Are you a gluten-free traveler coming to Rome and worried about what you may or may not be able to eat?
Whether you have a serious allergy, have an intolerance to gluten or are health conscious, I can help you sort out dining in Italy.
I’ve been living in Italy since 2012, and I have seen Italy change and adapt over time to demand for gluten-free options.
Let’s take a look at how I can help you navigate eating gluten-free in Rome. I’ll share:
- General guidelines for eating gluten-free in Rome
- My map of recommendations
- Quick guide to eating gluten-free in Rome
- Gluten-free bakeries (and what each is best for)
- Gluten-free Roman restaurants
- Gluten-free gelaterie
- Gluten-free grocery shopping
- My tips for traveling in Italy with allergies
- Helpful vocabulary for gluten-free travelers in Italy
Let’s take a look!
Gluten-Free in Italy: Read up on eating senza glutine in Italy:
Eating Gluten-Free in Italy – Florence – Venice – Rome
Gluten-Free Meals in Italy
Gluten-Free Italian Side Dishes
Gluten-Free Italian Desserts
Gluten-Free Cicchetti in Venice
Is Gelato Gluten-Free?
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Guidelines for Eating Gluten-Free in Rome
Eating gluten-free in Rome is pretty easy and if you don’t have a serious allergy such as Celiac disease, then you can probably get away with eating at any regular Roman restaurant.
If you are intolerant and the slight risk of cross contamination is not an issue for you, I would actually suggest you just eat at normal restaurants in Rome sticking to main meat courses, side dishes and rice dishes. You’ll want to avoid pasta, pizza and other items made with breadcrumbs such as meatballs.
If, however, you have a really bad allergy or gluten intolerance, then I have done all the work for you and hunted down the best bakeries, gelaterias and restaurants for you. These places specialize in preparing gluten-free foods, much of the time, sticking to classic Roman recipes adapted to be made without gluten.
The safest restaurants in Italy for gluten-free travelers are AIC accredited establishments. AIC stands for Associazione Italiana Celiachia, an organization dedicated to helping those with celiac disease enjoy their meals safely. They offer a wealth of online resources and certify restaurants to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
Good To Know: Just because a restaurant isn’t AIC accredited doesn’t mean it’s not safe. Some establishments are 100% gluten-free but do not have the certification because it costs money and involves a lot of bureaucracy.
Map of Gluten-Free Eateries in Rome
Quick Guide To Eating Gluten-Free in Rome
| Name | Type of Eatery | Address (Nearby Tourist Attraction) | Best For |
| La Pasticceria | Bakery | Via Varese, 43 (Termini train station) | Gluten-free breakfast pastries and other sweet treats |
| La ALtri Farine del Mulino | Bakery | Via di Porta Cavalleggeri, 151/153 (Vatican City) | Gluten-free bread and cakes |
| Pandalì | Bakery & Cafe | Via di Torre Argentina, 3 (Pantheon) | A casual gluten-free meal in a cafe |
| Mercato Hostaria | AIC accredited restaurant | Campo de’ Fiori, 53 | People watching |
| Mama Eat | AIC accredited restaurant | Via di S. Cosimato, 7/9 (Trastevere neighborhood) and Borgo Pio, 28 (Vatican City) | Gluten-free fried foods in Rome |
| Risotteria Melotti | 100% gluten-free establishment | Via della Vetrina, 12a/b (Piazza Navona) | Rice dishes in Rome |
| Ciao Checca | Serves gluten-free food | Piazza di Firenze, 25-26 (Pantheon) | Slow-food gluten-free in Rome |
| La Soffitta Renovatio | AIC accredited restaurant | Piazza del Risorgimento, 46/a ( Vatican City) | Italian and non-Italian travelers |
| Pantha Rei | AIC accredited restaurant | Via della Minerva, 19 (Pantheon/Piazza Navona) | Gluten-free pizza in the center of Rome |
| Fiocco di Neve | Gelateria | Via del Pantheon, 51 (Close to Pantheon) | Gluten-free cones |
| Fatamorgana | Gelateria | Several locations in city center | Best all-around |
| Grom | Gelateria | Several locations in city center | Gluten-free gelato flavors |
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
Italian Meal Structure
Gluten-Free Bakeries In Rome
La Pasticciera
Via Varese, 43 (close to Termini train station)
Best For: Gluten-free breakfast pastries and other sweet treats
At La Pasticciera, you’ll find an ever-changing selection of gluten-free goodies, mostly sweet treats such as cornetti, cookies, cannoli and crostate.
This is by one of the best gluten-free bakeries in Rome but it’s on the north end of the Termini station, making it slightly inconvenient.
I suggest stopping here right when you get into Rome or before you catch your train leaving the city.
Good To Know: There is no seating at La Pasticciera
Le Altri Farine del Mulino
Via di Porta Cavalleggeri, 151/153 (close to Vatican City)
Best For: Gluten-free bread and cakes
Le Altri Farine del Mulino has an excellent selection of gluten-free baked goods, from exquisite cakes and doughnuts to a variety of freshly baked breads and even slices of pizza, perfect for on-the-go snacks or a quick lunch near the Vatican.
Good To Know: Le Altri Farine del Mulino has both indoor and outdoor seating.
Pandalì
Via di Torre Argentina, 3 (close to Pantheon)
Best For: A casual gluten-free meal in a cafe
Pandali is one of the most centrally located gluten-free bakeries and cafes in Rome, serving up allergen-friendly Mediterranean food and baked goods.
They have a full menu of gluten-free pizzas, pastas, and starters, making it one of the best places to eat if you are trying to stay central and see the main tourist attractions in Rome.
This is an AIC accredited as it has a separate kitchen for preparing gluten-free dishes.
Gluten-Free Restaurants In Rome
Mercato Hostaria
Campo de’ Fiori, 53
Best For: People watching
Mercato Hostaria brings a traditional Italian dining experience to gluten-free eaters in Rome by adapting classic Roman fare to be made without gluten.
This AIC accredited restaurant is centrally located right in Campo de’ Fiori. Because it’s such a central area, be sure to pre-book.
Mama Eat
One location in Trastevere in Via di S. Cosimato, 7/9 and another near the Vatican in Borgo Pio, 28
Best For: Gluten-free fried foods in Rome
Mama Eat is a small AIC accredited chain in Italy (with locations also in Florence) serving up great organic gluten-free food with ample seating indoors and outdoors in Trastevere.
Their pizza is thick crust – Neapolitan-style and fried goodies are some of the best.
The location close to the Vatican is more fried-food forward and specialized in street food. This is where to come if you need comfort food.
Risotteria Melotti
Via della Vetrina, 12a/b (Close to Piazza Navona)
Best For: Rice dishes in Rome
Risotteria Melotti is another Italian chain with locations in major cities specializing in risotto, as its name suggests.
Although rice is their game, they also serve polenta, arancini and plenty of gluten-free desserts. Indoor and outdoor seating available.
Although not AIC accredited, the establishment is 100% gluten-free.
Ciao Checca
Piazza di Firenze, 25-26 (Close to Pantheon)
Best For: Slow-food gluten-free in Rome
Ciao Checca isn’t a gluten-free establishment but it’s focus is serving up wholesome, slow food gluten-free and vegan dishes in Rome.
This is one of those places you should eat at when you feel like you just need nutrition.
La Soffitta Renovatio
Piazza del Risorgimento, 46/a (Right outside of Vatican City)
Best For: Italian and non-Italian travelers
La Soffitta Renovatio is an AIC-accredited restaurant just outside of the Vatican City serving up both gluten and non-gluten Italian food including pasta dishes, pizza and plenty of main dishes.
I would put this restaurant in the trattoria box, meaning, it’s simple and homey.
Pantha Rei
Via della Minerva, 19 (Pantheon)
Best For: Gluten-free pizza in the center of Rome
Pantha Rei is my top pick for gluten-free travelers in Rome close to Piazza Navona who want a family-run trattoria-style restaurant with a casual atmosphere and good home cooking.
It’s AIC accredited, making it perfect for travelers with serious allergies.
Gluten-Free Gelato In Rome
Gelato Lovers: Don’t miss
How To Order Gelato In Italy
Is Italian Gelato Gluten-Free?
Gelato In Italy – The Scoop on Italy’s Favorite Sweet Treat
Italian Gelato Flavors – A Complete List of Gelato Flavors You’ll Find in Italy (+ Printable Quick Guide)
Best Gelato in Florence – Venice – Rome
Dairy-Free Gelato Flavors + My Recs for Florence – Venice – Rome
Fiocco di Neve
Via del Pantheon, 51 (Close to Pantheon)
Fioco di Neve is a fully gluten-free gelateria serving up generously sized gelato in their gluten-free cones.
All their flavors are gluten-free so you don’t have to worry about sorting out which ones are and are not!
Fatamorgana Gelato
Multiple locations throughout Rome
Fatamorgana Gelato offers a wide range of safe, gluten-free options.
Their ice cream is incredibly smooth and they even have gluten-free cones.
Grom
Several locations in Rome including at the Termini train station
Grom was Italy’s first gluten-free gelateria and today, has locations all over the world.
Their flavors are still unique, including my personal favorite crema di grom made with gluten-free cookies.
Gluten-Free Grocery Shopping in Rome
Italy has greatly expanded its range of gluten-free products at grocery stores in Italy.
In larger supermarkets, you’ll often discover entire sections devoted exclusively to gluten-free foods. Meanwhile, smaller chains like Carrefour Express and Conad integrate gluten-free options into their regular aisles—gluten-free bread is typically found in the bakery section, and gluten-free pasta sits alongside standard varieties.
Look for items marked Senza Glutine to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Notable brands in this category include Schar, known for its gluten-free snacks and breads. For pasta, both Rummo and De Cecco offer reliable gluten-free options, including selections made from legume flours (chickpea and lentil).
If you have difficulty finding gluten-free snacks, consider choosing foods that are naturally free of gluten, such as nuts, seeds, yogurt, deli meats, and cheese.
Celiachiamo Lab
Several locations outside the city center
If you are spending extensive time in Rome you may be looking for a gluten-free grocery. With multiple locations, including one near the Vatican and another near Tiburtina Station, Celiachiamo Lab offers a wide range of pre-packaged gluten-free groceries as well as freshly baked bread and pizza.
Tips For Eating Gluten-Free In Italy
- When dining at establishments that aren’t exclusively gluten-free, be sure to inform your server about your gluten intolerance (refer to the helpful vocabulary below). For safety, opt for dishes like grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables since they’re less prone to cross-contamination.
- Keep in mind that gluten-free beer in Italy isn’t entirely free of gluten—it just has reduced levels—so it’s wiser to choose wine, cocktails, or a Spritz instead.
- Carry a selection of gluten-free snacks from grocery stores for emergencies while traveling.
- Always pre-book a table at restaurants known for their gluten-free options, if possible.
- Note that most bakeries in Italy rarely stock gluten-free items.
- It’s generally safe to consume gelato in any gelateria when ordering gelato in a cup; just be cautious with flavors that include cookie or cake pieces.
Allergies & Dietary Restrictions in Italy: If you’re traveling in Italy and have special dietary needs, be sure to check out:
Eating with Dietary Restrictions in Italy
How to Eat Vegetarian In Italy
How to Eat Vegan in Italy
Eating Gluten-Free in Italy
Eating in Italy While Pregnant
Eating Dairy-Free in Italy
Eating Lactose-Free in Italy
Helpful Vocabulary For Eating Gluten-Free In Italy
| 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 |
Visiting Rome? Don’t Miss
Roman Pasta Dishes + Where to Eat Them
Best Pizza in Rome
Best Gelato in Rome
Rome’s Best Desserts
Where to Eat Carbonara in Rome
Where to Get Coffee in Rome
Aperitivo in Rome
Roman Wine Bars
Where to Eat & Drink in Trastevere
Where to Eat Near the Colosseum
Where to Eat Near the Vatican
Where to Eat Near the Termini Train Station
Where to Eat in the Jewish Quarter
Where to Eat in the Historic Center
Rome Street Food to Try
Where to Get Breakfast in Rome
Bakeries in Rome
Where to Eat Maritozzi in Rome
Where to Eat Pinsa Romana
Where Locals Eat in Rome
Typical Roman Foods
Foods to Try on Your First Visit to Rome
Where to Eat with Kids in Rome
Eating Gluten-Free in Rome
Eating in Rome While Pregnant
Eating Vegan in Rome
My Favorite Gelaterie for Dairy-Free Gelato in Rome
A Roman Picnic
Food Markets in Rome
After-Dinner Drinks in Rome
Food Souvenirs from Rome
Traditional Food of Lazio
