Where to Eat Gluten-Free in Florence: My Top 3 Must-Try Restaurants
Florence is one of those cities that feels almost too good to be true. Art everywhere, buttery golden light bouncing off the Arno, gelato on every corner... and then, just when you think it can’t possibly get any better, you realize it’s also one of the most celiac-friendly cities in Europe.
Yes, really.
Between the high level of awareness, the Italian Celiac Association’s accreditation program, and an entire culture that actually believes safe food should also taste good, Florence is a dream destination for anyone who eats gluten-free. Whether you’re traveling with celiac disease or avoiding gluten for other reasons, these three restaurants should absolutely be on your list…
Osteria dello Sgrano: Home to the best gluten-free pasta in Italy
Tucked just off Piazza Santa Croce on Via dei Benci, this cozy gem is 100% gluten-free and serves up some of the best fresh pasta in Florence (and Italy in general, if I’m being honest). Osteria dello Sgrano isn’t trying to reinvent Italian food…they’re just doing it right, safely, and without a hint of compromise.
The pasta is made in-house and cooked to order, and the menu hits all the Florentine classics: tortello mugellano (my favorite), tagliatella con ragù di cinghiale, and pici alla Fiorentina. Every dish is full of flavor and thoughtfully prepared, and it’s honestly hard to believe it’s all gluten-free. But it is, which makes it the perfect place to settle in and actually relax over a plate (or two) of pasta.
The atmosphere is warm and unfussy, with rustic wooden tables and friendly staff who know what they’re doing. It’s exactly the kind of place you dream about stumbling into while wandering Florence …and if you’ve booked a consultation with me, you won’t have to stumble. You’ll already have it starred on your Google Map😉
📍Address: Via dei Benci, 30r
Insider Tip: Their sister restaurant, “Sgrano” in Via dei Neri, is world-renowned for their amazing gluten-free schiacciate…a traditional Florentine sandwich featuring two huge slices of gluten-free focaccia and different (but equally delicious!) filling combinations.
Quinoa: The OG Florence celiac hangout
Quinoa was the first fully gluten-free restaurant to open in Florence in 2014 and remains one of the best celiac-safe spots in the city. Tucked into a quiet courtyard just a few minutes from the hustle of Piazza del Duomo, it’s a great spot if you’re looking for something a little more elevated but still casual enough to show up in sandals and a sunhat after a long day of sightseeing.
The menu leans global, with a mix of Italian and international dishes that change seasonally. You might find a classic Florentine stew next to a Thai-style curry or a fresh pad thai, but everything is 100% gluten-free and prepared with real attention to flavor and presentation. This is one of the best spots in town if you're traveling with non-celiac friends who are suspicious of anything labeled gluten-free….they won’t even notice. And the best part? During the warmer months, they incorporate fresh herbs from their garden into their dishes.
I love Quinoa for a slower meal, ideally with a spritz in hand and nowhere to be afterward. It’s tucked away enough that you can almost forget you’re in the middle of one of the most visited cities in the world.
📍Address: Vicolo di Santa Maria Maggiore, 1
Insider Tip: Come with an appetite! The appetizers are arguably the best part of dining at Quinoa…make sure to order the red lentil fritters (and then write me an email about them so I can vicariously enjoy!)
Risotteria Melotti: Where centuries of family traditions and incredible food meet
Risotteria Melotti is the most unique of the three, and also the one I recommend when you're craving something a little different. As the name suggests, it’s all about rice here. The entire menu is built around risotto, and it’s naturally gluten-free without needing to modify a single thing. The only thing I love more than their delicious food is their story. “Melotti” is this family’s last name, and since 1986, they’ve been rice farmers in Verona, producing high-quality Italian rice varieties like Vialone Nano and Carnaroli.
They do classic risottos, creative ones, and everything in between. Think saffron and pecorino, seafood, mushrooms, citrus, or even pumpkin in the fall. There are also rice-based appetizers and desserts, so you can easily enjoy a full meal that’s comforting, flavorful, and totally safe.
The restaurant itself is cozy and warm, with rustic decor that makes it feel a bit like a countryside escape even though you're just a few blocks from the heart of the city. If you’ve had enough pasta and are looking for a change of pace, this is the spot.
📍Address: Via dei Servi, 65r
Insider Tip: If you see the risotto with duck, orange, and toasted pine nuts, order it! That’s my personal favorite:)
Why Florence is So Easy for Gluten-Free Travelers
The restaurants above are just the beginning. Florence has a ton of 100% gluten-free options, plus dozens of spots accredited by the Italian Celiac Association. Even in places that aren’t accredited, you may find staff are usually familiar with cross-contact and willing to take precautions, especially if you come prepared.
That’s why I always recommend traveling in Italy with a good Italian translation card (like the one from Equal Eats) and a solid understanding of how to communicate your needs. If you’ve booked a consultation with me, you already know I’ve got you covered on that front!
Between the food, the history, the walkability, and the celiac awareness, Florence is easily one of the best cities in Europe for gluten-free travel. But to really make the most of it, a little planning goes a long way.
Want Help Planning Your Gluten-Free Trip to Florence?
As a local who lives in Florence and has celiac disease myself, I know exactly what it takes to eat safely and well in Italy. I offer one-on-one consultations for gluten-free travelers who want to enjoy the very best of Italy without the stress of trying to figure it all out on the fly. Whether you’re just starting to plan or already have your flights booked, I’ll help you find the safest and most delicious options, avoid the common mistakes, and feel completely confident about eating gluten-free in Florence…or anywhere else in Italy!
We’ll talk about your priorities, walk through your itinerary, and build a plan that works for you. You’ll get my full attention, personalized advice, and insider tips you won’t find on Google, all from someone who actually lives here and gets it :)
Ready to turn your Italian food dreams into reality? 👉 Book your call now and let’s plan a gluten-free adventure through Italy you’ll never forget. Florence is waiting!
