Gluten-Free Bologna: A Mini Guide By A Celiac
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Bologna is a foodie city. Even Italians in Como spoke about how much you need to eat when visiting Bologna. Buuuut, Foodie cities aren’t usually great options if you’re gluten-free.
I’m surprised to say it because I wasn’t confident going in, but Bologna is worth a visit. There aren’t as many gluten-free-friendly restaurants as there are in Florence or Rome. It’s a shorter stop, though, so it’s fine. Plus, the quality is top-notch and will be some of your favorite foods in Italy.
These are the top places in Bologna for safe, delicious gluten-free food. From pizza to elaborate pasta, there are options in the city you’ll want to go back for! This list is where I ate and what I ate in my 5 days in Bologna.
These are divided into restaurants and then groceries/bakeries/desserts so you can quickly find what you’re looking for.
Restaurants
La Capriata
La Capriata is tucked back in a little galleria (so many of the best restaurants are). This was the only restaurant I ate at twice. We hustled back from the race so I could get here before heading back to the hotel.
There was gluten-free bread at the table and options for dessert.
They make their pasta in-house, and they have some incredible options. The pumpkin ravioli is not something I would normally order. But if I get the opportunity to go back to Bologna, I will go back and eat it for a third time!
The pasta was thin. It wasn’t gummy or chewy. The pumpkin gave it a rich but slightly sweet flavor. It’s not like any other pasta I’ve ever had.
It’s just this perfect combination of sweet and savory with delightful homemade gluten-free pasta.
They are AIC certified, so they’ve been vetted. The kitchen has strict rules to follow for celiac-safe dining. This organization is a big reason why eating gluten-free in Italy is easy.
What is the AIC?
The AIC is the Italian Celiac Association. They do a lot but you’ll want to know that they educate and certify restaurants in how to prepare food for celiacs. So, you can eat there with confidence.
You can get access to the app for 2 weeks for cheap.
I’m not an affiliate. It just love it and it’s something I really use.
Regina Sofia
I went to Regina Sofia for the pizza. It’s convenient to the downtown area, so it’s easy to go to on your trip.
They have a dedicated space to prepare and cook gluten-free foods. They say they can’t guarantee all allergies, but they do say they can guarantee gluten-free dishes are safe. So, that’s great news.
The outdoor seating was perfect for a meal in the evening. The pizza wasn’t as good as some I’ve had in Florence, but it had a really good crust. It was thin and crispy but not burnt like gluten-free crusts are so often in the US.
The gluten-free tiramisu was a must for dessert after the meal.
Trattoria Vecchio Mercato Bologna
Trattoria Vecchio Mercato Bologna is a dedicated gluten-free restaurant with all of the Bolognese favorites, including pizza and pasta. It’s nice to know you can eat safely no matter what order, since it’s a dedicated gluten-free kitchen. There are other options in Italy with safe protocols, but there is still something so nice about eating at a dedicated gluten-free place.
The downside here is that it is not near the main sites in Bologna. So, it can take a bit of time to get out to it. I didn’t have the time since I was going out of the city each day for the race. On a short trip, it could be hard to get to.
Find Restaurants When Traveling
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Learn how to use it to make finding food on your trips easier!
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Grocery/Bakery/Desserts
La Spiga Amica
La Spiga Amica is a dedicated gluten-free bakery. There are amazing baked goods sold by weight. The cookies were a perfect snack. You can get some pasta and pizzas made fresh for a meal if you’re hungry when you go by.
Expect a busy line of locals buying things to take home for the day. It moves quickly, but it can be a bit stressful to figure out what you want. Especially since most of the prices are by weight. Try not to be too stressed by it. You can always let the person behind you jump ahead while you think, or come back for a second go!
I was envious of the long line of locals buying beautifully crafted fresh pasta to take home to make. In hindsight, I wish I’d ordered a plate of pasta since I had no way to take it home to cook it. There’s something that feels really romanticized about buying fresh pasta and cooking it at home. Since I can’t get that at home, the next time I venture to Bologna, I’ll stay in a place with a kitchen.
Grom
Grom is a gluten-free staple in Italy. It’s a dedicated gluten-free gelato shop. You can eat the cones and all of the ice cream! They have some vegan gelatos as well; mostly the fruit flavors. The cones do have dairy in them, so if you’re avoiding dairy for for a cup.
If you can eat dairy, I’m a big fan of the pistachio and hazelnut options. I mostly avoid dairy, and I really enjoy every vegan flavor I’ve tried at Grom. Mango is a favorite of mine!
How Long Do I Need in Bologna?
I was there for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, so I had several days. But I was mostly at the race track.
Even on a day trip, you could see a lot. You’d just have to decide what you want to eat!
Is Bologna Worth Visiting if You’re Gluten-Free?
Yes! While it doesn’t have the bakery options of Milan or the restaurant options of Florence, there are so many great places to eat in Bologna.
Bologna is a cute city that’s off the main American tourist path. There’s still plenty to do for a couple of days. So, you’ll likely miss some of the crowds, see some cool architecture, tour some amazing factories, and enjoy some really unique gluten-free food.
I’ve never had anything like the pumpkin ravioli at La Capriata, and it is one of the things I remember the most about Italy.
So, even though Bologna is small and you might question it, think about what you like and then decide. Don’t be afraid to go against what the masses generally do on their trips. You may find a gem like Bologna along the way.
