The Best Gluten Free Pizza in Italy
One of the best things about Italy is undeniably the food! The pasta, wine, cheese, cured meats, desserts, you name it, I could eat it all day everyday! But who can come to Italy and not fall in love with the pizza? I don’t think there is anyone that could deny, that it is without a doubt, the best pizza in the world! But how does the gluten free pizza compare?
Gluten Free Pizza in Italy
Although I had previously travelled through Italy on 3 separate occasions, this was the first time experiencing it gluten free. I was skeptical as to how the gluten free pizza was going to compare to the gluten filled deliciousness that I had tasted so many times before. Well, I couldn’t have been more delighted! I had never tasted pizza of that quality here in Canada. It was chewy and doughy which is something that we don’t get to experience in North America very often. It tasted like real authentic pizza! There is so much variety of gluten free food in Italy and it is one of the safest countries in the world to travel as a celiac.
The AIC App (Associazione Italiana Celiachia)
Founded in 1979, The Italian Celiac Association or AIC is aimed at providing support and protection for all those with celiac disease. There are also 21 additional AIC’s based on region. Prior to travelling to Italy you can download the AIC app to find certified restaurants throughout the country. Although, I recommend doing this as close to your trip as possible as this is a paid app and will give you 2 weeks from the time you download it. Italy takes celiac disease very seriously and this app makes travelling throughout the country a lot less challenging.
Safety Note:
Italians often use wheat starch in their pizzas that is processed to remove the gluten. This is how they get the chewy delicious crusts. While this is fine for celiacs, it would not be safe to consume for those with a wheat allergy.
These 3 restaurants that stood out as our favourites were not 100% gluten free. They all served gluten containing food as well, but all had a separate space for cooking and preparing their gluten free pizza. There was one that stood out as our favourite but all were fantastic!
#1 Dal Presidente Antica Pizzeria e Friggitoria
Via Dei Tribunali 120, 89138 Naples, Italy
This restaurant was by far the best gluten free pizza we tasted in all of Italy! And of course it was located in the heart of Naples, the birthplace of pizza.
I had researched gluten free options before we left and this one came highly recommended and did not disappoint! The crust was so delicious and doughy, so much so that even Ryan was questioning whether or not it was truly gluten free! My daughter decided on the Margherita (as she always does) and I got the gluten free Diavola, topped with delicious prosciutto and mozzarella. All of the pizzas on the menu are tempting and can be made gluten free!
We spoke with the owner Massimiliano Di Caprio and he assured us that they take very good care not to cross contaminate. They have an entirely separate oven for their gluten free pizzas. I highly recommend stopping in for a bite if you are in Naples and say hi to Massimiliano if you get the chance! He has been making gluten free pizza for the past 30 years and there is no doubt that in true Neapolitan fashion, he has perfected it!
#2 Pizza in Trevi
Via di S. Vincenzo, 30/30A, 00187 Rome, Italy. https://www.pizzaintrevi.it/
Pizza in Trevi is certified by the AIC and is located only steps away from the famous Trevi Fountain in Rome. If you are planning a visit to the Trevi Fountain anyway then do yourself a favour and make a reservation at this lovely restaurant. It can get quite busy during peak season!
This place gets top score for safety! They are so careful with cross contamination and have a completely separate kitchen for the gluten free food. As soon as we sat down and said that our daughter was celiac, they immediately took away her entire place setting. They then proceeded to bring her a new “gluten free only” set that was wrapped to eliminate any cross contamination. They also brought her a new placemat and water glass. The care and attention taken was something we are not used to here in Canada.
This was her first taste of gluten free Italian pizza and to say she was thrilled is an understatement. So much so that we made a point of visiting more than once during our stay in Rome. Pizza in Trevi is much more than just delicious gluten free pizza and pasta! They have a full menu with regular pizza and pasta as well for the gluten lovers in your life.
#3 Mama Eat
Via di S. Cosimato, 7/9, 00153, Rome, Italy. https://www.mamaeat.com/it/
Mama Eat is located in the enchanting neighbourhood of Trastevere in Rome. A must see if you are visiting! This was one of our favourite areas to explore while in Rome and found ourselves coming back time and time again. There are other locations in Rome but this was the one that we decided upon.
This particular Mama Eat restaurant is located just a short walk from Piazza di Santa Maria and is also certified by the AIC. They have a separate pizza oven, separate chef and entirely separate kitchen for their gluten free food.
One thing I love about Mama Eat is that anything on the menu can be made gluten free or lactose free! What a treat this was to be able to order absolutely anything we desired, including dessert! We opted to try the pizza and had over 20 different options from which to choose, from a simple Margherita to a Sicilian topped with provolone, parmesan and mushrooms. There is a Rustic pizza topped with potato croquettes and a pizza stuffed with salami, fior di latte, parmesan and ricotta. So many choices that made us come back more than once! A treat to say the least! Don’t miss Mama Eat if you are visiting Rome. They are also located in Florence, Naples and Milan.