Gluten Free in Rome

Wondering where to eat gluten free in Rome?

Traveling to Rome as someone who needs gluten-free food can be a bit of a challenge, but don't worry – with a few tips and some know-how, you can enjoy the Eternal City just like everyone else!

Here are my top tips for eating gluten free in Rome.

Happy travels!

Eating Gluten Free in Rome - Let me show you how

Not many gluten-free travelers imagine that celiacs exist in Italy too but Italy has a large gluten-free community.

Italy might seem like the last place to enjoy a gluten-free meal, given the abundance of pasta, pizza, bread, focaccia, salumi, craft beer and other Italian staples.

But celiacs in Italy can enjoy a large variety of options at every meal.

Having family members living sans wheat has opened my eyes to how important it is for a community, and a city like Rome - where wheat is so prominently part of everyday life - to offer allergen-free options.

This prompted me to do some research into how to eat gluten free in Rome.

A little science

Gluten is a substance present in certain cereal grains, responsible for the elastic tissue of dough.

Think wheat, barley, rye, soy and related species and hybrids, plus oats growing in proximity to these.

As a mixture of two proteins, gluten can trigger adverse autoimmune reactions responsible for a broad spectrum of gluten-related disorders, including celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten ataxia and a type of dermatitis.

People with these conditions suffer from a variety of symptoms including joint pain, allergies, itchy skin, headaches and intestinal distress.

These patients must therefore eat a gluten-free diet, so being gluten free in Rome is very important.

The large Italian Gluten-Free community

The country is experiencing a growth in new diagnoses of celiac disease, with a whopping 225,418 cases (158,107 female and 67,311 male) diagnosed in 2019.

This has translated into a considerable increase in the demand for lots of options for eating gluten free in Rome and Italy.

Restaurants with Gluten Free Options

Here are some excellent restaurant options for eating gluten free in Rome:

3Quarti

3Quarti is a tiny and tastefully decorated eatery not far from the Vatican that serves pasta dishes, grilled meats, a variety of vegetable dishes, homemade desserts and a wine list with 150 labels.

All dishes can be made gluten-free so this is an ideal place to eat gluten free in Rome - their pasta alla gricia topped with shaved truffle is a seasonal must!

• Address: Via Attilio Regolo, 21
• Phone: +39 06 45478764
• Hours: Monday - Sunday: 12:30 - 3:30 PM, 7 - 11:30 PM
  

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Armando al Pantheon

This is one of the Eternal City’s temples of cucina romana, steps away from the Pantheon, which can make all of the Roman pasta classics – cacio e pepe, amatriciana, gricia or carbonara – using gluten-free pasta, which the kitchen always stocks for its celiac aficionados.

• Address: Salita dè Crescenzi, 31
• Phone: +39 06 6880 3034
• Website
• Hours: Monday - Saturday: 12:30 - 3 PM, 7 - 11 PM | Sunday Closed
• Closed most of August, and over the Christmas/New Year holidays

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Ciao Checca

There are two branches of Ciao Checca, serving what is referred to as “Slow Street Food”.

The restaurants are part of the Slow Food Chefs Alliance, and all their dishes can be made gluten-free.

Try their namesake Pasta alla Checca (fresh diced tomato, basil and mozzarella tossed with small pasta shapes) - a perfect way to eat gluten free in Rome!

• Address: Piazza di Firenze, 25-26
• Phone: +39 06 6830 0368
• Hours: Monday - Sunday: 8:30 AM - 10 PM
  

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Mama Eat

With two branches (one near Vatican City and one in Trastevere) Mama Eat is one of the best places to eat gluten free in Rome.

The menu includes Italian favorites like lasagna, risotto, eggplant parmigiana and pizza.

But don't forgo the cuoppo, a paper cone filled with deep-fried foods like fried pizza, battered cod filets, crocché (potato croquettes) and more... desserts may include fried donut holes drizzled with chocolate, so save room for dolce!

Trastevere: 

• Address: Via di San Cosimato, 7/9
• Phone: +39 06 5806222
• Hours: Monday - Sunday: 11 AM - Midnight

Vatican: 

• Address: Borgo Pio, 28
• Phone: +39 06 45508771
• Hours: Monday - Sunday: 11 AM - Midnight

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Mangiafuoco

Mangiafuoco has a separate gluten-free kitchen, a dedicated menu without wheat, and - most importantly - gluten-free beer on tap, a Rome rarity.

While waiting for the gluten-free pizza (thin crust or thicker Neapolitan-style) to land on your plate, you can enjoy classic appetizers made without gluten, like supplì, fried zucchini blossoms and croquettes.

Carnivores will also rejoice since the juicy steaks and other meats are fire-grilled on demand, so there really is something for everyone who wants to eat gluten free in Rome.

On Sundays from noon to 3 pm there's a completely gluten-free brunch spread.

Always crowded, especially on weekends, so reservations are highly recommended. 

• Address: Via Chiana, 37
• Phone: +39 0685357255
• Hours: Monday - Sunday: 12:30 - 3 PM, 7:30 PM - Midnight
  

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Millennium 

Millenium is one of Rome's oldest restaurants catering to gluten-free diners.

Located in the Alessandrino suburbs, it offers an AiC-approved menu and attentive service.

The restaurant is equipped with a separate kitchen and wood-stoked pizza oven, so you can choose from various pastas, appetizers and pizzas, in addition to meat entrées and fabulous desserts.

Vegetarian and lactose-free options are also available, as well as great gluten-free beer.

• Address: Via di Tor Tre Teste, 35
• Phone: +39 06 23269171
• Hours: Tuesday - Thursday: 7:15 PM - 1:30 AM | Friday & Saturday: 7:15 PM - 2 AM | Sunday: 1 PM - 1 AM | Monday Closed
  

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Pandalì 

An exclusively gluten-free bakery/bistro near the Pantheon, opened by 3 women, one of whom is gluten-intolerant.

Wheat-less bread is baked fresh daily, along with a wide variety of other baked goods.

This is a great spot for a proper sit-down lunch or a quick merenda (the sweet, mid-afternoon Italian snack) for those looking to eat gluten free in Rome.

• Address: Via di Torre Argentina, 3
• Phone: +39 06 6813 6731
• Hours: Monday - Saturday: 10 AM - 3:30 PM | Sunday closed

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Pantha Rei

Pantha Rei is a cozy little celiac-friendly retreat away from the hustle and bustle surrounding the Pantheon.

Almost everything on the menu can be ordered gluten-free, including pasta dishes, fritti (fried goodies) and pizza, actually among the best gluten-free pies in Rome.

The restaurant also boasts a vegetarian buffet with lots of grilled vegetables, salads, soups and cheeses.

• Address: Via della Minerva, 19
• Phone: +39 06 89021922
• Hours: Tuesday - Sunday: 12 - 11 PM | Monday closed
  

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Il Pellicano

Most of the pasta dishes and desserts on the menu of this restaurant can be made gluten-free, including the signature tiramisu, whose gluten-free ladyfingers are homemade by the owners.

The gluten-free bread is also homemade daily and the team really do think about what it means to be gluten free in Rome.

Gluten-free pizzas are baked in the same oven as traditional pizzas.

However, when an order arrives for a gluten-free pizza, the oven is carefully cleaned according to AiC requirements.

On the pizza building counter the pizzaiolo only uses rice flour, never wheat flour.

All sauces and toppings are prepared without gluten.

• Address: Via Padre Massaruti, 138/148
• Phone: +39 06 521 3639
• Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 7:30 - 11 PM | Sunday: 12:30 - 3:30 PM | Monday closed
  

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Il Piccolo Mondo

Il Piccolo Mondo is a historic and refined restaurant of the Dolce Vita days that offers traditional Roman dishes, fresh fish and meat with indoor and outdoor rooms, in business since 1954.

A number of dishes on the menu can be made without gluten, as well as vegan and vegetarian options.

• Address: Via Aurora, 39
• Phone: +39 06 4201 6034
• Hours: Monday - Sunday: 12 PM - Midnight

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Risotteria Melotti

Everything on the menu of this charming little restaurant a stone's throw from Piazza Navona is gluten-free.

The menu includes only dishes of traditional Veneto cuisine with a focus on risotto, using rice produced by the owners, the Melotti family - a great way to have a different gluten free in Rome experience.

Guests can choose from a dozen different risottos (my favorite is the one with porcini mushrooms topped with grilled shrimp) as well as appetizers and desserts, all employing rice as their main ingredient.

• Address: Via della Vetrina, 12A/B
• Phone: +39 06 686 8093
• Hours: Monday - Sunday: 11 AM - 11 PM

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La Soffitta Renovatio

La Soffitta Renovatio is one of Rome's historic AiC approved restaurants, located near the Vatican.

Many of their signature dishes (including appetizers, pasta courses, pizzas and desserts) can be prepared without gluten.

• Address: Piazza del Risorgimento, 46/a
• Phone: +39 06 6889 2977
• Hours: Monday - Sunday: 11:30 AM - 11:30 PM
  

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Pizzeria Bisteccheria Triticum

In addition to juicy steaks and a jovial ambiance, Pizzeria Bisteccheria Triticum offers a four-page menu of "Zero Glutine" options that include fried appetizers, focaccia, supplì, bruschetta, calzone, pizza and desserts.

There's also a kids gluten-free menu and a play area with crayons and toys so this is great spot if you have children that need to eat gluten free in Rome.

• Address: Via Mombaruzzo, 162
• Phone: +39 06 6156 2798
• Hours: Monday - Sunday: 7 - 11:30 PM
  

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Voglia di Pizza

This very centrally located restaurant and pizzeria serves all the classic Rome-style thin-crust pizza options made fully without gluten, with a wide choice of toppings and home-style condiments, plus homemade gluten-free desserts, and a choice of 5 different types of gluten-free bottled beer.

• Address: Via dei Giubbonari, 33
• Phone: +39 06 687 5293
• Hours: Monday - Sunday: 12 - 11 PM
  

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Gluten free in Rome Take-Out

Erudito

Rome's first 100% gluten-free hamburger joint is located in Pigneto.

They recently started offering delivery service and takeout, taking dinner orders until midnight, so Erudito is the perfect quick way to eat gluten free in Rome.

Their sourdough buns are lactose- and gluten-free, baked fresh daily.

Their hamburger patties are made with a delicious blend of lean and fatty cuts of meat, along with a choice of pulled pork, several veggie burgers, french fries, salads and meatless entrées.

The menu changes every month!

• Address: Largo di S. Luca Evangelista, 4-5
• Phone: +39 06 9208 1032
• Hours: Tuesday - Sunday: 7 - 11 PM | Monday closed
  

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New Food Gluten Free

New Food is a chain with four branches in Rome and an e-shop for online orders that prepares all sorts of strictly gluten-free foods.

This includes various types of bread, stuffed pasta like tortellini, lasagna, critically acclaimed pizza pies and a wide variety of desserts, muffins, cookies and other ready-made dishes for takeout.

• Addresses can be found here.
• Phone numbers and opening hours for all branches can be found here.

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Potter Pizza

This pizza al taglio joint has been serving gluten-free pizza squares and pies for two decades.

Their typically Roman fried snacks like supplì, battered zucchini blossoms, cod fillets and mozzarella in carrozza are completely gluten-free - ideal for a quick stop for something gluten free in Rome, as well as being great for people on a budget!

• Address: Viale dei Colli Portuensi, 346
• Phone: +39 06 6574 0770
• Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 10:30 AM - 9:30 PM | Sunday: 6 - 9:30 PM | Monday closed

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Gluten Free in Rome Bakeries & Chocolate shops

Le Altre Farine del Mulino

The owner of this bakery, pastry shop and rotisserie located near the Vatican has been celiac from a young age, their offerings are therefore entirely without gluten.

There's a full spread for breakfast that changes to sandwiches at lunchtime, and then gluten-free aperitivo later in the evening.

All cakes, donuts, brioche, fresh baked bread and tapas are made from scratch on site. 

• Address: Via di Porta Cavalleggeri, 151/153
• Phone: +39 06 6440 0017
• Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM | Sunday: 8 AM - 3 PM | Monday closed

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Grezzo

The governing philosophy behind the raw vegan and gluten-free chocolate shop in the Monti district, Grezzo, is that they only use certified organic ingredients.

The chocolates, cookies, spreads, gelato and other cacao-based treats sold at Grezzo are also made in accordance with the paleo diet and contain no refined sugars so it's not only those eating gluten free in Rome who'll be happy!

• Address: Via Urbana, 130 
• Phone: +39 06 483 443
• Hours: Monday - Thursday: 12 - 1 PM, 1:30 - 8 PM | Friday - Saturday: 12 - 1 PM, 1:30 - 11 PM | Sunday: 12 - 8 PM

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La Pasticciera

La Pasticciera is a small artisan workshop with a big following in the gluten free in Rome scene.

This little gluten-free bakery near Termini has a secret: a unique and innovative flour blend prepared daily by the celiac owner.

This results in products that are completely natural, rich in fiber and vegetable proteins, and containing no chemically treated flours.

Hydrogenated fats and palm oil are also banned in favor of noble fats such as butter and extra virgin olive oil.

They offer more than just sweets with lactose intolerant and vegan options, savory party preparations, bread and focaccia.

Among the house specialties are a stellar gluten-free Sacher Torte and Linzer Torte, Mimosa cake layered with chocolate chips and fresh raspberries, savory brioche buns and pizza bianca stuffed with mortadella!

• Address: Via Varese, 43
• Phone: +39 06 8308 2160
• Hours: Monday - Saturday: 9 AM - 5 PM | Sunday closed

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Sans de Blé

Located near the San Paolo train station, this artisan gluten-free bakery prepares all manner of pastries, cakes, fruit tarts, cookies and even pizza slices.

Their muffins and brownies (which they call fondenti) are delicious and better than many other non-gluten-free options I've tasted around town.

• Address: Via Gabriello Chiabrera, 58C
• Phone: +39 06 6465 0277
• Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 9 AM - 2 PM, 4:30 - 7:30 PM | Sunday: 9 AM - 1 PM | Monday closed 
  

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Gluten Free in Rome Gelato

Al Settimo Gelo 

Al Settimo Gelo is the result of twenty years of experience in the production of completely natural gelato, so made without any industrial additions or other chemical shortcuts, making it perfect gelato for the gluten free in Rome.

The open workspace of this Prati gelateria allows customers to witness the process of their gluten-free gelato making, from the raw ingredient to the finished product - my favorites include licorice, chestnut, persimmon and pomegranate.

• Address: Via Vodice, 21
• Phone: +39 06 372 5567
• Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 11 AM - Midnight (Till 8:30 PM in during winter) | Sunday: 11 AM - 2 PM, 3:30 - Midnight (Till 8:30 PM in during winter) | Monday closed
  

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Gelateria dei Gracchi

This gelateria sells individually wrapped gluten-free cones and churns gelato that does not employ gluten products as thickeners.

Vegans can also note the different colored paddles to indicate whether a particular gelato flavor is made with eggs or milk.

I always choose pistachio and, when in season, you'll find the best menta (wild mint) sorbet on the planet.

Vatican location: 

• Address: Via dei Gracchi, 272
• Hours: Monday - Sunday: 11:30 AM - Midnight

Spanish Steps/Piazza del Popolo location:

• Address: Via di Ripetta, 261
• Hours: Tuesday - Sunday: 12:30 - 8 PM | Monday closed

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Fatamorgana 

The owner of Fatamorgana, Maria Agnese Spagnuolo, a celiac, launched her gluten-free gelato, setting a trend in the city and is now a franchise with shops all over Italy and one in Los Angeles.

Ideal for gelato lovers with dietary restrictions, the tubs are labeled according to what allergens are present in each flavor (sugar, egg, dairy, nuts, etc.).

Picking your gelato among the 50 seasonal options on rotation is therefore very easy!

My favorites are "Prince's Kiss" (chocolate and hazelnut) and "Crema ai fiori di mandorlo" (vanilla with almond flower extract).

There are seven locations in Rome so you'll be sure to find one for your gluten free in Rome trip!

Monti location:

• Address: Piazza degli Zingari, 5
• Hours: Friday - Saturday: 1:30 - 9:30 PM | Sunday - Thursday: 1:30 - 9 PM

Trastevere location:

• Address: Via Roma Libera, 11
• Hours: Monday - Sunday: 12:30 - 10:30 PM

Piazza del Popolo/Spanish Steps location:

• Address: Via Laurina 10
• Hours: Monday - Sunday: 12 - 9 PM
  

Campo dei Fiori: 

• Address: Via dei Chiavari, 37
• Hours: Friday - Saturday: 12 - 11:55 PM | Sunday - Thursday: 12 - 11 PM

Check the Fatamorgana website for all their locations.

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Fiocco di Neve

Fiocco di Neve is a gluten-free gelateria a stone’s throw from the Pantheon.

Signature flavors include caramel, milk chocolate and hazelnut “Bacio” praline, tiramisu and a myriad of seasonal fruit flavors.

Don’t miss out on the house special; zabaione gelato “affogato” drowned in piping hot espresso coffee!

• Address: Via del Pantheon 51
• Hours: Monday - Sunday: 10 AM - Midnight
  

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Bonus Foodie Tip

What to order in two non-gluten free in Rome places without sacrificing the experience:

Trapizzino

Why miss out on Rome's unique Trapizzino street food experience?

Those not eating gluten can order the chicken cacciatore (the number one filling of their signature triangular pizza pockets) and have it served in a cup instead.

Visit one of six locations in Rome, plus others in Milan, Turin, Trieste, Florence and Manhattan.

• Address: Piazza Trilussa, 46 + 5 more locations here
• Phone: +39 06 581 7312
• Hours: Monday: 12 PM - Midnight | Tuesday - Wednesday & Saturday - Sunday: 12 PM - 1 AM | Thursday - Friday: 12 PM - 2 AM
  

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Mordi e Vai

At the Testaccio market, ask street food icon Sergio to serve you his divine allesso con cicoria (tender slow-cooked scottona beef served with its juices and sautéed greens) or any of his other delicious and affordable samplings of traditional Roman cuisine, on a plate instead of in the ciabatta bread.

Grab a glass of wine and smile!

• Address: Via Lorenzo Ghiberti / Via Aldo Manuzio, 66b
• Hours: Monday - Saturday: 7 AM - 3:30 PM | Sunday closed

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Food shopping

La Bottega del Celiaco

This is a very well-stocked store in the Cassia neighborhood selling a multitude of cookies, snacks, breakfast cereal and granola, pastries, bread, flours, pasta (fresh and dry), candy, frozen foods, organic jams and preserves, spreads, bottled and canned foods, pickles, quinoa, rice… the list goes on.

An ideal place to stock up if you are gluten free in Rome and staying in a self-catered location.

• Address: Via Cassia 1844
• Phone: +39 06 3089 6145
• Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 9:30 AM - 1 PM, 4 - 7:30 PM | Monday closed

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Celiachia e Non Solo Store

Six stores across town (and an online shop) selling a good choice of bread products, pasta, beer, condiments, cured meats, frozen foods, and more.

Celiachiamo

The celiachiamo.com online resource has opened 2 shops that sell gluten-free products in Rome.

The one located on Via della Magliana is a veritable gluten-free supermarket selling a vast selection of packaged goods but, more importantly, an artisanal workshop dedicated to gluten-free preparations which produces daily fresh bread, pizzas plus pastries, cookies, fried foods and custom-made cakes.

There’s beer, pasta, sauces, cake mixes, flours, cured meats... and more.

They have a new e-commerce site, too.

• Addresses: Via Carlo Caneva, 40 | Via della Magliana, 183
• Phone: +390664260188 | +39065506174

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Gluten Free Store

Aida is a pharmacist with twenty years of experience.

When she found out that her daughter was celiac she went back to her textbooks, took courses and started cooking gluten-free recipes.

Putting her new knowledge to good use, she opened her shop in the Cinecittà neighborhood.

Here she sells an impressive selection of yeast-free, lactose-free and gluten-free products, including bread, pasta, flour, pastries, frozen foods, snacks and beer.

She also leads gluten-free cooking classes, tastings and fun events for celiacs of all ages.

• Address: Via Caio Canuleio, 8
• Phone: +39 06 8117 5601
• Hours: Monday: 4 - 7:30 PM | Tuesday - Saturday: 9 AM - 1 PM, 4 - 7:30 PM | Sunday closed

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L'Isola Celiaca

This well-stocked grocery store sells gluten-free products.

Select branches of L’Isola Celiaca franchise also sell freshly prepared products such as bread, sandwiches, pizza, supplì, breakfast pastries and cookies.

Three stores in the city and six in the outskirts.

Punto Zero Glutine

In the Flaminio neighborhood, not far from the MAXXI museum, is this lovely store specialized in gluten-free, dairy-free, yeast-free and vegan products, both fresh and packaged.

Think cannelloni, tortellini and other fresh stuffed pastas; supplì and more fried appetizers; plus flour mixtures, protein bars, cookies …

And more.

• Address: Viale Pinturicchio, 54
• Phone: +39 06 9442 9775
• Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 2 PM, 4 - 8 PM | Saturday: 9 AM - 2 PM, 4 - 7 PM | Sunday closed
  

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Roma Senza Glutine

This shop in the Trastevere neighborhood specializes in gluten-free and/or lactose-free products, with a wide choice of packaged foods.

Think appetizers, microwave pasta dishes, meat or fish mains, frozen pizza and desserts, also sold in convenient single-portion packaging.

Among the latest additions are fresh gluten-free maritozzi with whipped cream, and jam or chantilly cream-filled krapfen.

On occasion, the shop holds small gluten-free cooking classes.

• Address: Viale di Trastevere, 237
• Phone: +39 06 8902 1107
• Hours: Monday - Saturday: 9 AM - 7:30 PM | Sunday closed

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Favorable facts for celiacs in Italy

• In Italy people diagnosed as celiac receive a monthly allowance from the government for gluten-free foods.
• A number of the shops listed above have an agreement with the Lazio Region National Healthcare Service where celiacs with a medical certificate can benefit from discounts on purchases.
• Pharmacies sell a wide variety of high quality gluten-free staples.
• By law, gluten-free foods must be available to celiacs in public schools, hospitals, and other public spaces such as shopping malls, outlets and cinemas.
• All pharmaceutical products are required to indicate the presence of gluten on labels.
• All food and beverage labels must indicate the presence of gluten.

Resources

Anyone still skeptical about Italy's gluten-free proposal can check out Associazione Italiana Celiachia, the Italian celiac disease association; and Celiachiamo, dietary intolerance-awareness website.

Places we didn’t mention?

Get in touch with your recommendations!