Gluten-Free Rome: A Travel Guide for Celiacs

In a city renowned for its pasta and pizza, adhering to a gluten-free diet may initially seem like a challenge. However, don’t be fooled – eating gluten-free in Rome is not only feasible but surprisingly delightful. The Eternal City boasts an array of restaurants that not only understand the nuances of gluten-free dining but also excel in crafting authentic and mouthwatering alternatives. Join us on a gastronomic journey through the heart of Rome, as we unveil the finest gluten-free dining options, ensuring that your focus remains on anticipating the wonders of your Roman adventure rather than worrying about where you’re going to eat.

Table of Contents

• Tips for Eating Gluten-Free in Rome
• Best Gluten-Free Restaurants and Bakeries in Rome
• Best Hotels in Rome for Celiacs
• Best Supermarkets in Rome for Celiacs
• Must-Know Italian Words and Phrases for Celiacs
• Everything Else You Need to Know Before Traveling to Rome
  • Best Time to Visit Rome
  • How to Get Around Rome
  • Best Things to Do in Rome
  • Best Day Trips From Rome

Tips for Eating Gluten-Free in Rome

Before we dive into where to find the best Italian dishes for celiacs in Rome, we first have a few tips and tricks to help you eat gluten-free while in Italy. 

Get an Italian Gluten-Free Restaurant Card 

Language barriers are one of the biggest issues gluten-free travelers experience while abroad. It’s essential that servers understand what celiacs can and cannot have, but things can get lost in translation. To ensure that those who will be serving you food understand your allergy, download our Italian gluten-free restaurant card. Our gluten-free restaurant card is a fantastic asset when traveling as it has a list of foods you can and cannot eat on it, along with a brief overview of your allergy all written in Italian. All you have to do is pass over the card and any questions your server may have will be answered on the card.

Be Careful With Beers Labeled Gluten-Free

Europe has become much more gluten-free friendly over the last decade, with several brewers now crafting gluten-free beers. While this is great news for our beer-loving celiacs, we do have a bit of a warning to impart. Several beers labeled gluten-free are not gluten-free beers, they are instead gluten-removed. There is a lot of debate over whether or not it is safe for celiacs to consume these beers, but we will leave it up to you to use your best judgment. For peace of mind, always double-check to make sure the beer is labeled with the official EU symbol for gluten-free products. One of the most popular Italian breweries that offers gluten-removed beers is Peroni. 

Check Out the Italian Celiac Association

The Italian Celiac Association (AiC) is a fantastic resource for gluten-free travelers in Rome. The AiC website boasts a plethora of information on Italian food brands, local tips, recipes, and more. Their app is also extremely handy as it has a directory of certified gluten-free restaurants across Italy.

Make Reservations

Gluten-free restaurants are quite popular, especially the restaurants who have garnered a reputation for delicious gluten-free foods (like many listed below). Since Rome is one of the top tourist destinations in Europe, it’s safe to assume there will be many other gluten-free travelers and celiac locals vying for a table at these fabulous restaurants. To avoid disappointment, it’s best to call ahead and make a reservation so that you are guaranteed a table. Also, be sure to let the restaurant know in advance that you are gluten free as restaurants that are not fully gluten-free may need time in advance to prepare a safe cooking space for gluten-free meals. 

Best Gluten-Free Restaurants and Bakeries in Rome

Rome is filled with plenty of things to see and do, but more specifically, eat! A trip to Italy wouldn’t be complete without trying the famous dishes that put Italy on the map as one of the most exquisite culinary countries in the world. Below, we have listed the best gluten-free restaurants in Rome so that you can enjoy a worry-free and gluten-free meal while on vacation. 

If you’re an avid traveler or someone who is tired of researching gluten-free restaurants in every new city they visit, then consider downloading our ebook “100% Dedicated Gluten-Free Restaurants Around the World,” which features over 1000 restaurants and bakeries worldwide that are verified gluten-free. This way you’ll have the best gluten-free restaurants on hand no matter where your adventures or work takes you! 

Mama Eat

Oh Mama, are you going to want to eat here! Mama Eat is a fantastic gluten-free restaurant with two locations in the city. If you’re looking for a gluten-free pizza in Rome, this is the place to go. They have a fantastic thick-crusted pizza along with plenty of other gluten-free options on the menu. All gluten-free dishes are cooked in a dedicated gluten-free kitchen.

Address: Various locations • Visit Website

Mama Eat Lab

Mama Eat Lab is a branch of Mama Eat and spectacular gluten-free restaurant for fried foods like fried pizza and donuts, along with classic italian eats. The restaurant is located right beside the Vatican.

Address: Borgo Pio, 28, 00193 Roma • Visit Website

Le Altre Farine Del Mulino ★

If you’re looking for a sweet treat and a coffee near the Vatican, then head to Le Altre Farine Del Mulino. This 100% gluten-free bakery has plenty of baked good options to enjoy with cappuccino, plus there are several lactose-free treat options as well.

Address: Via di Porta Cavalleggeri, 151/153, 00165 Roma • Visit Website

New Food Gluten Free ★

Another great gluten-free bakery in Rome to check out is New Food Gluten Free. Here, you can choose from a large selection of celiac-friendly goodies, along with pizza slices, croquettes and classic Italian profiteroles. There are two locations in the city to check out as well as a brand new gluten-free restaurant called New Food Experience that serves up gluten-free pasta dishes and much more!

Address: Various locations • Visit Website

Risotteria Melotti ★

Located near the Piazza Navona, this celiac-friendly restaurant serves up exceptional risotto and tiramisu. They also offer a large selection of vegetarian dishes and delivery for those who want to enjoy a meal in their accommodation.

Address: Via della Vetrina, 12a/b, 00186 Roma • Visit Website

El Maìz ★

If you’re looking for a gluten-free restaurant that isn’t Italian, then head to El Maìz located just two blocks from the Vatican. Here, you’ll find a great selection of Venezuelan street foods like empanadas and arepas.

Address: Via Tolemaide, 16, 00191 Roma • Visit Website

Il Tulipano Nero

Il Tulipano Nero, located near the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere, has a menu of classic Italian dishes and pizzas with several gluten-free options. The gluten-free carbonara is especially delicious!

Address: Via Roma Libera, 15, 00153 Roma

La Soffitta Renovatio 

This family-run Italian restaurant serves up fantastic Roman and Abruzzo dishes, like pastas, pizzas, and seafood. All of the dishes on the menu can be prepared as gluten-free and some can also be lactose free.

Address: Piazza del Risorgimento, 46/a, 00192 Roma • Visit Website

Pantha Rei

Located right beside the Pantheon, Pantha Rei offers indoor and outdoor seating and a great menu of gluten-free dishes. Visitors can enjoy several gluten-free pasta dishes and pizzas, along with a range of vegetarian options.

Address: Via della Minerva, 19, 00186 Roma

Mangiafuoco Pizza & Grill

This is an excellent restaurant in Rome for those who are celiac as the entire menu can be made gluten-free. It’s quite a popular location with locals as it’s off-the-beaten-track from many of the big tourist attractions, so if you want an authentic dining experience with Romans, this is your place!

Address: Via Chiana, 37, 00198 Roma • Visit Website

Voglia di Pizza

Another great gluten-free pizza restaurant in Rome is Voglia di Pizza, located near the Pantheon. This quaint restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining options, along with pastas and gluten-free beers.

Address: Via dei Giubbonari, 33, 00186 Roma • Visit Website

Millennium Center

Millennium Center is a fantastic pub-style restaurant with dancing, karaoke, and gluten-free eats. The atmosphere is very social and perfect for those looking to dance the night away after indulging in a delicious meal.

Address: Via di Tor Tre Teste, 35, 00169 Roma

Pandalì ★

This bakery and café located near the Pantheon is the perfect spot to stop in for a snack or a bite to eat. Pandalì is a 100% gluten-free bakery offering plenty of tasty treats like tarts and cakes, along with a Mediterranean menu offering sandwiches, fresh salads, and more. They also offer vegetarian options.

Address: Via di Torre Argentina, 3, 00186 Roma • Visit Website

Senza Pensieri ★

If you’re looking for a bite to eat near the Roma Termini train station, then head on over to Senza Pensieri. This gluten-free pasticceria offers a wide selection of delicious baked goods, such as sacher torte, apricot pie, croissants, and cakes. They also offer several lactose and vegan options, along with small bites like pizza.

Address: Via dei Campani, 53, 00185 Roma

Sans de Blé ★

This gluten-free pastry shop is a great stop for celiacs looking to try some Italian pastries. Everything in the shop is both gluten and lactose free, and there are several vegan options. Sans de Blé serves up tarts, biscuits, cheesecake, and several savory treats as well!

Address: Via Gabriello Chiabrera, 58C, 00145 Roma • Visit Website

L’Oasi Celiaca ★

L’Oasi Celiaca, located near Villa Gordiani, is another top notch spot for sweet and savory treats. The deli offers a range of delicious baked goods, along with sandwiches, pizza, croquettes, and more.

Address: Via Tor de’ Schiavi, 394/a, 00171 Roma • Visit Website

La Pasticciera ★

If you’re looking to sample a gluten-free cannoli in Rome, then head on over to La Pasticciera. This gluten-free bakery offers plenty of classic Italian pastries like Italian croissants (cornetti) and donuts (bombolone), plus savory goods like focaccia and supplì.

Address: Via Varese, 43, 00185 Roma • Visit Website

Fiocco di Neve ★

Rome can get very hot, especially during the summer, and even celiacs need an ice cream to cool down! Fiocco di Neve is a gluten-free ice cream shop located just a few steps from the Pantheon. All of the gelato and ice cream is made in house, so the only problem you’re going to have is which flavor to order!

Address: Via del Pantheon, 51, 00186 Roma • Visit Website

Gelato g Italiano ★

Another great gelato spot to check out is Gelato g Italiano, located near the Trevi Fountain. Here, you can choose from an array of mouthwatering flavors served either in a cup or cone.

Address: Via delle Muratte, 18a/19, 00187 Roma • Visit Website

Gelateria dell’Angeletto ★

Gelateria dell’Angeletto is a great ice cream shop for those who need a cool treat after touring Parco del Colle Oppio. The shop is located only steps from the park and the Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli and offers a range of flavors for vegans, celiacs, and those lactose intolerant.

Address: Via dell’Angeletto, 15, 00184 Roma • Visit Website

Fatamorgana ★

If you’re a foodie who loves the weird and unusual, then get on over to Fatamorgana to try one of their many odd gelato flavors. The shop offers a range of familiar flavors like mint and hazelnut, but also several odd ball flavors like basil, peach and wine, black sesame with rose buds, and more!

Address: Various locations • Visit Website

Gelato in Trevi ★

If you’re looking for an ice cream to enjoy at the Trevi Fountain, you can’t go wrong with Gelato in Trevi. This gluten-free ice cream shop serves up some pretty large portions in gluten and lactose-free cones. They also have a good selection of vegan flavors.

Address: Via di S. Vincenzo, 31, 00187 Roma

Grom ★

Grom is a gelato shop with several locations across the city. They have a great selection of ice creams that can be served in gluten-free cones with a sweet chocolate coating on the inside. Staff are also very happy to let you sample a few flavors before deciding!

Address: Various locations • Visit Website

Permanently Closed Gluten-Free Rome Restaurants

• Alex Cafe
• Ristorante II Viaggio
• Taverna Barberini

Best Hotels in Rome for Celiacs

Hotels often offer breakfast or on-site restaurants as a convenience for their guests, but if you’re a celiac traveler, you don’t always get to reap the benefits. Below we have listed a number of great hotels that do serve a variety of gluten-free dishes instead of just gluten-free toast or salads. All of the hotels listed below are verified by the Italian Celiac Association (AiC), which means that the staff have taken a course on what celiac disease is and have participated in subsequent training for how to prepare food safely. The AiC also conducts periodic auditing to ensure that businesses are complying with the guidelines. 

• Hotel Mozart
• Hotel Diana
• Hotel Fori Imperiali Cavalieri
• Hotel Alexandria
• Hotel Casa Tra Noi
• Hearth Hotel
• The Duke Hotel
• Courtyard by Marriott Rome Central Park

Airbnb is also a great option if you’re worried about eating gluten-free as you can cook your own meals without worry of cross contamination.

Best Supermarkets in Rome for Celiacs

If you’re concerned about shopping for snacks, foods, and drinks while in Rome, don’t fret! The city has several supermarkets that offer celiac-friendly products. The two biggest supermarkets, Carrefour and Coop offer a great selection of gluten-free pastas, breads, cookies and more. 

Celiachimo and L’Isola Celiaca have several locations in the city and are dedicated gluten-free grocery stores that also offer fresh baked goods, sandwiches, and pizza. 

Must-Know Italian Words and Phrases for Celiacs

One of the biggest issues for celiacs when traveling is the language barrier, especially since it’s important that others understand your allergy. While you can use your phone to translate most things, it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with some Italian words and phrases so that you can communicate easier and understand the labeling on products. If you don’t want to stress about trying to explain your allergy in another language, then consider downloading our Italian gluten-free restaurant card.

• Gluten-free — Senza glutine
• Flour — Farina
• Wheat — Grano
• Barley — Orzo
• Rye — Segale
• Oats — Avena
• Spelt — Farro
• Breadcrumbs — Briciole di pane
• Semolina — Semolino
• Wafer — Wafer
• Bread — Pane
• Breaded — Impanato
• May contain traces of gluten. — Può contenere tracce di glutine.

Everything Else You Need to Know Before Traveling to Rome

Rome is easily one of the top places to visit in Europe, and for a good reason. Not only is the Eternal City one of the oldest and best preserved cities in the world, but it also offers a lively nightlife scene and plenty of outstanding attractions for tourists. From touring the famous fountains and ruins to sampling gelato, Rome is a must-see destination for every traveler. 

Best Time to Visit Rome

The best time to visit Rome all depends on what you’re looking to get out of your holiday. Like many European countries, summertime brings the nice hot weather but it also brings the crowds. If you want to avoid long queues for attractions, then consider visiting in the Fall or Spring. This is when accommodation and flights are also more affordable compared to summertime and the weather is still warm. Wintertime in Rome can actually get pretty cool with temperatures ranging in the mid 50s and it is the season the city sees the most rainfall. However, the tradeoff for visiting during winter is that the city is relatively free of tourist crowds and it’s the most budget-friendly season to visit Rome.

How to Get Around Rome

Rome has fantastic transportation options for tourists. The best way to get around the city is on foot and by using public transportation like the metro, bus, tram, and trains. Rome has some pretty insane traffic and traffic rules, so we highly recommend against renting a car. The Roma Pass is a fantastic tourist card for those who are planning on seeing some of the sites and using public transport. You can purchase a card for 48 or 72-hours which offers unlimited transportation on the city’s public transit network, skip-the-line-admission for one to two attractions, discounts on attraction tickets, and more. 

Another great way to navigate the city is by purchasing a hop-on, hop-off bus pass. The hop-on, hop-off buses are a great way to see the sites and familiarize yourself with the city streets. With a pass, you’ll have unlimited travel on the bus routes where every stop is either at or near a major attraction, saving you the hassle of trying to navigate the public transit and the city streets. You can also ride the bus routes as a tour as the buses have live and/or pre-recorded audio commentary. Other ways to get around the city include taxi (can be ordered using the MyTaxi app) and Uber. 

Best Things to Do in Rome

There really is no shortage of outstanding attractions in Rome and we want to make sure you don’t miss the best ones! Below is our list of the absolute must-see attractions in Rome for tourists. 

Vatican City

Vatican City is one of the most famous attractions in Rome. It’s the smallest country in the world and home to the Pope of the Catholic church. Visitors can roam about the Vatican and explore its most famous artworks and religious items at the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel or climb up to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica for an unmatched view of the city. Since this is one of Rome’s most popular attractions, it’s best you book your tickets in advance here to avoid long queues. 

Colosseum and Roman Forum 

A visit to the Colosseum and Roman Forum is a must for tourists. Not only will you get to see one of the city’s most iconic buildings where gladiators duked it out, but you’ll also get a feel for what life and entertainment looked like in Ancient Rome. A visit to the Colosseum is incomplete without visiting the nearby Roman Forum. This collection of ruined homes, basilicas, and grand arches was once the focal point of Ancient Rome. As tourists wander the pathways, they’ll learn all about what life was like when the Roman Empire was at its peak. Again, we highly recommend you purchase tickets well in advance, especially if you are visiting during summer.

Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is such an iconic Rome attraction that it averages roughly 1000-1200 visitors every hour. Hearing that, you may be wondering what all the fuss is about? Well, this large baroque-style fountain built in the 18th century was made with the same travertine stone as the Colosseum and its incredible detail is quite the sight to see. It’s also said that if you throw a coin in the fountain, you will have good luck and return to Rome in the future.

Pantheon

When it comes to Roman architecture and art, not many other cities can compete on the same scale. The Pantheon speaks to ancient Rome’s love of beautiful things and is a bucket list stop for those visiting Rome. Inside this domed building lie several chapels and tombs, including the tombs of three important figures, Raphael, the famed artist, and two Kings that once ruled. Unfortunately, as of July 2023 it is no longer free to visit the Pantheon. We recommend booking this guided tour of the Pantheon so you can learn all about its significance and history, plus skip the line to get in. 

Borghese Gallery

The Borghese Gallery is one of the top attractions in Rome for a reason. It is home to some of the most recognizable Italian artworks and features works from the 15th to 18th century. You’ll find several artworks by familiar artists such as Carravaggio, Bernini, Raphael, Titian, and more. Because this is such a world renowned art gallery, you will need to purchase your tickets well in advance. 

Castel Sant’Angelo

This large castle located near the Vatican was built in 135 AD and is filled with a rich history. Not only is it home to the tomb of Emperor Hadrian, who helped to expand the Roman Empire immensely, but it also served as a refuge for Pope Clement VII during the sack of Rome in 1527. Castel Sant’Angelo was originally constructed as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, but today it serves as a museum where tourists can learn all about the major events that happened within the castle walls and Rome. We highly recommend booking your ticket in advance since it’s such a popular attraction.  

Capitoline Museums

The Capitoline Museums is an outstanding attraction to visit, especially if you are interested in the arts. The palaces that the museums call home were designed and built by Michaelangelo and now house a beautiful collection of Roman, Egyptian, and Greek sculptures, along with a collection of Renaissance artworks. You’ll definitely want to purchase your tickets in advance and plan to spend about two hours exploring the collections. 

Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore

The Romans were no slouches when it came to building churches, and the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore is a prime example of the labor of love and dedication that went into building such religious buildings. The Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore is more than just a beautiful basilica, though, as the inside has a golden coffered ceiling that was commissioned by Pope Alexander VI. They didn’t just use any gold to construct the ceiling, but instead the first gold that Christopher Columbus brought back to Italy after his first visit to America.  

Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi

Almost all the squares/piazzas in Rome feature a centerpiece, usually an obelisk or fountain. However, at the Piazza Navona, the centerpiece is a fountain created by Bernini depicting four different nude characters. Each of the fountains’ nudes represents one of the four most important rivers known by Europeans in the 17th century: the Ganges in Asia, the Nile in Africa, the Rio de la Plata in the Americas, and the Danube in Europe. The fountain is spectacular to see in person and a great spot to enjoy a gelato while touring the city. 

Best Day Trips From Rome

While Rome is bursting with plenty of attractions and things to do, it’s always a good idea to get out of the city and explore what else Italy has to offer. From quaint villages to volcanos and wineries, these are the best day trips from Rome.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a truly unique attraction located just under a three hour drive from Rome. This ancient city was once a bustling hub for culture and commerce, but in 79 CE, Mount Vesuvius violently erupted killing all in its path and preserving the city in ash and pumice. Centuries later, tourists can now explore the frescoes, stone paths, and ruins that once made up this grand city. Pompeii can be reached in just under two hours by train and the best way to visit it is with a guided tour. 

Capri

Capri is known as a luxury destination for celebrities and the rich. This beautiful island off the Amalfi Coast boasts crystal clear blue waters and plenty of boutique shops. This full-day tour of Capri from Rome will take you to all the highlights of the island and on a boat tour that includes a visit to the Blue Grotto. Keep an eye out on your boat tour as you’ll also see some extravagant megayachts owned by some of the world’s wealthiest people!

Tuscany

Tuscany is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance and as one of the most prolific wine regions in Europe. The gentle rolling green hills and peaked mountainous landscape make for breathtaking sites, ideal for enjoying with a glass of wine. You can opt to explore the countryside and wineries on a guided day trip from Rome or take the hour-and-45-minute train to Florence to immerse yourself in the artworks and inspiration of Italy’s great Renaissance artists.

Hadrian’s Villa

If you’re looking for a short day trip from Rome, then consider visiting the ruins of Hadrian’s Villa near Tivoli, about a 45 minute drive from the city. Built in 120 AD by Emperor Hadrian, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a glimpse into the luxury and elegance of Ancient Rome and is one of the most important villas from the time period. Tourists can wander the ruins of the 40 acre excavation site and view artifacts, bath buildings, and the remains of grand gardens. We recommend booking a guided full day tour so that you can soak up as much knowledge about this iconic summer villa as you can! 

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is known for its rugged coastline, incredible turquoise waters, and its lemons! There are several great towns to visit on the Amalfi Coast, like Sorrento, Positano, and the town of Amalfi. Visitors can rent a car and explore the peninsula on their own, but we recommend booking a guided tour as the roads can become very narrow, forcing drivers to pay attention to corners and maneuver their vehicles around buses driving through the area. There are plenty of things to do on the Amalfi Coast, such as hiking the Path of the Gods, sampling fresh limoncello, and enjoying pristine beaches.

Now that you’re a master of gluten-free Rome, you can truly do as the Romans do and eat until your heart’s content (who’s counting calories on vacation?). Enjoy sampling all of Italy’s iconic dishes and treats, and if you’re planning a trip to Florence as well, be sure to check out our detailed gluten-free Florence guide!