eva12345

Asymptomatic Celiac

Hi, everyone!! I am planning on studying abroad in Rome, Italy from the beginning of January to the end of March. This will not be my first time in Europe, but I would really appreciate any advice, recommendations, or tips anyone has! (I am an asymptotic celiac and eat gluten free to the best of my ability. Since my diagnosis, I have never intentionally eaten gluten. However, I currently do not only dine at 100% gluten free restaurants - no judgements please).

• gillian6446 Risotto is a good go to. Learn or carry Italian phrase for gluten free. 2 replies

• karib Don’t forget that Italy is the home of pasta. You’ll have a choice of buying a gluten free option in many supermarkets.

• julie72374 Italy has more coeliacs than any other country and Rome has dedicated gluten free bakeries

• tawnie3244 The Italian celiac association certifies restaurants as safe for celiacs. You will see their little red sign outside of safe places, and if you get the AIC app, you can get a complete listing of nearby restaurants that are safe. There are lots of amazing dedicated gf places in Rome; fiocco di neve, Grom, and Fata Morgana are all dedicated gf gelato shops with gf cones! Pandali is right near the Pantheon and my absolute favourite spot for lunch or a gf pastry and cappuccino. Mama Eat has two kitchens, one dedicated gf, and gf food comes out on glass plates, to distinguish it from gluteny food, which is on ceramic plates. Their gf pizza is my absolute favourite. Soffito Renovatio is near the Vatican and makes an incredible gf cacio e pepe (love their chickpea torta, too). They do also have gluten dishes, but are AIC certified and their gf food comes out with little flags on it, so you know you’re safe. If you get the chance to take a quick trip to Florence, it is also a gf paradise.

• nashbags I visited Tuscany, Como, and Milan last summer so I can’t speak on Rome, but each of those places were amazing at handling gluten free, and I’d be shocked if Rome was different! I’m a highly sensitive celiac and was able to eat out at almost every restaurant we went to, certified or not. The Italian celiac association is serious about educating restaurants over there. Also- McDonalds Italy has a burger in a bag (I kid you not, it’s fully formed and sealed) that is certified gluten free! They just heat it up, so there’s no risk of cross contamination. Honestly, it was delicious. Some locations serve gf fries via a dedicated frier but I was too intimidated to try. You may want to know the phrases “io sono celiaco” (I am celiac) and “che sono senza glutine” (which are gluten free). Typically I’d mention that, then a server would point on the menu which dishes I could eat. I didn’t get sick my entire trip! I hope you enjoy Rome :) 1 reply

• eva12345 Thank you everyone for the wonderful comments!! SO helpful!! I’m looking forward to all of the gf options and the refreshing awareness around celiac!! ❤️

• Ellyse Pizza in Trevi is a must, they have the most incredible gf pizza (prepared in a separate kitchen) but make sure you make a reservation, because it’s a hot spot for tourists, it gets really busy. Beside it is Gelato in Trevi which is 100% gf gelato (cones and all) Mercato Hostaria also had incredible gf food (prepared in a separate kitchen). Mama eat has amazing food (separate gf kitchen) and you can also order this with Glovo or Deliveroo if you don’t want to dine out. New Food has the most incredible croissants I’ve ever had! (Dedicated gf) Pasta in Corso is an easy lunch / quick dinner spot (and also available for delivery) Don’t forgot to Check out the 100% dedicated gf grocery store celiachiamo.

• wendy6498 Le Altre Farine Del Mulino best bakery ever. In Prati area (near Vatican). Also has sandwiches, pizza and lasagna on Sundays - bakeries in Italy are also lunch spots. I think I go to Rome just to go here. And the coffee is good too

• raffiro Plenty of bakeries and restaurants and pizzerias in Rome which offer safe glutenfree food :)

• cristiana3607 I live in Rome 😁 absolutely Italy is very careful for celiacs. Tawnie Ellyse and Wendy give you a lot of places. New food gluten free is also ok for a fast lunch or breakfast 😊🥰. Mama eat is in Trastevere but also another at Ponte Milvio.. have fun! You don’t have any problem here. For me my favorite place in Rome is “Mangiafuoco pizza and grill” in a beautiful District of Rome.. here you can find pasta and pizza but also Fantastic meat and sweets