Besides being one of the richest cities in history in the entire world, Rome is also one of the safest places for coeliacs. When you combine a culturally rich capital with strict national regulations and strong awareness, you get one of the best gluten-free capitals in the world!

Why is Rome one of the best cities for coeliac travellers?

Unlike many countries where gluten free is perceived as a trend to the uneducated masses, in Italy, it’s treated as a medical necessity.

Coeliac disease is widely recognised all over the country, diagnosed early, and supported at a national level, starting with the national society (Associazione Italiana Celiachia), which has been active for more than 50 years and continues to do an incredible job at raising awareness and supporting its members.  Italy has one of the highest rates of diagnosed coeliacs in Europe, which has pushed the association to build strong systems around food safety.

They work directly with the establishments, including restaurants, bakeries, hotels and manufacturers to train their staff, establish clear cross-contact protocols, certify kitchens, and conduct inspections.

Thanks to this well-structured system and strong awareness, eating out in Rome is not about settling for a few limited options; it’s about choosing and praying that you won’t fall into a food coma after eating far too much (which happens way too often to coeliacs when visiting Italy)

Here are some of the best gluten-free spots in Rome:

• Mama Eat Roma: With multiple locations across Italy, including 3 in Rome, Mama Eat is often the first stop for coeliacs, operating with separate GF kitchens. You can serve Roman-style pizza, classic pasta dishes, fried appetizers and desserts.
• La Soffitta Renovatio: Just steps away from the Vatican, La Soffitta Renovatio offers one of the largest selections of gluten free dishes in the city. Almost the whole menu can be made gluten free, from fresh pasta to pizza and traditional main dishes. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak tourist season.
• Voglia di Pizza: Completely dedicated to gluten-free cuisine, Voglia di Pizza offers one of the most relaxed dining experiences. Here you can serve pizzas, baked pasta and lasagna, tiramisu and many traditional desserts.
• Pandali: The place to be for breakfast or an afternoon sweet stop! A fully gluten-free bakery specialising in beautifully crafted pastries such as flaky cornetti, cream-filled desserts, cakes, and more.
• Pizza & Gelato in Trevi: A savoury and sweet pause is waiting for you near the Trevi Fountain, where you can eat one of the best gluten-free pizzas in Rome, and then try one of their delicious fresh scoops of gelato from their dedicated ice cream shop!
• Cliachiao Lab: With 3 fully GF locations in Rome, this laboratory-style bakery and pizzeria offers everything from pizza slices and focaccia to cakes and pastries, which are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or simply a quick break.

You can find all of these locations in our free app, Gluten Advisor, where we also feature more than 7,500 verified coeliac-safe establishments worldwide.

Hope that you’ll enjoy Rome and have a wonderful time there, and try not to eat ALL the gluten-free delights that come your way!