Melinda's Gluten Free Bakery - Capitola, California

Mariah C.

Cute gluten-free bakery in Santa Cruz, and I must say the most authentic taste and gluten-free doughnut. I tried the coconut and it was really neck an neck to an original old-fashioned donut!

Mary B. D.

This place is fantastic!

As somebody who has been gluten free for about 2 years now, I have visited a number of restaurants and bakeries that claim to cater to the gluten-free crowd. This is the best tasting bakery I have encountered. In addition, the staff took the time to talk to us and to the other customers about what would meet our needs both in store and for baking at home. It is too bad we live too far away to go once because it would become my new home away from home. I love it!

A C.

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.

Jason S.

They have good stuff but we ordered their brownies for our wedding and specifically requested that they not be overcooked and on the hard side since when we sampled them sometimes they were moist and sometimes too hard. We ordered almost a 100 and they were like bricks which kind of ruined the vibe for our dessert. It was a shame because if they had done them right it would’ve been a crowd pleaser. If they can get their consistency right they will be a lot better. I don’t want to throw them under the bus but they did us wrong on a big order for a special event.

Claire B.

I can’t say enough about this gem near the coast .. My absolute favorite Gluten-Free bakery with Vegan options as well. They have limited hours and are popular, so go early to ensure you get your pick of all the sweet and savory treats! The maple doughnut and ham and cheese croissant are a must! These folks work so hard-tip them well!!!

Erin C.

I'm so happy this bakery exists! The fact that there are gluten free and vegan options is amazing! The bear claw was so good, I can't wait to go back and buy more goods. Thank you!

Greg G.

Melinda's IS the ONLY GLUTEN free bakery in Santa Cruz. If you are celiac or have a strong intolerance you often have no option but to bake everything yourself, purchase at a chain store [always overpriced, over sugared not fresh], or do without. Melinda's does such a great job at making most pastried look and taste as the standard in french bakery or better.
I dont think many people know how especial it is to have an all gluten free specialty bakery in town.

Laura

This is by far the best GF bakery I have tried. Everything I had was delicious and had great texture, which is hard to find gluten-free. Cinnamon rolls, cookies, baguettes, donuts are all amazing!