The 8 Best Gluten-Free Dining Spots in Naples, Italy

In a city famed for pizzas, sfogliatella, and rum baba, it’s hard to believe that many gluten-free options exist. Yet, Naples has a surprisingly diverse mix of celiac-friendly eateries, including fully gluten-free spots and restaurants with a selection of suitable menu items.

Finding authentic but safe dining options is always a concern I hear from gluten-free visitors on my Naples food tours. Thankfully, you don’t have to miss out on the city’s incredible culinary scene, as there’s a growing market for wheatless takes on a host of traditional Neapolitan dishes.

Throughout this guide, I’ve packed in all of my top picks for going gluten-free in Naples, Italy!

Gluten-Free Pizzerias in Naples

Starita

Photo credit: Starita

Starita in Materdei has been serving up pizza for hungry Neapolitans for upwards of 100 years, so it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about crafting the perfect pie!

Inside, it was bright, bustling, and homely, and the quick turnover of tables meant that I didn’t have to wait too long for a seat. Most of their pizzas can be made with a gluten-free base in a separate oven, including their signature marinara, which I went for.

This was as tasty as any traditional pizza I’ve tried. The base was fresh, crispy, and thin, and its mild flavors complemented the oh-so-fresh tomatoes on top, which were teamed with buttery garlic and punchy oregano.

Starita (€€) – Via Materdei, 27/28, 80136 Napoli NA, Italy – Closed every Monday, open every Tuesday to Sunday from 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm and from 7:00 pm to 11:30 pm.

Portico Pizzeria e Trattoria

Portico Pizzeria e Trattoria is a cute and cozy pizza joint in the heart of Centro Storico.

I loved how old-school it felt when I walked inside, between the checkered tablecloths and red brick walls. A friend had raved about the gluten-free margherita with prosciutto, so I had to see if it lived up to the hype.

Seeing as it’s on this list, you’ve probably guessed it did! The lightweight, airy base was divine, as were the toppings of creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and rich, silky prosciutto.

Portico Pizzeria e Trattoria (€€) – Via dei Tribunali, 354, 80138 Napoli NA, Italy – Open every day from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Pizzeria EVO 50

Photo credit: Pizzeria EVO 50

Porto is home to some of the most delectable gluten-free fare in Naples, Italy, and Pizzeria EVO 50 is a particular favorite of mine.

From the friendly staff to the understated decor, everything about this place feels so wholesome. They have a host of options for anyone with a gluten intolerance, including the pizza nerano I ordered.

There was a softness to the chewy dough on the bottom, but it was firm enough to hold up the myriad toppings. The tender eggplant was the winner for me, but the grassy mozzarella and sweet basil added so much flavor.

Pizzeria EVO 50 (€€) – Calata SS. Cosma e Damiano, 22, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy – Open every Monday from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Tuesday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm and from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm, closed every Sunday.

Gluten-Free Bakeries and Cafes in Naples

Siani Senza Glutine

Head slightly north to the neighborhood of Arenella, and you’ll find Siani Senza Glutine. This is a hub for gluten-free confections, and it’s super close to the center of Naples, Italy!

With its modest interior and helpful staff, this bakery has a true old-world allure. All of their homemade treats looked sensational, but I was most curious to try a gluten-free sfogliatelle.

I opted for a sfogliatella riccia, and the flaky, paper-thin pastry was as good as any traditional version I’ve tried. On the inside was the most exquisite, citrus-infused ricotta filling.

Siani Senza Glutine (€€) – Via Domenico Fontana, 47/A, 80128 Napoli NA, Italy – Closed every Monday, open Tuesday to Saturday from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm and from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm, and every Sunday from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm.

Leopoldo Cafebar

Photo credit: Leopoldo Cafebar

Leopoldo has several locations in Naples, but this branch on the edge of Centro Storico specializes in gluten-free goodies. Better still, it’s approved by the Italian Celiac Association.

It’s very much an Instagram-worthy bakery, with chic pink finishes and glossy black tiling. As aesthetic as the decor is, the baked treats quickly distracted me.

This spot is famous for its rum baba, which I have to admit deserves all the praise it gets. Both the moist, fluffy interior and the fragrant rum and citrus syrup on the outside had me longing for a second serving.

Leopoldo Cafebar (€) – P.za Cavour, 78/79, 80137 Napoli NA, Italy – Open every Monday to Thursday from 7:30 am to 10:00 pm, Friday and Sunday from 7:30 pm to 12:00 am, and every Saturday from 7:30 am to 1:00 am.

Gluten-Free Restaurants in Naples for Traditional Dishes

Zero Zero Grano

Photo credit: Zero Zero Grano

For high-quality gluten-free food, Zero Zero Grano in Chiaia is a must-visit.

The blue and white, nautical-like interior had me thinking it was a hotspot for seafood, but they actually focus on creating gluten and lactose-free Neapolitan dishes. 

After scanning the menu, I decided pretty quickly that I was keen on the spaghetti alla vongole. I was instantly impressed by the nutty gluten-free pasta, and the umami tuna bottarga and lean, briny clams were just as appetizing.

Zero Zero Grano (€€€) – Via Carlo de Cesare, 40, 80132 Napoli NA, Italy – Closed every Monday, open Tuesday to Saturday from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm and from 8:00 pm to 10:15 pm, and every Sunday from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

OVEN Forno Vegetariano

OVEN is a pint-sized eatery in Centro Storico, and most items on its compact menu are completely gluten-free.

I snagged one of the tiny tables outside and ordered the sartu di riso after noticing how popular it seemed to be.

This baked rice concoction was so hearty and flavorful. It blended beefy ragù, earthy mushrooms, salty pancetta, and tangy fior di latte to create a heavenly fusion of tastes and textures.

OVEN Forno Vegetariano (€) – Via S. Pietro a Maiella, 10, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy – Open every Monday and Wednesday from 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm, Tuesday and Thursday from 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm and from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 12:30 pm to 11:00 pm, and every Sunday from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm.

Umberto

Photo credit: Umberto

Umberto is a traditional Neapolitan eatery that sits along the edge of Chiaia. It’s among my favorite restaurants in the city, and it just so happens to have some excellent gluten-free options.

This place is sophisticated without being pretentious, with a warm, white-walled dining area, colorful artwork, and vintage chandeliers. 

I tried the dreamiest gluten-free pasta last time I was here. It consisted of a mix of al dente pasta and a buttery potato-based sauce, spicy Neapolitan sausage, and sweet but smokey provola di Agerola.

Umberto (€€) – Via Alabardieri, 30, Vico II Alabardieri, 11, 80121 Napoli NA, Italy – Open every Monday from 7:15 pm to 11:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday and Sunday from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm and from 7:15 pm to 11:30 pm, and every Saturday from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm and from 7:15 pm to 11:50 pm.

Conclusion

It’s natural to feel hesitant about visiting a new destination as someone with a gluten intolerance, but I’m hopeful this list will help brush some of your fears aside. These days, savoring traditional food that’s delicious and gluten-free in Naples, Italy, is much easier than you might expect!

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/naples/

Pizzeria Starita. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://pizzeriestarita.it/en/

Portico Pizzeria e Trattoria. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.porticopizzeriaetrattoria.it/

EVO 50. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://evo50.it/

Siani Senza Glutine. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.sianisenzaglutine.eu/

Leopoldo Infante. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://leopoldoinfante.it/

TripAdvisor. (n.d.). Zero Zero Grano. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187785-d10511094-Reviews-Zero_Zero_Grano-Naples_Province_of_Naples_Campania.html

TripAdvisor. (n.d.). OVEN – Forno Vegetariano. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187785-d12338464-Reviews-OVEN_Forno_Vegetariano-Naples_Province_of_Naples_Campania.html

Umberto Ristorante. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.umberto.it/#hero