Are you interested in studying abroad in Florence, Italy, but not sure how you would survive with a food allergy or dietary restriction? Then, this blog post is for you! My name is Anna, I’m studying abroad in Florence, Italy, during the Spring 2026 semester, and I have a gluten allergy. Before coming to Florence, I was incredibly nervous about what I would actually be able to eat here; however, upon arriving, I was pleasantly surprised by how incredible Italy is when it comes to food allergies, especially gluten. So, here’s a quick guide to navigating a gluten-free life in Florence, Italy:
One of the many gluten-free shelves in Conad
Starting with grocery stores, my two favorites are Conad and NaturaSì. Conad is a large grocery store chain in Italy that you will find all over Florence. What I love specifically about Conad is that they always have a dedicated gluten-free section or shelf labeled “senza glutine” (Italian for gluten-free). You can confidently shop anything in this section or search around the store for other items clearly marked as “senza glutine.” I have found everything from pasta and croissants to frozen pizza and tiramisu in these stores. If you are looking for more organic options, NaturaSì is your best bet! While they have fewer locations than Conad, they are worth seeking out. Everything inside of a NaturaSì is completely organic, and I have found gluten free protein bars, cookies, muffins, crackers, and even small seasonal cakes! The bottom line here is you will find great gluten-free options in almost any grocery store in Florence if you know to look for shelves or individual items labeled “senza glutine.”
The gluten-free shelf in NaturaSì (with tons of cookies!)
Now that we have covered grocery shopping, let’s talk about something more exciting: restaurants! Florence is crawling with fantastic gluten-free restaurants if you know where to look. I have found many of my favorite spots by searching “gluten-free food” on Google Maps or browsing the “Find Me Gluten Free” website. While I encourage you to do your own research, here are a few of my absolute favorite food spots in Florence:
A marinara and a margherita pizza from MamaEat
#1: MamaEat. MamaEat is a restaurant in Florence that allows everything (yes, everything!) on their extensive menu to be made with or without gluten. Their prices are not very high and the service is always kind and quick. Another great thing about MamaEat is that they are a chain restaurant! I have visited their Milan and Rome locations during my semester and can confidently say the food quality is just as good in those places as it is in Florence. I highly recommend trying their fluffy, gluten-free pizza or mini fried donuts.
A margherita pizza from Ciro & Sons (+ gluten-free bread for the table!)
#2: Ciro & Sons. Ciro & Sons is another restaurant in which almost everything on the menu can be made gluten-free upon request. While they are a little bit fancier than MamaEat, their prices are still reasonable. One particular thing that I love about Ciro & Sons is that they will bring regular and gluten-free bread, in separate baskets of course, to the table to dip in olive oil while you wait for your main course. My favorite thing to order here is their gluten-free margherita pizza.
Two delicious smoothie bowls and a chai latte from #RAW
#3: #RAW. #RAW is an entirely gluten free and vegan cafe in the Santo Spirito neighborhood. The space itself is incredibly cute and offers free Wi-Fi for you to sit and do homework or research your next trip. However, the aesthetic is the least interesting thing about them because their food is incredibly fresh, delicious, and unlike any other place I have found in Florence. My favorite thing to order here is a smoothie bowl with their house-made granola, bananas, and peanut butter on top!
Crema catalana, caprese cake, and mini fried donuts from MamaEat
Other phenomenal spots for gluten-free food in Florence:
Shake Café: Shake Café has multiple locations around Florence and while the entire menu is not gluten free, they have some great options such as build-your-own salad bowls, smoothie bowls, and sweet potato toast.
Sgrano: Sgrano is a completely gluten-free restaurant that specializes in focaccia sandwiches. These are delicious and can also be ordered to-go at their street-food stall next to the restaurant itself.
Grom: Grom is a chain of gelato shops that serve 100% gluten-free gelato! It is important to note that some gelato shops in Florence, and Italy in general, will use gluten-containing ingredients in their gelato. GROM will always serve gluten-free gelato, but if you go elsewhere, please ask which flavors are “senza glutine.”
Cortese Café: Cortese Café is an organic, vegan, and gluten-free cafe that serves croissants, cookies, and your typical coffee-shop beverages.
Of course, this blog barely scratches the surface of all the incredible gluten-free food you can find in Florence; however, I hope it was enough to show you that you truly do not need to be worried if you are studying abroad here with a gluten allergy or dietary restriction. I encourage you to try everything on this list and then do your own exploring! As long as you know how to confidently say “senza glutine,” you’ll be set! Buon appetito!
Written by: Anna, Spring 2026 Florence student from Belmont University
