Best Places to Travel If You’re Gluten Free- From a Celiac
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Are you thinking about traveling but worried about how to travel and manage your gluten-free diet? It’s already so hard to decide where to travel. Toss in worrying about gluten, and you’ve got another layer of stress.
I believe you can travel anywhere with celiac disease. But there’s no denying that some places are easier than others. If you’re looking for great places to explore that are also relatively easy for your gluten-free diet, this list is for you!
These are the top 10 places I’d recommend as a great starting point. The list is full of cities because a full-on country is just too much to think about for American vacations.
Read on for why you’ll love these gluten-free-friendly destinations when you’re not eating, plus a few places to eat.
I’ve not traveled everywhere. I only want to recommend places I’ve been. As a bonus, I’ll give you a couple on my short list at the end.
1-Florence
Italy is an all-star for gluten-free travelers. They have a great understanding of what celiac is. So, it’s no surprise that my top few cities are all in Italy.
Florence is a dream to visit. It’s a beautiful combination of Italian art and history, with the added plus of amazing gluten-free restaurants.
When you’re not eating, see the statue of David, the famous Duomo, and Ponte Vecchio. Even if art museums aren’t you’re favorite things, you’ll still love Florence (trust me, that’s me!)
To experience the best of Florence, stay near the city center. It’s such a walkable city that you can go your entire trip without taking any form of transportation. There’s something so magical about walking everywhere through such a beautiful city.
When you’re ready to eat, there are tons of options that are either dedicated gluten-free or AIC certified. Here are a few you shouldn’t miss. Seriously, I’m writing this and I’m dreaming about going back!
Sgrano is one of the most well-rated gluten-free restaurants I’ve ever been to. It’s a dedicated gluten-free sandwich shop. It’s hard to believe that’s a real thing! The sandwiches are all more Tuscan-style. So, they may be a little out of the box from what you’re used to looking for. Check the menu before you go so you aren’t surprised. There aren’t many dairy-free options since most have cheese. I enjoyed the sandwiches in Milan more than the ones at Sgrano, but it was still delicious!
Mister Pizza is a pizza place with a location near the Duomo in Florence. Get a reservation because this place is packed! It’s not dedicated gluten-free, but they are AIC certified (so they’re trained in what it means to be celiac safe). You can get a coupon if you go to their website!
I went a few times, and I still dream about going back. It was that good. I got the rustica piccante every time. It’s as close as you’re going to get to a pepperoni pizza in Italy. It was incredible, I should’ve branched out. I guess I just need to go back.
All of their pizzas can be made vegan, so if you’re traveling with someone who is dairy-free (like my partner), they can have all of the options too!
Ristorante Lorenzo de’ Medici is a Tuscan food gem for gluten-free foodies. I also went here twice during my week in Florence. I tried to convince myself to branch out, but it was too good! This is another AIC-certified restaurant, and they’ll take great care of you. Recommendations aren’t a bad idea here either.
There was a truffle pasta mentioned several times in the reviews when I was looking. It’s so far out of my comfort zone, but I went for it. It was worth the hype. The past was excellent, the sauce was delicious, and I wanted to order it again as soon as I finished it!
The Florentine steak was another great option. I don’t usually love a steak dish, but this one was incredible. So mouthwatering.
Ristorante Quinoa is a dedicated gluten-free restaurant tucked back in a little courtyard. Eating outside in the courtyard was the perfect way to spend an evening after exploring the city. It’s eclectic and hippy. So, just what you’d expect from the first dedicated gluten-free restaurant in Florence.
The best part of this restaurant is that they don’t have an exclusively Italian food menu. So, it was nice to get a change-up from the starchy pizza and pasta I’d found everywhere else.
The menu is seasonal, so check before you go if you’d like to know what to order. There was a selection of asian inspired dishes when I went, so I got to have some pad Thai.
This is another small space, so reservations are wise to be sure you don’t miss out.
Cortese Cafe is a gluten-free and vegan patisserie. And, oh my gosh. Grab a coffee and a pastry and then sit outside to enjoy Italian cafe culture. There is gelato, chocolate, and so many beautiful gluten-free pastries that it’ll be hard to pick. Make sure you’re travel partners choose different options so you can taste test as many as possible.
Actually, just plan to visit more than once. It’s rare to be able to sit and sip a coffee while enjoying a treat. Take advantage of it!
Florence is home to my favorite restaurants in Italy. But my favorite bakeries can be found in my number 2 city.
2- Milan
I’ll be honest, Milan has less to do than Florence or Rome. But if you’re gluten-free, you can spend your time exploring gluten-free bakeries. So, it all evens out.
When you’re not eating, you can explore the best of Italy’s fashion capital. Milan is easy to get around, so it’s fun to explore. Head to the top of the Duomo for a unique view, and you can learn a bit about the architecture, then window shop in The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Don’t miss out on seeing Da Vinci’s The Last Supper in Milan. Tickets for this sell out early, but it’s so special to see in person.
To see the best sites in Milan, you only need a couple of days. So, I like that it can be an add-on to a trip to Florence or Rome. Plus, you see some cool stuff and eat some great food.
Officina Zero is a bakery and cafeteria where you’ll be in with locals. The tarts and pasties are beautiful and so tasty. The best part is being able to order a standard “cafeteria” lunch in a dedicated gluten-free restaurant. It’s not like what you’re probably thinking of if you’re American. The cafeteria lunch is just a menu they’re serving that day. You can also get a pizza or a calzone.
But, since this place has local vibes, the ordering was faster-paced than I was prepared for the first time. If you need time, just be sure to pop out of the way so the others can go ahead while you debate.
GluFree Bakery is one of my favorite places to eat in Milan. The pastries are incredible. They are sold by weight, so the pricing can be difficult to figure out if you’re not used to it. But, everything has been more than reasonable when I’ve been. The croissants, especially the filled ones, are exceptional. But, so are the cookies and other pastries. You can’t go wrong here.
They have dairy-free items, but you have to ask. They’re happy to help.
Grab some things for breakfast, and you’ll definitely want to take some things to snack on later.
Pansy Gourmet is a gluten–free patisserie with vegan options. Grab a chocolate croissant and a latte and enjoy breakfast Italian style. Or, at least, what makes me feel like it’s Italian style. The pastries here are more photo-perfect than what you find a GluFree or Oficina Zero.
It’s small, so there isn’t a ton of seating inside. But, they are super friendly! It’s worth stopping by.
Bistrò is my favorite sandwich shop. They do gluten-free so well, you’ll likely want to ask questions to clarify that it really is all gluten-free. The focaccia bread is incredible. Order a sandwich on focaccia bread and you won’t regret it.
Don’t forget to check the pastry case. There are no sad, small gluten-free croissants to be found. They are so massive you’ll question how it’s possible. Plus, they are so good.
The people who run the restaurant have a bakery and a dedicated gluten-free grocery store in Milan called Villa dalla Spiga. That’s also worth visiting if you have the time. Head to the grocery store to buy some focaccia to make your sandwiches for a day trip.
I know Sgrano gets a lot of recommendations, but Bistro was better. Like a lot better.
3- Rome
Rome is the third and final city in Italy on this list. But, it’s too good to pass up! First, there is so much to do in Rome. If you’re exploring Italy for the first time, it really is a must-visit city.
Visit the Colosseum, toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, and marvel at the Pantheon. Stroll through the squares and along the river. Then, head over to Vatican City and see the Sistine Chapel.
There is so much to do in Rome. Plus, if you’re gluten-free, you’ll eat well too!
Mama Eat is a gluten-free paradise. They have two separate kitchens, so you can get everything on the menu from the gluten-free kitchen. The pizzas are big and the perfect combination of crispy and fluffy. They are the gluten-free pizza crusts of your dreams. Plus, the tiramisu for dessert is so good you’ll want to eat it even if you are objectively out of room. Plan to go here more than once and give yourself time to look through the menu. It’s overwhelming to have so many options!
There are Mama Eat locations in other cities, but the one in Trastevere is the best one I’ve been to. Plus, Trastevere is a beautiful part of Rome to explore!
Pizza in Trevi is a rare gem in the middle of a tourist center. It’s one of my favorites and I’ve probably eaten here a half a dozen times, at least. With views of the Trevi Fountain, this place gets busy. I’ll admit, I had a lot of doubts about it since it was so close to the fountain and it was so popular. But, they’re AIC certified and have a separate place to make gluten-free food.
The pizza and pasta are great. Everything I’ve ordered was. So is the house wine (I usually go with the red). The menu isn’t great for those avoiding dairy, but that’s true of a lot of Italy. My partner would not recommend the seafood pizza. But, I don’t think it’s their fault… just the flavors are not our vibe.
They bring you special flatware and glasses when you let them know you’re celiac. Honestly, the service was amazing even when they were slammed.
Make a reservation so you don’t miss out.
La Soffitta Renovatio is near Vatican City. As many gluten-free gems as there are in the city, there really aren’t that many near the Vatican. This is another AIC-certified haven, though!
The staff is super nice. They’re so friendly and want to take care of you. It was consistently some of the best service I had in Rome.
The menu is extensive, and there are great options. They have calzones! They aren’t quite what I remember as a kid, but it’s still a really fun thing to order that you can’t always find gluten-free. Their tiramisu is extra light and full of coffee. So, it’s my favorite one in the city.
The sidewalk seating and short walk from the Vatican make it an easy favorite when I’m in that part of Rome.
Pantha Rei is a cute little restaurant tucked into an alley near the Pantheon. You exit the chaos of the plaza in front of the Pantheon, and it’s like a magical slice of relaxation. You forget where you are while you enjoy your meal.
They are an AIC-certified restaurant, so they know what they’re doing with gluten-free. Your food will come out with a little flag on it, which is always a nice touch.
They are near one of the most popular attractions in the city, so it can get busy. Plan ahead so you don’t have issues with the wait.
Gelato in Trevi is a dedicated gluten-free gelato shop just off the plaza in front of the Trevi fountain. All of the gelato and the cones are gluten-free. They have several dairy-free gelato options, too!
There are a few flavors at this shop that I haven’t seen in other shops. Mainly, an incredible limoncello gelato. I’ve eaten that same gelato more times than I can count. No matter where I stay in the city, I will make my way to this shop for the limoncello. The other flavors are good too, but that one flavor is why this is my favorite gelato shop in all of Italy.
New Food Gluten Free, Le Altre Farine Del Mulino, Pandali, La Pasticciera
There is a long list of gluten-free bakeries in Rome. All of them are good!
New Food Gluten Free had some tiramisu truffles the first time I visited. Those were incredible.
Le Altre Farine Del Mulino is near Vatican City. I find it can be a bit hard to get to, but it’s definitely worth it. When I was traveling with family, I took a solo morning and went over to get some pastries. Their palmieras are flaky, crispy, and just the right amount of sweet. Their cookies are amazing, and you can’t go wrong with a filled cannoli!
Jump around to as many bakeries as you can! But, I found that the restaurants and sites in Rome were so good that I ended up getting more dessert with dinner and taking less time for special trips to bakeries.
What I Bring With Me
I’ve tried lots of travel backpacks and this one by Cotopaxi is my favorite.
My go-to day pack when I’m exploring cities.
My Nikon Z5 is my go-to camera. I love the 70-200mm lens for photographing wildlife.
My Eddie Bauer Rain Foil Jacket is a must.
Headphones – In-Ear by Bose
Headphones- over-ear by Beats – they don’t fall off my head or pinch my hair!
The only dietary card I’ll try (you get 10% off with my link)
4- Portland
Portland is a dream if you’re gluten-free! There are so many dedicated gluten-free options and lots of others that truly know what they’re doing. If you’re looking for a good place to start traveling gluten-free and you don’t want to go to Itay, Portland is the place to go. Thank me later.
I spent 5 days in the city and still didn’t manage to eat everywhere I wanted to. Not to mention the places I want to go back to! I just need a repeat trip.
I’ll start with my favorite bakeries, but just know there are too many to name here.
Petunia’s Pies and Pastries is downtown, and it is amazing. The baked goods are incredible. The cookies and the ice cream sandwiches were quick favorites. I also got a chicken pot pie to eat for dinner one day, and I was skeptical because that’s not usually my favorite. But it was just as delicious as the sweet treats.
New Cascadia is probably my favorite gluten-free bakery in the US. They have a maple log donut that I honestly didn’t expect to like too much. But it is one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. It’s just so perfectly fluffy. It’s a proper yeasty donut, not the cake-like things we usually get. I remember it vividly, and if I get to go back to Portland, this will be my first stop.
Mokiko Mochi Donuts was a place I visited a few times. The mochi donuts have a texture I love, and they do a really good job of having fun flavors at Mokiko. It was my first mochi donut, and I look for gluten-free versions everywhere I travel now. They have great options if you’re dairy-free, too.
There are at least 3 other gluten-free bakeries/ice cream shops in the city, but these were my favorite.
There are so many restaurants to choose from. These are four of my favorites.
Butterfly Belly is an asian food restaurant that’s dedicated gluten-free. The menu is eclectic and extensive. There are so many options it may take you a bit to choose. It’s an experience eating here. Karaoke is popular too if you’re into that!
Schilling Cider is a dedicated gluten-free cider house. The ciders are all gluten-free, but they also have a dedicated gluten-free kitchen! All of the bar food and snacks we can never eat are gluten-free here! I never get to do this, so sitting down with a cider and some fries and a corndog was peak fun for me. It was just nice to feel normal in a setting where I tend to feel left out.
Tacovore is what you’d expect: a taco restaurant. But it’s dedicated gluten-free. It’s not super convenient if you don’t have a car. But, if you do, please go! I went once and immediately wanted to go back. The tacos are so good, especially the fish taco and the vegan tacos. Plus, the vibes are chill and as hipster as you’d expect from Portland. It was an excellent lunch option. I’d definitely go back.
Honey Butter Country Fare is best found on their Instagram (so that’s what I linked). This is a dedicated gluten-free food truck with all of the deep-fried fair foods we can never have as celiacs. I had a corn dog and some fries, but the number of options is incredible. Get ready for a fried food coma that’s totally worth it.
5- New York City
My other top pick in the USA is New York City. For one, there is so much to do when you’re visiting NYC. It’s a popular vacation destination for a reason! But it’s also home to a ton of incredible gluten-free food. BUT, you can just show up any where in New York. You still need to do some planning. I’ve run into people who made this mistake. Don’t be them.
Modern Bread and Bagel will probably be my favorite in NYC forever. The bagels and vegan cream cheese are perfect. Seriously, no notes. I love the cinnamon raisin bagel and even order them to be delivered to my house about once a year. It’s great that it can be delivered, but there is something special about eating a bagel loaded with cream cheese in NYC. Grab your food and then stroll through Central Park for a perfect morning.
Posh Pop Bake Shop is the place to go in NYC for a gluten-free sweet treat fix. The cookies and cupcakes are so good. They’re all super sweet, though, so pace yourself! I love the store too! It’s just a cute little bake shop with Instagram photo vibes.
Friedman’s is a classic sandwich shop. While it’s not dedicated gluten-free most of their menu is gluten-free or can be made gluten-free. There are 7 locations, so you can find one near you when you’re exploring the city. Find sandwiches, burgers, fries, and brunch depending on when you visit. I had a BLAT sandwich with fries. It comes with a little flag for confidence and was so good. I need to go back and get chicken and waffles for brunch one day! It doesn’t feel like a gluten-free-friendly joint because it’s so popular. But they’ve been doing it for a long time, and they do it well. Ask questions at the counter and they’ll make you feel super confident!
Lilli and Loo is a staple in my visits to NYC. This is another place that isn’t dedicated gluten-free, but they do a great job. They serve dishes I’ve struggled to find gluten-free in other places, like dumplings. They serve sushi, Thai, Chinese, and more. The dumplings, spring rolls, and lo mein are popular choices for me since they’re hard to find and they’re so good. I love a Thai basil stir fry, though, so that’s on my list now!
Keste Pizza is hands down my favorite pizza outside of Italy. They have to use similar techniques because the crust is the same crispy but chewy (not cardboard flat) crust I get in Italy. They know what they’re doing and can take great care of you. The outdoor seating is perfect for a nice day. Have an Aperol and enjoy some pizza while you take a break from exploring the city.
So many new dedicated gluten-free restaurants have popped up in NYC since I was last able to visit. It was easy before, so I can only imagine it’s super easy now.
6- London
London is one of my favorite cities for gluten-free food. I have a couple of staples I will go to every time I’ve got the opportunity. I will even plan layovers in London so I can eat them.
I haven’t had the chance to explore the bakery scene in London. Libby’s is high on my list, but so are several of the dedicated gluten-free places that have opened since I was able to visit last.
These are my favorites until I get to go back:
Hobson’s Fish and Chips is the perfect stop if you want traditional fish and chips. There are several locations, so you can find one near where you’ll be exploring. Some locations look more like a pub to me (as a tourist), some look more like the standard chip shop. Either way, they have dedicated friers and they send the fish out with little flags. They’re so good at what they do, they make it seem like it’s no big deal, even though it really is if you’ve never had incredible GF fish and chips before.
Honest Burgers is a burger joint with gluten-free buns. They also have chicken sandwiches, which I really loved. I’ll be honest, I think the burger was good, but the rosemary fries are the stuff of dreams. I can’t wait to go back and get an order of rosemary chips, even if I don’t get a burger. There are several locations, and most are conveniently located near the touristy sections. They make most of their sauces and things in-house. The quality is what makes this place special.
Dishoom is an Indian restaurant, and if you want to eat here, you’re going to want to make a reservation early. It’s a whole experience at Dishoom. They can accommodate most allergens and are quick to help you navigate their menu. The place is packed and it’s for good reason. The food is amazing and the experience is unforgettable. I own the cookbook now, and it is the top place on my list when I get to have dinner in London.
Flat Iron is another one that requires a reservation. It’s a steak restaurant. The menu is limited, but much of it is gluten-free. Plus, the steaks are amazing. The place is tiny, so you end up sharing tables with other customers, but it just adds to the experience.
There are so many other gluten-free-friendly and dedicated gluten-free restaurants in London. You’ll find plenty to eat and can even track down a gluten-free high tea if that’s something you’re into.
7- Budapest
I did not expect to love Budapest as much as I did when I visited. But there are so many gluten-free restaurants here! You can check out the thermal baths and the architecture in Buda and Pest while you eat your way through Budapest!
Bohémtanya Gluténmentes Vendéglő is the place to go for Hungarian food. It’s dedicated gluten-free and a must-visit on your trip. The schnitzel and apple strudel are amazing! It’s fun to be able to choose any of the traditional Hungarian foods and know you can try them safely. You’ll want a reservation because the place is small and fills up.
NonGlutén Pizzéria is a dedicated gluten-free pizza shop. The pizzeria is known for its award-winning pizza, and they decided to make a gluten-free version so celiacs could come too! I went a few times and got amazing pizza every time. It’s so close to the gluten-free pizza in Italy. My travel buddy is not gluten-free, and it was one of his favorite pizzas ever. He even requested we go back a second night!
Kata Restaurant was probably my favorite place in Budapest. Definitely make a reservation. I went early and got lucky, but the place fills up quickly. Mostly with locals celebrating events or grabbing brunch since I went on a Saturday. Every time I walked by, the place was packed. The lemonades are popular, and mine was great. They have a range of pasta, burgers, entrees, and desserts. It’s dedicated gluten-free, so you can enjoy whatever you’d like! The Caesar salad was just what I needed after days of not having veggies, but we also tried the burger and veggie burger and loved both of those, too!
Tibidabo Gluten Free Bakery has a table service menu. They also have a bakery with lots of sweet treats. The “cinnamon snails” were great. Otherwise, they have a lot of bread. So, if you’re doing some day trips or want to make sandwiches for lunch stop by and get a loaf.
herBar was a perfect stop for an afternoon snack while exploring the Christmas markets in Budapest. The location is near shopping and the tourist district. You can find gluten-free and vegan options so it’s great for those of us with more than one restriction. They have a cafe menu and a bakery case. The chai latte with a chocolate swirl was the best way to warm up on a chilly day.
Honorable Mentions –
- Barcelona – Such a good food scene here!
- Paris- Not as good as NYC, but there are great bakeries and restaurants in Paris.
- San Francisco – One of my first gluten-free vacations was to SF! Find arepas, bakeries, and several other great restaurants here
- Denver- Great pizza, coffee, and more. It’s harder if you’re near the national parks, but there is good food to be found here
- New Zealand- I know it’s not a city. The whole country is incredibly gluten-free friendly. Plus, it’s beautiful and the people are kind! If it were easier to get to, it would be higher on my list.
Bonus Mention- Ireland
I haven’t been to Ireland yet. But it’s coming soon. I’ve already done some research into what I can eat there, and I can tell it will be added to the list when I get home. They seem to have celiac knowledge/prevalence on par with Italy. I’ll report back, but I’m so excited!
Hardest Places I’ve been – Tokyo, Most of the USA
Tokyo and Japan in general were difficult for me. I think it’s getting better, but I still don’t have a lot of desire to go back. Even though I truly loved Japan, other than finding food. There were some great options in Tokyo but it’s such a massive city that it was hard to plan. I thought I’d be able to eat more sushi/sashimi, but they add barley malt to a lot of the sushi, so it was a no-go. I didn’t find chefs super interested in helping/answering my questions, so it was hard. It’s doable. But, I wouldn’t start here.
The USA is honestly harder than most places I’ve traveled internationally. In most big cities, you can find some phenomenal options. But once you branch out, not so much. I think it’s just some differing cultural philosophy, or maybe I’m looking differently when I travel internationally. I’m not sure, but I find almost every country easier than the US.
Looking for More About Gluten Free Travel:
Gluten-Free Travel Can be Fun – Just Pick the Right Place
If you pick the right city where you don’t have to worry about food quite as much, you really can have a great trip even if you’re gluten-free. These are are cities I’d start with.
Read more about being gluten-free in Italy. It’s my favorite place for travel as a gluten-free human.
Where would you add to this list?
