In this gluten-free Florence dining guide, I’m sharing where to eat when visiting with celiac disease and why Florence is one of my favorite destinations for gluten-free travelers.
About This Gluten-Free Guide to Florence
I’ve visited Italy many times and spent a lot of time in Florence. After my celiac diagnosis, I’ve returned repeatedly to explore the city’s gluten-free offerings. Florence is surprisingly easy to navigate as a celiac traveler: you’ll find excellent 100% gluten-free venues and many restaurants trained to serve celiac diners. This guide highlights reliable, celiac-aware restaurants and cafes I trust, plus practical tips for travel, language, and shopping so you can enjoy pizza, pasta, and gelato safely.
Note & disclaimer: Everyone’s experience with celiac disease is different. Dedicated gluten-free facilities are usually the safest options. For non-dedicated restaurants I recommend only those I have visited or that clearly state celiac protocols. Restaurants can change—use your judgment and only eat where you feel safe.
Gluten-Free Florence Restaurant Guide
Traveling To & Visiting Florence
Florence (Firenze) sits in Tuscany and is compact and walkable. The small local airport can be pricier; many travelers fly to a larger city and take a train into Florence. Most visitors explore the historic center—the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazzale Michelangelo—but it’s worth wandering the quieter neighborhoods across the Arno for unique cafes and fewer crowds. Staying near the center is convenient but pricier; lodging a 15–20 minute walk away can save money and offer a quieter base.
Airbnbs I Have Stayed
I’ve stayed in two Airbnbs I would recommend: one steps from the Duomo—simple and central—and another about a 15-minute walk from the historic center with a lovely patio and welcoming hosts. If you prefer cooking or a larger breakfast, an Airbnb with a kitchenette is useful for celiac-friendly mornings.
How To Find Gluten-Free Food in Florence
AIC Mobile App
The Italian Celiac Association (AIC) supports many restaurants across Italy with training and accreditation. Many AIC-listed venues follow protocols such as dedicated prep areas, separate utensils, and staff training—sometimes even separate kitchens. AIC accreditation signals a commitment to celiac safety, but always clarify your needs with staff at each visit.
Find Me Gluten-Free
If you need more options beyond this guide and the AIC listings, apps like Find Me Gluten Free are useful for user reviews, opening hours, and filtering for celiac-friendly venues. Premium features can help you find places that are currently open or highly recommended by other celiac diners.
Celiac Disease in Italy
Italy has strong public awareness and infrastructure for celiac disease. Many restaurants, producers, and public programs support gluten-free diets, making travel easier for celiac visitors—especially in larger cities like Florence. In smaller towns or remote areas, availability and understanding of cross-contact may be more limited.
Italian Restaurant Card
A translated restaurant card that explains celiac disease and cross-contact in Italian can be very helpful, especially when traveling outside tourist hubs. While Florence is tourist-friendly and many staff speak English, carrying a succinct card saying you have celiac disease and which ingredients or preparations to avoid is a good precaution for smaller towns or markets.
Gluten-Free Wheat Starch & Dairy-Free Options
Many Italian gluten-free products use specially processed wheat starch that removes gluten proteins and is considered safe for people with celiac disease, though it is not suitable for wheat allergy. Several Florence restaurants also offer lactose-free or vegan cheese options. If you have multiple dietary restrictions, ask restaurants about both gluten and dairy accommodations.
What About Breakfast?
Traditional Italian breakfast tends to be light—coffee and a pastry—rather than a large cooked meal. If your accommodation doesn’t provide gluten-free breakfast, local grocery stores offer eggs, fruit, yogurt, and gluten-free packaged items to assemble a simple morning meal. Ask hotel staff about gluten-free options; many places can provide something if requested.
- Ask hotels about available gluten-free breakfast items.
- Shop at local supermarkets for simple staples if you’re in an Airbnb.
100% Gluten-Free Cafés & Restaurants in Florence
Cortese Café Patisserie – 100% gluten-free
A new raw, vegan, organic, 100% gluten-free patisserie opened with locations near Santa Maria Novella and the Ponte Vecchio. This is a welcome addition to Florence’s gluten-free scene for pastries, coffee, and treats.
Bottega Artigiana Del Gusto (Bakery, Café & Store)
Bottega Artigiana Del Gusto is a dedicated 100% gluten-free bakery, cafe, and grocery store across the Arno. It stocks a vast selection of gluten-free pasta, breads, pastries, frozen items, and snacks. The cafe offers fresh pizzas and pastries. It’s a bit farther from the center, but worth the trip, and it’s a great place to stock up on travel-friendly gluten-free groceries. They are typically closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly.
Sgrano (Sandwiches & Street Food)
Sgrano is a must-visit 100% gluten-free sandwich shop on Via de’ Neri. They make excellent schiacciata-style sandwiches filled with meats, cheeses, and unique spreads. My favorite is the Mortazza (mortadella, mozzarella, and pistachio cream). They also operate a nearby dinner-focused Osteria that serves fresh gluten-free pasta and other dishes—reservations recommended for dinner.
Risotteria Melotti
Risotteria Melotti is a 100% gluten-free risotto-focused restaurant in the historic center. The menu features a rotating selection of risottos made to order—great for a cozy meal and a great gluten-free dining experience.
Quinoa
Quinoa was one of Florence’s first dedicated gluten-free restaurants. It offers a varied menu with indoor and courtyard seating. Expect attentive service and options beyond traditional Italian dishes, plus warm gluten-free bread brought to the table—always a welcome touch.
Raw Vegan
Raw Vegan Firenze is a 100% gluten-free, vegan bistro and juice bar just across the Arno. It’s ideal for refreshing smoothies, bowls, and light meals when you need a break from heavy carbs.
100% Gluten-Free Gelato
Grom Gelato
Grom is a dedicated gluten-free gelateria with locations across Italy. Cones, cookies, and all toppings are gluten-free, making it a stress-free stop for exceptional gelato in classic and seasonal flavors.
Antica Gelateria Fiorentina
Antica Gelateria Fiorentina also offers a fully gluten-free gelato experience and displays AIC accreditation in some locations. They serve classic and creative flavors and often provide gluten-free cones.
AIC Approved Restaurants
AIC-accredited restaurants have completed training to minimize cross-contact and better serve celiac diners. Even with accreditation, ask questions about protocols and preparation to ensure they meet your comfort level.
Mama Eat (Florence location)
Mama Eat is an AIC-certified chain with dedicated prep areas and staff teams to separate gluten-free from gluten-containing processes. Their Florence location offers a wide gluten-free menu, including pizzas and pastas prepared with separate equipment.
Mister Pizza
Mister Pizza, with a central location near the Duomo, is AIC-accredited and known for excellent gluten-free pizzas with separate preparation. They also offer lactose-free and vegan cheese options.
Ciro & Sons
Ciro & Sons is a Neapolitan pizzeria in the historic center that can make its full menu gluten-free. The staff are experienced with celiac diners, and the menu includes pizzas, pastas, and appetizers with clear gluten-free options.
Il Desco
Hostaria Il Desco is an AIC-accredited, upscale restaurant ideal for special occasions. Their menu includes refined gluten-free options, from gnocchi to regional specialties. Reservations are recommended for dinner service.
Supermarkets, Grocery Stores & Food Labels
Common supermarket chains include Carrefour, Coop, Conad, Esselunga, and Lidl. Smaller city-center outlets may have limited selections. European labeling is generally clear: look for the crossed-grain symbol or the words “Senza Glutine.” Brands like Schär are widely available, and local gluten-free product variety is strong—great for assembling quick meals in an Airbnb.
More Florence Gluten-Free Recommendations
If you want more local insight, connect with celiac-savvy guides and local experts who can arrange tailored dining experiences, cooking classes, or personalized itineraries focused on safe gluten-free dining throughout Tuscany.
Final Thoughts: Gluten-Free Florence
Firenze is an exceptional city for celiac travelers: compact, historic, and full of trusted gluten-free options from dedicated bakeries to accredited restaurants. With a bit of planning—using AIC resources, a translated restaurant card when venturing beyond the city, and this guide—you can enjoy authentic Italian food without missing out. Make Sgrano one of your first stops and savor the city one safe, delicious meal at a time.