There was a time when gluten-free Florence eateries were few and far between, but fortunately, that’s no longer the case. The range of gluten-free options in Florence has improved drastically over the years, and now dozens of celiac-friendly spots are scattered throughout the city.
If you’ve joined one of my Florence food tours, you’ll know that Tuscan cuisine is much more than decadent pasta and Italian bread (as dreamy as they are!). Having said that, when you fancy either of the above, you’ll find plenty of places that serve alternatives for gluten-sensitive diners.
This gluten-free guide to Florence is packed with all my recommendations for dining in the Renaissance city as a celiac traveler.
Photo credit: Da Garibardi
Da Garibardi is a classic trattoria close to Mercato Centrale in San Lorenzo, with one of the most impressive gluten-free menus in the city.
Better still, it’s approved by the Italian Celiac Association, often shortened to AIC in Italian, meaning it’s an accredited Celiac-safe spot.
On the surface, it looks like your typical old-school Florence eatery. When I walked inside, I was instantly charmed by the medieval-looking stone walls and wooden beams. Yet, unlike many restaurants of this style, the menu was incredibly accommodating for gluten-free guests.
Even as someone who eats gluten, I could happily come here multiple times to try the wheat-free takes on gnocchi, ravioli, and crostini. They even had gluten-free desserts like tiramisu, which I’m already eyeing ahead of my next visit! On this occasion, I opted for the wild boar ragu.
Several friends had raved about this dish, and I quickly understood why. The tagliatelle was almost indistinguishable from traditional pasta, with its slightly chewy texture and hint of saltiness. To this day, I still dream about the tender, gamey meat, and rich tomato-based sauce.
Da Garibardi (€€) – Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 38R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy – Open every day from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
Photo credit: Ristorante Hostaria Il Desco
Ristorante Hostaria Il Desco is just a few streets back from the banks of the Arno River between Ponte Vecchio and Ponte Santa Trinita. If you’re going gluten-free in Florence, this delightful little haunt deserves a place on your itinerary.
I came across Ristorante Hostaria Il Desco by chance, and I still can’t believe how long it took me to find this place. From the friendly staff to the oh-so-elegant red-brick dining area, the atmosphere here is somewhere between sophisticated and understated.
When it comes to the menu, it’s essentially a showcase of all things Tuscany, gluten-free-style. The ribollita soup, Chianina beef, and veal all caught my eye, but none were as intriguing to me as the spaghetti alla chitarra.
From the moment I spotted the waiter coming over with this hearty portion of fresh gluten-free pasta, I knew I was in for a treat. Blending succulent, briny shrimp, bright and creamy pesto, and gooey buttery burrata, this dish had a beautifully balanced collection of flavors.
Ristorante Hostaria Il Desco (€€) – Via delle Terme, 23/R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy – Open every day from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm and from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Photo credit: Ristorante Quinoa
Ristorante Quinoa isn’t just one of the best gluten-free Florence establishments; it’s also the oldest. Nestled halfway between the Florence Duomo and the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, this restaurant has been dishing up 100% gluten-free food longer than anyone else in the city.
As gorgeous as the green and white aesthetic in the main dining area is, I’m more fond of the plant-clad courtyard. The terrace area was half-full, yet the ambiance was so lively.
I wasn’t in the mood for Italian food on this particular day, so I was relieved to find Asian grub with a ton of vegetarian and vegan dishes on the menu. As a staunch fan of Thai food, I had my heart set on green curry.
My waitress presented me with a basket of gluten-free bread after I ordered, which was far crustier and softer than any I’d tried before. This was the perfect warm-up to the steaming bowl of curry
Spicy without being overpowering, the sauce was full of citrussy and refreshing notes from the lime and lemongrass. Each chicken chunk was juicy and lean, and the coconut milk gave the dish a touch of nuttiness that mellowed the heat from the chilis.
Ristorante Quinoa (€€) – Vicolo di Santa Maria Maggiore, 1, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy – Open every Tuesday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm and from 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm and Sunday and Monday from 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Mister Pizza is possibly the most beloved pizzeria among Florence’s gluten-free community. Their meatless and dairy-free pizzas have also proved popular in each of their two Florentine locations, my favorite of which is situated in the enchanting Santa Croce neighborhood.
Inside, Mister Pizza is quaint and colorful, with a green, orange, and yellow color scheme. The vibe here feels casual and relaxed, and its far-reaching menu caters to pizza lovers with pretty much any type of dietary requirement.
I came here with a buddy of mine who’d recently learned he was celiac, and I was determined to find him a pizza joint with quality gluten-free fare. We were peckish rather than famished when we swung by, so we decided to split a pizza with mozzarella, mushrooms, and black truffle cream.
After a couple of lackluster wheatless pizza bases in the past, I was pleasantly surprised by how firm and crunchy this dough was. Finding a decent gluten-free base can be a challenge, but this was as close to the classic taste as I’d found.
All of the toppings were as delicious as I’d hoped. While the floral mozzarella and punchy basil added lightness to each bite, the meaty porcini mushrooms and nutty black truffles gave the pizza more intense undertones.
Mister Pizza (€) – Via Pietrapiana, 82r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy – Open every day from 12:00 pm to 4:00 am
Photo credit: Sgrano
As far as gluten-free bakeries go, it doesn’t get much better than Sgrano. This bustling spot, which also serves as a pizzeria, is located near Palazzo Vecchio. The team behind Sgrano also runs a gluten-free osteria just a short walk away, which I’ve heard rave reviews about.
Cozy but stylish, Sgrano mixes rustic decor with modern finishes. Sgrano’s dark paneling and wooden tables are brightened up by polished white chairs and sleek hanging light fixtures.
I knew when I saw the length of the menu I’d have a hard time choosing what to order. Numerous favorites like bruschetta and gluten-free pizza were available, but I went for a Florentine staple and chose schiacciata filled with Tuscan ham, pecorino, and zucchini.
As much as I enjoyed the intense flavors of the ham and how it paired with the sharp pecorino and grassy zucchini, the bread really won me over. Thinner and chewier than focaccia but no less flavorful, the schiacciata was lightweight and had a subtle earthy tinge.
Sgrano (€€) – Via dei Neri, 49r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy – Open every day from 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm
Photo credit: Gelateria Santa Trinita
Gelateria Santa Trinita in Santo Spirito is becoming my go-to gelato spot south of the Arno River. Since I spotted their gluten-free cones, I’ve suggested this gelateria to my celiac friends. While ice cream itself is free from gluten, finding cones suitable for celiacs can be tricky.
What I love about this particular gluten-free gelato hotspot is how spacious and airy it is. With its high ceilings, wine-packed shelves, and fridges full of desserts, it’s got a little more going on than your average gelateria.
I’ve sampled both the standard and gluten-free cones, and there are hardly any differences between the two. One thing I frequently struggle with is deciding on a flavor, but last time I was here, I went for their signature mascarpone gelato.
The wheat-free cone was crispy and sturdy with a gentle, sugary taste. As much as I was looking forward to the mascarpone ice cream, I had no idea how indulgent and smooth it would be. Because the flavors were relatively mild, the Nutella added the right amount of sweetness.
Gelateria Santa Trinita (€€) – Piazza de’ Frescobaldi, 11/red, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy – Open 11:00 am to 12:00 am
Florence is more suitable than ever for wheatless visitors with its dedicated lineup of gluten-free establishments offering tasty non-gluten dishes.
You can see that the city’s gluten-free scene has exploded and is more welcoming than ever to those with gluten intolerance or who are simply following a diet free of gluten. On your next visit to the Renaissance city, don’t forget to include a few of these spots on your itinerary.
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