california pizza kitchen ~ gluten-free pizza is back!

California Pizza Kitchen returned gluten-free pizza to its menu… opa!

California Pizza Kitchen first opened its doors in Beverly Hills, CA in 1985.  Cooking in an open kitchen with a ‘California twist on global flavors’, CPK made its mark on my go-to restaurant list many years ago, even before knowing I was gluten intolerant – love their sweet pizza dough!  They’ve expanded their restaurants since then, and their menus, and I’m happy they’re offering gluten-free pizza once again.

My favorite spot to enjoy California Pizza Kitchen… at Manhattan Beach!

There’s no better spot to indulge in my g-free CPK pizza than at the beach… Manhattan Beach specifically.  On a gorgeous afternoon it’s fun to pick up a pizza and salad from their Manhattan Village location (Sepulveda Blvd.), walk out on the sand, drop a blanket, and enjoy ocean front dining with the gulls. And yes, I did bite into it before taking this picture… too good to wait!

Ocean front dining at Manhattan Beach, California.

Word of warning, when the gulls find you, they’ll hover, just like someone waiting for your table in a crowded restaurant lounge.  They’re clever enough to run away with your whole pie, too – which is quite curious as to their food palate, but I digress.

CPK first launched their g-free pizzas a few years ago, in their restaurants and in the freezer section at grocery stores.  They weren’t out long, though, saying they needed to better investigate and identify the ingredients.

CPK serves a delicious White Corn Guacamole + Chips on their ‘small plates’ gluten-free menu.

In the meantime, they added a ‘Small Plates’ menu which included six tapas-style bites, half of which are gluten-free:  Petite Wedge, Asparagus + Arugula Salad, and White Corn Guacamole + Chips.  I love them all!  They also made their regular menu g-free friendly, noting ‘GF’ for salads:

• Italian Chopped
• California Cobb
• Moroccan-Spiced Chicken
• Waldorf Chicken

Note:  Their prior menu contained a lovely Field Green salad.  Many restaurants will still make this for you, substituting the pear with sliced apple.

(Left) A version of their Field Green salad with chicken. (Right) Italian Chopped Salad. Both tasty.

Now their g-free pizzas are back, loaded with all the great tastes CPK is known for.  My favorite is the Mushroom Pepperoni Sausage, sans the mushroom.  Of the delicious list of ingredients on their menu, FIVE are certified gluten-free including:

• Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
• Mushroom Pepperoni Sausage
• Pepperoni
• Margherita
• Cheese

Pizzas are 10″ in diameter containing six slices – easy to share a pizza and a half salad with a friend, and you’ll feel satisfied.

Per their website:  “Gluten Free Pizzas not available in airport locations, stadiums, universities, Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas and Guam.”

Gluten-free Mushroom Pepperoni Sausage pizza (sans mushroom) from CPK.

Inside all the CPK‘s are booth and table seating in a comfortable environment, wait times never seem to be too long (if any), and staff is always friendly.  Especially the beach location ;o).

Inside the California Pizza Kitchen at Northridge Fashion Center (on Tampa).

Now if only they’d add a g-free dessert, and a g-free version of their Sesame Ginger Chicken Dumplings!!!  Hello, CPK? ;o).

They’re in so many locations… prices are decent, service is great, taste is delic, large portions to share.

• Half Field Green salad, Pepperoni Sausage gf pizza, iced tea – kitty = $ 28.53 + tip