Gluten-Free at Urban Plates

Awful experience. Spoke with the staff about what was safe, ordered the safe selection and was given croutons on my salad, and two side dishes that had gluten in the main ingredients. So glad my kids didn’t eat the food!

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

— Not at all

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

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

— Below Average

Items clearly labeled GF, DF, Vegan. There's also GF bread as a side, and cake and cookies for dessert (not DF).

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

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main 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

Plenty of choices and clearly labeled on the menu.

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

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main 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?

— Good

Menu is clearly marked but you still need to tell them. They will bring you the gluten free bread

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

— Very

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

I am a high reacting celiac, and I had no problem eating lunch at this Urban Plates at The Forum in Carlsbad CA. I had the roasted sea bass with roasted small potatoes and asparagus. It was really good, cooked just right. These items were clearly marked as GF on the menu, and the person who took our order seemed knowledgeable enough.

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

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

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

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dairy-free
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Good vegetarian options
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating

Great selection of gf options. Good tasting food. Server was helpful. The kitchen did give me a regular piece of bread with my meal but the server caught the mistake before I had the chance to verify that it was gf. Chocolate flourless cake was very good.

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

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

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?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating

Healthy American fare

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

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main 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?

— Good

Had a lot of takeout from urban plates sitting COVID. Fresh, healthy and lots of options! Love the salmon!

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

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

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

The menu clearly states which food items could be prepared GF, mainly by switching out the gluten bread with GF bread. I felt safe eating there and appreciated another GF safe restaurant in Long Beach. The food tasted good, too.

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

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

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

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Good for keto
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Good vegetarian options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers online ordering

Mediocre food. But at least there are lots of GF options.

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

— Somewhat

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?

— Average

Yummy stew and GF cookies!

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

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main 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

Delicious food! So many GF and DF options! The dairy free mashed potatoes is delicious!

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

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

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?

— Good

Cross-contamination alert! I was told the gluten free menu was celiac safe, and only after asking multiple questions was I told that almost all the proteins are grilled on the exact same surface where wheat bread is toasted. There was one entree they said I could have without CC, but I didn't trust them at that point. The menu is not safe!

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

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

I got the beef with mushrooms and mashed potatoes. It was ok and I did not get sick. I ordered it for takeout and the food looked nothing like in the pictures on the menu… it looked more like a cheap frozen dinner. But I didn’t get sick and it tasted ok, so I’d go again. Maybe better in person.

The menu was well marked and they seem very conscious of allergies.

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

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

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

— Good

I went today!! I notified the woman at the register and she gave me confidence that they could handle my order. Thankfully there is someone who checks orders before they go out. I ordered the Moroccan chicken with cauliflower rice (when the woman at the register offered it I thought it was plain). The “checker”’woman called me over to tell me that the rice contained gluten. She offered to remake it with compliant veggies. I did tell her I was a little nervous as the kitchen had celiac on the ticket yet still served me non compliant rice. I decided to go with it and haven’t gotten sick yet. 🤞🏼 I don’t because it would be so nice to have another option for take out!! The chicken and veggies (carrots and beets) were delish!

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

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main 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

I’ve always loved their food but was just diagnosed with celiac. First time back today and I’d say as long as you’re there and on your toes it’s a good spot. I watched the person who was about to touch my plate (with gloves that had just touched bread) and I caught telling him I had celiac. He immediately changed gloves, understood the concern and made me feel at home. I’m still getting used to speaking up at restaurants and his response was really appreciated.

Update, I now have a Nima sensor and both times I have tested the food from urban plates it tested positive for gluten. The mashed potatoes have been safe both times but the chicken has not so either the grill or their utensils have been contaminated. I can lo longer eat here and would recommend others be very careful.

Felt safe. Decent offerings

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main 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?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Offers outdoor seating

Did not get sick but ordered simple foods were contamination unlikely. Tasty, lots of options and clear menu

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

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main 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

There’s a fair share of gluten free food. You can’t just say “no bread” to have it gluten free. Practically every time I have said “no bread” they have placed bread on top of my food. You must say “GLUTEN ALLERGY” for them to take you seriously. They have gluten free bread, but it’s meh to be honest. If you are celiac I would stick to plates, salads, and bowls. The kitchen is way to complacent to ensure no cross contamination when making gluten free sandwiches. Even if you request gluten free bread, they often grill it - probably on the same grill with “gluten bread”. I doubt it’s a separate dedicated area.

Service is 2.5/5. It’s a hit or miss. The cashiers can be blunt and rude with their lack of grace. If the manager takes your order, it’s fine.

The food is also a hit or miss. Sometimes it’s amazing and dialed-in, other times it’s a let down, especially for the price.

Try to go near opening times/before rush hour. Often times when the kitchen is rushing, they will gloss over specific requests.

If you eat here, be prepared to speak up with the possibility of having to send the food back to the kitchen to have it re-made because of bread placed on your food. Don’t be afraid to speak to the manger if you have to, he seems nice and wants things to be right. Overall do your due diligence, understand the menu and you should be ok.

Unless you have eaten here a few times, I would not order online for delivery/pick-up. The risk is too high. It’s not worth getting sick over. I would eat here at least two times to get a feel and understand of how things are to best avoid getting sick.

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

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

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?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Offers delivery
• Offers outdoor seating

Amazing food and service. Open kitchen area. They have fresh lemonades on tap with different flavors. Fresh kombucha that was amazing. And the food is SPECTACULAR. The braised beef bowl with mashed potatoes tastes like a mom is in the kitchen making dinner. And it’s gluten free!! Lots of vegetarian and vegan options

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

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

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Good for keto
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating

This was about a year ago. One of the staff plating food moved the bread around with his gloved hand while waiting & did not changed before handling my food ( I had already ordered and asked to make sure my selections were gf. (happened pretty quickly. I just didn't eat the item he touched. ) Their portions are small, so between the 2, I left hungry.

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

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main 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?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free

Ordered a gluten free item from the menu, and I had no adverse reactions.

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

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main 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

Fresh and tasty food. Numerous GF options and they take allergies seriously

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

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main 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 takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Good with other allergies

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

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

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

Service was great! Food was great! The only minor complaint that I have is that I ordered gluten-free ribs and when I got it it had a big piece of bread on top, however, they were quick to remedy it and brought me a whole new plate. Other than that, fantastic food.

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

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

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

Other Characteristics

• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating

Just ordered from them. Despite the GLUTEN FREE checkbox, "No Bread" checkbox, and both GLUTEN FREE and NO BREAD printed on the ticket on the bag, the bag had a baggie of bread, and a cup of croutons, the crouton cup was not sealed well and ajar, the bread bag was just a paper bakery style bag with crumbs escaping all over the bag. I ordered a steak plate with mashed potatoes and no gravy, a side salad (that was two large leaves of lettuce and some onions with a teaspoon of vinaigrette), and a tomatoe soup. I inspected all the containers and it didn't seem any crumbs got inside... Less than 20 min later I'm running to the bathroom. *SIGH*

Celiac friendly?

No

I’m dairy free and vegetarian as well as gluten free. Lots of options on the menu, but it was a cold day, so I made the mistake of getting the tofu curry bowl. The dish was grayish-brown, including the tofu and the few vegetables, and tasted bland at best. On the positive side, the customer service rep came over to ask how our food was, and when he heard I was dissatisfied he immediately offered a replacement dish, which I declined because we were going to the movies and couldn’t wait. Nonetheless, as a gesture of good will, he brought me a cookie, which wasn’t gluten free. (My non-GF friend’s salad was beautiful, and she said it was delicious, but I can’t vouch for how safe it was.)

Friendly staff, acknowledgeble

Stay away from anything that is grilled. They grill their bread on the same surface.

Celiac friendly?

No

Love how their menu marks items that are GF (gluten free), DF (dairy free), Vegan/Vegetarian. Many choices including dessert options and the food is good. Only wish the portions were a little larger. Parking is also available for free with validation or there is a 10 minute parking area right outside for take out orders. They have a covered outside sitting area as well.

The food is so delicious -- it's like a hip cafeteria with quality food and customer service. My husband and I are both dairy-free and I'm gluten free. We loved all the menu options!

Delicious, healthy, and they were great at helping me choose what I wanted from the variety of gluten free options on their menu. I was happy to return with a friend! I’m intolerant with a mast cell disease, so I’m not sure how I’ll react each time I’m exposed & carry an epi pen because of this.

The staff (especially the manager) was knowledgeable about gluten free and was extra careful about cross contamination. Lots of good options for simple fast eats. It was nice to be able to watch them make my salad in front of me so I could make sure they were being careful to not cross contaminate things. Only reason why it’s not 5 star is there is still gluten in the facility. I am a celiac and I didn’t have a reaction at all though!

Super gluten free friendly, always get a chicken plate and let them know about an allergy (celiac) and they cut it on different board. Great safe place to eat!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Three great experiences. Say no bread. Lots of options, even dessert options.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Amazing food, not much chance for cross contamination!

Everything is clearly labeled, clean areas, knowledgable staff and delicious food!

Really liked the curry bowl and the mashed potatoes. Tomato soup was ok. Juices were good. Place was a little confusing at first but we figured it out. There was a GF cake option but we didn’t have room for dessert.

i wrote in an online order i was gluten free and they put bread on top of my salmon. i called and complained and they said they would give me a gift card and refund me but i never got either!! will never go back.

Celiac friendly?

No

I’m sensitive to cross contamination and I haven’t gotten sick from here. But I get all the other reviews concerns.

I order the salmon with no sauce. And whatever potatoes/beets/carrot things are available. I’ve had good luck this way. If you order online make sure you say gluten allergy on the notes. Otherwise they put a big ole piece of bread on top your dish.

They do their best to avoid cross contamination but the bread always is being crossed over all the food and flakes off onto gluten free food and then the prep area is now not clean. Also, it creates a lot of anxiety for me when there are a ton of people in line behind me as I’m asking for glove changes, prep clean, etc.

Celiac friendly?

No

The menu specifies what is gluten free and what can be made gluten free. The staff seem knowledgeable. There does not appear to be too much chance for cross contaimination. use your judgement based on your sensitivity/reaction level.

Love this place. Lots of gluten & dairy free options - even dessert!

Just walk in. There’s no way that they keep that place safe from cross contamination.

Celiac friendly?

No

I did not eat here - I am not rating the quality of the food. I am a celiac and I walked in for the first time after reading the reviews. All the food is pre-prepared and they have a disclaimer on the menu about not being able to guarantee gluten free items haven't come into contact with gluten. There's no way of knowing whether a spoon or a knife was used for a gluten containing item next to a gluten free item. The meatloaf is next to the gluten free chicken, and you can't tell which cutting board was used. Every time I've eaten at places like this, I've gotten sick. There's no way to know what's already contaminated when it's sitting out like that. I can't risk it.

Celiac friendly?

No

This place has a gluten hot entree which is Moroccan Chicken Braise and it is delicious. Also the almond cookies are very good too.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I'm very sorry to have to write this review because I really love the taste of the food here, but I tried them again tonight & yet again I had a gluten reaction. In spite of their clear labeling, I suspect they are not careful about cross contamination. Fellow celiac sufferers beware. :-(

Celiac friendly?

No

Love this place!!! The managers are so awesome they make sure you are safe and have a wonderful dining experience. They are very knowledgeable about cross contamination.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Celiac friendly?

Yes