Pizza, pasta, pastries… when a country is known for all things gluten, it’s easy to assume Italy wouldn’t be the first choice for anyone who must follow a gluten free diet. But the gluten free food in Rome tells a different story and I can confirm the reputation it’s earned in the gluten free community lives up to the hype.
As someone who lives strictly gluten free and is part of GluteGuard team, I know how tricky eating out on a gluten free diet can be, let alone while travelling. Hotel buffets, group tours, language barriers, unfamiliar menus… even when you’ve done your research, there’s often the added stress of possibly getting ‘glutened’. And when food is such a big part of experiencing a city, it’s hard to not feel like you’re missing out. Another caprese salad while everyone else eats carbonara? No thanks.
After exploring the gluten free food in Rome, I can confidently say it deserves a place on any gluten free traveller’s bucket list. It’s one of the most gluten-aware countries in the world, leading the way in gluten free food handling education across the hospitality industry, and they have plenty of dedicated venues to match. You really can enjoy all the local food with confidence – and yes, even pizza, pasta and pastries.
Here’s how to find gluten free food in Rome, my seven favourite spots, plus what to pack for extra peace of mind when eating food prepared by others.
Finding Gluten Free Food in Rome with the AIC App
Food is at the heart of Italian culture, and the AIC (Italy’s coeliac society) is making sure those on a gluten free diet aren’t left out. Like many societies, they fund scientific research and advocate for the community. But where they really stand out is raising public awareness and educating hospitality, medical, and media sectors on what gluten free really requires.
One of the best tools they’ve created is the AIC app – a must-download for anyone looking for gluten free food in Rome and across the rest of Italy. The app lets you search by map for certified restaurants, cafes, and stores nearby, making it much easier to find safe gluten free food options on the go. Visitors can access the app for two weeks for around AUD$5.99, and in my opinion, it’s absolutely worth it.
My Favourite Gluten Free Bakeries in Rome
What surprised me most about the gluten free food in Rome wasn’t just how many options there were, but how many were fully dedicated gluten free venues, including bakeries. From my accommodation in Rome alone, there were five gluten free bakeries within easy walking distancing. Conveniently, one to try for every day of my visit.
Here’s my recommendations for gluten free bakeries in Rome:
1. Pandali
Located steps from the Pantheon, Pandali is a fantastic 100% gluten free bakery that’s perfect for enjoying a treat while taking a rest in between sightseeing. There’s fresh pizza, focaccia, brioche, cookies, muffins, biscuits, and tarts, and you’ll probably want one of everything. I had a parma ham and buffalo mozzerlla stuffed focaccia, and dark chocolate cookie, and honestly wish I’d bought extras to stash in my bag for later.
2. Le Altre Farine del Mulino
Tucked near the Vatican, Le Altre Farine del Mulino is a dedicated gluten free bakery-café and was one of the prettiest displays of gluten free food in Rome I saw. I stopped in for a morning coffee and pastry, (corentto al cioccolato, naturally) before heading to St. Peter’s Basilica, and it was the perfect way to start the day.
3. New Food Gluten Free - Ponte Sisto
With a few locations throughout Rome, New Food Gluten Free is a must. Their cabinets are packed with gluten free versions of everything – pizza, pastries, arancini, cannoli, all perfect for takeaway. I went back more than once to make sure I didn’t miss out on trying a bit of everything.
Best Gluten Free Pizza and Pasta in Rome
Alongside the dedicated gluten free bakeries, the gluten free food in Rome includes no shortage of pizza and pasta restaurants. I even ‘tricked’ my gluten-loving friend into dining at a fully gluten free venue and there were zero complaints after the bruschetta and calzone was devoured.
Thanks to AIC’s work, many regular restaurants in Rome now offer a wide range of gluten free options. In most cases, when I ordered my meal ‘senza glutine’, staff responded with a reassuring ‘certamente’ or ‘nessun problema’. They’d then proceed to tell me about the separate ovens, friers, or sometimes even separate kitchens they would use to prepare my meals.
My gluten free pizza or pasta would often be served on a different coloured plate or with a mini flag to clearly indicate to the waiter it was the gluten free option – a simple touch that was very reassuring.
Here’s my recommendations for gluten free pizza and pasta restaurants in Rome:
1. Mama Eat
If you only visit one restaurant from this blog, let it be Mama Eat. Everything on their massive menu can be made gluten free and get this: they have two completely separate kitchens, with one dedicated entirely to gluten free food preparation. That kind of setup is rare. We tried, bruschetta, croquettes, the carbonara and the eggplant parmigiana. So delicious that all was eaten up before I even remembered to take a photo!
2. Renovatio La Soffitta
Right near St Peter’s Square, Renovatio La Soffitta has a giant AIC accreditation sign out front and an equally ginormous gluten free menu. My server was across everything and took time to reassure me about how it was prepared, even on a busy night. The gluten free pizza base looked too good to be true, but the little flag they stuck in the crust made it clear it was the gluten free one.
Where to Find Gluten Free Gelato (and Cones) in Rome
When in Rome… you can’t not indulge in gelato, right? Luckily, as part of the incredible gluten free food in Rome available, gluten free gelato was very easy to find. Many places offered gluten free wafer cones, staff regularly changed gloves and scoops without being asked, and I even came across a dedicated gluten free chocolate coating station. So, the hardest part was choosing which two (or three!) flavours to eat!
If you’re not into gelato, try a grattachecca (shaved ice) or a granita di caffe, an icy sweet coffee granita topped with light whipped cream.
Here’s my recommendations for gluten free gelato in Rome:
1. Frigidarium
Just off Piazza Navona, Frigidarium became my go-to gelato spot. Most flavours were gluten free, and the gluten free cones were delicious (not always the case compared to previous gluten free waffle cones I’ve tried). It’s popular, so expect a queue but they moved fast and were super mindful. They used a clean scoop without me even having to ask.
2. Grattachecca Kiosk
This little kiosk sits by the Tiber River near Piazza Trilussa, serving up grattachecca – Rome’s version of shaved ice. It’s naturally gluten free, super refreshing, and comes topped with fresh fruit. Great gluten free option, especially in the heat of the Italian summer, when you want something cold that isn’t gelato.
What To Pack for Extra Peace of Mind
Even in a city like Rome, where gluten free food options are widely available and staff are often well-informed, eating out still involves a level of trust when it comes to how your meal is prepared. That’s just part of living with a gluten free diet. And when you’re travelling, that trust can matter even more as being “glutened” could mean missing out on experiences you’ve booked and looking forward to.
While asking questions and checking food preparation is always the first step when ordering gluten free, it can help to have backup in case mistakes happen. GluteGuard is developed to support in situations where there’s a risk of accidental exposure, like when someone else is preparing your meal. Simply take a tablet before you eat, and its unique enzyme will provide an extra layer of protection* by helping break down hidden gluten before it can trigger symptoms.
It’s not about second-guessing the staff or the venue. It’s more about doing everything you can to feel more confident in your choices when enjoying gluten free food in Rome (or anywhere, really) and protecting your gluten free diet. Think about it kind of like travel insurance. Sometimes you’re sure you won’t need to use it, but it makes you feel more relaxed knowing it’s there in case the unexpected happens.
Travelling gluten free always takes a bit of extra planning, but the gluten free food in Rome made it feel refreshingly easy. With dedicated restaurants, clearly labelled menus, helpful tools like the AIC app, and staff who really understood the diet, I felt confident eating out at every stop. If you travel with something like GluteGuard for backup, even better. Hope this list gave you a few new gluten free places to add to your list!
*GluteGuard helps protect those with medically diagnosed gluten sensitivity from symptoms of accidental gluten ingestion. Always read the label and follow the directions for use.