Where to start? Nece's GF is incredible!! We have tried everything from their sandwiches, cake…read moreslices, cheesecake slices, cookies, brownies, pretzels, to their ham and cheese wheels. This is a mandatory stop for us whenever we're in Monterey. The front of house staff are lovely to interact with, so knowledgeable, and so caring for all of your baked goods. My husband has a chocolate allergy and Nece's staff was so careful to separate out all of the non-chocolate items from the chocolate items. The extra step to show this level of care did not go unnoticed and FOH staff did this without us needing to ask. As someone who was recently told they can't have gluten, this place is like finding the light at the end of a dark tunnel. I am so grateful to this little bakery for their delicious gf baked goods and wonderful humans to interact with.

And Nece (the founder) also makes extraordinarily artistic GF cakes, with real flowers…read morewater-falling as pictured, etc! I'm not sure what more I can really add to what's already been said about the world's best entirely gluten-free bakery. I wasn't aware I had celiacs (the asymptomatic kind, which is more common than commonly understood) until recently. So I can compare Nece's with many of the world's other great bakeries in both the US and Europe (where I lived for ~dozen years) that I've experienced. Nece's is right up there with the very best non-GF bakeries too.

Gluten-free Italian food? Yes! Surprisingly, everything from the bread, starters, entrées, sides,…read moreand house-made desserts contain NO gluten. Although I don't have to be gluten-free, I certainly feel better with my reduced intake. Finally, a bread plate can be set before me and I can eat a slice with their unique dipping sauce that is reminiscent of a Chinese dipping sauce. Here's what we had: gluten-free bread + dipping sauce - bread was super soft arancini - crispy-on-the-outside and cheesy-on-the-inside fried rice ball, there were some bits on the outside that were hard pork chop with polenta - this was a special and the pork was perfectly cooked and juicy, 5 out of 5 halibut piccata with mashed potatoes - solid preparation, no complaints mushrooms with polenta - mild tasting birthday cake - beautiful looking, but stodgy at the base Although I'd come back for the pork chop, everything was well-prepared and nobody left disappointed. Service was very attentive.

Tucked away underneath Charley's is a gem of a restaurant called Polenteria. With the feel of a…read moreEuropean bar and 50s era dining room, Polenteria has a menu featuring twists on classic items such as Short Rib, Eggplant Parmesan and a unique variety of polenta dishes. The bread and butter appetizer is super fresh and a great starter. The focaccia is reminiscent of pound cake in its moistness and density. The Chicken Marsala was just right, not overcooked and loaded with mushrooms and string beans on a bed of puréed mashed potatoes. The Watermelon & Crispy Pork Belly salad was different from any salad I've ever had. There was a soft bacon-like quality to the pork belly cubes and the watermelon had been seared and seasoned. The Limoncello Martini was a bit vodka-forward but good. I organized a company holiday dinner there a couple years ago and their manager was very accommodating. Apparently they opened the restaurant for us on an evening that they are normally closed. But there were 3 or 4 other parties seated nearby so we didn't have the entire place to ourselves which was fine but a little surprising. I tried the massive Tomahawk Steak while other people ordered their polenta dishes and Scallop Risotto. Everyone enjoyed their dishes and had a memorable night. Overall, Polenteria is a special experience for those who are interested in gluten-free fusion Italian dishes.

Love having a safe zone to eat! It's always fascinating to…read moreme to be able to eat anything on the menu and not have to verify that it's safe with the staff (and hope they know what gluten means!) We came in on a Saturday morning for brunch - we sat in the cozy restaurant and looked over the menu. The menu is on the smaller side, was hoping for a waffle or pancakes, but instead had country breakfast, avocado toast, bruschetta and a few other options. They were out of the avocado toast so we ended up with 2 country breakfasts and one bruschetta plus a flat white. Country breakfast was tasty - served with a biscuit, but no butter or jam was offered. The Bruschetta was super tasty and the potatoes were amazing (way too much red bell pepper for me but that is because that is one veggie I can not stand!) The service was great, the staff were all so friendly and space was cozy and so cute. I did grab some treats on the way out - 'beignets" - they were more like a solid donut to me, but so so yummy! I even shared with my kids - not sure they appreciated it but they said they were really good! The cinnamon roll was really tasty, the cinnamon coffee cake muffin was ginormous and i split between 2 breakfasts with coffee - heated up a little and were devine Will be back for brunch and mimosas next!!

My second visit to their bakery. I tried their mini lemon loaf, coffee cake, and brioche loaf…read more The lemon loaf was tasty. A bit denser and drier than I'd hoped for but the flavor was good. Reminded me of the flavor of Angel food cake. Coffee cake was fine. Tasty, again a bit dense texturally. Large portion size. Tbh I wish their cakes and muffins were a more standard size. They're all quite large - larger than feels practical or desirable for a single serving, and awkward for splitting/sharing. But the brioche loaf, oh my god! Perfection. Soft, pillowy, delicious perfection. I have been steadily snacking on it for 4 days it's one of, if not the best, gf bread I've ever eaten. The brioche is truly a marvel. If you get nothing else, get this.

Life Is Sweet is the kind of place that reminds you how powerful great food and genuine energy can…read morebe when they come together. From the moment you step inside, there is an unmistakable warmth to the space not just from the ovens but from the overall vibe. It is bright, upbeat, and welcoming in a way that immediately puts you at ease and sets the tone for a great experience. We started with the Pop Tarts which deserve special recognition. These are not novelty pastries. They are elevated, flaky, buttery, and packed with flavor. The kind of treat that makes you pause mid bite and immediately realize this place takes its craft seriously. The breakfast burrito was equally impressive. Hearty, well balanced, and comforting without being heavy, it was clearly made with intention and quality ingredients rather than shortcuts. The waffles with blueberries and whipped cream were outstanding. Crisp on the outside and soft and airy on the inside, with fresh blueberries that added brightness and a whipped cream that felt light and indulgent rather than overly sweet. It was the kind of dish that manages to feel nostalgic and refined at the same time. Then came the pastries. Any attempt at restraint disappeared quickly. Everything in the case looked incredible and after tasting the first few items it became obvious that passing on anything would have been a mistake. We ended up buying far more pastries than planned simply because the quality across the board was that high. There were no weak links. What truly elevates Life Is Sweet beyond excellent food is the energy of the place. There is a positivity that fills the room and it is completely effortless. It makes you want to slow down, sit longer, and enjoy where you are. Whether you are stopping in for a quick breakfast or lingering with coffee and conversation, the environment naturally lifts your mood. Life Is Sweet is not just a bakery or breakfast spot. It is a place that genuinely enhances your day. The food is exceptional, the atmosphere is inviting, and the experience stays with you well after you leave. This is a must visit in Danville and the kind of place you will find yourself thinking about long after the last pastry is gone.

I was at "Life is Sweet Bakery & Cafe" for a quick visit on a sunny Wednesday afternoon…read more I just wanted to see their selection of cookies. Maybe they had some Oatmeal Raisin. I walked in and was immediately greeted by a young lady behind the counter. I decided to try a variety of cookies on display in the case. I went with- Oatmeal Raisin, Peanut Butter, Cookies 'n Cream, and Snickerdoodle. So 4 cookies, total $19. Good, fresh and tasty cookies. Not too sweet. Cafe was clean and neat. Lots of tables inside, and some outside. I will definitely return if I'm in downtown Danville again.

As someone who's recently gone on the AIP diet, I was pleasantly surprised!! Definitely going to be…read moreone of my new regular places thank you from an AIP girly

as someone who has the diet of a moderately carnivorous unemployed divorced man this place is…read morepretty good! i wasn't sure at first whether their stuff would taste good but it was not bad, especially considering the quality and mission of the business. also the owner is super cool location - in the plaza near ohlone. has a staircase going down (don't trip! a vegan GF chocolate cake won't cure a broken ankle). the place is very earthy, foresty, garden of eden esque. my question is why be so earthy in your decor and NOT PLAY AN ERYKAH BADU SONG??? badu the queen of earthiness herself. not even a shoutout. ugh. yall should be BLASTING her songs on repeat until people get sick of her voice service - great! got to know the owner sway who is super nice. noticed affirmations for coworkers on the wall, so cute! food - yes yes everyone is saying it's overpriced. lowkey it is. i'm not gonna complain because the quality is better. it is funny though that they're near ohlone which is chock full of broke teens so maybe not the best for business HAHA iced matcha latte (like $10 i think): not bad! creamy, nice color. a little too light on the matcha so don't expect an entire field of japanese grass in your drink. better if unsweetened trust me. 7/10 chocolate cake with vanilla frosting ($7 ish?): somehow achieved a deliciously light frosting and moist semisweet cake! considering their limitations that is impressive. 9/10 overall 4/5. fnf slays. if i come back and they play badu i will move it to 5/5. great for people with diet stuff idk (i don't play with diets sorry guys)

Super cute bakery with plenty of outdoor seating and surrounded by nature. We ordered loaded…read moreavocado toast and the waffle, both were delicious and HUGE portions. Would come back to try their pastries! Also check out their adorable housewares stores just a little ways away.

If there was a lower rating, I'd have chosen it!…read more Advice: Take your hard earned money elsewhere and avoid nasty, confrontational and toxic staff behavior! We've been supporting this small woman owned business for years and will NEVER step foot in this (or San Anselmo) establishment again!! Cashier worker Andrea was so nasty and confrontational and even had the lack of decency to be rude and nasty to my innocent by stander of a child!! I was nearly in tears over this workers verbal assault. I immediately rang the owner Heather. She didn't seem terribly bothered and thought our verbal assault from her employee would be rectified by offering us free drinks. No go! This didn't change the worker Andrea's attitude and death stares, not to mention we could hear her talking crap about us to other employees. The mouth and behavior of this employee is abominable and shouldn't be a behavior that we as supportive patrons should ever experience. Fortunately we have several gluten and dairy free options in Marin, so save yourself a verbal assault and go elsewhere.

Kitava is the best. Great food, service and clean atmosphere…read more Evolved ceasar + salmon the bests. Brunch is 100. Soft serve ice cream amazing.

I was genuinely excited to try this new healthy spot in my neighborhood, but the service didn't…read morematch the welcoming vibe of the space. When I arrived with my daughter, we weren't greeted, and the staff member seemed bothered by our presence. The décor is lovely, and we settled in to wait for our food. When it was brought to us, I thanked the server, but there was no response or friendly acknowledgment. This was at 11 a.m. on Friday. Unfortunately, I did not have the same experience as other people on here when it comes to customer service.

My friend took me to Flour Craft for her favorite lox and bagel dish. Dish was a good portion with…read morevery fresh ingredients. It is nice to eat a nourishing meal that satisfies the tastebuds and your wellbeing. Really great place for folks looking for gluten-free items. They also had some glute-free grocery items available inside the store. Counter service was okay. We had our lox and bagels to-go but there are some seats inside and outside available. Make a special trip and enjoy the darling village vibe of San Anselmo!

Popped into flourcraft on way up north the other day and had the nicest conversation with the woman…read morewho works there Elizabeth. She is so warm and spirited. She walked me through the ingredients and didnt make me feel any pressure. I was shopping for GF friends up north and her kindness was just so lovely. I will go back!

This is a gluten free persons DREAM!! So many options and dairy free / vegan options as well. Great…read moreprices for the quality!!!

Went in on a Thursday afternoon. There were 3 staff members when I walked in, one customer walking…read moreout, and no other customers around. I was standing at the glass for a while before being acknowledged. Someone finally came over, and I asked if the Ube Black Sesame cookie was vegan since the display writing was a bit smudged. The staff member confirmed, so I got that cookie and a Gingersnapperdoodle since I loved it before. I also asked about the Brownie, but did not receive a very helpful reply. My question: Is the brownie very rich? The response: It's like any other brownie. I'm not a fan of chocolate items that are super rich, and some brownies are fudgy, but some are more mild. I'd expect someone working there to be a bit more helpful and descriptive. I ended up not getting a brownie. Lowering my rating because the service was subpar, and the Ube flavor was nonexistent in the Ube Black Sesame cookie. The Gingersnapperdoodle was still yummy like before, but had a more sandy texture than last time.

I went here with my family on Saturday. I have to say that…read moreI'm not the chain's target audience (eating healthy to me is having one bacon cheeseburger instead of two). I'm giving 4 stars because the store is great for the regular shoppers. The store is open daily from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. The employees were friendly and available. My wife didn't find the lip balm that she was looking for, but a male employee did his best to help her. The Christmas decorations are low-key, but nice. There are even a lot of small stockings with the names of the employees on them. I'm bringing this up because the staff being like a family was the basic vibe that I felt. There were a good number of items on sale. There were also some NEW FOR YOU items. A lot of the signage here looks vintage, but it's all easy to read and helpful. There's a decent selection of beef jerky products, but zero-sugar meat sticks taste too bland to me. I was willing to buy an egg salad or tuna sandwich, but neither seem to be sold here. The selection of prebiotic drinks is excellent. (When I tried the drinks years ago, my stomach did so many backflips that it made a gymnastics team.) 3 shoppers were annoying and in the way, but that's a common theme when I go grocery shopping anywhere. Note: Both prices include tax. BROOKiE SQUARES CHOCOLATE CHIP ($5.26): 7.5/10. The ones from another chain are better, but my wife is a fan. The Tom's deodorant for my son was $11.06. This is a bit pricey. Powerhouse Hobbs: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/66/Will_%22Powerhouse%22_Hobbs%2C_2022_%28headshot%29.jpg A local professional wrestler entered the store right after we left (I was stunned, and only quietly said hi). He plays a heel (a bad guy), and he was snarling when he walked up. It's nice that he stays in character. Lol. This will never be our go-to store, but we had a good experience. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZCm4iy8k6o&t=1s

I would advise being cautious when buying produce on sale. If they're advertising deals on any…read moreproduce (like buy one, get 50% off), there's usually a reason, just got home with two bags of cuties, one bag is fresh, while other is just old and bad. Check in the store as you may only realize once you get home. Overall, the store itself is neat and clean, and the employees are very friendly. They also offer a wide variety of organic options, which is a plus. But I would double check any produce before you buy.