PICO Restaurant

In terms of safety, this place seemed knowledgeable. They said they thought the fries were safe but I went with a salad to be safe. I had the steak + frites but subbed the fries for a salad and it was overall very good. The steak is heavily salted.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

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

— Average

I don’t know if the chef is new since the reviews from 2020, but the chef never came out to speak to me, even though I asked if he would. The waitress did say I didn’t have to worry about cross contamination and I didn’t get sick. The fries are no longer Celiac safe as there is only one frier and they now fry gluten items in it. I ended up having a hamburger and polenta. The hamburger was extremely salty and the polenta was not what I wanted because I went based on past reviews and I wanted fries. My family, that are not Celiac, said their food was just okay. It’s pretty expensive for just okay food.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

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

— Below Average

We ate here in October of 2021 for dinner and the staff and selections were fantastic. I noted that I needed GF when I made the reservation. Not sure what happened with the others who reviewed and visited during that time. I felt like I had plenty of options and they even modified a menu item for me.

I personally never ask to speak to the chef at a restaurant. They are usually far too busy to come out and converse in a restaurant this size. I do ask specific questions about preparation and ingredients to the servers and they ask the chef or the manager on my behalf and provide an answer. Sometimes the manager will even come by and check in, as they did at PICO (and Bell’s down the street).

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

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

— Excellent

Not GF at all. We went and the only item they could offer was a burger, served naked in a plate.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

One of the best restaurants in California. Seriously.

I make a point to stop and eat here when I’m in the area. Everything at Pico is thought out. The experience starts when you walk in. The airy but cozy non fussy rustic feeling of the interiors, the exceptionally beautiful outdoor eating and working garden, the wine list, cocktails, and of course the menu... Which changes seasonally.

The food is exceptional. And there are enough options for us celiacs. They will of course do what they can to accommodate on menu items that are not GF as well.

They are very concerned about any dietary issues.

Highly recommend.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

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

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for lunch
• Good selection of healthy options
• Offers outdoor seating

We brought our young daughters who are both Celiac and were immediately on board when the hostess said that she too was Celiac and ate there regularly without problems. The staff was knowledgeable and beyond accommodating. The chef came out to talk to us and we were impressed by his willingness and understanding of the celiac diet and cross contamination. My daughters loved the food and tried dishes they’d never had before (ie the avocado sushi appetizers and duck entree). We would highly recommend and can’t wait to go back.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

Other Characteristics

• Good with other allergies

The new chef is dedicated to offering lots of options and a safe experience to people with celiac disease and food allergies. He’s got a following of people with dietary restrictions who trust him for safe, delicious food. He came out to talk to me without me asking and described how there is no cross contamination in his kitchen. A bold claim, but he backs it up perfectly.

The vast majority of the menu is gluten free. There are only a few things that have gluten and they were pointed out to me.

The truffle fries are life-changingly good. I literally cried at being able to have fries in a restaurant and to have them be that good.

This is, in my opinion, the most delicious and safest restaurant on the central coast. Don’t miss this place.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

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

— Excellent