my wife and I are planning on spending several weeks in Rome in January and February. We will likely secure an apartment for this stay and are planning to stay somewhere in the area between Campo de Fiori and Piazza Navona. my wife has some new dietary restrictions. can anyone give me some input on how difficult 'gluten free' is in Rome and whether there will be markets open in the winter (fresh fruits and vegetables). thanks for your help. best regards, mark
Posted by
Edmonton Canada
327 posts
I am not able to answer your question specifically regarding winter in Rome, however, we stayed in a hotel near Campo de Fiori for several days in October. My husband has celiac and our favourite tiny restaurant near the market was Voglia di Pizza for gluten-free. www.vogliadipizzaglutenfree.com Other nearby restaurants were also able to accommodate his dietary restrictions, and some of the small convenience stores had GF cereal, etc.
Posted by
Washington DC
28980 posts
Many Italians apparently follow a gluten-free diet, and the country seems quite well-equipped to serve such folks. I spotted at least two small shops that sold nothing but gluten-free foods.
This subject has come up several times here in the last year or so, and the reports from people who need to avoid gluten and have traveled recently to Italy have been very encouraging.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Voglia di Pizza is a great, casual spot, note that they have two menus; your gluten-free pizza will come with a flag planted on it. Google gluten-free restaurants in Rome, several will come up.
Many restaurants will prepare gluten-free pasta, preferably with a day's notice at some of them.
Italia is heaven for gluten-free dining. Check grocery stores and farmacie for snack foods, or for staples if you plan to cook at home.
A helpful phrase is "Senza glutine".
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
The question of gluten free dining in Italy comes up often in this Forum, and the answer is always that Italy is one of the easiest countries anywhere. All children are tested for it, and pharmacies sell gluten-free products, although at a higher price than supermarkets since it's subsidized by the Italian health care system when bought there. This New York Times article has more details: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/29/travel/gluten-free-dining-in-italy.html?_r=0
Here are some more threads on this subject (with further links inside):
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/food-drink/celiac-travel
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/gluten-free-in-milan-possible-or-pipe-dream
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15807 posts
Markets are open all year. Italians eat lots of fresh produce. Plan to go early, they often close around lunchtime.