Italy is known for its rich culinary traditions, with dishes like pasta and pizza being quintessential components of the country's cuisine. However, for gluten-free travelers, the question arises: Is Italy gluten-free friendly? The answer is yes! Italians are very conscious of the connection between health and food and have made efforts to adapt their regional cuisine to accommodate a gluten-free diet. Despite gluten being a common component of many classic Italian dishes and desserts, Italy is an easy place to find great gluten-free food. If you're gluten-free and planning a trip to major Italian cities like Rome, Florence, or Venice, you won't need to miss out on the tastes of their delectable regional specialties.
Gluten-Free Rome
Rome, the energized capital of Italy, is renowned for its rich ancient history, globally significant art, architecture, and culture. The city's streets are lined with excellent restaurants, cafes, and trattorias, and for those seeking gluten-free dining options, there's a wide selection to choose from.
Highly Rated Gluten-Free Restaurant in Rome: Mama Eat
Mama Eat, located in Rome's Trastevere neighborhood, is a traditional Italian restaurant that offers gluten-free and lactose-free versions of every item on the menu. From pasta and pizza to sandwiches and sweets, Mama Eat has it all. The restaurant is recognized by the Italian Celiac Association (AIC) and prepares all of its gluten-free dishes in a separate kitchen to avoid contamination. Whether you're gluten-free or not, you can enjoy the carefully selected and prepared traditional Neapolitan and Roman food at Mama Eat.
Other Gluten-Free Restaurants in Rome
Ristorante Crispi 19: Located at Via Francesco Crispi 19, this restaurant offers gluten-free options and a variety of Italian dishes.
ad hoc: Situated at Via di Ripetta, 43, ad hoc is another great choice for gluten-free dining in Rome.
Da i Sandri a Trastevere: This restaurant, located at Via Roma Libera, 19, offers gluten-free options in the Trastevere neighborhood.
Gluten-Free Florence
Florence, the capital of Italy's Tuscany region, is known for its immense cultural and artistic importance as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. It's also a culinary hub, offering a variety of incredible restaurants serving up signature Tuscan dishes. Gluten-free travelers will be pleased to know that Florence has several great gluten-free dining options.
Highly Rated Gluten-Free Restaurant in Florence: Ristorante Quinoa
Ristorante Quinoa, located in Florence's city center, is just a short walk away from the Piazza Duomo. This restaurant offers a diverse menu that is 100% gluten-free, featuring traditional Italian dishes like pasta and pizza, as well as international favorites like pad thai. Ristorante Quinoa is certified by the National Celiac Association and ensures the use of fresh ingredients and great tastes by changing its dinner menu with the seasons.
Other Gluten-Free Restaurants in Florence
Trattoria Quattro Leoni: Situated at Via De' Vellutini 1r in Piazza della Passera, Trattoria Quattro Leoni is a popular choice for gluten-free dining in Florence.
Trattoria Pizzeria Da Garibardi: Located at Piazza del Mercato Centrale 38r, this restaurant offers gluten-free options and delicious pizza.
IL DECO BISTROT: Situated at Via Cavour 27, IL DECO BISTROT is another great option for gluten-free dining in Florence.
Gluten-Free Venice
Venice, built on numerous small islands in a lagoon in northern Italy, is one of the world's most unique and enchanting cities. Its canals, gondolas, and rich cultural heritage make it a popular tourist destination. When it comes to gluten-free dining, Venice offers a range of options that showcase the city's unique culinary traditions.
Highly Rated Gluten-Free Establishment in Venice: GROM
GROM is a gelateria with multiple locations throughout Italy, including four in Venice. It offers authentic Italian gelato made with seasonal ingredients and without the use of additives. All of GROM's gelato and sorbet, along with its cones, biscuits, and toppings, are 100% gluten-free. With a variety of flavors and seasonal menu options, GROM is a must-visit for gluten-free travelers.
Other Gluten-Free Restaurants in Venice
Ristorante Al Giardinetto da Severino: Located at Salizada Zorzi, Castello, 4928, Ristorante Al Giardinetto da Severino is a popular choice for gluten-free dining in Venice.
Osteria al Pozzo Roverso: Situated at Ruga Giuffa, 4829, Osteria al Pozzo Roverso offers gluten-free options and a taste of Venetian cuisine.
Pizzeria Ae Oche - Venezia Santa Lucia: This pizzeria, located in Cannaregio, offers gluten-free pizza and other Italian dishes.
Book Your Gluten-Free Custom Tour Today!
If you're looking for a customized gluten-free tour of Italy, Savour Italy Tours can create the perfect itinerary tailored to your preferences. With their expertise and know-how, they'll ensure you have an unforgettable gluten-free experience in Italy. Visit their website to book your tour today!
Note: The content provided above is a comprehensive guide to gluten-free dining in Italy, specifically in Rome, Florence, and Venice. It aims to provide valuable information to gluten-free travelers and help them find suitable dining options in these cities.
They most certainly do! I actually found it was very easy to eat gluten free in Italy more then any country I have visited in Europe . I suggest a card saying you cannot eat gluten and what could contain it in Italian so even in a small town you can communicate what you can eat.
As we mentioned, Italy is very gluten-free friendly, and with many restaurants, they even keep stock of gluten-free pasta. So, don't be afraid to ask! By doing this, you can increase your chances in being able to eat what you want - whether it's a plateful Porcini Tagliatelle or Pizzoccheri.
You may be surprised to learn that, despite Italy being the bread and pasta capital of the world, Italians are highly aware of gluten and the consequences it can have on your health. Italy is home to more than 3 million celiacs, and the Italian Celiac Association (AIC) is one of the oldest in Europe.
Italy is probably the most coeliac friendly country in the world. There is a higher occurrence of coeliac disease in the Italian population than in other countries, hence there is amazing awareness of coeliac requirements and plenty of safe gluten free food on offer.
Italy, known for its gluten-rich cuisine, might seem like a celiac's worst nightmare. However, the opposite is true. Italy is a celiac's dream destination. With a high rate of celiac disease diagnoses, there is an abundance of awareness and dedicated gluten-free facilities.
As I explain below, Italy was one of the easiest places in the world to enjoy safe and delicious food as a celiac. For newly diagnosed celiacs or gluten free diners, I often recommend it as the first international trip after they've adjusted to dietary changes.
Italy. Routine screening is not performed in Italy. Children and adults are tested for celiac disease when they have specific symptoms. Diagnosed celiacs receive vouchers to buy specifically produced gluten free foods, up to 140 euros per month.
This high gluten content is a significant factor in why American wheat products might be harder to digest for those with sensitivities. Conversely, in Europe, the majority of wheat is soft wheat, lower in proteins and thus lower in gluten content.
Italians are very conscious of the connection between health and food, and have worked hard to adapt their regional cuisine to accommodate a gluten-free diet. So, despite gluten being a common component of many classic Italian dishes and desserts, Italy is an easy place to find great gluten-free food.
“Wheat grown in the U.S. [tends to be] higher in gluten, whereas there are several more varieties of wheat grown in Europe that are lower in gluten. So they may not cause issues in those who are gluten-sensitive,” Melissa Groves Azzaro, RDN, LD, told GoodRx Health.
Eliminating gluten is the only way to treat celiac disease, an allergic reaction to gluten that damages the lining of the small intestine. However, as part of a new diet fad, many people are going gluten-free to lose weight.
The best gluten-free pasta comes from Italy. Italian gluten-free pasta is made with high-quality ingredients that have been specially selected for their superior taste and texture. Italian gluten-free dishes are making a splash in the gourmet world.
There are also options if you're trying to eat less gluten in Italy, rather than avoid it entirely. Traditional bread made with local, ancient grains–like the Sicilian tumminia, perciasacchi, or majorca–is substantially lower in gluten and higher in fiber, protein, and iron than modern and refined grains.
FRIES 🍟: McDonalds fries in the USA contain wheat and are not safe for celiacs to consume. The McDonalds fries in Italy do NOT contain wheat according to their online allergen list, and appear to be fried in their own fryers, however no guarantees are offered by McDonalds about this. Eat at your own risk!
In Italy, food is central to daily life and culture, with dishes like pasta and pizza serving as quintessential components of the country's cuisine. This leaves a lot of gluten-free travellers wondering: Is Italy gluten-free friendly? The answer is, yes.
The best gluten-free pasta comes from Italy. Italian gluten-free pasta is made with high-quality ingredients that have been specially selected for their superior taste and texture. Italian gluten-free dishes are making a splash in the gourmet world.
There are dozens and dozens of dedicated gluten free bakeries, restaurants and shops scattered across the country and hundreds of AIC (Italian coeliac society) accredited restaurants.
Address: Suite 751 871 Lissette Throughway, West Kittie, NH 41603
Phone: +2366831109631
Job: Sales Producer
Hobby: Creative writing, Motor sports, Do it yourself, Skateboarding, Coffee roasting, Calligraphy, Stand-up comedy
Introduction: My name is Laurine Ryan, I am a adorable, fair, graceful, spotless, gorgeous, homely, cooperative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
