A Guide To Eating Gluten-Free In Florence - My Favorite Gluten-Free Restaurants, Gelato & Pizza (2024)

Last updated on July 22nd, 2024

Whether you have a serious allergy, celiac disease or prefer to follow a gluten-free diet for other reasons, you don’t have to wonder if Florence is a suitable city for you.

There are actually a ton of gluten-free Italians who struggle to eat out, just as in any other country but luckily, Florence has recently invested a lot of gluten-free infrastructure into the tourism industry.

I have been living in Florence since 2012 and I have lived and breathed the change over time. When I first moved here there was nothing but now, it’s an amazing city for eating gluten-free.

In this article, I will share what foods are best to try in Florence that are naturally gluten-free and speak to the culinary traditions of the city and the best gluten-free restaurants in Florence divided into three categories:

AIC Approved Gluten-free restaurants in Florence
100% gluten-free restaurants in Florence
Restaurants in Florence that serve gluten-free food

At the end, I will share the best place to get gluten-free gelato in Florence, tips and helpful information for dining out as a gluten-free traveler, gluten-free grocery shopping and helpful vocabulary for navigating your dining experiences in Florence.

Map Of Gluten-Free Restaurants In Florence

Quick Guide To Gluten-Free Restaurants In Florence

Gluten-Free Restaurant in Florence	Type of Restaurant	Address (Neighborhood)	Best For
Mister Pizza	AIC approved	Piazza del Duomo, 5r (Historic District) Via Pietrapiana, 82r (Santa Croce)	Gluten-free pizza in Florence
Ristorante Hostaria Il Desco	AIC approved	Via delle Terme, 23/R (Historic District)	Romantic evening / wine lovers
Mama Eat	AIC approved	Via dell’Acqua, 2 (Historic District)	Large menu
Da Garibardi	AIC approved	Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 38R (San Lorenzo)	Traditional Tuscan dishes made gluten-free
Ciro & Sons	AIC approved	Via del Giglio, 28/r (San Lorenzo)	Gluten-free Neapolitan style food
Ristorante Lorenzo de’ Medici	AIC approved	Via del Giglio, 49/51 r (Santa Maria Novella)	Large groups
Sgrano Gluten Free	AIC approved	Via dei Neri, 49r (Santa Croce)	Gluten-free schiacciata and other sandwiches
Osteria dello Sgrano	AIC approved	Via dei Benci, 30r (Santa Croce)	Gluten-free pasta in Florence
Quinoa	AIC approved	Vicolo di Santa Maria Maggiore, 1 (Historic District)	Outdoor seating
La Pépinière Ristorante Biologico	100% gluten-free	Borgo S. Frediano, 169-red (San Frediano)	Gluten-free Haute cuisine in Florence
Raw Vegan Firenze	100% gluten-free	Via Sant’Agostino, 11B (Santo Spirito)	Healthiest / Greenest gluten-free food in Florence
Risotteria Melotti	100% gluten-free	Via dei Servi, 65r (Historic District)	Risotto in Florence
Bottega Artigiano del Gusto	100% gluten-free	Via Erbosa, 12r (Gavinana)	Gluten-free breakfast and gourmet gluten-free food items in Florence
Trattoria Cammillo	Restaurants In Florence That Serve Gluten-Free Dishes	Borgo S. Jacopo, 57/r (Santo Spirito)	Grilled meat
Regina Bistecca	Restaurants In Florence That Serve Gluten-Free Dishes	Via Ricasoli, 14r (Historic District)	Bistecca fiorentina
Momoyama	Restaurants In Florence That Serve Gluten-Free Dishes	Borgo S. Frediano, 10 r (San Frediano)	Sushi
Shake	Restaurants In Florence That Serve Gluten-Free Dishes	Via dei Neri, 56 (Santo Croce), Via del Corso, 30r (Historic District), Via Camillo Cavour, 67/69R (San Lorenzo), Via degli Avelli, 2/red (Santa Maria Novella)	Gluten-free brunch in Forence
Grom	Gluten-free gelateria	Via del Campanile, 2 (Historic District)Piazza della Stazione, 18 (Santa Maria Novella)	Gluten-free gelato in Florence

Foods To Try In Florence If You Are Gluten-Free

side view of several bistecche sitting on bone straight up over a grill on hot coals outdoors from side view with grass in background.

Although many Florentine foods are not gluten-free, there is a decent list of those that naturally are. Italy is historically a very poor country, lending to the development of plant-based recipes using a wide range of ingredients that grow locally, much of which are gluten-free.

Be sure to try these foods when in Florence as a gluten-free traveler:

Castagnaccio – hazelnut cake made in the fall
Ricciarelli – almond cookies
Farinata – sometimes called cecina, this is a chickpea flatbread
Carne alla brace – grilled meats
Bistecca Fiorentina – T-bone steak
Finocchiona – fennel salame
Cacciucco – fish stew
Piselli alla Fiorentina – peas with bacon, at their prime in the spring!
Pecorino di Pienza – sheep’s milk cheese
Aglione – garlic tomato sauce (available with gluten-free pasta)
Farinata con cavolo nero – polenta stew with white beans and kale
Fagioli all’olio – cannellini beans with olive oil
Fagioli all’uccelletto – cannellini beans stewed in tomato sauce
Peposo – black pepper beef stew
Spezzatino – Italian beef stew
Prosciutto e melone – prosciutto and melon slices
Caprese – mozzarella and tomato salad
Risotto – creamy rice
Polenta – stone ground corn flour.

Eating in Italy Basics: If you are curious to know more about navigating dining in Italy, you may be interested in
How To Order Food In Italian
Tipping In Italy – When & How Much From A Local
What Is A Coperto? All About Italy’s Cover Charge
A Visitor’s Guide To Eating In Italy
How To Order Food In Italian

AIC Approved Restaurants

AIC stands for Associazione Italiana Celiachia which helps ensure people with celiac disease navigate their food experiences in Italy including several resources online and restaurant certification to eliminate the risk of cross-contamination.

Good To Know: AIC approved restaurants are the safest restaurants to eat at for gluten-free travelers because they have gone through specific training and adhere to food prep and kitchen guidelines outlined by AIC.

Mister Pizza

Piazza del Duomo, 5r (second location in Via Pietrapiana, 82r)

Mister Pizza is the only AIC approved pizzeria in Florence with two locations, the first right in Piazza Duomo and the second towards the Sant’Ambrogio market. They have classic pizza toppings and combinations such as the famous margherita or more fun alternatives such as the cacio e pepe pizza with truffles.

Mister pizza is also open until 4:00 pm at both locations, making it one of the only spots in Florence to pick up a midnight snack.

Vegans in Florence: Mister Pizza is also vegan friendly serving up gluten-free pizza with vegan cheese. For more on eating Vegan in Florence check out Eating Vegan and Vegetarian in Florence.

Ristorante Hostaria Il Desco

Via delle Terme, 23/R

Ristorante Hostaria Il Desco is my top pick for eating gluten-free in Florence if you are looking for an intimate evening or you love wine. More than any other gluten-free restaurant in Florence, this is certainly the most elegant feeling and has the more curated wine list.

Their menu is extensive, offering classic Italian foods including Tuscan specials, all gluten-free. And to start your evening off right, don’t miss the opportunity to have an aperitivo with one of their in house cocktails.

Mama Eat

Via dell’Acqua, 2

Mama Eat is a local chain in Italy with locations in other major cities like Rome and Milan with one of the biggest choices for both gluten-free and lactose-free travelers. They also serve regular food as well but have invested in 2 kitchens, 2 ovens and 2 different kitchen staffs to keep all their gluten-free food at zero risk of contamination. How is that for dedication!

Da Garibardi

Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 38R

Da Garibardi is my top pick for gluten-free travelers in Florence who want to taste some of the local dishes that typically include gluten. At Da Garibardi, they have invested in finding alternatives flours, grains and bread to make their food, giving you the opportunity to sample dishes like ribollita, pappa al pomodoro, pappardelle con sugo di cinghiale and crostini toscani without the gluten.

Tip: Just next door is the Central Market and the San Lorenzo Leather Market, two of the most fun and interesting places to shop around in Florence for first time travelers.

Ciro & Sons

Via del Giglio, 28/r

Run by a Neapolitan family since 1948, this restaurant pizzeria is one of the most popular options in downtown Florence. Ciro & Sons claims to be the first gluten-free restaurant in Florence and while I have no credentials to certify this, I can say this is the best place to come in Florence if you want to eat gluten-free Southern Italian food.

Ristorante Lorenzo de’ Medici

Via del Giglio, 49/51 r

Not far from the train station, Ristorante Lorenzo de’ Medici is my top pick for eating gluten-free in a large group in Florence. This doesn’t mean that all people in your party need to be gluten-free, rather, it’s a large AIC approved restaurant offering both gluten-free food, traditional Italian food and pizza.

Sgrano Gluten Free

Entrance to Sgrano shop in Florence, Italy. Wheelchair in front of door on right.

Via dei Neri, 49r

Sgrano Gluten Free is the best place to go in Florence for gluten-free schiacciate sandwiches (similar to focaccia). Not only is it the only 100% gluten-free sandwich shop but it’s also very good! The first time I came here I completely forgot I was eating with a gluten-free friend.

Either order your sandwich to go or dine in at their casual place settings. Choose from classic Tuscan schiacciate combinations like prosciutto and stracchino or opt for less conventional combinations.

Gluten-Free Street-Food: Keep your eyes open for Sgrano Gluten Free Street Food, soon to open next door!

Look the Part: Check out these 5 Items Not to Wear When Dining Out in Italy and What to Wear to Dinner in Italy.

Osteria dello Sgrano

Plate of coccoli with cheese and black truffles. — *Osteria dello Sgrano’s coccoli with black truffles and pecorino*

Via dei Benci, 30r

Osteria dello Sgrano, Sgrano Gluten Free’s full restaurant is my recommendation if you are looking to eat gluten-free pasta while in Florence. All their food is homemade, including several delicious desserts and

In addition, this is a great spot to come for a Spritz before your meal (sit outside on the terrace for good people watching) if you don’t want to worry about moving from one place to another.

100% Gluten-Free Restaurants In Florence

100% Gluten-free restaurants in Florence are just as reliable in terms of risk of cross-contamination as an AIC approved restaurant. The only difference is that they have not gone through the application process. At these restaurants, not one speck of gluten enters the kitchen so for those of you with serious allergies or diets, you can feel safe about eating here too!

Quinoa

Vicolo di Santa Maria Maggiore, 1

Quinoa is one of the better gluten-free restaurants in the Historic District of Florence with a remarkable dedication to seasonal changes and local ingredients. The food is Tuscan but with an Asian twist, making it my favorite spot to come for a breath of fresh air. And what’s more? They have a beautiful outdoor patio courtyard to eat in.

La Pépinière Ristorante Biologico

Borgo S. Frediano, 169-red

La Pépinière Ristorante Biologico is my top pick for gluten-free travelers in Florence looking for a “haute cuisine” experience. The restaurant sets itself apart with its innovation and creative food presentation with 100% vegan, organic and gluten-free food.

The dishes are small but they are carefully crafted to be fulfilling and keep you satisfied. They even have pizza but the desserts are my favorite.

Keep In Mind: La Pépinière Ristorante Biologico is just open for dinner, starting at 6:30 pm (no lunch).

Raw Vegan Firenze

street view of vegan raw store front with brown sign on top and a vase with flowers and the white grates with drawing on them being pulled up.

Via Sant’Agostino, 11B

Raw Vegan Firenze is definitely the “healthiest” gluten-free restaurant in Florence serving up a wide selection of vegan and gluten-free dishes geared towards cleansing. They have a ton of smoothies, juices, power juice ‘shots’, poke bowls, burgers and wraps.

Good To Know: Raw Vegan Firenze is quite small so be prepared to wait unless you book your table online.

Risotteria Melotti

Via dei Servi, 65r

Risotteria Melotti is the best gluten-free restaurant in Florence for when you have a hankering for a warming plate of risotto. The restaurant changes their risotto menu based on the season and with a good variety of classic flavors and creative ingredients.

Bottega Artigiano del Gusto

Hand holds up pastry in front of Bottega Artigiana del Gusto in Florence, Italy. Do not enter street sign on left. Wine barrels on either side of shop door.

Via Erbosa, 12r

This is the only 100% gluten-free bakery, cafe and small store in Florence. It’s amazing and aesthetically beautiful. The down side? It’s not exactly downtown. It’s about a 25 minute bus ride (take bus 23) or a 50 minute walk from the center of town to Gavinana, a residential neighborhood on the outskirts.

The pastries are very good, the coffee is superb and the small grocery store is my favorite part. You can find anything from pasta, crackers, bread, cookies and cereal.

Restaurants In Florence That Serve Gluten-Free Dishes

These recommendations are restaurants that serve a ton of naturally gluten-free dishes and food but are not a 100% gluten-free facility. I recommend these restaurants for travelers who are intolerant or follow a specific gluten-free diet for other reasons, not because of celiacs disease.

Trattoria Cammillo

Borgo S. Jacopo, 57/r

Trattoria Cammillo is one of Florence’s most popular and beloved restaurants serving up a wide selection of classic Tuscan dishes in an elegant dining room.

They are famous for a variety of dishes, some with gluten and some without. If the risk of cross contamination isn’t a huge issue for you, I highly suggest you book a table at Trattoria Cammillo and try one of their secondi or second courses. They also have plenty of meat-based appetizers such as the charcuterie board and cheese plates.

Regina Bistecca

Via Ricasoli, 14r

Regina Bistecca is my family’s favorite place to eat bistecca Fiorentina in the city. Located right near the Duomo, Regina Bistecca is an elegant restaurant for a fancy night out on the town.

Regina Bistecca is not a gluten-free facility but they specialize in bistecca (and other grilled meats), making the risk of contamination less likely compared to other restaurants with large menus offering a ton of first courses and appetizers.

Momoyama

Borgo S. Frediano, 10 r

Momoyama is my top pick for gluten-free travelers in Florence looking for a little sushi. Find classic rolls and more interesting and fun combinations as well. And if you aren’t into sushi, they have really good fried rice.

Shake

Four locations:
Via dei Neri, 56 (Santo Croce)
Via del Corso, 30r (Historic District)
Via Camillo Cavour, 67/69R (San Lorenzo)
Via degli Avelli, 2/red (Santa Maria Novella)

Shake cafe is where you should go if you are looking for a little gluten-free brunch in Florence (head to the location in Via Camillo Cavour for the best seating and biggest gluten-free menu). They have several brunch items for special diets including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and lactose-free. Choose from items such as eggs, pancakes, breakfast bowls and wraps all in a casual, American-style cafe.

Good To Know: Shake is also one of my top pick for studying and working in Florence.

My Favorite Gluten-Free Gelato in Florence

Grom

Via del Campanile, 2 (Historic District)

Piazza della Stazione, 18 (Santa Maria Novella)

Grom is an Italian chain gelateria with two locations in Florence, one just next to the Duomo and one at the Santa Maria train station. While you might come across other gluten-free gelaterias in Florence this is the only one worth going to. Grom has amazing gelato, all of which is made in a gluten-free facility. They don’t even have cones!

More On Gelato: To learn more about gelato, read:
Italian Gelato Flavors
Eating Gluten-Free In Venice
Best Gelato In Florence
What Is Sorbetto? All About Italy’s Non-Dairy, Vegan Sorbet

Their flavors change seasonally but you can count on classics to always be available such as their crema di Grom, a creamy custard flavor with cookies (a big win for cookie lovers out there who can’t eat gluten!).

Keep in mind that you can really eat gluten-free gelato at any gelateria in Florence as long as you get it in a cup (although it may not be made in a gluten-free facility).

Gluten-Free Grocery Shopping In Florence

side view of bakery in a grocery store with a big white sign with written 'prodotti senza glutine'.

Italy has come a long way in terms of what they offer for gluten-free people these days. In large supermarkets there will be whole sections dedicated to gluten-free foods while smaller supermarkets such as Carrefour Express and Conad might have gluten-free items scattered in with other like-items (gluten-free bread with bread, gluten-free pasta with pasta, etc). Most gluten free products in Italy will be labeled “Senza Glutine”.

There are many brands but the most popular and best tasting for snacks and bread is Schar. Rummo and De Cecco make decent pasta, including alternative gluten-free legume pastas.

If you are having trouble finding gluten-free snacks, just stick to things that are naturally gluten-free such as nuts, seeds, yogurt, deli meats and cheese.

Tips For Eating Gluten-Free In Florence

close up of a wine glass with a hugo spritz outdoors garnished with lime and mint.

If you are not eating at a gluten-free facility, be sure to mention that you cannot eat gluten to your server. Your best bet is to order grilled meats and vegetables as the risk of cross contamination is much lower than other foods. Look for these items under the secondi section of a menu.
Risotto and polenta are usually two gluten-free dishes in Italy. Gluten is not added but there is some risk of cross contamination.
Gluten-free beer isn’t really gluten-free, it’s just lower in gluten than regular beer. Stick to wine, cocktails or Spritz.
Stock up on gluten-free snacks from grocery stores to keep while traveling for emergencies.
Always pre-book your table at my recommended gluten-free restaurants. This can most often be done online.
Gluten-free breakfast in Italy is the hardest to come by. Most bakeries don’t offer gluten-free items and there is not a 100% gluten-free bakery in downtown Florence.
Gelato in Italy is generally gluten-free if you order it in a cup. Avoid flavors made with cookies and cake.
Most street food in Florence is made with gluten but cecina is naturally gluten-free!

And if you happen to be traveling in Venice you may also be interested in
Eating Gluten-Free In Venice – A Local’s Guide To Restaurants, Cicchetti & Gelato
Gluten-Free Cicchetti In Venice – What To Order (& Avoid) and How to Order

Helpful Vocabulary For Eating Gluten-Free In Florence

Italian	Pronunciation	English Translation
Sono celiaco	sohn-noh cheh-lee-ah-coh	I have celiac disease
Senza glutine	sehn-zah gloo-tee-neh	gluten-free
Può contenere tracce di glutine	pwoh-cohn-teh-nehr-eh trahch-cheh dee gloo-teen-neh	May contain traces of gluten
Non posso mangiare glutine.	nohn poh-soh mahn-jahr-eh gloo-tee-neh	I can’t eat gluten
Hai qualcosa senza glutine?	ayy kwahl-koh-zah sehn-zah gloo-tee-neh?	Do you have something gluten-free?
Non posso mangiare…	Nohn poh-soh mahn-jahr-eh	I cannot eat…
Vorrei…	vohr-reh…	I would like..
farina	fah-ree-nah	flour
grano	grah-noh	wheat
avena	ah-veh-nah	oats
pangrattato	pahn-grah-tah-toh	breadcrumbs
semolina	seh-moh-lee-nah	semolino
segale	seh-gah-leh	rye
farro	fahr-roh	spelt
pane	pah-neh	bread
impanato	eem-pah-nah-toh	breaded
carne	cahr-neh	meat
pesce	peh-sheh	fish
formaggio	fohr-mahj-joh	cheese
le uova	leh woh-vah	eggs