We will be traveling to Venice, Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Assisi & Rome this summer (2015) and have to eat gluten free for medical reasons. We are looking for recommendations for restaurants for gluten free food. I know Italy is great for offering gluten free items in their restaurants, but love to hear from anyone who has experienced eating gluten free in any of these cities and have any restaurants they would recommend.
Thank you for any information.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
No specific restaurants to recommend, but on my recent tour to these same cities, one of our group reported great experiences. She carried a gluten-free info card, was always able to get recommendations from waiters, and was often offered gluten-free pasta substitutions. Many menus (posted outside each restaurant) will mention gluten-free pasta options.
Posted by
United States
223 posts
The card idea is a great one. I have a daughter who must be gluten free. She uses a card (like a business card, but lovely) to describe her allergies and requirements. She always gets great service. I believe that it is important to note that those who absolutely cannot have gluten should have the prohibition (like forbidden, allergy) translated into Italian (and the language of wherever you may first land in case there is a delay). My greatest experience in international travel is in Italy, and it is my experience that fudging (chicken broth in a vegetarian meal) is not so rare that it is shocking. Respect for medical issues, however, is excellent, and the no-gluten diner will get terrific service.
Posted by
Ithaca, NY, USA
740 posts
Although we are not gluten-free eaters ourselves, a restaurant we enjoyed in Florence, Ciro and Sons, has glowing reviews from gluten free folks on TripAdvisor. Not too far from the Duomo. My daughter had "the best calamari" ever and the Florentine beef was very tender and delicious. The prices were quite reasonable, and we had very good service there, as well.