Tips for Eating Gluten-Free in Rome
- lifehasitsquirks
- Oct 24
- 4 min read
Before we dive into specific restaurants, here are a few tips that will set you up for success:
1. Use the AIC App
The AIC (Associazione Italiana Celiachia) app is a must-have. It lists restaurants certified by the association, meaning staff are trained in preventing cross-contamination and the kitchens have separate preparation spaces or strict procedures. This is the gold standard for celiac travelers in Italy.
2. Learn a Few Italian Phrases
While many servers speak English, knowing a few key phrases helps: You can also print these out on a card to have with you while you travel.
“Sono celiaco/a.” – I am celiac.
“Senza glutine, per favore.” – Gluten-free, please.
“C’è contaminazione crociata?” – Is there cross-contamination?
3. Look for the “Spiga Barrata” Symbol
Restaurants and packaged foods certified by the AIC often display the crossed wheat symbol. This is your cue for safe gluten-free options.
4. Book Reservations at Popular Spots
The best gluten-free restaurants in Rome (like Mama Eat) are also popular with locals and tourists. Booking ahead ensures you don’t miss out.
5. Don’t Skip the Gelato—but Choose Carefully
Not all gelaterias are safe for celiacs, since cones, cookies, and shared scoops can lead to cross-contamination. Stick to trusted gluten-free gelato shops (like Gelato G, mentioned below).
The Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Rome
Rome’s gluten-free dining scene is vibrant, and these four spots should be at the top of your list.
1. Mama Eat
Located in the Trastevere neighborhood, Mama Eat is a gluten-free paradise. This restaurant has two separate kitchens—one for gluten-free and one for regular food—so cross-contamination is not an issue.
The gluten-free menu is vast:
Neapolitan pizza made in a dedicated oven with chewy, bubbly crusts.
Pasta dishes like carbonara, amatriciana, and cacio e pepe, all with authentic Roman flavor.
Fried street food classics, including suppli (Roman-style fried rice balls) and arancini, which are often off-limits to gluten-free travelers.
The atmosphere is casual but lively, perfect for families or groups. Many gluten-free travelers say this is the first place in Rome where they realized they weren’t going to miss out on anything.
2. Pizza in Trevi
Imagine eating delicious gluten-free pizza just steps from the Trevi Fountain. That’s the magic of Pizza in Trevi. I'll even say that it was one of my favorite gluten free pizzas in the WORLD!
This restaurant is certified by the AIC and specializes in safe gluten-free dining. Their gluten-free pizza is baked fresh and comes in all the classic Italian varieties: Margherita, Diavola, Quattro Formaggi, and more. They also serve gluten-free pasta, salads, and desserts.
The setting is unbeatable. After tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain, you can sit down and indulge in authentic Italian pizza without fear, and with gluten free beer!
3. Gelato G
No trip to Italy is complete without gelato, and Gelato G makes it safe for celiacs to indulge.
Located in the heart of Rome, Gelato G is known for its high-quality ingredients and attention to gluten-free preparation. Many of their flavors are naturally gluten-free, and they take extra precautions to avoid cross-contamination with cones or mix-ins. Staff are knowledgeable and happy to guide gluten-free visitors. (And it's steps away from Pizza in Trevi!)
Popular flavors include:
Pistachio (rich and nutty)
Dark chocolate (intensely creamy)
Seasonal fruit sorbets (naturally gluten-free and refreshing)
4. Pantha Rei
For a more traditional Roman trattoria experience, head to Pantha Rei, located near the Pantheon.
This restaurant offers a dedicated gluten-free menu certified by the AIC. Highlights include:
Gluten-free pasta dishes with classic Roman sauces. (We loved the lasagna!)
Fresh seafood options. (And fried calamari!)
Traditional Italian desserts made gluten-free.
Pantha Rei provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy a sit-down meal in a historic setting while knowing your gluten-free needs are taken seriously. It’s cozy, authentic, and close to many of Rome’s top attractions.
Other Gluten-Free-Friendly Spots in Rome
While the four restaurants above are must-visits, Rome has plenty more gluten-free gems. Many cafes and trattorias offer gluten-free pasta upon request, and supermarkets like Coop or Conad stock gluten-free staples. For a quick bite, even McDonald’s in Italy offers gluten-free buns! It was a treat for our family who hadn't had McDonald's in YEARS!
Tips for a Successful Gluten-Free Foodie Experience in Rome
1. Plan Ahead, But Stay Flexible
Mark down a few AIC-certified restaurants near the sites you’ll be visiting each day. That way, you’ll never find yourself hungry with no safe options nearby.
2. Communicate Clearly
Always tell your server that you’re celiac (“Sono celiaco/a”) so they understand it’s a medical condition, not a preference. Italians take it seriously, but clarity is key.
3. Try Regional Gluten-Free Specialties
Don’t just stick to pizza and pasta. Try gluten-free versions of Roman classics like suppli, saltimbocca alla romana, and seasonal vegetable dishes.
4. Don’t Worry About Missing Out
Rome is one of the few places in the world where gluten-free travelers often say they ate better than they do at home. You’ll enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, prepared safely and deliciously.
Final Thoughts: Gluten-Free Rome is a Food Lover’s Dream
Eating gluten-free in Rome is not only possible—it’s a joy. With restaurants like Mama Eat, Pizza in Trevi, Gelato G, and Pantha Rei, gluten-free travelers can experience authentic Italian cuisine without compromise.
Thanks to Italy’s strong celiac awareness and the AIC app, you can navigate the Eternal City with confidence, knowing that safe, delicious options are never far away.
So pack your appetite, because in Rome, even if you’re gluten-free, la dolce vita is always on the menu.
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