A Guide to eating gluten-free in Italy

If you follow a gluten-free diet and are considering studying abroad, you might be concerned about managing your diet in a country renowned for its pasta, pizza, and bread.

Surprisingly, It is incredibly accommodating to eat gluten-free in Italy. 

This guide is designed to help you navigate Italy’s culinary landscape, ensuring you enjoy every bite of your gluten-free adventure.

Understanding awareness of gluten-free in Italy

Italy has a high awareness of celiac disease, with many children being tested early for the condition. This awareness extends to the culinary industry, where many restaurants, bakeries, and shops offer gluten-free options. 

The Italian Celiac Association (AIC) accredits numerous establishments, ensuring they meet strict standards for gluten-free food preparation.

Essential Italian phrases for eating gluten-free in Italy

Here are some key phrases to help you communicate your dietary needs:

• Sono celiaca (female) / Sono celiaco (male) – I am celiac
• Senza glutine – Gluten-free
• Ha qualcosa che sia senza glutine? – Do you have anything that is gluten-free?

Planning your gluten-free journey

1. Research and resources:

• AIC app: Purchase the AIC app for a comprehensive list of accredited gluten-free restaurants, bakeries, and hotels.
• City guides: Utilize online guides like My Gluten Free Guide for detailed, city-specific recommendations. These guides can save you time and ensure you find the best gluten-free spots.

Dining out in Italy

1. Restaurants:

• Many Italian restaurants offer gluten-free pasta and pizza. Look for AIC accreditation or ask about their cross-contamination policies.
• Use a gluten-free restaurant card that explains your dietary needs in Italian to ensure clear communication with the staff.

2. Specific dishes:

• Naturally gluten-free options: Opt for risotto, polenta, grilled meats, fish, and vegetables. Insalata Caprese (tomato, mozzarella, and basil) is a safe and delicious choice.
• Gluten-free specialties: Look for dishes made with chickpea flour, such as farinata (a type of flatbread).

Note: If you dine at a restaurant that doesn’t explicitly offer gluten-free options and you choose one of the naturally gluten-free dishes mentioned above, be sure to ask the staff about potential cross-contamination.

Shopping for gluten-free foods

1. Supermarkets:

• Major chains like Coop, Carrefour, and Conad have gluten-free sections. Look for products labeled senza glutine (gluten-free). 
• Pharmacies often stock gluten-free foods, offering a wide range of products.

2. Specialty shops:

• Visit dedicated gluten-free shops for fresh bread, pastries, and other treats.
  
  

Restaurants offering gluten-free in Italy

Below you can find some gluten-free restaurants in major cities in Italy.

Rome

1. Mama Eat
   • Description: Offers a wide range of gluten-free Italian dishes including pasta, pizzas, and fried foods. It is AIC certified.
   • Website: Mama Eat
   • Location: Via di S. Cosimato, 7/9, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
2. Celiachiamo Lab
   • Description: A bakery and gluten-free grocery store offering a variety of baked goods, including Pizza al Taglio and Cornetti.
   • Website: Celiachiamo Lab
   • Location: Via Trionfale, 15, 00195 Roma RM, Italy

Milan

1. Ristorante Be Bop
   • Description: Offers a comprehensive gluten-free menu with pizzas, pastas, and other Italian dishes. Certified by AIC.
   • Website: Ristorante Be Bop
   • Location: Viale Col di Lana, 4, 20136 Milano MI, Italy
2. GluFree Bakery
   • Description: A dedicated gluten-free bakery offering a variety of sweet and savory pastries, bread, and pizzas.
   • Website: GluFree Bakery
   • Location: Via Curtatone, 6, 20122 Milano MI, Italy

Venice

1. Ai Do Farai
   • Description: Offers a variety of gluten-free Venetian dishes with a focus on traditional recipes.
   • Website: Ai Do Farai
   • Location: Sestiere Dorsoduro, 3278, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy
2. Ristorante La Colombina
   • Description: Known for its gluten-free options that include seafood and traditional Italian cuisine.
   • Website: Ristorante La Colombina
   • Location: Cannaregio, 1828, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy

Florence

1. Ciro & Sons
   • Description: Offers a wide variety of gluten-free dishes, including pizza and pasta. Certified by AIC.
   • Website: Ciro & Sons
   • Location: Via del Giglio, 28, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
2. Quinoa
   • Description: A fully gluten-free restaurant offering diverse Italian and Mediterranean dishes.
   • Website: Quinoa
   • Location: Vicolo di Santa Maria Maggiore, 1, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy

Final tips for a smooth gluten-free experience

• Be prepared: Carry snacks like gluten-free crackers or energy bars, especially when traveling between cities.
• Stay informed: If you have some Italian knowledge, join online forums or social media groups for the latest tips and recommendations from fellow gluten-free travelers. 

• Forum Celiachia Corriere della Sera :https://www.corriere.it/salute/il-medico-risponde/alimentazione/celiachia/
• Forum Celiachia Facebook group :https://www.facebook.com/groups/ForumCeliachia/

Based on our experience, Italy offers a fantastic experience for gluten-free travelers, with a wealth of options available thanks to widespread awareness and excellent resources.

You will be delighted to discover just how easy it is to enjoy all the delicious foods Italy has to offer without any worries. 

Make sure to follow Go! Go! Italia for more useful information about Italy.