Melinda's Gluten Free Bakery

Had a turkey sandwich and latte to go. Not a ton of options later I the day, but the sandwich was delicious!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

I loved my experience at Melinda’s! The food was amazing and the people working were so nice! Melinda even gave me recommendations on other celiac-safe restaurants to eat at in the area. I highly recommend this spot!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

My daughter and I are gluten intolerant. We had donuts, a cupcake , the cinnamon roll and savory pastries. Everything was delicious. The pastries were buttery and flaky. I wish we had this bakery back home!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Absolutely divine chocolate croissant and donuts. By far some of the best gluten free baked goods I’ve ever had in terms of both flavor and texture!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

SO DELICIOUS! I bought so many things and they were all delicious but my favorite was the almond bear claw. Absolutely fantastic! Highly recommend stopping by, very delicious food and super kind and helpful staff

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

We always stop at Melinda's when visiting the Santa Cruz area. The bakery is pretty good for most items, but some of the items such as the croissants don't taste very fresh and are a bit hard later in the day. Service is always friendly.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for takeout

I arrived, but only open Fri-Sunday 8am-3pm

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

The gf croissants are the real deal! They shatter just like a croissant with gluten would!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for takeout

The BEST GF croissants! I always go for their savory croissant sandwiches and sweet croissants (bear claw & chocolate) all of which are super flaky, butter and absolutely delicious. Melinda’s will always be worth the drive!! Highly recommend to everyone

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

The absolute BEST GF pastries I have ever had! She has mastered it and I am willing to travel to pick up her goodies.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Found through the “Find Me Gluten Free” app — love this gem of a bakery in Santa Cruz. The team here was very kind — appreciated the samples of the cinnamon roll and brownie available to visitors. The hot sandwich options were a lovely surprise — tried the Turkey with havarti and the vegan veggie (contradictory selections for sure). Also grabbed some puff pastry goodies (bear claw, chocolate croissant, and morning glory muffin). The team member recommended some of the vegan versions of these selections — it was a welcome perspective. Overall, the creations are delicious — very surprised by the crunchy outside texture and the chewy/moist centers. The brownies were a bit too dense for my taste and the cinnamon roll a bit too chewy, but it is definitely worth the visit. Prices felt a bit high, but understand that cost to create gluten free treats is rising — just don’t expect this to be an inexpensive outing.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dairy-free
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good vegan options
• Good vegetarian options

Absolutely amazing sandwiches and desserts. Completely gluten free, well aware of celiac and also good with peanut allergies and nut allergies. So glad I found this place!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for kids
• Good for takeout

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Third visit and always fabulous choices! My entire family loved everything we tried. From a ham, bacon and cheese hot sandwich to chocolate donuts and croissants! Our only complaint was that they were closed two of the days we were visiting 😂 closed Mondays and Tuesdays weekly. We got there about three hours before they closed for the day and after we walked in about five more people walked in behind us, and got in line. They were busy the entire time we were there. Definitely a stop every time we are in the area ♥

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Amazing!! Dedictaes GF bakery. Everything I have had is great.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

I haven’t tried all of the goodies yet, but they certainly look delicious. Just now I enjoyed a piece of the sourdough boule— fantastic! I’m even eating the end piece and it tastes good! My daughter ate one of the cream puffs and thought it was really good.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

This place is pretty good. The sandwiches are extremely oily/heavy, but still have a nice flavor. The pastries are solid, not out-of-this-world. Just being a gluten free bakery makes it worth a trip though.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

Wonderful cream puffs! Flaky with cream filling and chocolate coating. My nonGF family ate one and liked it, too.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Holy bear claw! It’s 100% dedicated GF kitchen and so worth it! The cinnamon bun wasn’t my fav, but mostly because I just want Cinnabon again hahaha. I’d say, just buy more bear claws or donuts. They were so good. I ate too many! As a celiac, there aren’t many delicious options out there… these are delicious!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

The best gf bakery ever, we’ve been coming here for years and we look forward to coming every week. Many vegan options as well and such a great variety of yummy treats!! They also do custom cakes and pies!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

My husband and I were excited to try the bakery and bought a cookie, chocolate croissants, donuts and a muffin but I hate to leave this note but we did not like them at all. The cookie was not mixed well and taste salty. The muffin does has doughy.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Poor

BEST GF BAKERY EVER! It’s the first bakery I’ve been to that is actually good! You can’t even tell it’s gluten free. I got a croissant sandwich that was bomb, donuts that were actually soft, and stuffed croissants 😄 The honey tea latte (cherry blossom tea) was THE BEST. Anyways it was really good, you should go there lol

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Such a wonderful dedicated GF bakery! We really enjoyed the cinnamon rolls, I had the savory monkey bread with full olives and artichokes baked in. Such a treat to be worry free and able to eat ANYTHING they offer. We come back every time we’re in the area!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Sooo good!! Such a large (and delicious) variety of gluten free AND vegan options. My family and I (including two young picky eaters) LOVED everything we got here! My favorite was the cinnamon roll

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Wonderful! I stop here every time I'm in town. They have tons of vegan options and everything is gluten free. I love their berry danishes, the crust is so flaky and tasty! Also love the cinnamon rolls, bacon & cheese rolls, avocado toast... My kids love the donuts, muffins & cupcakes. Service is fast, always a line, but moves along quickly. The staff is knowledgable and friendly. You can tell they enjoy working there. I love this place!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Many vegan option. Almond and chocolate pastry. Yummmm, friendly and helpful.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Many dairy free, gluten free options. My favorite was the veggie "sandwich" that was really a savory veggie tart with vegan cheese, kalamata olives, sundried tomatoes and artichoke hearts inside. The crust was so flaky and buttery that I wondered if it was actually vegan. The desserts were a little too sweet for my liking but I loved the maple glazed donut and iced sugar cookie. I will return for the vegan savory tarts and if I have a sweet craving when I'm in the Santa Cruz area. Nice staff, too!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

First of all 3 bake goods and a chai latte should not cost 29.00 bucks. First of all the chai was so cold and horrible. The bake goods did not taste good at all. Wish I could give them no stars. Every gluten free bakery I have been to very expensive.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Poor

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

They have so many options! It's made fresh. I was really impressed that they make croissants gf! Tasty food, I'm very happy I went.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch

Really disappointed. None of the food in the case was labeled, and I had to get someone to describe the various pastries and their allergens. The chocolate chip cookie was below average, and the donuts were gummy and lacked flavor.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Below Average

Very delicious gluten free pastries, I am in love with the bacon and cheddar pastry

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

My family and I went a little costal trip and it was nice to feel included in the donuts and coffee activities! The pastries are amazing here:)

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

So delicious!!! The croissants were amazing!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Beyond excellent!! I haven’t had pastries this delicious since I went gluten-free. The croissant texture is flaky and crispy, just like the real deal. I can’t wait to try all the goodies I bought. It’s worth the drive, if you don’t live close. Thank you!!!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

This place is so good. Melinda is awesome. Zero gluten on site!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Amazing GF treats!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

The facility is gluten free and the employees were able to tell us ingredients. I saw a review stating that the baked goods have the dense consistency of European breads. As someone that has lived in Europe and appreciates those breads, I can say you will be disappointed if you seek that consistency. I would say the consistency is closer to baked breads, rather than a heavily processed "wonder bread". The DF chocolate croissants received unanimous approval. I've never missed puffed pastries, but the puff pastries there now have me wanting more. The sandwich we shared was quite filling and we all enjoyed it. If you enjoy a nice blend of sweet and savory options, this is the best GF bakery I've found in the region so far. We plan to go back and it is our preferred bakery.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dairy-free
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Good with other allergies

Dedicated gluten-free facility, safe and delicious! They have a great variety of sweet and savory goodies, and bread (including gluten free sourdough)! The puff pastry is flaky and amazing. They also offer lots of vegan and dairy free options, and staff are knowledgeable about other allergies, just ask about ingredients!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Ham and cheese croissants 🥐. A few other pastry’s. All so good. I’ve been craving a flaky pastry like the ones I had in Europe a few years ago. These by far were just as good if not better. Can’t wait to come back to Santa Cruz and visit again, especially for some sour dough bread.. (they were out)

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

I love this place! Their gluten-free puff pastry is AMAZING! Their cinnamon rolls are scrumptious! I love how the cinnamon and sugar carmelize in spots to give a crispy, sugary treat. My favorite sandwich bread is their Honey Oat Loaf. Yum! I thinly slice the whole loaf as soon as it gets home. I use it for sandwiches all week. The staff is friendly and helpful and Melinda herself is so kind and caring. Thank you Melinda's Gluten-Free! You guys rock!!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for kids
• Good for takeout
• Good vegan options
• Good with other allergies

I am always excited to visit GF bakeries when I'm in new areas so I had high hopes for this place. I bought a little of everything croissants, donuts, sandwich, and danish. All items were moist and tasted fine but each one was soooo dense! These baked goods lacked the light and flakey-ness of their gluten counterparts. Yes, it is rare to find that key factor in GF goods but I assure you there are bakeries out there that achieve this!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Below Average

It may be a dedicated gluten free facility but we will never be going back here. Cinnamon rolls were hard as a rock! Inedible although they could be used for building materials. Patti's perfect pantry in Morgan Hill is so much better.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Nice selection of tasty pastries

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Amazing dedicated gluten-free facility! Everything was amazing!

Celiac friendly?

Yes