Florence — the heart of a country famous for bread, pizza, and pasta. At first glance, it might seem like a paradise built entirely on wheat and an inferno for gluten-free diet restrictions. The city overflows with mouth-watering dishes, tempting locals and visitors alike at every corner café and trattoria. Believe it our not, Italy has one of the highest percentages of celiac disease per population (around 1-1.6%) and in response, many places offer gluten-free options.

When I first arrived in Florence, one of my SRISA classmates was helping her mom plan her visit. Instead of being excited about the food scene, her mom was anxious — she’s gluten-free. In a place where carbs seem to define the culture, she worried she wouldn’t be able to enjoy an authentic Italian meal. If you’ve got special diet restrictions, you might be wondering the same thing: how do you eat well in a city where focaccia and fresh pasta are everywhere?

The good news? Florence is far more accommodating than you might expect. Contrary to popular belief, the city is home to exceptional gluten-free bakeries, pizzerias, and restaurants that allow everyone to indulge without stress. Below is a guide to some of the best gluten-free spots in the Capital of Artists.

Pizza

• MamaEat: With locations across Italy, MamaEat offers its entire menu in gluten-free versions (plus lactose-free and vegan options). From pizza to pasta, you can order freely without feeling limited.
• Mister Pizza: Made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, Mister Pizza offers gluten-free, lactose-free, and vegan-friendly options, so everyone at the table can enjoy a classic Florentine pizza experience.
• Ciro and Sons: A family-run restaurant with over 70 years of history, Ciro and Sons prepares its traditional menu gluten-free, lactose-free, and nut-free upon request. It’s also certified gluten-free, using dedicated equipment to minimize cross-contamination.
• Pizzeria La Luna: Beyond gluten-free pizza, La Luna offers appetizers, full courses, and desserts in gluten-free versions —  plus the convenience of home delivery!

Restaurants

• Ristorante Quinoa: Florence’s first 100% gluten-free restaurant, Ristorante Quinoa is certified by the Italian Celiac Association and blends Tuscan flavors with international influences. 
• Hostario il Desco: Serving Tuscan specialties and regional wines, Hostaria il Desco features a seasonal gluten-free menu highlighting local ingredients.  
• Sgrano: Fully certified gluten-free, Sgrano’s mission is to make Tuscan cuisine accessible to everyone. With multiple locations, it serves everything from schiacciate and charcuterie boards to pizza and desserts. 
• Trattoria Da Garibardi: This traditional trattoria offers gluten-free versions of Tuscan classics like ribollita, homemade pasta, gnocchi, fried dishes, pizza, desserts, and bread. Plus, Trattoria Da Garibardi is gluten-free certified! 
• L’OV Osteria Vegetariana: With a mix of traditional Tuscan dishes, this osteria has something for everyone; those who are gluten intolerant, celiacs, vegans, and vegetarians. Perfect for dinner, drinks, or both!   
• Brac: Open for lunch, brunch, and dinner, Brac serves Italian and Mediterranean dishes with gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian-friendly choices.
• Il Vegetariano: Since 1981, Il Vegetariano has offered a plant-based alternative to classic Florentine dining, with a daily-changing, fully vegan/vegetarian menu that includes several gluten-free options.

Gelato

• Antica Gelateria Fiorentina: Entirely gluten-free —  even the cones —  this gelateria also produces house-made specialty items and offers gelato-making classes.
• Grom: With storefronts and supermarket tubs available, Grom guarantees its entire gelato range is gluten-free and safe for celiacs.

Bakeries

• Cortese Café: A gluten-free and vegan bakery focused on organic, local ingredients and sustainable design.
• Bottega Artigiana del Gusto: A fully gluten-free bakery offering fresh bread, savory items, traditional sweets, cakes, and pastries, also all safe for celiacs.
• Pasticceria Gualtieri: A great stop for pastries and desserts, with gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options available.

Navigating a new city with dietary restrictions can feel overwhelming, but Florence shows that thoughtful dining is woven into its culture. With careful preparation, certified kitchens, and creative chefs, there are plenty of places where you can sit down, relax, and enjoy your meal with confidence. Food is such a central part of experiencing Italy, and no one should feel excluded from that. 

For even more peace of mind, you can use the AIC Toscana Mobile App, created by the Tuscan branch of the Italian Celiac Association. The app provides up-to-date listings of certified gluten-free restaurants, helps identify safe gluten-free products, understand food labels, and more, making it easy to find safe options wherever you are. You can learn more and download it here:https://toscana.celiachia.it/celiacs-in-tuscany/aic-mobile/. With a little planning, you can fully savor your time in Florence, no compromises necessary!

Written by Spring 2026 Communications Intern, Simran Khanuja