Bushfire Kitchen is my pretty consistent ‘go to’ in San Diego County. It’s a tasty, casual eatery with a mostly gluten-free menu, filled with ‘naturally nutritious food… Fresh, humanely raised, natural, free from hormones & antibiotics, sources from local farmers, and organic whenever possible”. Bushfire Kitchen is one of those places mostly anyone can find something delicious to eat, and I’m happy they have added quite a few locations in and around San Diego County since I found them in 2017.
Bushfire Kitchen’s Natural Angus Tri-Tip Plate w/ a side of grilled veggies and greek salad
Currently they have two San Diego (North County) options: Carlsbad, CA & Del Mar, CA, with a third ‘coming soon’ in Rancho Bernardo, CA. Their menu is fabulous! Free range grilled chicken sans antibiotics or added hormones, organic salmon, Certified Humane Colorado grass-fed Angus beef, overnight slow-cooked brisket, pulled pork, and short ribs are my menu favorites – HA! – most of the menu ;0). Pair it with some grilled veggies and salad, delicioso.
Their burgers might be my favorite menu item: The American Burger comes with applewood smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, local avocado, lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup and housemade mayo. The Californian comes with cheddar cheese, local avocado, wild baby arugula, tomato, house pickled red onions, and housemade basil pesto aioli. Six additional grass-fed burgers are offered: En Fuego Burger, Peri Peri Chicken Burger, Bushfire Burger & Veggie Burger. Yes, they serve gluten free buns on request, and for an additional charge.
Bushfire bowls & slow cooked braises are served with organic brown rice, jasmine rice, or garlic mashed potatoes, plus grilled veggies, roasted squash, roasted brussel sprouts, or roasted Korean cauliflower. Their bbq braised pork is mouth-watering good, though not currently offered as a regular menu item. Thai Chicken Curry, Grass-Fed Braised Brisket, Sustainable Salmon, Cage-Free Chicken, Grass-Fed Tri-Tip, and Mixed Veggies are their current bowl selections. I’m always up for trying something new – if I can resist their burgers or salmon plates. Their Sustainable Salmon Plate is my second favorite menu item, with their greek salad and jasmine rice.
One visit I tried their Chicken Burger ‘special’ – look how loaded it was! I enjoy their gluten-free buns, they’re huge. This Chicken Burger was smothered in a bbq sauce – tasty, yet I’d try it without the sauce next time, or on the side to add to my liking. I enjoy my chicken grilled, aioli, grilled onions, pickles… all those wonderful, fresh ingredients come to life.
At each visit I thank them for offering top shelf ingredients, and their huge gluten-free menu. Their homemade lemonade and tropical iced tea round out the meal, followed by their gluten-free chocolate chip cookie. Thankful for so many options.
Now the teaser… I ordered this delicious Breakfast Omelette at Bushfire Kitchen Del Mar in 2020… so good! At present they aren’t serving breakfast anymore, but keeping the visual for a reminder of what they served prior, and hoping they bring back to their menu one day ;0). Sweet potato fries are plentiful and a great side to share.
See your specific locations’ websites for current menu items, as they’ve updated some choices. Last visit I dined at their Mission Viejo location and was offered gluten free foccacia bread with my meal – opa! to more gluten free items. Wonder if they’ll offer gluten free mac & cheese one day – that said, it’s their only side that’s not gluten free.
As with all restaurant meals, before indulging please ask questions about their gluten-free cross contamination guidelines, remind them you are ordering gluten-free, make sure it’s safe for your eating protocols, and, it’s always kind to thank them for offering options for our community to enjoy.
