bajo La Luna Restaurant & Lounge
Trudy Traveler Recommended
Located across from Cabo Wabo, this little gem may seem like just another bar. But step inside, and voila! A charming patio dining spot awaits you. Their menu is filled with seafood, steak, and authentic dishes that pair perfectly with their delicious margaritas and extensive wine selection.
Everything from their salad with poached pears to their fish filet, garlic shrimp, coconut curry, and steaks, everything is delicious!
Now, what makes it even better? The excellent service from their knowledgeable, friendly staff, and no issues with cross-contamination. Yet another restaurant that has made gluten-free travel a positive experience in Cabo San Lucas.
Los Barriles Restaurant and Bar
Trudy Traveler Recommended
Los Barriles has a lovely outdoor patio with a hint of a garden setting. Gluten-free items are indicated on the menu, and their servers understand the needs of gluten-free travelers. However, sharing your gluten-free travel card is always recommended to ensure they are clear on cross-contamination concerns.
We’ve tried the filet mignon, fish, crab, lobster, and shrimp platter for two, which was delicious, and I had no issues with cross-contamination.
Hacienda Cocina y Cantina
Trudy Traveler Recommended
You’ll find Hacienda Cocina y Cantina overlooking Medano Beach, with a front-row seat to El Arco with that perfect Cabo aesthetic.
The dinner lineup boasts a mix of seafood and authentic Mexican dishes. Must-tries include guacamole, fresh ceviche, fish of the day, and sautéed shrimp.
While Hacienda may offer fewer gluten-free options than some restaurants and run a little pricier, the view and Cabo aesthetic are unmatched.
Gluten-Free Options: Medano Beach
A little further down Medano Beach (about a 15-20 minute walk from the marina or a 5-minute cab ride), you’ll find the three Villa properties (Villa del Palmar, Villa del Estancia, and Villa del Arco), which offer multiple restaurants that successfully accommodate celiac travelers.
La Casona Restaurant
Trudy Traveler Recommended
Yet another Cabo San Lucas hidden gem is La Casona, located at the Villa del Estancia. With its charming patio and indoor dining, the ambiance is delightful.
Their tender steaks, delicious seafood, and a well-stocked bar make for a delightful meal. The seafood risotto and steak with lobster are must-tries.
Despite the higher cost, extra touches like pre-meal hand towels and treats make it a luxurious experience, making gluten-free travel much more enjoyable.
Carbon Grill Restaurant
Trudy Traveler Recommended
The Carbon Grill sits on the oceanfront patio of Villa del Palmar. You’ll enjoy their grilled dishes and Argentinian flavors as you gaze over the stunning El Arco.
They offer a limited menu highlighting grilled steak, chicken, and seafood, and their surf and turf tower is a crowd-pleaser.
They adeptly cater to the needs of their gluten-free customers, ensuring a seamless experience with no cross-contamination concerns.
Bella California Restaurant
Trudy Traveler Recommended
Bella California at Villa del Palmar offers a beautiful oceanfront dining experience and is a reliable choice for gluten-free travel in Cabo San Lucas.
While gluten-free options are limited, their dedicated kitchen to prevent cross-contamination makes me enjoy my chicken tacos or quesadillas without worries. This resort appreciates clear communication about food allergies to ensure a safe dining experience.
Neptune Restaurant
Trudy Traveler Recommended
The Neptune at Villa del Arco also offers stunning views of El Arco. The menu offers a variety of seafood, meat, and poultry dishes. They seamlessly accommodate gluten-free options and take added precautions to prevent cross-contamination.
You pay a little more for the upscale dining at Villa del Arco’s signature restaurant, but if your budget allows, it’s worth the price.
El Patron Mexican Bistro
Trudy Traveler Recommended
El Patron, located at the Villa del Arco, is another good option for gluten-free travelers. As a sister property to Villa del Palmar, they also have a dedicated kitchen to avoid issues with cross-contamination. Although they do not offer a gluten-free menu, they can explain which items can be prepared gluten-free.
Sunset Monalisa Cabo
Sunset Monalisa Cabo is one of the highest-rated restaurants in Cabo San Lucas, with over 7,000 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor. The Monalisa is ten minutes from downtown Cabo, overlooking El Arco and Medano Beach. The Monalisa is famous for its exceptional food but also for its stunning sunsets, offering the coveted Cabo aesthetic of your dreams.
I hear that you need to make reservations well in advance. However, they offer a five-course meal, which the chef can prepare gluten-free. I can’t believe I haven’t been here!
Tacos Guss
Trudy Traveler Recommended
This iconic taqueria is known for having all your mouth-watering favorites. Each taco can be served on a handmade corn tortilla. Yum! Tacos Guss offers a flavorful array of manageable options on any budget. The platter of condiments with shredded cabbage, Pico de Gallo, sliced cucumbers, limes, cilantro, salsas, and guacamole is always a customer favorite.
The grilled fish or shrimp tacos on corn tortillas are a good option for gluten-free travelers. However, I recommend using a gluten-free translation card so they understand cross-contamination concerns.
Romeo y Julieta Ristorante
Romeo y Julieta is another highly recommended Cabo San Lucas restaurant. Travelers have reported that this Italian restaurant offers gluten-free options. The menu offers a variety of pasta, seafood, steak, and chicken options. Travelers report they don’t have a gluten-free menu but can prepare dishes gluten-free and take precautions to prevent cross-contamination.
Don Manuel's
Another restaurant recommended by other gluten-free travelers, Don Manuel’s at the Waldorf Astoria on the Pacific side of Cabo. Travelers report that Don Manuel’s offers gluten-free options, and they take the necessary precautions to prevent cross-contamination. One traveler reported they offer gluten-free churros. Yum!
Bar Esquina Los Cabos
Celiac travelers report Bar Esquina to be a safe dining option. Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu and they have a dedicated gluten-free prep space and kitchen equipment.
Los Tres Gallos Restaurant
Travelers report that Los Tres Gallos is a lovely open-air restaurant with an authentic Mexican feel as the Mariachi band roams from table to table. They offer a few tableside prepared dishes for a little extra dining fun. They have gluten-free items marked on their menu, and can accommodate those sensitive to cross-contamination.
Tacos Gardenias
I have not eaten at Tacos Gardenias since being gluten-free; however, other travelers have reported that they ate their without any problems using their gluten-free travel card. Travelers report many options, although they do not offer a dedicated gluten-free fryer so you are limited to grilled items. I recommend using a gluten-free travel card whenever celiac travelers dine at smaller establishments such as Tacos Gardenias.
Thanks for Reading this Post!
I hope our gluten-free travel cards and Cabo San Lucas restaurant suggestions make for a seamless gluten-free travel experience. Although exposure to gluten is always a possibility without a dedicate gluten-free kitchen, it’s nice to know that several Cabo San Lucas restaurants are making concerted efforts to cater to gluten-free travelers.
If you want more details about Cabo check out Cabo San Lucas – Everything You Need to Know. Also, if you are looking for what you should do while in Cabo, you’ll want to explore 20 Amazing Things to Do in Cabo. For our celiac travelers, you will want to check out our Celiac Travel Guide: 12 Expert Tips to Gluten-Free Travel.
Let me know in the comment section below if there are other restaurants that should be added to this list.
Happy Travels!
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