Gluten-Free Venice Guide

Gluten-free restaurants are fast growing in number across the globe, and many Venetian eateries embrace this dietary need. Whether you need to maintain a celiac-friendly diet, or you’re just curious to get a taste of the gluten-free lifestyle, there are tons of great restaurants and bakeries to include in your Venice food tour. 

Gluten-Free Restaurants

While not all of them offer a 100% gluten-free menu, most recognize the importance of food safety. Per the AIC (Italian Celiac Association), they keep their gluten-free menu options separate from other ingredients that might contain gluten.

Osteria La Zucca

Photo credit: Osteria La Zucca

La Zucca sits on a quiet canal near Venice’s Santa Croce district. A lot of their menu focuses on vegetarian and vegan cuisine that also happens to be gluten-free.  

The ambiance is refined with just the right touches of charm showing up in the overhead wooden beams. The main dining room has large windows that let in the perfect amount of natural light, while also overlooking the canal to give you an authentic sense of place.  

Osteria La Zucca’s menu leans heavily on locally sourced seasonal vegetables and ingredients. This means it can change from day to day.  Yet pumpkin flan and many of their purely vegetarian dishes are top favorites with people who enjoy a gluten-free diet.  

On a recent visit to La Zucca, I ordered a ratatouille, made with carrots, leeks, and braised violet cabbage sourced from a local agritourismo. It was garnished with agretti, which gave the entire dish a pleasant grassy, mineral flavor that was reminiscent of spinach.

Osteria La Zucca (€€€) – Sestiere Santa Croce 1762, 30135 Venezia VE, Italy – Open Monday through Saturday for lunch from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, with dinner service from 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM.

Trattoria Ai Leoncini

Photo credit: Trattoria Ai Leoncini

Trattoria Ai Leoncini is located in the heart of Venice, near Piazza San Marco, the Basilica di San Marco, and the Doge’s Palace. Thus, making it a prime spot for both tourists and locals who want to enjoy a good meal while exploring some of Venzia’s most popular attractions.

The decor is classic while being softly understated. The warm wood tones create a cozy ambiance that makes it an inviting spot for a casual meal or catching a quick bite on a busy day.

The menu at Trattoria Ai Leoncini is a mix of traditional Venetian and Italian dishes. However, they are happy to cater to different dietary preferences, with many gluten-free options. This includes gluten-free pasta, polenta, gnocchi, risottos, and some great Italian seafood dishes.

They take special care to accommodate gluten-intolerant diners and are conscious of preventing cross-contamination.

On my last stop, I enjoyed a hearty risotto that was made to order. It had all the hallmarks you look for in a proper risotto. It poured rather than mounded and had the richness of being made with real chicken stock, rather than an artificial broth which sometimes has gluten.

Trattoria Ai Leoncini (€€€) – Calle Larga San Marco 371-372, Calle de la Canonica, 352, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy – Open every day from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM. 

Al Giardinetto da Severino

Photo credit: Al Giardinetto da Severino

Located in the Castello district not far from St. Mark’s Square and the Riva degli Schiavoni, Al Giardinetto da Severino is an island of tranquility away from the sea of tourists. This part of the city is known for being a little quieter, with more local ambiance than some of the other tourist-heavy parts of the city. Al Giardinetto da Severino takes this vibe to the next level with a peaceful dining area.

The atmosphere at Al Giardinetto has a rustic warmth to it, with traditional wooden beams and stone walls. I’m particularly fond of their outdoor seating area that lets you dine under a dappled canopy of grapevines.

The menu at Al Giardinetto da Severino has a full spectrum of classical Venetian dishes. Many of which focus on seafood as the primary protein. They also offer several gluten-free options, including risotto and several dishes made with gluten-free pasta.

On my last visit, I scored a table in the courtyard under the grapevines. I ordered the special that day which was a grilled branzino served over a bed of fresh vegetables and short-grain rice, dressed with herb-infused olive oil. I appreciated the light lemon grace and zest over the fish which gave everything more brightness, while also being a beautiful accent for the herbaceous notes in the olive oil.

Al Giardinetto da Severino (€€€) – Salizada Zorzi, 4928, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy – Open Friday to Tuesday for lunch from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with dinner service from 7:00 to 10:00 PM. Open Wednesday from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Closed on Thursdays.

Ristorante Pesciolino D’oro

Ristorante Pesciolino D’oro is a restaurant and pizzeria in the Cannaregio district of Venice. They have a variety of gluten-free options, including what I think is some of the best gluten-free pizzas in Venezia.

The dining room has warm lighting and charming décor with rustic wooden accents that create a cozy atmosphere. There’s also a modest-size outdoor dining area in the warmer months, which is great for people-watching while you eat.

The menu at Pesciolino D’oro includes a lot of fresh seafood dishes that are inherently gluten-free. They also have special dishes scattered throughout the menu that cater to various dietary needs, including gluten sensitivity.

I love how the crust of their gluten-free pizza is both chewy and crispy, which I think it gets from a blend of rice, oat, and almond flour. I had it topped with roasted red bell peppers and spicy salami. They garnished it with fresh basil that had a powerful perfume, and a drizzle of silky, extra-virgin olive oil.

Ristorante Pesciolino D’oro (€€€) – Campo Santi Filippo e Giacomo, 4275, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy. Open every day from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM. 

Gluten-Free Bakeries and Cafes

Of course, Venice also has some impressive gluten-free bakeries and cafes that give you the chance to enjoy Italian-style pastries and desserts. Most offer a selection made using gluten-free alternative ingredients that are kept free of cross-contamination with wheat-based products.   

Pasticceria Rosa Salva

Photo credit: Pasticceria Rosa Salva

Pasticceria Rosa Salva is one of Venice’s most historic pastry shops that includes a variety of gluten-free offerings. There are several in the city, though the most popular are located near popular landmarks St. Mark’s Square the Rialto Bridge, and Mea Libera Tutti.

The décor inside Rosa Salva reflects its long-standing tradition in a way that gives it a classic yet casual feel. It has a vibe very much like a traditional pastry shop from olden times, perfectly accented with modern touches.

Rosa Salva’s pastry counter is overloaded with a visual feast of classic Italian baked goods. The room is perpetually permeated with the aroma of fresh pastries, cakes, profiteroles, tiramisu, and coffee.

The gluten-free portion of their case includes cakes, biscuits, and buns made with alternative flours. All while being mindful of the risks of cross-contamination for people with coeliac sensitivities.

My favorite gluten-free product in their case is the delicate meringues. I adore the depth of richness in their chocolate and vanilla meringues when I wanted something with coffee. However, the other day I had a lemon and strawberry-infused meringue that was bright and lively. The citrus and berry flavors perfectly cut through the eggy richness of the meringue.

Pasticceria Rosa Salva (€€) – Sestiere di San Marco, 950, 30124 Venice, Italy – Open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Closed on Sundays.

Grom

Grom is a chain of gelaterias with gluten-free options spread throughout Venice. While they have locations in Cannaregio and elsewhere, my favorite is the Grom in the Dorsoduro district in the Campo S. Barnaba. It’s a delightful retreat for gelato and ice cream lovers.

The atmosphere and décor in Grom are clean with sleek lines, rustic touches, and wood accents. The staff is friendly with a good command of the English language, which makes it easy to understand their options and explore the various types of gluten-free gelato they offer.

Some of their most popular flavors include pistachio, hazelnut, and dark chocolate. You can get them in a small bowl, or one of their gluten-free cones​. They also have a modest selection of gluten-free toppings, that are maintained without cross-contamination. This allows you to customize your gelato dessert without worrying about it flaring up a condition like celiac disease.

The last time I passed through Grom for a cool treat, I had a double-scooped cone of pistachio and lemon gelato. I loved how the lemon essence cut through the rich base of the gelato, while also enhancing the nutty notes of the pistachio.

Grom (€) – Campo S. Barnaba, 2761, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy – Open every day from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Conclusion

As one of Europe’s top tourist destinations, Venice has embraced the demand for gluten-free food. The places you see on this list happen to be some of my personal favorites. However, there are many other options like Ristobar San Polo, Vecia Cavana, and Frary’s, as well as bakeries with gluten-free bread and buns.

Whether you’re looking for a Mediterranean restaurant, a refreshing gelato, or a tasty pastry, there are tons of great gluten-free establishments to include in your next Venice food tour.