I once made a sandwich with this bread at home, took one bite and called a friend panicking and thinking I had glutened myself. THAT is how good this bread is. The pastries are good, and it's nice to have a dedicated GF bakery in the Santa Cruz area! Had a birthday cake made once, it tasted and looked great! But the bread steals the show. I would walk to the ends of the Earth for a loaf of this bread. Friendly service, small shop. But it's better to take your pastries to the beach down the street! read more

There's something really special about a place that just gets it. I brought my gluten-free friend here while she was visiting, and watching her light up over a full case of things she could actually eat--it honestly felt like a little gift. Not picked-over, not an afterthought... a real selection. We got coffee and a bear claw, and it was one of those simple, perfect moments--everything tasted really good, no compromises. The space itself is small and sweet, and the kids working there were genuinely kind. It's the kind of spot that makes you feel taken care of without trying too hard. We left happy, and I'd absolutely come back. read more

I was craving a gluten free cinnamon roll and found a cute gem in Capitola. Its hard to find the right place that caters to those with gluten allergies/sensitivity and I was really excited to find this place. Small bakery that has GF & vegan pastries along with some items to purchase for fun (like kitchen towels with funny words/lines on them!). The worker was patient with us as I wanted everything there since my eyes were bigger than my stomach! We ended up getting 5 pasteries: GF cinnamon roll, blueberry muffin, au pan chocolat (I think?), apple fritter, and a scone (forgot the flavor, maple?). Our favorate was the apple fritter as it has chunks of apple in it, it was light and had just the right amount of sugar coating on top. I liked the GF cinnamon roll but it was just a little dry/tough. It didnt seem to have that pillowy soft dough but it did have great filling and icing (which came on the side). We will more than likely be back in the near future when the sun is shinning bright and I need a GF pastry fix! read more

Melinda's Gluten Free Bakery - Menu - Bakeries Near Me - Capitola, California

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Delicious GF bakery! Small counter-service spot with insanely good donuts (and some savory items). We had the Maple donut and the chocolate with vanilla icing and both knocked the whole family's socks off with their moist texture and sweetness (not sickly sweet, no weird aftertaste like some places have, and nothing artificial tasting). Just pure YUM. Even my gluten-eating family were fans! Plus I could avoid egg and/or dairy, they had options for both (and everything is gluten-free, strictly). Cute gift shop items, too (the funny tea towels had us laughing). Casual little place. Highly recommend. read more

Melinda's Gluten Free Bakery - Gift shop area with cute stuff - Bakeries Near Me - Capitola, California

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The pastries are so good. I'm glad we have gluten free bake shop in the area. The young lady is very friendly. Place is clean.

A cute local shop of gluten-free and vegan bakery goods. We picked a chocolate donut with sprinkles (decadent!), maple donut (the cashier suggested it to us; it was delicious as well), and a cinnamon roll (it was big but kinda dry and hard). We also ordered a honey latte tea. Right when you walk in, you'll notice shelves of cute gift items and a wall of self service things, and there is one set of table and chairs. Customer service is impeccable. They definitely make you feel like family with how much input they provide about how they make their goods or which they think you'd like. Though the cinnamon roll wasn't our favorite, my daughter and I loved the donuts and tea, and we plan on coming back! read more

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Yum! Got there 10 minutes before closing & all their items were so fresh still. The chocolate donut with salted caramel was so moist and the best GF donut I've had my husband who can eat everything was impressed! I always have him try my GF baked goods and he said he wouldn't have been able to tell. Small shop but I'm sure you can eat there also. Will be back! Prices are great too! read more

Initially, when I walked into the business, everything in the case looks so yummy. I ordered a few loafs of bread and a cinnamon roll. The gal that helped me was a young Girl with no personality and a very dry sense of humor. And I would have to say she was a little rude when I asked questions about the business and about who is Melinda. Anyway. Personally thought the bread was great, but the cinnamon roll was not as great- I've had better. Sadly, attitudes and rudeness have no place in my life and so I seek to find a better bread elsewhere.. And it looks like I found the best gluten-free bread at Erewhon market.. read more

My partner is celiac so we are frequent buyers of gluten free goodies. Melinda's is the only gluten free place that I personally crave. Everything just tastes awesome. Not the usual "good for a gluten free version" but it holds its own among the best normal pastries. I'm particularly fond of their donuts and scones. Mmmm, can't wait to be back in the area again. read more

I went here last week before doing a long drive. Heard the food was great and saw the reviews so it was a must. I am gluten intolerant and found out 5 years ago and I'm always excited to have a tasty treat. Anyway I went in and because of the hype I bought several items. The gentleman at the counter was nice and got me my items and even suggested the sourdough bread said it was the most popular of the breads. First was the cinnamon roll, a maple donut, ham and cheese croissant as well as the sourdough bread. I got on the road and went to eat the croissant sandwich first and it was so hard I could not even bite into it. I broke it open to find a small amount of ham and cheese and ate it but the rest was not edible, it was as if it was old cause it was just sooo hard. Next was the donut which I was pleased with it was alright good texture and flavor. I got to my destination and went to share the, cinnamon roll with my cousin. It looked delicious smelled yummy also. My first bite initially had a yummy cinnamon taste the dough was pretty good but as I ate it the flavor changed. It tasted like the smell of burnt plastic. My cousin was eating it also and said she thought it had a rubber taste...I thought maybe the inside would be better and I was so excited to try it and I was hoping the taste would go away but the nasty after taste continued with the 2nd bite so we both decided to trash it and it went along with the croissant. Finally the sourdough bread...oh please I thought. It was good...had toast with jam and butter also made a breakfast sandwich. Was a bit dense but most gf breads tend to be that way. It was moist though and flavor was alright. All in all 2 starts for the donut and bread but for almost 35 in food the cinnamon roll and croissant were so awful I will sadly not return. There are much better place to get gf pastries and treats for a good price. Maybe I got an off day here but for that experience to happen with 2 items read more

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Melinda's been around for a decade and we've been going almost since the beginning. A very nice variety of items -- bread, bagels, cookies, pies, muffins, croissants, etc. if you need to get your gluten free peanut free carb on, this is the place to do it. Some of our favs: bear claw, pan au chocolat, chocolate chip cookie, cream puf (weekends only). Donuts, eh. The line is almost always long partly due to popularity and partly of their own making. Most of the food isn't labeled which means you have to constantly ask what something is. Occasionally the person at the register doesn't know and has to ask someone else. Melinda, please consider adding erasable labels to streamline things. They don't warm or toast anything but there is a toaster / microwave that customers can use. But there are no tables and you can really eat on site. They now have a small boutique for gifts: coasters, cards, and a few housewares. Parking lot is tight. People are nice although it's sometimes hard to hear them. (Written while eating a bear claw) read more

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Super cute little bakery! Friendly service and delicious baked goods! They offer an array of tasty treats. We will be back for sure! read more

gluten free? yeah right the sandwich was subpar at best the only saving grace was the cinnamon roll

The person who took our order was friendly and helpful. We're vegan and they showed us exactly which goods were okay for us. The donuts were AMAZING! They're like cake donuts and they don't have that typical gluten free taste, even though they were gluten free. The apple fritters were not as good, but still tasty. Just a tad bland in my opinion. My son had a cookie and loved it too. They also sell cute mugs, stickers, magnets, and other small items on the side. You can eat inside; they have a few tables that were clean. Anyway, I would definitely recommend! read more

I was super excited to try Melinda's after a day at Santa Cruz and happy to find such a cute shop! They have a good variety of baked goods and some items I've never seen before, which is fun to see. I liked most of what I purchased, but I have to say that the ham/cheese croissant I got left much to be desired. It wasn't fluffy like a croissant, and ended up very greasy. Love the effort to make unique items, but they may need some more experimenting first. read more

Melinda's Gluten Free Bakery - Ham & cheese croissant! - Bakeries Near Me - Capitola, California

Finally a place where lactose intolerant people can grab a donut or a muffin and not get sick. Yes there are spot of " gluten free" spots but dairy free is very difficult around here . We cook and bake pretty good at home but sometimes you just want to get coffee and a treat and walk the beach. Also see that you can order cakes and have them in a couple days. Just had a cinnamon roll, which I haven't had in years( lactaid only works a little) this was so rewarding and yummy. Thanks you guys, many wishes for continued success with your business in our community. read more

Always great friendly service, I'm slightly addicted to the ham/cheese hot sandwich and the sweets are also really good. Nice to have a place where I can actually get a good donut! read more

Tasty food and all gluten free! Excited buy some pasties after watching some bake off the other day and feeling jealous. Everything was tasty. read more

Melinda's Gluten Free Bakery - Assorted baked goods - Bakeries Near Me - Capitola, California

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They freshly bake gluten-free bread loaves that are to die for. You can call ahead and preorder so they save you some because they run out. They have delicious donuts that are gluten-free nut free potato and corn free & soy free which meets all of our allergy needs. They made fresh glaze for us avoiding corn for my sons birthday so he could have his preferred donut. Highly highly recommend!!! in a world that is very difficult for those of us with food Allergies this is an amazing gift to the community. read more

Ordered cupcakes for my baby girls wedding this time last year, and their vegan cupcakes were amazing. Fast forward to one year later and of course wouldn't go anywhere else for her baby shower. Super friendly peeps, the deserts are So delicious, and I love that they have the best vegan options and so reasonably priced. Always a game changer read more

Great gf options and peanut-free, too. Said their kitchen is all nut free except for almonds. Great place for a treat.

Wow! We came here the second time and ordered more stuff... blueberry and coffee cake muffins, maple and chocolate donuts and plain croissants... Everything was outstanding! I was surprised that the croissants, when warmed, iare pretty darn great for it being gf and vegan. I honestly have never found a bakery that made both GF and vegan croissants so this were a treat! Will def be back for more croissants and muffins! The muffins were moist, you can't tell it's GF and vegan! Hubby loved the choc donut; my least liked was prolly the maple donut. Overall, amazing spot! read more

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Wow!!! How incredibly rare for us gluten free folks to find a completely GF bakery!!! So many fun options. Being from out of town, I had to try a bunch! The Apple fritter was yummy and moist. Loved the cherry cheesecake danish, probably my fave item. The maple donut was good (a little dense). The chocolate croissant was dry but the flavor is good. Very nice friendly service. Cute inside with a little shop of decorative mugs and candles and stuff. Couple tables for seating as well. And they have multiple choices of alternative milks for your coffee! read more

Melinda's Gluten Free Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Capitola, California

My whole family (even gluten eaters!) thoroughly enjoyed this place. We had the privilege of eating chocolate croissants, ham and cheese croissants, a lemon blueberry cupcake, a morning bun, a danish, a pizza roll, and a maple donut. I may be forgetting a couple things because we ordered THAT much! Everything was delicious and beautiful! It was like an art show in our kitchen with how well crafted the pastries were. I tasted several items and don't have the time to review them all individually, but everything I tried was very buttery and flakey. Well balanced and not too sweet. Exactly what I love in a dessert! And of course, I can't forget how helpful and lovely all the staff were. I asked a lot of questions and none of them went unanswered. It meant so much to me and my family to taste all these nostalgic flavors without triggering any sensitivities. We wanted to come back several times over the course of our vacation in Santa Cruz, but never got a chance. It will be our first stop next time! read more

Melinda's Gluten Free Bakery - Chocolate croissant - Bakeries Near Me - Capitola, California

Words do not do justice to how wonderful it is, but I'll say this: we built the last couple of trips to the Santa Cruz area around being as close to Melinda's as possible (there is a Best Western right across the street). One of my go to's is the turkey and havarti sandwich. Crunchy on the outside and melted gooey goodness on the inside. This morning, they had a Samoa-like donut (the Girl Scouts cookie): Chocolate with frosting, coconut, and caramel. It was heavenly! As always, the staff was kind, patient, and helpful. read more

Melinda's Gluten Free Bakery - The Samoa-like donut - Bakeries Near Me - Capitola, California

I am not a gluten free regular, but thought to stop in and try it. We had the apple fritter, morning bun and a chai. All was very good and the service was great. I will be coming back to try other items in the future. read more

Was wonderful. Everything we ate tasted wonderful. We were so excited for all of the different items they had, but we did come later in the day. But we still got a lot of really good yummy things. The people are really nice. It's a really cute little shop. Definitely will come back. read more

I was so excited to try Melinda's gluten free bakery. We were visiting on vacation and I made specific plans to go there since it's very difficult to find decent gluten free desserts. I tried a much as I could- and had the wait staff make a box for me. The young lady was able to direct me to items that were of course gluten free but also free of almonds and dairy. (They have vegan options too). We tried the snickerdoodle, vegan red velvet, chocolate dognut, cinnamon roll and hubs had a ham/cheese sami. All the items were very nice. The presentation on the cupcake was especially nice and since I haven't been able to have red velvet for 10 years- yeah it was awesome. My favorite though was just the snickerdoodle. It had good texture and well, did not taste gluten free. I'll definitely come in again next time we visit. read more

Melinda's Gluten Free Bakery - Chocolate Doughnut, Red Velvet Cupcake & Snickerdoodle - Bakeries Near Me - Capitola, California

The vegan cinnamon roll was a rich and dense with a nice ratio of the cinnamon-sugar filling per bite. The frosting was provided on the side. Cute ambiance, friendly service. read more

Melinda's Gluten Free Bakery - Vegan cinnamon sugar. Frosting was provided on the side. - Bakeries Near Me - Capitola, California

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Okay, first of all I am beyond impressed that they are a fully gluten free facility - that is so amazing! Second, they have so many vegan options which is also so amazing and third all of their items are to die for!! I am allergic to eggs and dairy and to finally be able to enjoy some bakery items is such a treat but to have them be this good is insane. The donuts are so soft and yummy, the bear claws and muffins are 11/10 and the everything bagel was so freaking good. And to top it all off their vegan cream cheese was so tasty. The staff were very kind and quick which is always super nice. I could go on and on for days, but long story short Melinda's is a MUST visit!!! read more

The bread and pastries here are so delicious and the staff are so sweet! I wished I lived close enough to he a regular, but I will return to Melinda's the next time I am in the Capitola/Santa Cruz area!! read more

Best gf bakery ever!!!! I was so happy! My only (tiny) complaint is that the croissants are barely stuffed. Flavor was on point, but if you're going to market it as ham and cheese, it needs to have a little more ham and cheese. Service is impeccable! read more

Melinda offered a refund after seeing my review. So kind! I should add that the cake we got may have been a fluke (though I see some similar reviews) as there are so many good reviews here. I had brought some to a person I know who got her wedding cake here, and she loved her wedding cake, but found mine not edible. When I came in for the refund, decided to try one of the cookies and it was very good. I appreciate that this business tries hard and has such integrity! Do wish the prices were lower, given that they don't seem to use organic as far as I can tell, and use regular sugar rather than say, a date or maple sugar. But I am updating my rating given the great kindness of the owner reaching out and offering that, and that the cookie I tried was great. read more

This place is like Disneyland for gluten free people! I've never been anywhere where I can eat everything I see! It was truly a magical experience to see so many things!!! My favorite would be the flaky croissant pastries, I would order them over and over again. Cupcake was average. It was good but I've made better from a gf box mix. Cinnamon roll was awful, hard as a rock. Almost inedible, possibly just old... I know some gf flours get denser the longer they sit. I do feel like gluten free is changing, it's getting better, evolving figuring out new ways... and to me this seemed a little old fashioned gf baking... I will come back, I will always support gf places! read more

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Every time my wife and I come to Santa Cruz we come here! The Sourdough Bread is incredible and the pastries including the cinnamon rolls well let's just say I have experienced more than one out of body experience eating one of these with a cup of coffee! I highly recommend that you come here when your are in Santa Cruz! read more

I hate to not give a better review to a local small business that caters to people's dietary restrictions or allergies but I felt underwhelmed. I came towards to the end of the day so I wonder if all the good stuff was gone? I liked the flavor of the chocolate croissant but it was incredibly tough to chew. I thought the cookie sandwich would be more like a shortbread or cookie texture but it was an even dryer version of the croissant dough. The donut had more moisture and was ok. Same with the scone. But both lacked some flavor. Regardless I'm glad it exists. Maybe I'll try again if I'm in the area but I must say I'd rather bake my own gf goodies. read more

Melinda's Gluten Free Bakery - Chocolate croissant, cinnamon scone, heart cookie sandwich, and donut - Bakeries Near Me - Capitola, California

We came here last-minute to grab a gluten-free cupcake for a guest at our wedding. We didn't get to sample it, but she said 5 stars, so, thanks Melinda's! read more

Finally! Really good gluten free that can stand head to head to gluten baked goods! When I'm visiting my mom in my home town this is such a welcome treat! I've missed sourdough for years snd this bread is so delicious! I slice it up completely right away and freeze the individual slices for toasting. Try this spot it doesn't disappoint! read more

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Love going to Melinda's when we are in the area. Stopped by today for some fun breakfast items and got a wide assortment, including maple donut, chocolate donut with glaze, coffee cake muffin, almond bear claw, raspberry chocolate chip scone, brownie, fresh cherry tart, snickerdoodle, and ham and cheese sandwich. Everything was awesome. My wife has been gluten free (GF) for over 10 years and Melinda's is a clearly a cut above. Their recipe for GF has a great consistency, taste and rivals anything non-GF. The shop is quaint and cute, and their service is always awesome. Wish there was one where we live in East Bay! read more

Melinda's Gluten Free Bakery - Assorted goodies! - Bakeries Near Me - Capitola, California

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Food is great but it's pricey. The hot sandwiches are a must for me. They hit the spot if you're craving a savory croissant.