Gluten-Free Guide to Rome

You could be forgiven for thinking that Italian cuisine is overloaded with gluten, and not friendly for gluten-intolerant people. Yet as a truly international city, Rome is overflowing with amazing gluten-free restaurants and eateries with tasty gluten-free options.

This means if you have celiac disease or are gluten-averse, there are still tons of great places to include in a Rome food tour. To make it a little easier, I thought I’d take a look at some of the best gluten-free restaurants I’ve found in Rome.

Top Gluten-Free Restaurants in Rome

Rome has tons of great gluten-free restaurants that offer dishes made with alternative ingredients or gluten-free substitutions. Including pizzas, gluten-free pasta, and other creative takes on Italian classical dishes.

Voglia di Pizza

Photo credit: Voglia di Pizza

Voglia di Pizza in Rome’s vibrant Campo de’ Fiori area is a haven for gluten-free diners seeking authentic Italian cuisine. They’re certified by the Italian Coeliac Association (AIC) for a wide range of gluten-free and gluten-alternative dishes, including some truly impressive gluten-free pizza.

The ambiance at Voglia di Pizza has the coziness and welcoming atmosphere of a classic Italian restaurant. The warm interior décor and friendly service create an inviting environment that’s much loved by locals as well as tourists.

The menu at Voglia di Pizza features a wide array of certified gluten-free dishes without compromising on taste or authenticity. This includes things like gluten-free bruschetta and gluten-free pasta dishes.

Of course, my favorite here is the gluten-free pizza. I adore the light, crispy base and soft crust, which is the perfect vehicle for classic toppings such as Margherita di Napoli made with vibrant San Marzano tomatoes, gooey fresh buffalo mozzarella, and fragrant basil.  

Voglia di Pizza (€10–20) – Via dei Giubbonari, 33, 00186 Roma RM, Italy.

Mama Eat Roma

You’ll find Mama Eat Roma in Rome’s vibrant Trastevere district, where they offer a delightful dining experience for those seeking gluten-free authentic Italian cuisine. It’s also close to major attractions like the Piazza Navona and the Pantheon making it a convenient place to enjoy gluten-free food while exploring Rome’s historic center.

Mama Eat has a warm and inviting atmosphere that showcases traditional Italian charm with modern touches. The rustic décor reflects the rich culinary heritage of Roma and Napoli.

Mama Eat’s gluten-free menu is certified by the Associazione Italiana Celiachia. They go the extra mile with dual kitchens and separate ovens to prevent cross-contamination, ensuring safety for gluten-intolerant patrons!

They have an extensive menu of classical Italian dishes made with gluten-free pasta. They also have an impressive lineup of gluten-free pizzas with quattro formaggio being a standout option.  

Yet my personal favorite is the gluten-free arancini with ragu filling. The exterior crust is perfectly crispy, while the rice is still toothsome and the ragu decadently rich.

Mama Eat Roma (€20–30) – Via di S. Cosimato, 7/9, 00153 Roma RM, Italy. 

Per Me – Giulio Terrinoni

Photo credit: Per Me – Giulio Terrinoni

If you’re looking for a masterful gluten-free fine-dining experience in Rome, then Michelin-starred Per Me – Giulio Terrinoni will perfectly fit the bill. It’s nestled in the heart of the eternal city near iconic landmarks such as Piazza Navona and Campo de Fiori, making it an ideal stop for an elevated meal at the end of a historic tour.

The atmosphere at Giulio Terrinoni is sophisticated yet welcoming with elegant interior design and lighting that reflects contemporary aesthetics. Yet, it still has a sense of intimacy with service that is nothing short of impeccable!

The menu at Giulio Terrinoni is the vision of Chef Giulio Terrinoni. It emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced from local producers. Then each dish is carefully crafted using the chef’s “Per Voi” (For You) culinary philosophy.

This includes a special gourmet gluten-free menu, ensuring that all patrons can indulge in the exquisite flavors without compromise. The offerings are always based on what’s fresh and best in-season at the market.  

Per Me – Giulio Terrinoni (€70–100) – Vicolo del Malpasso, 9, 00186 Roma RM, Italy.

Must-Try Gluten-Free Dishes in Rome

In Rome, there are tons of great vegetarian and vegan dishes featuring local produce that are gluten-free. Many restaurants feature gluten-free recreations of classic Italian dishes using alternative ingredients, including the following.

Photo credit: La Soffitta Renovatio

Gluten-free carbonara is a classic Roman dish that many restaurants happily recreate using gluten-free pasta. The strands are luxuriously coated in a creamy egg-based sauce with guanciale and pecorino Romano cheese.

Two of the best places to try it are Voglia di Pizza near Campo de’ Fiori and La Soffitta Renovatio near Vatican City.

Gluten-Free Cacio e Pepe offers an iconic taste of Rome. It’s a seemingly simple dish made with gluten-free pasta, pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper that is a must-try component of any Rome food tour.

My top picks for places to try gluten-free cacio e pepe are Pantha Rei in the Piazza Navona area and Mama Eat Roma.

Gluten-Free Arancini Rice Balls are made from crispy fried rice balls filled with mozzarella cheese, or rich tomato ragu. You find them all throughout Rome as a crispy, indulgent street food.

My top picks for gluten-free arancini include Mama Eat Roma and La Soffitta Renovatio.

Risotto alla Milanese is a popular dish in Milan that has found a loving home amongst gluten-intolerant diners in Rome. It’s an especially creamy risotto infused with saffron which gives it a vibrant golden color and rich flavor. Naturally gluten-free.

I think they do it best at Risotteria Melotti near Campo de’ Fiori.

Gluten-free pizza with a thin, crispy gluten-free crust is a thing of beauty in Rome. The classic is the Neapolitan Margharita topped with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil. However, there are tons of great gluten-free pizza combinations all over the Eternal City.

My top pick for gluten-free pizza in Rome is Voglia di Pizza near Campo de Fiori.

Gluten-Free Tiramisu is a remake of the classic Italian dessert made with layers of coffee-soaked gluten-free ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and cocoa powder.

I think they do it best at La Soffitta Renovatio and Pantha Rei in Central Rome. 

Fresh Gluten-Free Gelato can be found all over Rome. Many gelaterias cater to special dietary needs with gluten-free gelato flavors that are clearly labeled for convenience in their display case.

While there are many to choose from, I think the chain of Gelateria Fatamorgana that you’ll find all over Rome will give you the best taste of what gluten-free gelato can be. 

Gluten-Free Bakeries and Sweet Treats

Photo credit: Sans de Blé

Sans de Blé in Rome’s Testaccio is a fully gluten-free bakery specializing in traditional Italian pastries and baked goods. While they offer a wide range of croissants, pastries, and international delights made with gluten-free ingredients, their tiramisù and chocolate cake stand out the most.

Pasticceria Napoleoni in Rome’s San Giovanni neighborhood is a beloved spot for gluten-free desserts that don’t compromise on taste. Their fruit tarts and cream puffs are crowd pleasers as are their mille-feuille, profiteroles, and assorted gluten-free pastries.

Photo credit: Celiachiamo

Celiachiamo has multiple locations in Rome near the Vatican and Aurelia. They’re a fully gluten-free pastry shop and bakery offering cakes, cookies, and snacks. It’s a go-to for celiac-safe indulgences. However, I think their top options are the pistachio cream cakes, along with gluten-free brownies, and muffins.

Gluten-Free Grocery Stores and Markets

One of the great things about Rome is that they have tons of markets and grocery stores offering a staggering array of gluten-free ingredients. It’s a great way to save money by making some of your own meals in your vacation rental kitchen.

Carrefour Express is a grocery store chain with multiple locations in Rome. Each has an extensive array of gluten-free products including bread, pasta, and AIC-approved snacks.

Celiachiamo Lab is a grocery store and bakery with an immense selection of gluten-free foods and ingredients. It’s a great place to get a taste of gluten-free pastries and snacks and then pick up the ingredients you need to make them at home.

L’Isola Celiaca is another popular grocery store that is well-known for stocking tons of gluten-free products. This is one of my favorite places to go to sample gluten-free ingredients to draw inspiration for things I want to cook back at my rental flat.

Hands-On Gluten-Free Experiences

If you want to tap into Rome’s culinary traditions while remaining on a gluten-free diet, there are tons of hands-on cooking classes and food tours to consider. Many Roman culinary schools and local chefs cater to gluten-free people, letting you experience authentic Italian dishes like fresh pasta, pizza, and desserts without gluten.

Gluten-Free Cooking Classes

Chefs, restaurants, and culinary schools offering gluten-free classes provide you with step-by-step guidance. They’ll instruct you on how to make traditional Italian recipes adapted with gluten-free alternative ingredients such as rice or chickpea flour. Not only will you gain practical cooking skills but also walk away with a greater appreciation of Italian cuisine.

Gluten-Free Food Tours

Gluten-free food tours, like the ones offered by Eating Europe, are another fantastic way to explore Rome’s vibrant culinary scene. Expert guides lead you through neighborhoods like Trastevere or Campo de’ Fiori. Making time to stop at bakeries, gelaterias, and trattorias that specialize in gluten-free options.

These expertly guided food tours often highlight hidden gems like artisan pastry shops offering gluten-free biscotti and pizzerias with celiac-safe kitchens. These experiences are an excellent opportunity to taste a variety of gluten-free dishes while learning about the rich history of Roman cuisine.

Practical Tips for Gluten-Free Travelers

If you’re not fluent in Italian, you need to take extra special care when shopping for gluten-free products in Rome. If you’re not sure, always check the label on pre-packaged items for the term “senza glutine” which indicates it’s made without any gluten.

When ordering in restaurants, also keep your eyes peeled for the “AIC gluten-free” label. It’s a crossed-out wheat stalk symbol, called “spiga barrata,” that indicates the dish or ingredient meets the rigorous standards set by the Associazione Italiana Celiachia.

Prioritizing restaurants that advertise having separate kitchens or specific standards to prevent cross-contamination will also help you enjoy a gluten-free Roman dining experience.

Sources

La Soffitta Renovatio. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from http://www.lasoffittarenovatio.com/

Pantha Rei. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.pantharei.it/

Mama Eat Roma. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.instagram.com/mamaeatroma/

Risotteria Melotti Roma. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from http://www.risotteriamelottiroma.it/

Fatamorgana Gelato. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://fmgelato.com/

Sans de Blé. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://instagram.com/sansdeble_?igshid=MmJiY2I4NDBkZg==

Napoleoni Gluten-Free. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.napoleoniglutenfree.it/index.php/en/

Carrefour Express Roma. (n.d.). Via del Viminale 35. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.carrefour.it/punti-vendita/carrefour-express-roma-via-del-viminale35-4547.html

Celiachiamo. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from http://www.celiachiamo.com/

Find Me Gluten Free. (n.d.). L’Isola Celiaca Talenti. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.findmeglutenfree.com/biz/l-isola-celiaca-talenti/6067431887994880