Hi everyone! We will be travelling to Italy in June and our 22 year old son has a peanut/tree nut allergy. We have a card printed out in Italian to bring with us anywhere we eat. I have read a lot of posts on this forum regarding traveling with food allergies that have been helpful. The question I have - does anyone that has dealt with this have specific recommendations for places that were accommodating for food allergies? It sounds like for the most part everywhere is understanding and will work with you but personal recommendations are always appreciated! Specifically we will be travelling to Rome, Florence and Venice.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15582 posts
First, don't stress too much about peanuts. They are rare in Italy. Last month I stayed at a B&B run by an American ex-pat who craves peanuts. She complained that she can rarely find them and they are exorbitantly expensive. I started to pay attention. It's rare to find them even in supermarkets.
A lot of gelato has nuts, of course. And a lot of desserts. Other than that, nuts aren't used much in cooking or salads. I have issues with meat and seafood products. I've always found restaurant and hotel staff to be very understanding and accommodating, making suggestions and offering substitutions.
Posted by
Vignola, MO, IT
655 posts
Peanuts are not common here but you do find pine nuts, hazlenuts, walnuts and almonds in foods.
Posted by
1367 posts
I can't make specific recommendations since I can't remember where we ate in Italy. But I can provide reassurance. My daughter has an anaphylactic allergy to tree nuts and has traveled with others and by herself to Italy, Ireland, France, Spain and Portugal without incident. I believe that EU labeling rules require menus and food to list allergens, including peanuts and tree nuts. As you probably know, the main thing to avoid, especially in Italy, would be desserts, unfortunately, since they are most likely to contain tree nuts. But there's always gelato (just not pistachio or hazelnut)!