Florence, Italy – Gluten Free Guide
GLUTEN FREE FLORENCE
Before my recent trip through Italy, the words ‘gluten free’ and ‘Italy’ would not have coexisted in my mind. But now, I have to say Italy has some of my favorite gluten free food.. Especially when dining out in Florence, Italy!
Before arriving in Florence, we stopped in Como, Italy and had some wonderful Italian food! (You can find my Como, Italy – Gluten Free Guide HERE). So upon arriving I was eager to try all the food I could, which was definitely more than I thought. I shamelessly could not stop eating gluten free goodies and drinking Chianti wine like it was water! Sooo smooth and light, it was the perfect drink for the warm fall days while I was visiting Florence.
If you have Celiac Disease like me, you might be hesitant before trying all these places.. But I want to assure you I never once had a celiac reaction while I was in Florence! I was in heaven! But like anyone with a food allergy, I let my waiters know about my celiac before ordering. Although I was only in Florence for a couple days, here are the BEST gluten free places I ate at in Florence, Italy!
Before jumping to the restaurants, I think it is important to mention one of my favorite gluten free things about Italy, that is the Associazione Italiana Celiachia (Italian Celiac Association). The AIC is prominent in the Italian Restaurants scene. Restaurants take being gluten free very seriously and will get recognized by the Associazione Italiana Celiachia as a safe place to eat. Next time you’re in Italy, look for this logo on doors/entrances of restaurants and you’ll know it’s a safe place for someone with celiac to eat at.
Now for the list of tasty Gluten Free places to eat!
Travel Tip: senza glutine means gluten free (or without gluten) in Italian.
Trattoria Da Garibardi
If you only have time to eat at one place while you’re in Florence, THIS SHOULD BE THE PLACE! Now.. this might sound a bit dramatic, but hear me out. This place has all the classic Tuscan dishes, and a majority of them can be made gluten free. I’m not even kidding, as soon as we sat down the waiter asked if I wanted a gluten free menu. Which I’m glad he asked, because sometimes I feel awkward asking for a gluten free menu, like people think it’s an insult? Which then turns into the awkward, no my insides just hate me and I have Celiac Disease. But I Digress..
Now Trattoria Da Garibardi has all the Tuscan classics, but are they good? YES! So good in fact that my husband and I ate here once for lunch and once for dinner (but on separate days of course, we had to mix it up). For lunch, I had the Taglierini al Tartufo (Homemade thin fettuccine with truffle sauce) and a small dessert. This specific dessert was not listed on the menu, but the waiter assured me it was gluten free so I took the chance.. And I’m happy to report no gluten reaction! Check out my instagram post about the food HERE!
The second time I returned to this wonderful place, I tried the Pappa al pomodoro (Thick soup with tomato and bread), which I thought would be more liquid consistency, but it was actually really thick and filling! My husband ordered the Tagliatelle con ragù di chianina (Tagliatelle with meat sauce) gluten free so I could have some, and that was equally as tasty! Of course, we paired each meal with a glass of Tuscan Chianti because it’s Florence and it’s delicious!
Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 38R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Ristorante Lorenzo de’ Medici
I honestly can’t remember when the last time I ate gluten free raviolis was.. It was probably pre-celiac. Eating at Ristorante Lorenzo de’ Medici brought back all the memories I had as a child eating raviolis pre-celiac, and my heart was beyond happy! Not only was the gluten free ravioli delicious, but their gluten free pizza was also super good! However, this place gets VERY busy so be sure to book a reservation beforehand. My husband and I suck and we didn’t have a reservation lol so instead of waiting for a table, we ordered our food to go and ate on the terrace of our Airbnb. Best decision ever! The view of Florence at night with the wonderful amoras of our gluten free food just put a giant smile on my face. Although, I did hear that if you eat in, they bring gluten free bread to the table while you wait. So don’t be like us, be sure to make a reservation, you won’t regret it. Check out my instagram post about the food here!
Via del Giglio, 49/51 r, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Antica Gelateria Fiorentina
No trip to Italy is complete without having some gelato! Although there are many places to pick from in Florence, only a few offer delicious gelato AND a gluten free cone. Antica Gelateria Fiorentina offers gluten free cones that are individually wrapped and kept behind the counter. Ensuring zero cross contamination with other cones in the shop. When heading here, keep an eye out as it’s a tiny shop and easy to walk past. Check out my instagram post about the food here!
Via Faenza, 2a, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Ristorante Hostaria Il Desco
This place is a bit on the pricey side, but definitely worth checking out if you can. This restaurant offers traditional tuscan food with gluten free options indicated on the menu. While eating here, my husband and I ordered the Risotto with asparagus creamed with parmesan cheese, the classic Florentine steak and a side salad. The risotto was sooo creamy and delicious. The steak was super tender and cooked just right. If you’re vegetarian, they did offer some pasta options. Additionally, if you let them know that you are gluten free, they will bring a bowl of gluten free bread to the table. If you decide to stop by, be sure to make a reservation, or arrive EARLY! We got lucky with a table because we showed up 5 mins before their dinner opening. Check out my instagram post about the food here!
Via delle Terme, 23/R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Osteria de’ Peccatori
Happy to say this is another gluten free pizza and pasta heaven! Osteria de’ Peccatori offers a large selection of gluten free pizzas, it was actually kinda difficult to pick just one. But if you’re not in the mood for gluten free pizza, you can opt for one of their pasta dishes. All pasta dishes can be made with gluten free pasta, however the pasta will be a penne as that is the only gluten free pasta they offer.. just in case you’re wondering why your spaghetti doesn’t exactly look like spaghetti. But hey gluten free pasta in general is a win for me! My husband and I went around lunch time and were able to be seated immediately, but I will note that this place is usually busy. Check out my instagram post about the food here!
Piazza di S. Firenze, 14 r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Other recommendations…
With the incredible amount of gluten free options in Florence and only visiting over the weekend, it was simply just too difficult to eat at every single place. However, here are a few that were recommended to me. Sadly, I can’t vouch for them personally but I’ve heard wonderful things about the below gluten free places…
Ciro and Sons – Restaurant Pizzeria Firenze
When you type in “gluten free Florence, Italy” this place immediately pops up! Their entire menu is offered gluten and dairy free. I’m honestly quite sad that I didn’t eat here while I was in Florence. As travelers, we don’t always plan out our meals and kinda hope for the best, which failed me when trying to get into this place. It was always extremely busy and had a long line. I highly recommend you make a reservation if you want to eat here. I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about the gluten free pasta and pizza. Plus, walking by the smell was absolutely delightful!
Via del Giglio, 28/r, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
GROM – Il Gelato Come Una Volta
Walking around Florence, you’ll definitely see more than one GROM location. You’re not seeing double (or triple?), GROM is an Italian Gelato Franchise that offers delicious gluten free flavors with gluten free biscuits. I missed my opportunity to try their ice cream, but the thousands of reviews seem to attest to the flavor. Plus it doesn’t hurt to have ice cream more than once in a day?
Via del Campanile, 2, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Mister Pizza
You can’t miss this place in Florence, it’s right across the way from the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and always has a long line coming from the entrance. I was quite bummed I didn’t get to try this place for myself especially since they specialize in making gluten free and dairy free pizza. However, I can confirm that walking by the pizza looked and smelled amazing!
Piazza del Duomo, 5r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Negozio Senza Glutine a Sesto Fiorentino
Further from historic downtown, but still worth noting on this list is Negozio Senza Glutine a Sesto Fiorentino. They specialize in fresh baked gluten free goodies as well as having a small supply of gluten free products. They are most known for their “Torta Con La Frutta Fresca” (pictured below). This place is also easily accessible by taxi or hopping on the train.
Via di Calenzano, 101/a, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino FI, Italy
Bottega Artigiana del Gusto
Across the river and a bit further from downtown, you will find Bottega Artigiana del Gusto. They offer their entire selection of pastries and dried goodies all gluten free. In addition, they also offer gluten free ready to eat sandwiches and slices of pizza. As one reviewer put it, this place is a “Gluten free heaven, coeliac mecca!” Oh how I wish I made my way over here during my stay.. Again its a bit further from the historic center, but easy to get to by bus or taxi.
Via Erbosa, 12r, 50126 Firenze FI, Italy
Ristorante Quinoa
In the hustle and bustle of the old town, you can find Ristorante Quinoa. This place is a completely dedicated gluten free restaurant. The menu has a wide range of modern Italian food and “light dish” options. In addition to being completely gluten free, they also offer a large outdoor seating area that feels like a garden. It’s enclosed within a set of buildings so you don’t get a lot of foot traffic while eating. My husband and I tried eating here on more than once and we just could not get a table. I highly recommend that if you want to eat here, to make a reservation beforehand.
Vicolo di Santa Maria Maggiore, 1, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Le Botteghe Di Donatello Firenze
A bit on the fancier side, LeBotteghe Di Donatello Firenze is a white tablecloth restaurant offering pizza, pasta, and traditional Tuscan meat and seafood dishes. They offer a separate menu with gluten free options upon request. However, when combing through reviews it seems that the gluten free ravioli is the big hit! Also, from reviews, they state the restaurant will also bring gluten free bread to the table.
Piazza del Duomo, 28R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Cantina del Gelato
If you find yourself hanging out on the other side of the river craving gelato on a gluten free cone, Cantina del Gelato is there for you. They offer gelato, smoothies and crepes. I don’t believe the crepes are gluten free, but I do know the ice cream and some cones are. They have a perfect location to grab a treat while walking along the water.
Via de’ Bardi, 31, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Pizzeria La Luna Via Gioberti
Sometimes being around crowds all day as a tourist can be tiring. Luckily, Pizzeria La Luna Via Gioberti is just far away from the tourist center to not have big crowds, but just close enough that you could either walk or hop on a quick bus. They offer a great selection of gluten free pizza and outdoor space that feels like a mini garden in the city.
Via Vincenzo Gioberti, 93R, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy
L’OV Osteria Vegetariana
If you’re looking for both gluten free and vegan food, then L’OV Osteria Vegetariana is the place for you. Their menu is completely gluten free and vegan! You won’t just find pizza and pasta here, they offer a wider variety of vegan dishes highlighting the fruits and veggies that are currently in season. They don’t have a big sign on the building, so be sure to keep an eye for their signage in the doorway.
Piazza del Carmine, 4R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Osteria Cipolla Rossa
A rustic trattoria offering traditional Tuscan food. At Osteria Cipolla Rossa, you will find similar food to other locations, but they also offer a wide variety of dishes gluten free. Reviewers rave about how fast the service is and how delicious gluten free bread that is brought to the table upon request.
Via dei Conti, 53/r, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Senza Glutine Firenze Riccardo Gasperini
At the end of this list is a location like no other, Senza Glutine Firenze Riccardo Gasperini is a dedicated gluten free market. If you plan to spend a longer time in Florence, or possibly road trip through Tuscany, then this gluten free place is a must to stop at. They offer shelves and shelves of gluten free goodies as well as lactose free products. This place is a bit outside of the historic center, but easy to access by taxi, or bus. Senza glutine Firenze Riccardo Gasperini is truly a must if you plan on cooking for yourself while you are staying in Florence.
Via Pratese, 42/d, 50145 Firenze FI, Italy
Travel Tip
If you’re like me, you probably research gluten free food in an area before traveling there. But once you’re at your destination, it can be hard to remember all the places you read about. That’s why whenever I get a recommendation, I save it on Google Maps. So when I’m out and about, I can check Google Maps to see which places close by have been recommended. It saves a ton of time and avoids disappointment by knowing the place you’re headed offers gluten free options.
Do you have any recommendations for gluten free restaurants in Florence? Let me know in the comments.
This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.
