Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Good gluten-free Experiences In Venice And Rome?

love2travel

Recommended Posts

love2travel Mentor
love2travel
Posted

Have been to Italy including Venice and Rome several times but May will be my first time as a celiac (although I've been there not eating gluten prior to my gluten challenge). Any tips on gluten-free friendly restaurants, bakeries and so on? If we must we'll go to markets and get our own stuff to cook in our apartment. I already know that I will be sorely tempted by all the pizza, pasta, bread, etc. And as I am a silent celiac I have no clue when glutened so I have to be incredibly cautious.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Emport Newbie
Emport
Posted

I was in Rome and Venice in the fall and while there were plenty of tempting breads and pastas, both cities are actually really excellent places to be gluten-free (Italy overall has a fantastic awareness of celiac disease).

The Italian Celiac Association (AIC)has a list of gluten-free restaurants (Open Original Shared Link). Unfortunately it's not in English, but if you click on a restaurant type on the left menu and scroll down, you can select a region/city and it will pull up a list of options. They definitely won't be the only options -- now that you're looking for them, you'll see the words "celiaca" and "glutine" everywhere.

Wish I took better notes on my trip, but in Rome you can get delicious gelato in a gluten-free cone at Gelateria del Teatro (Open Original Shared Link) and there's a salumeria on the Campo de Fiori that can point out which of its meats are gluten-free if you ask. There's a place called Trattoria Mama Angela on Via Palestro, and while it's definitely nothing to write home about it does have the advantage of being near Termini and offers several of its standard items with gluten-free pasta.

I'm not sure if you speak Italian, but if you don't these phrases will definitely be helpful (along with how to pronounce them, roughly):

* I am a celiac: Sono celiaca. So-no chee-lee-ah-ka. If you

love2travel Mentor
love2travel
Posted
  • Author

I was in Rome and Venice in the fall and while there were plenty of tempting breads and pastas, both cities are actually really excellent places to be gluten-free (Italy overall has a fantastic awareness of celiac disease).

The Italian Celiac Association (AIC)has a list of gluten-free restaurants (Open Original Shared Link). Unfortunately it's not in English, but if you click on a restaurant type on the left menu and scroll down, you can select a region/city and it will pull up a list of options. They definitely won't be the only options -- now that you're looking for them, you'll see the words "celiaca" and "glutine" everywhere.

Wish I took better notes on my trip, but in Rome you can get delicious gelato in a gluten-free cone at Gelateria del Teatro (Open Original Shared Link) and there's a salumeria on the Campo de Fiori that can point out which of its meats are gluten-free if you ask. There's a place called Trattoria Mama Angela on Via Palestro, and while it's definitely nothing to write home about it does have the advantage of being near Termini and offers several of its standard items with gluten-free pasta.

I'm not sure if you speak Italian, but if you don't these phrases will definitely be helpful (along with how to pronounce them, roughly):

* I am a celiac: Sono celiaca. So-no chee-lee-ah-ka. If you

Emport Newbie
Emport
Posted

Thank you so much for this excellent information! I know enough Italian to get by but there are phrases I definitely need to learn.

I love Gelateria Teatro - didn't realize they had gluten-free cones! That's cool. I guess before I wasn't really looking for stuff like that.

Your tips are really appreciated. :)

Glad I could help! The man at the Gelateria was really helpful and pointed out which of the flavors were/were not safe -- all you'll have to do is say the word celiac and he'll take care of the rest.

love2travel Mentor
love2travel
Posted
  • Author

Glad I could help! The man at the Gelateria was really helpful and pointed out which of the flavors were/were not safe -- all you'll have to do is say the word celiac and he'll take care of the rest.

Awesome. Can't wait - man, I love gelato a little too much! :P

ecf Rookie
ecf
Posted

Definitely can second using the AIC restaurant/gelateria/bar listings. The places listed have very strict protocols from preparing gluten free food and you will know you are safe in their hands.

I have not been to Venice, but in Rome Cafe Alex at Via Veneto, 20 is wonderful. About half of the menu can be made gluten free, including many of the pastas. Unfortunately they don't do pizza gluten-free though. I have not been to either but Il Viaggio (Via Isonzo, 14) and Voglia di Pizza (Via dei Giubbonari, 13) are both AIC listed and supposed to be good.

And the BEST place, hands down, to buy gluten free groceries is the Celiachiamo store at Via Giulio Venticinque, 32. Everything in the store is guaranteed certified gluten free by the Italian Ministry of Health. They stock the full lines of the popular European and Italian gluten-free brands, and also have freshly baked breads and pastries, some meats, risotto rice, condiments, and even microwavable popcorn. It is a little out of the way, but really worth making a trip when you first get into Rome to stock up on snacks.

Also if you can squeeze it in a day trip to Florence there are several AIC certified restaurants there. I have eaten at Il Quattro Amici (Via degli Orti Oricellari, 29) and Ciro & Son's (Via del Giglio, 28) and like both of them, although my last meal at Ciro's was a little disappointing and I think you need to request a gluten-free pizza one day in advance. Haven't been there myself, but classic Trattoria Camillo is in the AIC listings. And also Grom gelateria is safe.

Good luck, I hope you have a wonderful trip!

love2travel Mentor
love2travel
Posted
  • Author

Thank you SO much! I will print this and take it along on our trip. Gelato is one of those things one must do whilst in Italy and I'm glad that I can do it gluten-free.

I appreciate all this great info. :)

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


  • 6 months later...
GFinVenice Rookie
GFinVenice
Posted

Ciao, I am italian from Venice.

Here in Italy it is quite easy because we have a book in which they are listed by town all gluten-free restaurants, gelateria, pizzerie.

If you would like to have any informations or suggestions do not be afraid to contact me on my private mail

Ciao Veronica

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      130,656
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Miket
    Newest Member
    Miket
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.3k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • trents
      Is "Shield" skincare products gluten-free?

      By trents · Posted

      Good idea, @LynnM! That would be helpful to other celiacs who find themselves on the more sensitive end of the spectrum. You might also want to send them information about how to initiate the process with GFCO. But just a word of caution here, don't be surprised if the company is reluctant to pursue this certification as it can tie their hands with regard to changes in formulation in the future. Manufacturers often make ingredient decisions not only based on desired product outcomes but on cost factors. It can also put them at a liability risk should some ingredient supplier introduce an ingredient that was cross-contaminated with gluten without knowledge and cause someone to have a reaction. Testing for gluten-free certification is not done as frequently as consumers imagine and products can and do get out of spec at times. And once you slap a gluten-free certified label on a product, you are instantly open to possible liable suites. 
    • LynnM
      Is "Shield" skincare products gluten-free?

      By LynnM · Posted

      Hi Everyone. I just heard back from my son's GI doc and nutritionist. SHIELD products ARE gluten free. I am going to ask the company to Pursue gluten-free certification. 
    • Scott Adams
      Question about biopsy

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Your experience highlights a common frustration in celiac disease diagnosis—discrepancies between lab results, biopsy findings, and clinical symptoms. The "localized mild nodular mucosa" noted in your duodenal bulb could indeed be significant, even if the overall pathology was deemed negative. Nodularity in the duodenum is often associated with lymphocytic infiltration, a feature seen in early celiac disease (before villous atrophy develops) or in conditions like H. pylori infection, chronic inflammation, or even food sensitivities (e.g., gluten or dairy). Since you had strongly positive celiac labs (e.g., TTG-IgA, EMA, or DGP), this nodularity might reflect an early or patchy immune response to gluten that wasn’t severe enough to meet traditional biopsy criteria (Marsh 3 damage). Some studies suggest nodular mucosa can precede classic celiac changes, especially in seropositive patients. Given your lab results and symptoms, it’s possible you have non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) or are in an early stage of celiac where damage isn’t yet widespread. False-negative biopsies aren’t uncommon due to sampling error (celiac can be patchy) or misinterpretation of subtle changes. If you’re still symptomatic, you might discuss repeat testing (e.g., HLA-DQ typing if not already done, or a gluten challenge with both serology and biopsy) or consider a capsule endoscopy, which can visualize more of the small intestine. Alternatively, H. pylori testing or a trial of strict gluten-free diet with symptom monitoring could provide clarity. Your case underscores the importance of correlating labs, histology, and clinical response—not just relying on biopsy alone. A second opinion from a celiac-savvy GI could be worthwhile!
    • Scott Adams
      Burning sensation when I wake up

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      The burning sensation you describe—particularly upon waking or after exercise—could indeed be related to systemic inflammation, which is common in autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's and celiac disease. Gluten exposure, even in small amounts, may trigger an immune response that exacerbates inflammation, leading to the achiness and burning you feel, especially in areas like your hips and chest. Stress and poor sleep can further worsen inflammation, creating a cyclical effect. The fact that these symptoms improved before your gluten challenge but returned afterward strongly suggests a connection to gluten sensitivity. Additionally, prolonged immobility during sleep might contribute to stiffness or discomfort, but the burning sensation points more toward an inflammatory or neurological component. Your heightened food sensitivities and digestive issues could indicate ongoing gut dysfunction, possibly due to intestinal permeability ("leaky gut") from gluten exposure or autoimmune activity. Since exercise also triggers symptoms (except during your remission period), it may be worth exploring gentle movement like yoga or walking to avoid overexertion while supporting circulation. Consulting a healthcare provider familiar with autoimmune conditions—particularly one who can guide you through targeted testing for celiac (without a full gluten challenge) or assess for other triggers like histamine intolerance—might help clarify next steps. In the meantime, prioritizing anti-inflammatory foods, stress management, and restorative sleep could provide some relief.
    • Scott Adams
      Help!

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Many people with celiac disease, especially those who are in the 0-2 year range of their recovery, have additional food intolerance issues which could be temporary. To figure this out you may need to keep a food diary and do an elimination diet over a few months. Some common food intolerance issues are dairy/casein, eggs, corn, oats, and soy. The good news is that after your gut heals (for most people who are 100% gluten-free this will take several months to two years) you may be able to slowly add some these items back into your diet after the damaged villi heal. This article may be helpful:    
×
×
  • Create New...