Virginia866

Symptomatic Celiac

Going to Florence, Italy in early May. Anyone have any suggestions for being celiac in Italy, places to try. Helpful tips ?

• LifeAfterGF Italy is amazing for travelers with celiac disease. Sad to say but far better than the US. Download the AIC app. It lists all the restaurants that are certified by the Italian Celiac Association. AIC restaurants take it seriously and have rigorous procedures to avoid cross-contamination. As a non-Italian resident you can use the app for 2 weeks for a small fee and then renew for two more weeks. Then you’re done. You can probably reuse it from a new device or perhaps a new login. I would only eat at restaurants certified by AIC. There are a lot of choices in Florence. Our favorite Florence restaurant was Sgrano. Dedicated gluten free. Stunning sandwiches with fresh baked bread. Great dinner place is Ristorante Hostaria Il Desco (AIC certified). Skip Risotteria Melotti, it is safe (dedicated gluten free) but the food is mediocre. 3 replies

• carla105993 Italy is absolutely amazing for celiac!! I didn’t want to leave! You won’t have a problem anywhere you go! Unless you find yourself in a small town! Have fun and enjoy! 1 reply

• nicola64737 Just been in Manalu - 100% gluten free bakery, cafe & bistro- amazing. Agree Italy fantastic for GF everywhere, we’ve tried Rome, Livorno, Florence & Lucca and all have dedicated GF places

• jackie1914 I’m in Italy right now and it is so much further advanced as far as gf goes. So many restaurants offer celiac options but it’s not always advertised. For eg, if you go for gelato ask for a gluten free cone. You often won’t know if you don’t ask. We went to Ciro and Sons in Florence and Mama Eat in Rome because they are certified and read about them online. They are very good, but not as authentic as I would have thought. So we’ve tried other small restaurants and they are amazing! We went to Salsamente in the neighbourhood of San Giovanni in Rome and the owner is the chef. He made everything special and it was fantastic!

• viola79244 If you want eat a delicious “schiacciata” like Antico Vinaio you have to try “Sgrano” is in the same street of it and makes all gluten free

• gwen87577 Trattoria Omero Location: Via del pian dei Giullari, 47 50125 Floren Pian dei Giullari The staff is fully knowledgeable and I had the best steak and marinated artichokes ever. Bring your appetite. They even have a gluten free “bread” so you may enjoy the incredible olive oil. A must in Florence….and the view. I made a reservation online.

• Donna2680 Hosteria i’ll Draco, has separate GF menu & is delicious! We were there last night - FANTASTIC! 1 reply

• TheTimmo We just left Florence and there are GF options everywhere. One of the top 5 countries for GF in the world.

• lisa74423 Hi! I’m from Pistoia, near Florence. In Florence there are many options. Mama Eat, Sgrano, Ristorante Pizzeria Lorenzo de Medici, Quinoa, Mister Pizza, Gelateria Vivoli, and other. ☺️

• francesca67357 Hi, I live in Florence and I am celiac, as the other sad there are many options especially in the city center, a lots of pizzeria/restaurants with double kitchen and therefore safe, look for the AIC affiliation it means that they are safe but in any case I suggest to inform the waiter. For the schiacciata and coccoli quite typical from Florence I suggest sgrano, for an extraordinary pizza I suggest pizzeria insieme anche senza glutine and for an very good restaurant with typical plates I suggest Hostaria il Desco 1 reply

• mary193135 Just arrived in Florence. I’ve been in Italy for a week and have had good gf meals! Italy is fantastic for gf/celiacs.

• charlotte57442 If you visit Ferrara there is a wonderful GF restaurant called Krystal Bakery which is dedicated gluten free

• eloise67236 Best restaurant in Florence centre = Lorenzo de’ Medici

• thereshebooksagain As someone from Italy, I wholeheartedly agree that Italy, especially Tuscany, is a fantastic destination for gluten-free options. Just be sure to mention that you're "celiaca" so they can take extra care with cross-contamination. Although I don't visit Florence often, I can suggest GROM for ice cream. It's a great spot for gluten-free gelato because everything they serve is safe to enjoy.

• jennifer0621 I’ve been to Italy numerous times, it’s one of the few places I travel to and never get sick. Ask your concierge to call ahead to restaurants for you, if you’re unsure. We enjoyed recently: Paoli, Mister Pizza, Il Palagio. If you’re visiting a vineyard for lunch, call ahead to let them know you’re Celiac…I had the most amazing from-scratch GF lasagna waiting for me.

• victoria43675 Sgrano in Florence, the best place for a focaccia take out!