Bella Roma – Dining ‘Senza Glutine’ in the Eternal City

When you think of Rome, and Italian food, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For me, it’s steaming piles of pasta and gorgeous thin, crispy-based pizzas topped with the freshest ingredients (sorry Chicago, you can keep your deep-dish).

Having visited Rome a couple of times before my gluten intolerance was diagnosed, I’d never paid attention to how gluten-friendly the city was. When I was scheduled to travel to Rome for work just one week after being told to eliminate gluten from my diet, I initially panicked – this was short lived, because just a quick search online proves that Rome (and Italy in general), is actually very much coeliac-friendly. There are a huge number of establishments with ‘coeliac association’ stickers in the window, to show they are safe.

The Associazione Italiana Celiachia (AIC) is a national organisation dedicated to supporting individuals with coeliac disease. The goals of the AIC are to raise awareness, promote gluten-free living, and they work with food manufacturers and restaurants to certify certain foods and venues as safe for those with coeliac disease.

All around Rome (in fact, all over Italy), you will spot AIC stickers in the windows of shops and restaurants, demonstrating that they are AIC certified. This means that they have met the specific standards set by the AIC to ensure that their gluten-free options are safe for people with coeliac disease. They must follow strict measures to avoid cross-contamination, and this is considered a reliable indicator that this is somewhere you can dine safely.

There are so many recommendations to be found online for dining gluten-free in Rome, and by taking a wander around the city you’ll spot a huge number of AIC stickers in the window – but here are my top picks.

Pantha Rei (Pantheon)

Located down a narrow street just behind the Pantheon, Pantha Rei is a cosy, friendly spot with plenty of gluten-free options and AIC certification.

Whilst being seated we were asked if either of us was gluten-free, and answering that I am, we got different menus. Having the different-coloured menu on the table meant that I’m instantly recognised as a gluten-free diner. Everything on the gluten-free menu is labelled clearly, and all the pasta dishes and pizzas can be made lactose free – this place is a dream come true!

The pizzas are perfection (both gluten-free and gluten-containing, I am assured), and its certified status truly puts you at ease. I would come back to Pantha Rei time and time again for the warm welcome, gorgeous pizza and cosy ambience. Plus, it’s so much fun to tell people, “Oh, I know a little place just behind the Pantheon…”

Pizza in Trevi (Trevi Fountain)

You’d be forgiven for dismissing Pizza in Trevi as a tourist trap, given the queues outside and the close proximity to the Trevi Fountain, but this excellent pizzeria is well worth the wait and offers gluten free options for many of its pizzas and pasta dishes.

The pizzas were as good as any I’ve eaten, with separate kitchens for gluten-free and regular dishes. The service was brisk, efficient, and friendly – they were clearly very used to dealing with hoards of tourists. It was clear that with people clamouring for tables outside they want people in and out without wasting too much time.

When we visited on a Saturday lunchtime, there was a queue of hungry tourists outside, and although the queue moves quickly as the Pizza in Trevi team efficiently seat diners, my recommendation would be to arrive early, say midday, and reserve a table for 1pm or 1:30pm. That way, when the queue builds up, it’s easy to pop back, let them know you’re there, and even if there’s a short wait while they prepare your table, you’ll be seated a lot more quickly.

This is a great spot to refuel during a busy day of visiting the touristy spots – and will definitely keep everyone happy, whether they eat gluten or not!

La Pasticceria (Via Varese)

This unassuming little bakery is tucked away on a side street and when we first set out to find it, we overshot and missed it. Located just a five-minute walk from Roma Termini, the main train station, La Pasticceria offers both gluten-free and gluten-containing goods.

There were plenty of gluten-free options, including the most delicious panforte – a dense, chewy kind of fruit cake, made with honey, dried fruits, nuts, and spices. This is typically eaten around Christmas time but available throughout autumn – it keeps for a while, and thankfully travels well, as we picked up a slab to bring home with us.

The lady behind the counter gave us a warm welcome, and was happy to speak a little slowly so I could understand exactly what each cake or treat was. La Pasticceria is definitely worth a detour if you fancy a sweet treat, or even to pick up a travel snack near the station.

Gluten-free and gluten-containing goods are stored separately at La Pasticceria, and it seems that they take cross-contamination very seriously. We took our cakes across the road to a little cafe and committed the double cardinal sin of ordering caffè americano and lingering at a table – breaking traditional coffee etiquette while we shared our treats and planned the rest of our day.

There are dozens – if not more – of gluten-friendly places to dine in Rome; these are just my top-three choices. As always, I recommend doing your own research, checking reviews, and ensure you feel comfortable with any venue you choose.