Eating Gluten-Free In Venice - A Local’s Guide To Restaurants, Cicchetti & Gelato

Last updated on June 22nd, 2024

Are you a gluten-free traveler coming to Venice and worried about finding restaurants that can cater to your dietary restrictions? Maybe you are already here and looking for some options close by.

You are in the right place! I have been traveling to Venice for years now and after a recent trip to Venice with a gluten-free girlfriend of mine, I was able to eat my way through Venice with a different perspective, from that of a gluten-free traveler in Venice.

In this article, I will share with you my favorite gluten-free restaurants to eat at in Venice, including my favorite spots for cicchetti and gluten-free gelato as well.

If you are pinched for time or looking for a gluten-free restaurant close to you, check out my map or quick guide at the beginning of the article to help sort out which of my gluten-free restaurant recommendations in Venice is best for you based on your needs, location or cravings!

Gluten-free pizza, pasta, risotti, seafood, beef and gelato has never been easier in Venice!

Heading to Florence Next? Read about Eating Gluten Free in Florence.

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Map Of Gluten-Free Restaurants in Venice, Italy

Gluten-Free Restaurants in Venice Quick Guide

Gluten-Free Restaurant In Venice	Address (Neighborhood)	Best For	Good To Know
OKE Zattere	Sestiere Dorsoduro, 1414 (Dorsoduro)	Pizza	Waterfront restaurant in Venice
Al Giardinetto Da Severino	Salizada Zorzi, 4928 (Castello)	Formal evening in an elegant dining room and celebrations	Beautiful indoor garden terrace
Frary’s	Fondamenta Frari, 2558 (San Polo)	Mediterranean Cuisine	Outdoor seating along canal
La Zucca	Sestiere Santa Croce 1762 (Santa Croce)	Casual meal in rustic setting	Outdoor seating along canal
L’Osteria di Santa Marina	Campo Santa Marina, 5911 (San Marco)	Seafood	Offers tasting menu as well as alla carte menu
1000 Gourmet Venezia	C. Specchieri, 475 (San Marco)	Neapolitan-style gluten-free pizza	Excellent Italian desserts
La Bitta	C. Lunga S. Barnaba, 2753/A (Dorsoduro)	Grilled meat	Prizes itself on serving no seafood
Majer de Giudecca	Fondamenta Sant’Eufemia, 461 (Giudecca)	Grilled seafood and meat	Waterfront restaurant in Venice
Trattoria Al Gazzettino	C. de Mezzo, 4997, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy (San Marco)	Seafood and meat	Best classic Italian trattoria
Gelateria Nico	Fondamenta Zattere Al Ponte Lungo, 922 (Dorsoduro)	Gluten-free gelato	Amazing gianduia gelato

Foodie Travel: Are you interested in planning an itinerary revolving around eating in Venice? Read 24 Hour Food Guide to Venice and 48 Hour Food Guide to Venice.

OKE Zattere

Hotel boat on the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy. Gondolas docked in the foreground.

Sestiere Dorsoduro, 1414, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy

Open: Daily for lunch and dinner

Best For: Pizza

OKE Zattere is a waterfront restaurant in Venice specializing in pizza. Owned by the Pizzeria Ae Oche Santa Lucia (also another gluten-free option if you are close to the train station), one of my top picks to stop and eat before boarding your train at the Santa Lucia Train Station and for eating with kids, this AIC accredited (Italian Celiac Association) pizzeria is one of the safest places to eat in Venice if you are gluten-free.

Not only do they serve gluten-free pizza, but they also have plenty of pasta, sides and desserts made without gluten.

OKE Zattere is one of the best places to eat for gluten-free travelers who want to be on the water. The terrace is located right on the Giudecca canal on the Zattere.

If you hope to eat outdoors, I highly suggest you pre-book your table. Otherwise, OKE Zattere also has two large indoor dining rooms, which are much less competitive.

Al Giardinetto da Severino

Salizada Zorzi, 4928, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy

Open: Daily 12:00-3:00 pm / 7:00 – 10:00 pm

Best For: Formal evening in an elegant dining room and celebrations

Al Giardinetto da Severino is one of the more formal options for gluten-free travelers in Venice. This beautiful restaurant, elegant and formal, is not a gluten-free restaurant but does have a separate menu for gluten-free guests.

They are dedicated 100% to ensuring gluten-free food to their patrons. In fact, it has been listed by the Italian Celiac Disease Association as one of the best options in Venice for celiac travelers.

Located in the beautiful Renaissance Palazzo Zorzi, this gluten-free restaurant has the possibility to eat outdoors in the back garden, beautifully furnished with plenty of lush greenery, evoking an almost greenhouse-like feel.

The restaurant has various formulas and possibilities to host larger events in one of the most central areas in Venice not far from the Rialto Market and St. Mark’s square.

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

Frary’s

Couple walks by Fran's restaurant in Venice. On right is narrow canal with gondolas.

Fondamenta Frari, 2558, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy

Open: Daily for lunch and dinner

Best For: Veggie lovers

Frary’s is a Mediterranean restaurant in Italy offering a wide selection of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options right on a small canal with a Middle Eastern flare in the heart of the San Polo neighborhood in Venice.

Although not a gluten-free facility, there are plenty of choices for gluten-free travelers but be sure to mention your allergy before ordering.

The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating right on the Fondamenta Frari. If you hope to enjoy this restaurant on the water at one of their outdoor tables, be sure to pre book your table.

Facts: All of the organic produce used at Frary’s comes from the Venetian island of Giudecca, grown by the female prisoners who are housed there. The restaurant is also mainly staffed by females.

La Zucca

People in a piazza in Venice, Italy. Large tree, souvenir stands, and benches in the piazza which is surrounded by colorful buildings, about 3-4 stories tall. — La Zucca is just off of the beautiful Campo Santa Margherita in Venice

Sestiere Santa Croce 1762, 30135 Venezia VE, Italy

Closed: Sunday

Best For: Casual meal

La Zucca was born as a mostly vegetarian restaurant in the Santa Croce neighborhood of Venice, best known for their vegetarian spins on classic Venetian cuisine but is also dedicated to serving other patrons with allergies as well. They also have a good local wine list and many options for celiacs, including gluten-free cicchetti.

La Zucca is not unlike other classic Italian osterie in terms of style. It’s casual with paper placemats and wooden walls and furniture with a handful of small tables lining the street.

Good To Know: Some of the best coffee in Venice can be found at Majer, some of the best gelato in Venice at Gelateria di Natura and Campo San Giacomo (a great square for eating and drinking with kids) – all just around the corner from La Zucca.

L’Osteria di Santa Marina

Campo Santa Marina, 5911, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy

Open: Monday-Saturday, hours vary (Closed Sunday)

Best For: Seafood

L’Osteria di Santa Marina, located not far from the Rialto bridge, is a refined Italian restaurant in Venice specializing in “haute couture” cuisine.

The white tablecloth restaurant is not a gluten-free facility but I ate here with my gluten-free girlfriend who could order almost everything on the menu except the pasta. She had to specify to the waiter that she couldn’t eat gluten before ordering but it was no problem at all.

The food was presented as small pieces of edible artwork, almost too beautiful to eat. I would have guessed it was a Michelin-star restaurant by the looks of the elegant food and presentation.

Woman sitting at restaurant looking at menu and smiling and person taking the photo. — Me, happy to be eating at L’Osteria di Santa Marina in Venice

Choose from dishes such as local Venetian fish mains, baccalà mantecato, pumpkin soup, sarde in soar, fresh shrimp, several risotti and even beef options for folks who don’t love seafood.

Good To Know: One of the best places to get cicchetti for gluten-free travelers is at the bacaro Bacarando Corte dell’Orso, not far from the restaurant, just a 5 minute’s walk.

1000 Gourmet Venezia

Front entrance to 1000 Gourmet Pizzeria in Venice, Italy. In the window a chef is working and waiter is getting tables ready for dinner.

C. Specchieri, 475, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

Open: Daily 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Best For: Neapolitan-style pizza

1000 Gourmet Venezia is my favorite pizzeria for gluten-free travelers in Venice looking for Neapolitan-style pizza (soft and puffy crust topped with fresh ingredients).

1000 Gourmet Venezia is best known for their innovative pizza toppings and modern combinations while at the same time offering timeless classics. They also have a great selection of typical Southern Italian fried appetizers and good desserts.

The interior is modern yet with a casual feel, making it ideal for families with kids, larger groups or even intimate tête-à-tête evenings.

Good To Know: 1000 Coffee & Bakery also has a bakery and cafe in Cannaregio with several options for a take-away lunch like pizza by the slice, baked goods and coffee.

La Bitta

C. Lunga S. Barnaba, 2753/A, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy

Open: Monday – Friday 7:00 – 10:00 pm (closed Saturday and Sunday)

Specialty: Meat

I suggest La Bitta for delicious Italian meats. They pride themselves on not serving seafood and focusing on the best of Italy’s beef, pork and chicken and even more unusual second courses like guinea fowl and rabbit.

The menu changes seasonally and even daily depending on what is available or ‘in season’, referring to the local hunting season. Typical items you might see are raw meat, liver, stewed game, seasonal vegetables salads or rich gnocchi (also gluten-free).

Good To Know: La Bitta only serves dinner so be sure to book your table well in advance!

Majer de Giudecca

Piles of scallops with a price tag at the market in Venice, Italy.

Fondamenta Sant’Eufemia, 461, 30135 Venezia VE, Italy

Open: All day, 7 days a week

Best For: Grilled seafood and meat

Majer De Giudecca is the refined and innovative restaurant owned by the local chain Majer, with six cafe locations and a wine bar scattered throughout the city center.

Majer De Giudecca is the parent company’s most upscale and beautiful location focused on serving up the best quality meat and local seafood including the world famous Wagyu Ribeye from Japan and the Chianina beef from Tuscany.

At this waterfront restaurant located on Giudecca, just off of the mainland of Venice, look forward to an evening of innovative grilling approaches to the local specialties and highest quality of land animals.

Gondolas docked in Venice. Man waiting on wooden stairs.

The outdoor terrace on the water’s edge offers amazing views of the Venetian mainland overlooking the Giudecca Canal, comfortably shaded with large umbrellas, perfect for an evening on the water in Venice.

Good To Know: If you come here for lunch on a Friday, don’t miss the Sacca Fisola market, just down the way.

Trattoria Al Gazzettino

C. de Mezzo, 4997, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

Open: Wednesday – Monday for lunch and dinner

Best For: Best classic Italian trattoria

I stumbled upon Trattoria Al Gazzettino by chance when last visiting Venice and its rustic feel got my attention. It stuck out to me as a classic Italian trattoria that you might find in Tuscany but right in the heart of downtown Venice.

Upon further inspection, I realized Trattoria Al Gazzettino is actually a great option for gluten-free travelers in Venice as well. Although not a gluten-free facility, they assured me they are very good about keeping things separate. Be sure to mention you are gluten-free and they will have no problem making sure your food arrives safely.

Choose from a large menu including plenty of seafood and fish options. This is the kind of place you want to ask for daily specials that aren’t on the menu.

Gelati Nico

Fondamenta Zattere Al Ponte Lungo, 922, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy

Open: Friday-Wednesday from 7:30 am

Best For: Gelato

Gelati Nico is located on the waterfront Fondamenta Zattere ai Gesuati with two separate outdoor seating areas (directly on the water and right outside the doors), making it one of the best (and more expensive gelaterias in Venice).

This gelateria is best known for their gianduiotto gelato flavor, chocolate hazelnut gelato, served in a tall glass with whipped cream.

Gelati Nico is centrally located and able to cater for gluten-free travelers in Venice. Just let them know when you order that you are coeliac and they will scoop your ice cream from a safe tub to avoid cross-contamination.

Tip: Most gelaterias in Venice can serve you gluten-free gelato if you order it in a cup and stick to sorbet or non-cookie flavors but unless it’s a gluten-free facility, there may be a very small risk of cross contamination.

Tips For Eating Gluten-Free In Venice

Rectangular grey plate on a glass counter holds a scampo and slice of lemon. Glass of white wine to right behind it. Man in background working behind counter.

Although I am not gluten free, I have a good friend with whom I travel and so I am always hunting down places for her when I am in a new city. It’s always on my mind, along with vegan and vegetarian options, so I can help all my clients, friends and family when suggesting restaurants in Venice.

Here are my top tips for eating gluten-free in Venice:

ALWAYS notify your server that you have a severe allergy before ordering. Many of my recommendations are not gluten-free facilities but can ensure low risk of cross contamination should you notify them beforehand.
Stick to second courses, known as secondi on the menu, where you will find all the seafood and meat, oftentimes prepared without gluten.
Opt for vegetables sides such as grilled vegetables, sauteed greens or seasonal salads.
Rice is usually gluten-free but you should always ask before committing.
Gluten-free breakfast is hard to come by in Venice. For the best gluten-free breakfast, head to Italian eateries that cater primarily to the international market and can accommodate allergies such as Florian and Caffè Quadri in Piazza San Marco.
Fried street food is not gluten-free in Venice. It often is made with flour.
If you are having trouble filling up on snacks as a gluten-free traveler in Venice, consider popping into a grocery store and checking out the gluten-free section of the supermarket which should have plenty of snacks to pop into your bag.
Shopping for fresh fruits and vegetables at the Rialto Market is a great way to pick up healthy gluten-free gluten snacks in the heart of Venice.

Helpful Vocabulary for Eating Gluten-Free in Venice

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
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..
carne	cahr-neh	meat
pesce	peh-sheh	fish
formaggio	fohr-mahj-joh	cheese
le uova	leh woh-vah	eggs