Florence is a city that enchants visitors with its rich history, stunning art, and, of course, its renowned cuisine. However, for celiacs, finding safe gluten-free restaurants in Florence can sometimes be a challenge. In this travel guide, I’ll show you why this beautiful city is truly the gluten-free food capital of Italy.
This guide is designed to help you experience the Tuscan capital with complete peace of mind. Discover the best gluten-free restaurants in Florence, along with top-rated pizzerias, bakeries, and essential travel tips to ensure a safe and delicious trip.
- Practical Tips for Eating Gluten-Free in Florence
- Gluten-Free Translation Card in Italian
- 100% Gluten-Free Restaurants in Florence
- Restaurants with Gluten-Free Options in Florence
- Gluten-Free Bakeries in Florence
- Gluten-Free Gelaterias in Florence
- Stores and Supermarkets with Gluten-Free Products
- Want to See the Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Florence?
Practical Tips for Eating Gluten-Free in Florence
Florence is a true paradise for gluten-free gastronomy. However, it’s always good to be prepared with some extra tricks to ensure a worry-free experience. Here are some essential tips:
Inform the Restaurant Staff: Even though many restaurants in Florence are familiar with celiac disease and some are even certified by the AIC (Italian Celiac Association), it’s always best to inform the staff about your dietary restrictions and the importance of avoiding cross-contamination. This will ensure that the places recommended in this guide continue to be safe choices, as unfortunately, some establishments may change owners, management practices, or food policies over time.
Download my Gluten-Free Travel Card: Carrying a translated gluten-free dining card in Italian is highly recommended. This card explains what celiac disease is and outlines the requirements for a safe gluten-free diet. You can find the full translation in the next section.
Use Specialized Apps: Although this guide provides everything you need for a gluten-free visit to Florence, it’s always a good idea to have additional resources. Consider downloading these two useful apps:
- Find Me Gluten Free – Helps locate well-reviewed gluten-free restaurants in Florence.
- Gluto – Another great tool to check for gluten-free dining options.
However, no app will provide the level of detail and thorough recommendations you’ll find in this guide! 💁♂️
Gluten-Free Translation Card in Italian
When traveling, the language barrier can be an issue—especially when dealing with food allergies or intolerances like celiac disease. Not being able to communicate your dietary needs properly can create stress and uncertainty for travelers.
For this reason, I have created a gluten-free translation card in Italian, which clearly explains:
- What celiac disease is.
- Foods that contain gluten.
- Foods that are naturally gluten-free.
- The correct way to prepare meals for a celiac person.
Although English is widely spoken in Florence, having this card will help you navigate restaurants and shops more easily, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable gluten-free trip to Florence. I hope this resource helps you make the most of your culinary experience in Florence without worries!
100% Gluten-Free Restaurants in Florence
Sgrano – A must-visit for a gluten-free trip to Florence. This restaurant offers a 100% safe dining experience with high-quality ingredients. One of their signature dishes includes fried triangular bread served with truffle sauce, which is absolutely delicious. They also serve crispy, flaky sandwiches with a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. A truly delightful experience! 🤤
Quinoa – Il Ristorante Senza Glutine – Located in the heart of Florence, this restaurant is 100% gluten-free and offers a diverse menu of Tuscan dishes adapted for celiacs. From fresh pasta to handcrafted desserts, you can indulge in authentic Italian cuisine without any worries. They also have a great selection of vegetarian dishes, and their use of high-quality ingredients is evident in every bite.
Risotteria Melotti – A 100% Italian and gluten-free risotto restaurant. They offer an extensive variety of risottos, including options with pistachios, pumpkin, and beetroot. In addition to their risottos, they serve a range of gluten-free appetizers and desserts. It’s a top choice for celiacs looking for a refined meal. They also have a highly renowned location in New York, and having personally tried both, I can say they never disappoint.
RAW VEGAN – A unique restaurant offering a raw food, vegan, organic, and farm-to-table dining experience. Their menu includes gluten-free burritos, pizzas, and desserts. Their tacos are particularly large and packed with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Best of all, the entire menu is 100% gluten-free.
L’OV Osteria Vegetariana – A completely gluten-free and vegetarian restaurant that offers a gourmet dining experience with carefully crafted dishes. However, at the time of writing this guide, the restaurant has temporarily closed while relocating to a new venue. Be sure to check before visiting! I truly hope they reopen soon, as restaurants like this deserve to stay in business.
Starbene Senza Glutine – A great place to enjoy gluten-free pizzas. In addition to their restaurant, they have a bakery offering fresh gluten-free products. However, there is one drawback: it is located near the airport, making it a less practical option for those staying in the city center. Still, if you have time, it’s worth the visit!
Restaurants with Gluten-Free Options in Florence
Mister Pizza – A certified gluten-free pizzeria accredited by the Italian Celiac Association (AIC). If you’re looking for the best gluten-free pizzas in the world, this might just be the place! They have two locations, one right next to Florence’s Cathedral, making it a must-visit for celiacs. Their thin and crispy gluten-free pizza crust is simply outstanding.
Ristorante Il Desco – A certified gluten-free restaurant offering a high-quality organic menu. Is one of the best options to eat in Florence. Their dishes are traditional. Tuscan specialties, featuring gluten-free ravioli, lasagna, and stuffed baguettes. Their selection of gluten-free desserts makes it an excellent choice for a worry-free dining experience in Florence.
Ciro & Sons – Famous for its certified gluten-free pizzas prepared with high-quality ingredients. Their menu includes a variety of gluten-free pasta, pizzas, focaccias, and desserts. This is one of the must-visit spots for any gluten-free traveler in Florence.
180 Grammi Burgers & Beers – A gluten-free burger joint certified by AIC, offering a wide selection of gourmet burgers. They also use a dedicated gluten-free fryer, ensuring that their fries and other fried items are completely safe for celiacs.
New Bridge Pizza Club – A traditional Tuscan restaurant with certified gluten-free options. They offer dishes like ribollita soup and bistecca alla fiorentina, two authentic Florentine delicacies, completely gluten-free. A hidden gem for gluten-free travelers looking for traditional flavors.
Trattoria da Garibardi – Another highly-rated gluten-free pizzeria in Florence. Many claim they serve the best gluten-free pizza they’ve ever tried—but you’ll have to visit and decide for yourself! They also offer dairy-free, vegan, and halal options, making it an inclusive choice for all dietary needs. Certified by the Italian Celiac Association (AIC).
Gluten-Free Bakeries in Florence
Bottega Artigiana del Gusto – Considered the best gluten-free bakery in Florence, this shop offers a fantastic selection of gluten-free pastries, bread, and desserts. A must-visit for celiacs with a sweet tooth! Since it’s located outside the city center, be sure to check the opening hours before going. Closed on Sundays.
Cortese Cafè – A trendy RAW food bakery that is 100% gluten-free, vegan, organic, and locally sourced. Despite its unconventional concept, the flavors are surprisingly good. Their signature treats, especially the hazelnut and pistachio pastries, are highly recommended. Prices are slightly higher compared to other gluten-free options in Florence, but worth it for the quality.
RAW VEGAN – Previously mentioned, this bakery offers gluten-free cakes and tarts that are also vegan and organic. A great spot for those looking for healthier, high-quality desserts.
Rafaella Gluten Free – A modest but charming gluten-free bakery and café offering a great selection of pastries, cakes, and even savory options. Perfect for brunch or a light gluten-free snack.
Pasticceria Gualtieri – A historic bakery in Florence that has developed a dedicated line of gluten-free pastries. However, it is unclear whether these are produced in a separate gluten-free facility, so it’s advisable to ask about cross-contamination before purchasing. Many celiacs have recommended this spot, but as I haven’t personally verified it, I suggest checking with the staff.
Nonna Papera – A fully gluten-free pastry shop located quite far from Florence’s city center. It’s best suited for those with access to a car, as it’s 20 minutes by car or over an hour on foot from downtown Florence. If you do make the trip, you’ll be rewarded with delicious gluten-free treats that are highly praised by locals.
Gluten-Free Gelaterias in Florence
Grom – Just as I mentioned earlier that Mister Pizza serves the best gluten-free pizza I’ve ever had, I can confidently say that Grom offers the best gluten-free gelato I’ve ever tasted. Everything here is 100% gluten-free, with zero risk of cross-contamination. Their gelato is not only delicious but also completely safe for celiacs. They have two locations in Florence, making it easy to find one nearby.
Antica Gelateria Fiorentina – Another fantastic gluten-free gelateria that competes with Grom for the title of the best gluten-free gelato in Florence. Their rich, creamy textures and authentic Italian flavors make it a must-visit. The only way to decide which is better? Try them both and compare!
Gelateria Carabè – A fully gluten-free gelateria, although I haven’t personally visited. Many celiacs highly recommend it, praising the flavors and quality. However, I have some doubts about cross-contamination due to the cones they use. If you visit, I recommend asking about their safety measures. Otherwise, I suggest sticking to Grom or Antica Gelateria Fiorentina for absolute peace of mind.
Stores and Supermarkets with Gluten-Free Products
In Italy, thanks to the efforts of the Italian Celiac Association (AIC), the country has strict regulations on gluten-free product labeling. This means that most supermarkets have a dedicated section with a variety of safe gluten-free products. However, here are a couple of specialty stores where you’ll find an even wider selection of exclusive gluten-free items:
Starbene Senza Glutine – A 100% gluten-free store offering a wide variety of traditional Tuscan products. They also have a small bakery section, where you’ll find handmade gluten-free bread, croissants, pastries, and classic Italian desserts—all completely safe from cross-contamination.
Lindt Florencia – While not exclusively a gluten-free store, Lindt’s Florence locations carry a surprising number of gluten-free chocolates with the crossed grain symbol. The selection is much larger compared to Lindt stores in Spain, thanks to Italy’s strict labeling policies and AIC influence.
Want to See the Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Florence?
If you’d like a visual preview of the top gluten-free restaurants in Florence, check out my video here:
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Enjoy Florence Gluten-Free – A Celiac’s Paradise
Florence is one of the best cities in the world for celiacs. Here, you’ll find an incredible variety of gluten-free options, from dedicated pizzerias to certified gluten-free restaurants. Thanks to this comprehensive gluten-free travel guide, you can explore Florence without worries and fully enjoy authentic Tuscan cuisine—completely gluten-free.
If you found this information helpful and want to support my work, leave a comment on this post, share it on your social media, and continue exploring our gluten-free travel guides for other European destinations. Your support means the world to me!
Wishing you a fantastic trip, and buon appetito! 🍽️😋
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