If you’ve been gluten free for long, you have undoubtedly heard all about Italy, and I don’t mean just that ‘people there can eat gluten and be fine.’ I’m talking about how amazing it is for those of us with Celiac, intolerances, or just avoiding gluten. I’ve been fortunate to put that to the test with visits to Rome, Milan, Florence (Firenze), and many other towns and cities in between. I can 200% vouch for the accuracy of that claim. Italy is an amazing place to be gluten free, and Florence is so incredible that I welcomed the chance to go back a second time just a few months later.
Why do I say that? Two reasons. First, Florence, like most cities I’ve been to in Italy, is full of restaurants that are AIC-approved or just well-reviewed and fully understand Celiac-level gluten free needs. From little shops serving a few Italian classics, to well-known GF spots, to an American-style dinner, it’s rare to be more than a few minutes’ walk from something safe and delicious. At every place I went, “the talk” was about as involved as asking for water. “Senza Gluten” (without gluten) is just that good.
But look, I don’t want to bore you with pages and pages of text , so let’s get into it.
Where I ate out in Florence
My eating style is best described as simple. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll fly half across the world for a good GF pizza, but I’m not a foodie, so much as excited for good food after walking 20,000 steps of great views, and my meals ranged from quick grabs to longer sit-downs.
Ciro and Sons: With 400+ ratings on FMGF, this is not exactly a secret spot**,** but it gets attention for good reason and I’ve gone there a couple of times now. It’s located along a street full of restaurants that gets quite lively at night, leading to a great ambiance, especially if it’s patio seating weather. It can get busy, but if you’re looking for a longer meal, this is one of the places to truly enjoy. I can’t say I loved the GF bread (never have) but the pizza was rich, the entrees wonderfully done (GF breaded chicken pictured), and the dessert — yes, more please.
Ristorante Lorenzo de’ Medici: Just across the street from Ciro, this is another nice spot with an incredible review count. The entire menu can be done GF here as well, and I quite enjoyed the swordfish both times, as well as a few veggie appetizers (look, one can’t live off pizza and pizza alone for every meal) and the cheesecake. It’s a little quieter if you stay inside, yet still a delightful vibe.
Mister Pizza: Taking things in nearly the opposite direction, this spot is casual, fast, and the location I went to is literally right next to the Duomo. I’m talking about grabbing a pizza and gawking at the magnificence for your entire meal. I stopped in here to get a takeaway pizza, and despite the casual nature, I was rather impressed when I started biting in a bit later. It was a little light on the cheese, but I went basic, and for the price, I can hardly complain.
i’Capaccino: Small, charming, often staffed by the owner, and often frequented by more locals than visitors, it became my favorite stop in many ways. Their menu isn’t extensive for normal eats and gets even narrower for GF, but what they do make, they make well and carefully. My only gripe is how absurd their drink prices were last time (I’m talking Fanta and Coke), so just be mindful of what you’re ordering.
Mama Eat: Just about every GF guide to Italy covers this chain and while the Florence location isn’t as exciting as the ones in Rome and Milan, it has a few distinct advantages. First, the menu is extensive. Second, they do both GF and regular versions so it’s an easier sell to those without restrictions. And third, the prices remain wonderfully competitive. A Margherita pizza costs €8.50 as of this post.
Grom: Another spot on all the lists and one that’s gone global, Grom is just one of many safe gelato places around the city and is on the spendier side, but worth a final spot on my list for days when I wanted a cone and a classic flavor. Delicious options with hours that run pretty late for an evening stroll around the Palazzo.
Rivoire: Famous for their hot chocolate (so rich and thick and certainly nothing like boring old Swiss Miss), this place was one of my few stops not AIC or GF reviewed, but even in a city full of known options, I can’t always wait for someone else to try first. Located in the Piazza della Signoria, the place doesn’t have a lot that’s GF, but you don’t need much. A hot chocolate, a pre-packaged cookie, and an hour just relaxing on the patio. You pay for the experience.
There are plenty of other spots I snuck by for a snack that I can’t recall. Take Gelato, for example. While not always GF, especially with the cones, most places I would venture into when things were slower would immediately know, even scoop all the way to the front of a tray just to be sure.
Grocery stores and casual stops
On my last visit, my accommodations included a small kitchen, and while not strictly necessary, this was an absolute winning decision, not for the pots and pans but the fridge. Italy isn’t just good about places to eat out, markets tend to have plenty of safe snacks to buy too, and as traveling can get, how do I say this, calorie- and cash-dense. Being able to pick up a couple yogurts or high-protein drinks, a few bottles of water, wine, or soda, some fruit, and a couple delicious late-night treats was a wonderful way to balance things out a bit.
The main market chain around Florence is Carrefour, though there are some local bodegas and similar markets that are especially good for fresh fruit. Locations are a bit sparse in the city center and hours can be limited, so stock up before it gets too late, but there’s plenty to be found, be it near the train station, south of the city center, or across the river.
As a last recommendation, and bear with me on this one, McDonalds locations in Italy almost all serve a Schar Gluten Free burger. It’s as basic as it gets coming pre-packaged, but that makes it about as safe as it can get too. Fries are said to be good, and I’ve done okay with them, but don’t bother most times, sticking with the burger and a coke as a quick filler. Obviously I wouldn’t suggest the place for a family dinner, but it’s delightful to have casual fast food as an option heading off to a train or landing late.
Final thoughts on Florence
While Florence isn’t my top gluten free city in Italy (Milan, with its multiple dedicated GF bakeries, takes the cake there), that’s a very, very high bar, and it’s a wonderful place to visit and eat. Many people also make Florence a base or starting point for getting to Pisa, Siena, Cinque Terre, and other spots, and those can be more varied in their GF offerings, so don’t hesitate to eat up before heading away!
Last updated August 18, 2025