Italy is renowned for its rich culinary traditions, but if you’re gluten intolerant or have celiac disease, you might wonder if you can fully savor the country’s delicious dishes. The good news is that many Italian restaurants offer gluten-free dining options. You can easily find accredited restaurants by the Italian Celiac Association by using their app or looking for a sign at a restaurant that says ‘senza glutine’ for gluten-free.
Italy is a gluten-free heaven with both homemade gluten-free pasta and pizza that tastes like the real thing. I’ve been gluten-free for about 9 years so I was ecstatic to find that Italy of all places is the most gluten-free friendly country I’ve ever visited. I long-term traveled Europe and was lucky enough to spend about a month in this wonderful country. In this guide, I’ll share the best gluten-free restaurants in Italy focusing on these popular Italian cities: Venice, Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre, Positano, and Naples.
Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Positano, Italy
- Hotel L’Antico: Located on the main beach in Positano, this charming spot is perfect for a gluten-free lunch. Their risotto and gluten-free pizza are delicious. It’s not just tasty but also affordable with a great view. I went back and opted for takeout one night.
- Aldo’s at La Sirenuse: While dinner here can be quite pricey, the views are unparalleled. It’s a restaurant with the iconic view of Positano buildings stacked on each other. Consider going for drinks and sunset photos (there’s gluten-free snacks!). But they also had gluten-free burger buns and other options for dinner. Definitely make a reservation as far as possible.
- Ohima Brassiere: A favorite gluten-free dinner found was at Ohima Brassiere. We almost had the entire restaurant to ourselves, although I still suggest making a reservation. I recommend gluten-free spaghetti with beef stew and gluten-free bread.
- Colina Bakery: For dessert, indulge in pistachio gelato with a gluten-free cone right in the heart of town.
- Franco’s: While not a restaurant, it’s a must-visit happy hour spot for Aperol spritz and gluten-free snacks with the BEST view of Positano. Imagine a patio with the classic Positano buildings, and lemon trees around you with vibey music. They continuously refilled bags of free popcorn and cups of olives. Don’t miss the “Frame” drink–it was amazing.
Must visit gluten-free dessert in Capri
While I don’t have food recommendations for Capri as I only spent half a day there exploring, they are known for their lemon sorbets served in giant lemons. So make sure you grab some lemon sorbet from the stand just before entering the Augustus Gardens. You’ll enjoy stunning views of Capri’s waters and coastline while savoring this gluten-free treat.
Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Naples
- Starita: Whatever you do, go to Starita for the best gluten-free pizza you’ll ever have. Starita’s gluten-free margherita pizza is soft and fluffy, and it’s hard to believe it’s gluten-free. Plus, it’s incredibly affordable at just $6.50. Know that you’ll likely have to wait hours alongside locals to get in. Head into the building and put your name on the list, they will call out your name once a table opens.
- Gino Sorbillo’s Lieveto Al La Madre: Another pizza gem in Naples, Gino Sorbillo’s is one of the best. Their location near the water, Gino Sorbillo Lieveto Al La Madre specifically, offers a gluten-free crust. Their sauce was the best yet, made from the volcanic tomatoes grown on Mount Vesuvius. Also, I highly recommend ordering any of the pizzas with buffalo mozzarella. I have to add that if you can’t do cow’s milk but can digest goats, then buffalo milk mozzarella will agree well with you.
- Mozzelato: Satisfy your sweet tooth with gluten-free gelato. Try the strawberry and limone flavors – they’re to die for. They even have a mozzarella-flavored gelato for the adventurous foodie.
- Pizzeria Pizza Neapolitan: If you prefer a cozy evening, consider ordering gluten-free pizzas from Pizzeria Pizza Neapolitan. You won’t be disappointed with their gluten-free crust, either. You’re in the city where pizza was invented after all.
Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Rome
- Mama Eat: At Mama Eat, everything can be made gluten-free. Expect a bit of a wait, but it’s worth it. I highly recommend making a reservation, even for lunch (honestly, that goes for everywhere in Rome). Their handmade gluten-free pasta is incredible, and you can’t go wrong with their cacio e pepe or carbonara (invented in Rome!).
- Fiocco di Neve: For the best gluten-free gelato, visit Fiocco di Neve. Be sure to go early to enjoy flavors like hazelnut and pistachio before they run out. All flavors and cones are gluten-free. You cannot go wrong with their vanilla flavor either, tastes like cake batter!
- Emporio Sant’Eustachio: Start your day right with a quick breakfast at Emporio Sant’Eustachio. They offer gluten-free buns, allowing you to enjoy a variety of breakfast options.
- Pompi Tiramisu: Try the gluten-free street tiramisu at Pompi, near the Spanish Steps. It’s a sweet delight you won’t want to miss.
- La Soffita Renovatio: For lunch, visit La Soffita Renovatio. Everything on their menu can be made gluten-free, and their pizzas are simply mouthwatering.
- Pantharei: Enjoy an amazing gluten-free lunch with a view of the Pantheon at Pantharei. They can accommodate gluten-free requests, and their carbonara is a must-try. Gluten-free dishes will receive a golden token.
- Fatamorgana: All the gelato at Fatamorgana is gluten-free, making it a fantastic spot to cool off and enjoy a treat.
Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Florence
- Ciro and Sons: For the best gluten-free pizza in Florence, head to Ciro and Sons. You won’t even be able to tell the difference. The gluten-free pizzas come with a little label that says gluten-free.
- Sgrano: Don’t miss the chance to try the best gluten-free schiatta sandwich at Sgrano. It’s the perfect street food with a type of prosciutto, cheese, and greens. Seriously, you just order from the window and eat it right there in the street. It’s only open from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. However, they also have a restaurant you can eat at for a full meal or for dinner, but you can’t order the schiatta sandwiches.
- Wine Window at Babae: While not a restaurant, wine is gluten-free and this is a must-visit in Florence. You simply approach the window, ring the bell, and someone will come to the window for your order. You’ll then be handed a wine glass through the tiny hole in the wall, it’s a fun experience!
Best Gluten-Free Restaurant in Cinque Terre
- Nessun Dorma: In Manarola, one of the five towns of Cinque Terre, there’s a cliffside restaurant with the best view of the buildings in Manarola. They have a pesto-making class in the mornings but also offer gluten-free bread. Enjoy lunch with a stunning cliff-side view at Nessun Dorma and try their fresh bruschetta with homemade pesto. The region where pesto was invented!
Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Venice
- Castello: If you’re in Venice, consider heading to Castello for gluten-free pizza with large salamis and lemon soda. It’s right near the water in a cute area.
- Trattoria Al Gazzattino: For a delightful gluten-free experience in Venice, visit Trattoria Al Gazzattino. Try the gluten-free gnocchi bolognese and tiramisu, created right in Venice. We went for lunch and we were lucky to get in. It was pretty full so make a reservation in advance.
- Bistrot 3.0: If you take a trip to the other islands around Venice, which I highly recommend doing— make sure you go to Murano and Burano. In Murano, I had an amazing gluten-free lunch. They had gluten-free bruschetta, panini, focaccia sandwiches, and more at Bistrot 3.0! You can simply island hop by taking the ferries.
So yes, Italy is great for gluten-free people
Tons of restaurants have gluten-free options in Italy. Italians view celiac disease as an actual disease and are quite accommodating. You can easily find 100% gluten-free grocery stores too, or entire gluten-free sections. Whether you choose to be gluten-free for better health or you have celiac disease, you must travel to Italy so you can experience high-quality gluten-free food that’s just like the real thing. I hope you enjoyed this mini guide to the best restaurants in Italy. If this got you excited, make sure to check out why Italy is the ultimate wellness destination.
