Ah, Roma! That home of pasta, pizza, and all the other delicious things that are generally full of gluten. It can’t possibly be easy to enjoy a gluten free diet in Rome, right? At least that’s what I had assumed before my initial visit to Rome nearly ten years ago just after I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease.
That trip, which was my first international trip after my diagnosis, was truly a life altering experience for me. I was able to find several safe gluten free restaurants in Rome, and it fundamentally transformed the way I saw living with Celiac Disease.
Now over a decade has passed, and throughout traveling globally with Celiac Disease I`ve found Rome consistently ranks among the best locations worldwide for finding gluten-free cuisine.
I do not know where you are in your experience with Celiac Disease or living gluten free, but I want to take a moment to disclose a secret: eating gluten free in Rome (and the rest of Italy, too!) is much more manageable than expected.
You might be wondering why that is.
Italy has a relatively elevated frequency of Celiac Disease ( this link also provides excellent related information), and thus they have developed options that accommodate those needing a gluten-free diet due to medical needs.
When you hear “lots of gluten free options,” I know what thought comes to mind. “There`s probably just one or two choices on the menu, like a boiled chicken breast and vegetables.”
False.
In Italy, having Celiac disease does not necessitate sacrificing the standard of nourishment in any form. It`s not a matter of omitting the wheat-containing parts of meals and providing only boiled vegetables and rice.
It’s about replacing it with a safely prepared gluten free substitute so that they can share their cuisine and culture with tourists like you, even if you must eat gluten free.
In 2021, Alysha and I spent over a month in Italy, including spending a full ten days in Rome (my third trip there, and Alysha lived in Rome for six months), where we ate and drank our way through the city – all without gluten, of course.
This guide provides information on finding excellent safe gluten free restaurants, bakeries, and gelato shops in Rome to help with eating well without gluten. There are many options, so you will enjoy delicious food in Rome. Trust us.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.
Table of Contents
Some Helpful Travel Tips for Visiting Rome Gluten Free
Before delving into specific eateries and bakeries in Rome, let’s briefly cover some things we believe you should know before traveling to Rome gluten free.
The Italian Celiac Association (Associazione Italiana Celiachia) is Amazing
At a high level, the AIC educates restaurants in Italy on how to safely serve Celiacs a gluten free meal, from sourcing ingredients to separating equipment and surfaces in the kitchen.
It’s an enlightening statement, coming from the USA where regulations regarding such labeling are relatively lax, and phrases like “gluten-friendly” have apparently become commonly used descriptors appearing in various contexts.
In Italy, it’s generally a good assumption that if something is AIC-accredited, they understand what they’re doing.
The initial step you should take when organizing a gluten free trip to Italy is downloading the AIC app, which costs $2.99 to subscribe for a fortnight to their database of accredited gluten free restaurants in Italy (you are able extend for an additional two weeks precisely once, and after that you’ll have to get in touch with a local association to subscribe).
In that application, they have an interactive map where you can see accredited restaurants in a given area, including user ratings (though there’s not much information behind the ratings).
I automatically ignored any restaurant with a rating lower than 4.0 stars, for what it’s worth.
It is extremely helpful and better than FindMeGlutenFree in my opinion.
Get an Italian Gluten Free Restaurant Card
Many folks in Rome, especially at eateries, converse in English. Yet if Italian isn`t familiar and dining needs worry, Jodi from Legal Nomads offers a solution making gluten free dining in Italy significantly easier.
She has a gluten free restaurant guide in Italianthat is specifically created for gluten free travel in Italy.
It clearly outlines our dietary restrictions as Celiacs, covering cross-contamination and specific hidden gluten sources common in Italy.
Spending $9, which is a negligible cost compared to your entire trip, will save you much stress, anxiety, and ensure obtaining safe gluten free nourishment in Italy irrespective of your Italian language skills.
Head over to Legal Nomads and pick up an Italian Gluten Free Translation Card to travel safely and confidently with Celiac Disease.
I personally utilize these when traveling, and they have aided me confidently and comfortably communicate my needs in the face of a language barrier.
I’ve utilized them in Germany to eat safely in Berlin and Munich, and also down in Colombiaand Mexico, and they spared me multiple times in scenarios where my 2nd grade Spanish wasn’t quite slicing it.
They are well worth the small investment to help you feel more at ease and self-assured when traveling with Celiac Disease.
Gelato Shops are a Minefield of Cross-contamination
The gelato is applied to the cone, the scoop touches then departs the cone, the scoop returns to the container, repeat as needed.
Unless you have the capability to convey that you`d choose a fresh scooper as well as a fresh container that hasn`t been opened AND they have the ability to accommodate that ask for (the majority of locations don`t keep extra pots sitting around like some frozen dessert shops do in the US), then I`d adhere to the 100% gluten free gelato shops, which you`ll discover more info below.
SPOILER: There are four of them!
Gluten Free Groceries are Easy to Find
Nearly every single primary grocery store in Italy has some sort of gluten free section, commonly found in a completely separate area.
The exception would be small convenience stores, which typically aren’t great places to find gluten free bread, pasta, and other goods.
Items are well-labeled, and you’ll want to look for “senza glutine” on pre-packaged foods. Carrefour Express and Pam Local were our favorites in Rome, and they have a nice selection of gluten free products in a dedicated section at most of their places in the city.
Gluten Free Wheat Starch is Fairly Common in Pizza Crusts (and Other Baked Goods)
Another ingredient requiring caution! But, in my opinion, presenting less of an issue than the gluten free beer example mentioned above.
In Italy, and numerous other E.U. countries, they apply an element that is essentially gluten free wheat starch, which offers some pleasant texture advantages when it’s used in items like pizza crust.
Suddenly, your pizza-making abilities expand dramatically from only being capable of thin crust pizzas to having the option of thick, airy pizza dough.
To be candid, I have less familiarity with gluten free wheat starch than I do regarding gluten reduced beer, but I will once more refer you to Gluten Free Watchdog’s perspective on it (she has significantly more expertise than I do on this type of subject) so that you can utilize that information to form your own judgment.
However, the reason that I’m including this in its separate section is that it absolutely does matter for people with a wheat allergy! If you are eating gluten free owing to a wheat allergy, you’ll need to inquire at every restaurant, particularly pizza establishments.
Eating Gluten Free in Rome: A Complete Guide for Celiacs
So I have some great news: there is a TON of amazing gluten free cuisine in Rome for you to enjoy. You’ll find everything from gluten free pizza (and lots of it), to pastries, pasta, gelato, and just about anything else you can imagine.
As mentioned, one might not necessarily expect that from a city in Italy, the home of pizza and pasta, but I promise it is accurate.
We will sort this guide into four sections: restaurants dedicated to gluten free options, bakeries dedicated to gluten free items, gelato shops dedicated to gluten free ice cream including gluten free cones, and restaurants accredited by AIC for being gluten free.
While there are certainly more options in Rome, depending on your risk tolerance, this is a collection of places that we feel is the best chance at getting safe gluten free food in Rome.
Putting my perspective out openly here – I believe that if you are suffering from Celiac disease while traveling in Italy, you should aim to visit establishments dedicated solely to gluten free options or restaurants that are not fully gluten free but are certified by AIC.
For that reason, the restaurants you will find below are either dedicated solely to gluten free cooking – meaning no gluten is used anywhere in the kitchen, lowering the risk of cross-contamination – or accredited by AIC, which requires staff training on preventing cross-contamination and catering to clients with Celiac disease. Often both apply.
Now, is this a completely perfect means to avoid cross-contamination? It likely does not ensure absolute perfection.
- You`ll find numerous budget hotels and motels along Interstate 35E north of the main downtown area – it`s the most affordable location near Downtown Dallas.
You alone are responsible for informing staff about your dietary needs and confirming they can fulfill your requirements.
Is it an easy shortcut for finding places that are set up to serve Celiacs safely? I believe the answer is yes, which is why that’s how I’ve organized this guide and chosen the restaurants to include.
If you’re curious about our process for discovering and vetting gluten free locations, you can read our gluten free FAQ.
BONUS: I have eaten meals at each restaurant on this listing during my latest travel experiences in Italy. We spent ten days exploring Rome, and much of that time was dedicated to tasting the local cuisine. Reflecting on it now, sightseeing takes a back seat when food is involved in any destination we visit.
Dedicated Gluten Free Restaurants in Rome
There are at minimum four dedicated gluten free “restaurants” in Rome, though the line between restaurants and bakeries is a little unclear given that bakeries generally also serve some sort of other food items like pizza, stuffed rice balls, and such.
Mama Eat Lab
This establishment, my friend, is the must-visit gluten free restaurant in Rome. Truthfully, if you have Celiac Disease, it should be alongside the Colosseum and Vatican as places to go in the Eternal City.
We really enjoyed our initial meal at Mama Eat Lab, which consisted of a light lunch including pistachio arancini – which in this case essentially denotes a deep-fried log of rice stuffed with cheese and pistachios – and a Diavola pizza with spicy salami.
In fact, we enjoyed it so much that we decided to have it as our final meal in Rome as well!
We returned almost a month later on our last day in Rome before heading to Spain for one last pizza and arancini roll. And, once again, it was magical.
If you’re searching for our favored gluten free pizza crust in Rome, this is it!
Mama Eat has two sites in Rome, with only the one near Vatican 100% gluten free. You’ll discover the other in the category below, also worth a visit for evening Trastevere meals. The cuisine stays similar.
El Maìz – Venezuelan Street Food
If you’ve followed our content – either through this site or on Instagram – one thing you might be aware of about us is that WE ARE ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT AREPAS. We enjoy a properly filled Venezuelan-style arepa – which is essentially a sandwich between two corn cakes.
I can honestly say that I was definitely not anticipating finding arepas in Rome, and the only reason I did was that I was browsing through the AIC app seeking additional restaurants to sample and happened upon El Maìz (which is AIC-accredited and entirely gluten free).
Within four hours, we trekked (in the rain) out to Prati (near the Vatican) for our arepa fix, providing a pleasant break from pasta, pizza, and other Italian staples.
Inside is compact – you can see through to the kitchen, where the family operating the restaurant is hard at work – but they have a little bit of outdoor seating.
Fortunately, arepas are portable, so you can carry them and locate a pleasant bench or fountain to sit at and savor your meal if all the seats are occupied.
To begin, we highly recommend ordering the tostones, which was our favorite part of the meal by far. Tostones are fried green plantains that are topped with a colorful carrot slaw and guacamole salsa. They are truly superb. We still reminisce about them frequently.
The arepas there were quite good, though their flavors are generally consistent with other Venezuelan places visited.
Vegetarian arepas filled with cheese, avocado, and fried plantains are often ordered. Reina Pepiada, a chicken-avocado salad type dish, is another classic recommendation. Beef pabellon served with plantains is one meal selected if items are not being shared.
Another noteworthy food item to sample are the cachapas, a sweet corn crepe that is essentially stuffed with a pound of melted cheese known as a queso cachapa. The blend of corn and cheese creates an appetizing meal.
Seriously though, order the tostones.
Risotteria Melotti
While I hesitate to say it, this location failed to impress. We arrived around dinner time (about 8:45 pm by Rome standards, at least) on a weekday with no reservation, and the host made a production of determining if he could fit us in (the place was basically empty except a few individuals).
The food at Risotteria Melotti centers around rice dishes, focusing on risotto which originates from northern Italy. We split a few risottos and some arancini to begin our meal, and would say the fare was strictly acceptable. Nothing exceptional, nothing terrible. It was satisfactory.
While completely gluten free, I have tasted better risotto elsewhere in Italy. With limited time in Rome, I would opt to dine elsewhere.
New Food Gluten Free – Ponte Sisto
All I need to really tell you to persuade you to try Pabellón is that, over the course of two weeks in London, we returned here not once, not twice, but THREE times. It’s that quality.
In my view, the pizza offers the highlight, and the baked goods complement the dining experience, so they fall under the restaurant category!
The pizza has a thin crust, and it’s suitably crunchy. It’s not similar to some of the pizzas you’ll have at sit-down eateries in Rome, but it`s actually superior for quick usage while traveling, which makes this a nice, affordable midday meal spot.
During our visit to the bakery, we received a small cannolo as well as a creamy pistachio pastry that the woman at the counter kindly provided in addition to our order.
Both sweets contained solids, and there were plenty of other options to select from when it came to desserts. Notably, the little containers in the refrigerator contained what looked to be tiramisu and cheesecakes.
Dedicated Gluten Free Bakeries in Rome
The difference between gluten free restaurants and bakeries in Italy is indistinct, as most establishments on this list serve both baked goods and larger lunch options (pizza, focaccia, etc.) together.
However, these establishments merit classification as “gluten free bakeries” since they skillfully craft pastries – we appreciate the cornetti filled with pistachio cream, cannoli cradling ricotta, and bombolini brimming with assorted fillings, for reference.
Le Altre Farine del Mulino
There were two gluten free bakeries that stood out for us, with Le Altre Farine del Mulino being the first.
We went twice, which says something considering it’s not exactly in a central or convenient location – and I would say it’s 100% worth the journey. Which is really only a 10-15 minute detour from Castel Sant’Angelo or the Vatican.
They offer a selection of gluten free items that varies throughout the day, starting with sweet pastries that form an important part of a traditional Italian breakfast (the other part being un caffe), and at noon the selection moves over to pizzas, calzones, and arancini (a stuffed rice ball filled with all sorts of fun fillings).
On our second trip, we knew what we wanted – PIZZA. On the first trip, we had ordered roughly one of everything, and the pizza was the highlight.
The bread`s texture was not thick and airy like other some breads we tried, but it was thin and crispy and the toppings were outstanding (which means “great”).
So the second day, we arrived at 11:00 am and I asked, in broken Italian, when we would be able to eat pizza.
Between noon and 12:30 pm was the answer, and so we ordered a cornetti (filled with ricotta, but we should have done pistacchio), an espresso, and sat down and waited for an hour until we could get our hands on that sweet, sweet pizza.
The point remains, if you want pastries, go early. If you want pizza and arancini (which is also delectable), go later.
The second point is you should definitely go – it’s worth it.
La Pasticceria
The second part of the gluten free bakery duo in Rome that you shouldn’t miss is La Pasticceria, and we also made it here twice over the course of our ten day food-filled Rome adventure.
And, again, the selection varied depending on the time, though the woman behind the counter stayed the same.
She was exceptionally friendly and spoke excellent English, which is always helpful to completely grasp what everything represents.
The location is convenient if you’re going to be around Termini Station, which is Rome’s main train station.
It`s just a short distance north, which makes it an ideal stop either when you’re arriving or leaving Rome (though it’s a bit out of the way at other times).
The first time, we went there in the morning, so we got a cornetto (a pastry somewhat like a croissant, but filled with options like ricotta, chocolate, or pistachio cream) and a canolo, which is a tube of fried batter also filled (in this case with ricotta).
It was undoubtedly the finest gluten free cannolo (the singular form of cannoli, as learned in Italy) in Rome, and the cornetto (also singular versus plural) was truly delicious.
The woman, who must have been the owner or someone deeply involved in the business, was very helpful in giving us tips on where else to eat in Rome gluten free.
Upon our second visit around lunch, we were again warmly greeted by the same smiling staff member.
But this time, the pastries were replaced with focaccia and pizza, which we grabbed to go and enjoyed back at our hostel for a late lunch. The focaccia, specifically, was outstanding. Thick, fluffy, and with just enough salt to satisfy my preference for salt. Is this heaven?
Pandalì
The location of Pandalì is fantastic – it’s right in the center of the Centro Storico, which makes it a great stop for breakfast or lunch during a day of exploring.
To be forthright, we weren’t remarkably impressed with the cuisine offerings, but we arrived at the conclusion of the lunch rush and it was rather evident that they had exhausted a lot of things.
So I definitely wouldn’t write it off, and I would consider arriving earlier in the morning (around 10:00 – 11:00 am) rather than after the lunch rush.
I would categorize the things they offer into three groups. First, types of bread. Second, sweet items. Third, more complete dishes that are purchased based on weight (such as pasta, calzones, arancini, etc).
Opened in 2014 and envisioned by Maria Fermanelli, the bakery had closed for a full year in 2020 but has since reopened with renewed enthusiasm for experimenting with gluten-free recipes.
They are very committed to creating delicious foods for Celiacs, meaning every ingredient through the door is vetted to ensure not contaminated by cross-contact with wheat at some point in the supply chain. And, of course, it has to taste good!
Celiachiamo Lab
You’ll also find Celiachiamo mentioned below in the “grocery stores” section, since it serves as both a 100% gluten free bakery and a 100% gluten free grocery with every brand of gluten free bread, pasta, cookies and crackers under one roof!
We stopped by for lunch to try the freshly baked goods at their location near Prati, over by the Vatican.
It was busy during the lunch hour, understandably so once we saw the variety of baked goods and meals available at the counter, ranging from pizza and focaccia for lunch to an assortment of sweet treats.
At the location we talked about, we thought the food was satisfactory but not the finest we had in Rome. Still, we definitely think this place deserves a visit, for both the bakery section and grocery store part.
Starbene Senza Glutine
This destination lies approximately 45 minutes from central Rome via metro or bus, so it likely falls outside the scope of most trips to the city.
But, if you find yourself north of the center, it’s a worthy stop.
We didn’t make it here, but are familiar with Starbene from other Italian cities (we enjoyed the one in Lucca, which we did visit), and follow them on Instagram where we admire all of their pictures.
Dedicated Gluten Free Gelato Shops in Rome
There are four gelato shops in Rome that are entirely gluten-free, and two of them have multiple locations around the city (Grom and Fatamorgana), so gelato is never too far away.
When I say “100% gluten free,” I mean it. Everything – including cones – is gluten free. Yes, even the cones dipped in chocolate and covered with pistachios.
Some varieties worthy of sampling include pistachio, bacio (chocolate hazelnut), and any containing a ricotta base (we had both a caramelized fig and a pistachio cream with a ricotta base).
These are organized based on our most recommended places to visit first.
When visiting Italy, we learned there are certain factors to look for to evaluate whether the gelato you`re considering is high-quality, as explained in this guide.
Among the items on display are containers piled high with brightly colored gelato. However, this vivid appearance does not necessarily correlate to superior ingredients, as is true at some establishments below. Grom and Fatamorgana offer higher quality gelato.
Grom
I`m quite fond of Grom. I first came upon them in NYC where they have a completely gluten free gelato parlour. Even the cones!
Then, when we spent more than a month in Italy, Grom was our standby for gelato since they have places in basically every single Italian city.
The thing about Grom`s gelato is that it is genuinely good quality. Sometimes when eating gluten-free, compromises must be made on taste and texture, especially with baked goods. But that is not the case at Grom!
The inspiration behind the selections is akin to numerous other quality gluten free brands, seeking their own cones after finding existing options lacking. I understand that drive.
They have numerous places to find gelato throughout Rome, permitting you to enjoy the treat at breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Gelateria Fatamorgana
100% gluten free gelato and cones in the heart of Rome – what more could you ask for? They also have eight locations, great flavors, and are accommodating of other allergies. You can find sugar, egg, or dairy free options as well.
The other thing about Fatamorgana that is noteworthy is that their flavors rotate all the time (though, of course, they still have a set of mainstays), and the gelato is fresh as can be.
Ironically, two of the best gelato spots are places we have experienced outside of Italy – Fatamorgana also has a location in Los Angeles.
I’m not so sure about some of the statements on the lifestyle page of their website, though. “Fatamorgana Gelato is the best way to regain energy after sports.”
Fioco Di Neve
A third dedicated gluten free gelato shop? You’ve got to be joking. Fantastic gelato, all sorts of 100% gluten free cones, and it’s literally steps away from the Pantheon. Count me in for more gelato.
This experience would be worth participating in.
The first time we opted to get gelato, I was hoping to capture an Instagram-worthy picture with my gelato cone prominently featured in the foreground and the Pantheon in the background. So we each purchased a small cone (which, for the record, is still very large and one cone is plenty of gelato to share between two people), and started towards the Pantheon.
Only one problem – it was 80 degrees and the gelato began dissolving nearly instantly. So instead of getting my picture, I got a dollop of gelato on my camera and pants. Close enough, I guess?
We went back a second time – because the gelato is genuinely good – and had an incredible ricotta and pistachio cream flavor that I’d strongly recommend, if they happen to have it.
Gelato G Italiano
Gelato g Italiano is another establishment producing gelato entirely without gluten, situated near Trevi Fountain. Many flavors are offered, all gluten free – including the cones. They also have accreditation from AIC and prominently display a sign indicating all items are 100% gluten free.
We opted for a waffle cone to hold the gelato, which is served using miniature waffle pieces shaped like Mickey Mouse ears. The gelato is good enough – not the highest quality but satisfying a craving, and being just a block from Trevi Fountain makes it a worthwhile choice on a hot summer day in the city.
AIC-Accredited Gluten Free Restaurants in Rome
Before going into this section, I want to note that this is not intended to be an exhaustive list of every single place you could potentially find gluten free food in Rome.
Rather, this listing highlights eateries that have received strong reviews on the AIC app (along with other apps) AND we enjoyed our experience at.
Indeed, I dined at all of these restaurants. Your experience may differ, naturally, since it relies on communicating your needs to the staff and their adherence to the protocols in place to prevent cross-contamination.
If worrying about inability to converse, spending $9 on an Italian gluten free restaurant card eliminates needing to stress pulling up “I have Celiac Disease, is this gluten free” on Google Translate with constrained internet access.
Mama Eat
This other location of Mama Eat is in the equally great neighborhood of Trastevere in Rome.
However, this location IS NOT completely gluten free, though they do have separate areas and equipment for preparing gluten free meals and are AIC-accredited.
We enjoyed a delightful meal there on a warm fall evening, right next to an Italian couple who clearly had dined there before, which is always a positive sign.
They offer a complete menu of pizzas, pastas, and appetizers, and everything is available in a gluten-free version. We selected carbonara – a classic dish from Rome made with pasta, egg and cured pork – and a pizza to share.
Both were truly excellent – Mama Eat’s gluten free pizza crust was our favorite we had in Rome – but the unexpected star was actually the house wine, which was amazing and extremely inexpensive.
We truly enjoyed both the ambiance, sitting along one of Trastevere`s streets and observing the world pass by, and the food (and wine), and think it makes a lovely place for an evening out in Trastevere.
Additional Rome Travel Guides to Assist Your Planning
- WHAT TO DO: Highly recommended sights and activities to experience in Rome
- ITINERARY: How to Devise an Extraordinary Rome Itinerary
- WHERE TO REMAIN: The Best Locations to Remain in Rome
- COLOSSEUM EXCURSION:Our preferred Colosseum Tour in Rome (A Review)
Pantha Rei
Pantha Rei came as a pleasant surprise, since my expectations weren`t especially high given its proximity to the visible Pantheon.
However, as soon as we entered their small nook enclosed away from the madness of the piazza near the Pantheon, we settled into one of our superior meals in Rome.
The outdoor seating in that little alleyway that serves as their home is the perfect place for a lovely, romantic dinner in Rome. And, indeed, you can see the Pantheon from the outdoor tables.
Pantha Rei is AIC-accredited, and they bring out a small gold bottle to put on your table to signify that you require gluten free foods.
Then, when your nourishment arrives, it will contain an indicator showing that it has no gluten. Always ask your server when the food is brought, just to be certain (usually, servers will state gluten free or senza glutine when they deliver it, anyway).
But what about the food.
You can also see the original torch, several galleries showing the statue`s creation, and historic photographs and early sketches by the designer, Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi. A theater displays a simulated aerial perspective inside the sculpture, offering a unique viewpoint of the statue.
We also received a salad alongside our pasta and pizza, as a month sustaining that diet alone was starting to take its toll, and we desired something containing green vegetables. The salad portion was quite sizable!
For our main courses, we split a pizza and a pasta dish – cacio e pepe – that is a traditional Roman meal (we prepare it at home fairly often using this recipe).
The pizza is not stellar (thin crust, comparable to options in the US), and dining there focused on their pastas would likely be better, crafted in-house and pretty outstanding.
The cacio e pepe had an unexpected twist we want to recreate at home – mint was added, which was a delightful surprise!
They also offer gluten free dessert options, and we selected the tiramisu, which I`d say was satisfactory rather than outstanding.
Overall, friendly service (putting up with our attempts at the language), cozy environment, and tasty pasta dishes made it a favorite dining experience in Rome.
One consideration when dining at Pantha Rei is being charged an additional 1-2 Euros per gluten-free dish ordered. While not ideal (having separate gluten-free pricing for the whole menu yielding the same outcome likely feels better), be prepared for potentially 6 extra Euros or more in gluten-free surcharges on your bill.
La Soffitta Renovatio
La Soffitta Renovatio is situated diagonally (or across the plaza) from the southeast side of the Vatican.
Similar to all the restaurants in this section, it has endorsement from the AIC, which signifies they have rigorous protocols set up to organize gluten free meals. Your food will emerge with a small flag inserted to represent that it’s gluten free.
I would characterize both the menu items and ambiance as above average but nothing extraordinarily impressive.
We would definitely eat there again – especially if near the Vatican – but if you haven`t visited nearby Mama Eat Lab (which is entirely gluten free), we’d recommend going there!
We had a pizza and carbonara (a familiar theme emerges here?) and the pizza crust was good quality – not the best, but certainly solid – as was the pasta filling.
Voglia di Pizza
This establishment was near our apartment in Rome during our most recent trip, and we checked in after arriving on a late flight and were hungry for pizza, so we stopped by Voglia di Pizza.
The first thing they asked me was if I required a gluten free menu (to which I replied “yes”), and they sat us down in their nice little courtyard space.
They are AIC-accredited, and essentially the entire menu can be made gluten free, from pasta to pizza. With the name including the word “pizza,” we figured that’s what we should try.
However, the pizza – which comes with a nice little flag in it to signify that it’s gluten free – leaves a little bit to be wanted. It was acceptable, but it was certainly not the best gluten free pizza we ate in Rome (and it wasn’t even in the top three).
Therefore, if one is only visiting Rome for a brief period, we feel better options may exist at one of the various gluten free dining alternatives mentioned above.
They’ll tell you they have gluten free beer, but it’s gluten-reduced (we covered why this is an issue above), so we recommend that Celiacs avoid it.
Pizza in Trevi
I know many folks love this establishment and sing its praises, but I`ll keep this relatively brief and to the point.
The pizza here rated among our lowest Italian experiences in Rome, with an unexciting ambiance due to its Trevi Fountain locale overwhelmed by passing tourists, in addition to pricing above other local options.
Better options are available. We generally advise against dining within close proximity of major tourist spots, where prices tend to be inflated and quality of meals subpar, reflecting what is occurring in this vicinity.
Instead, head to Pantha Rei near the Pantheon, or Risotteria Melotti (also in the Centro Storico). If you want pizza, make the journey to Mama Eat Lab over in Prati near the Vatican, which was our favorite gluten free pizza in Rome.
Grocery Stores with Gluten Free Options in Rome
A few major grocery chains stock Rome, all offering varied gluten free options. Most allocate separate aisles, removing the need to search amid gluten products to find the lone gluten free selection.
Beneficially, the cost difference between gluten-free and standard products is much smaller than in the US. No $10 loaves of tiny gluten-free bread in Rome!
Here are a few grocery store chains that offer gluten free foods. All three have various alternatives, ranging from breads to cookies and other treats. You may even find some store brand options at lower prices.
Look for the words “senza glutine.”
In addition to major chains, Rome actually has two dedicated retailers focused solely on gluten free options that should undoubtedly be visited.
A MUST FOR CELIACS. The first is Celiachiamo, the original dedicated gluten free grocery store in Rome. They have numerous locations, including one near the Vatican and one near Tiburtina Station. You’ll find a wide variety of pre-packaged gluten free goods alongside freshly baked gluten free bread and pizza. Certainly worth stopping by, or even diverting your journey, for Celiacs in Rome. Check out their location at via Della Magliana 183.
The second dedicated gluten free grocery is called l’Isola Celiaca.
They have a bunch of shops across Italy (so check them out if you’re traveling outside of Roma), including several in Rome.
Similar to Celiachiamo, you’ll find gluten free groceries, and a selection of fresh baked breads and takeaway options. Regrettably, their locations in Rome aren’t as central as I would like, but it is worth a detour to check it out.
With a dedicated gluten free food section in most major supermarkets and several retail stores specializing solely in gluten free groceries scattered throughout Rome, it’s straightforward to follow a Celiac-friendly diet in Rome.
The Highlights: The Best Gluten Free Restaurants and Bakeries in Rome
The guide mentioned above contains A LOT of detailed specifics about each restaurant, which is very helpful if you want to delve into the details of what to expect, what to order, and more.
But what if you just want a quick list of the best gluten free food in Rome? That’s what this section is for.
Here are the five places we believe you should prioritize while you’re in Rome. If you’re only in Rome for a few days, it’s not as if you’re going to get through the entire list below anyway (we spent 10 full days there).
So here are the five restaurants, bakeries, and gelato shops we liked the most, and think you shouldn’t miss.
- Mama Eat Lab: 100% gluten free, and conveniently located near the Vatican. Mama Eat offered our favorite gluten free pizza crust in Rome, and their fried arancini balls are fantastic (get the pistachio variety!).
- Grom Gelato: After testing all the gluten free gelato shops in Rome (there are four that are 100% gluten free – cones included!), Grom still stands out. They have sites around the globe – like in Paris and Lisbon – and also in nearly every city in Italy (like Milan and Florence). It’s fresh and delicious.
- Le Altre Farine del Mulino: We had two beloved gluten free bakeries in Rome, this was the first. It’s a little out of the way, tucked away on the less visited side of the Vatican, but it’s worth the detour. Get their cornetti for breakfast, and their pizza or arancini for lunch.
- La Pasticceria: This second gluten-free bakery is the place to visit for sweet treats! Cornetti, cannoli, bomboloni and more! It`s located near Termini Station, which you`ll likely use upon arrival or departure at some point.
- Pantha Rei: The area near the Pantheon and atmosphere is what places it on this list. It`s tucked away in a quiet courtyard, and their outdoor seating is well lit – ideal for an romantic evening (or simply, you recognize, a normal dinner). Their pasta is fine, their pizza isn`t as fine. Stick to pasta.
