The Ultimate Gluten-Free Food Tour in Rome

Europe

Sep 22

*I had an amazing time on NOGLUTEATALY’s tour with our wonderful guide, Rebekah, and founder, Alessia!*

Imagine wandering the charming streets of Rome with a slice of authentic gluten-free pizza in one hand and a scoop of creamy Italian gelato in a gluten-free cone in the other. If you've ever wondered whether you can truly enjoy Rome with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, the answer is a resounding YES!

For many travelers with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, planning an international vacation can feel overwhelming. Questions about where it's safe to eat, how to communicate dietary needs, and whether authentic local cuisine will be accessible often create unnecessary stress. Italy is widely known among gluten-free travelers for its strong awareness of celiac disease and abundance of dedicated gluten-free options. Thanks to its widespread awareness of celiac disease and strong food safety practices, you'll find dedicated gluten-free bakeries, restaurants, cafés, and pizzerias throughout Rome, making it easier than ever to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine with confidence.

One of the best ways to experience Rome's incredible gluten-free food scene is with NOGLUTEATALY, a company dedicated to helping gluten-free travelers discover Italy safely and authentically. From carefully curated food tours that introduce you to local gluten-free favorites to hands-on cooking classes where you'll learn to make traditional Italian dishes, every experience is designed with safety, education, and unforgettable flavors in mind.

In August, I had the opportunity to experience NOGLUTEATALY’s Celiac-Safe Gluten-Free Food Tour of Rome: Pizza, Gelato & Tiramisù, and it was such a fun way to experience the city. During the tour, we got to try some classic Italian favorites, including supplì (an Italian fried rice ball), pizza, gelato, and tiramisù. What made the experience even better was our guide, Rebekah, who not only knew how to navigate the gluten-free food scene, but also had a wonderful knowledge of Rome’s history. As we walked through the city, she shared interesting stories and information about several of the historic sites we passed, making the tour feel like a combination of a food tour and a history lesson. It was a great way to explore Rome while enjoying delicious gluten-free food along the way.

I also had the opportunity to interview Alessia, the founder of NOGLUTEATALY, to learn more about her mission, her passion for helping the gluten-free community, and why her tours have become such a popular experience for travelers with celiac disease visiting Rome.

Our interview with Alessia Bianco, founder of NOGLUTEATALY

How did the idea for a gluten-free tour in Rome first come to you?

The idea didn’t come from my own dietary need, but from my everyday life.

My husband and some of my closest friends are celiac, so cooking and eating gluten-free has always been part of my routine. At the same time, I’ve been working in the tourism industry for years, in the tours and attractions sector.

Over time, I started to see a clear connection between the two worlds. On one side, I saw how much care and attention is needed to eat safely gluten-free. On the other, I was constantly meeting travelers who felt unsure and even anxious about what they could eat in Rome.

That’s when I realized that my experience in tourism, combined with my daily exposure to the gluten-free world, could be used to create something truly helpful - not just a food tour, but an experience that feels safe, inclusive, and reassuring from the very beginning.

What gluten-free tour options do you offer?

I currently offer a gluten-free food walking tour in Rome, designed specifically for people with celiac disease or strict gluten intolerance.

Guests can taste a variety of iconic Italian foods like pizza, supplì, gelato, and tiramisu, all carefully selected to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

In addition to the tour, I also offer a gluten-free cooking class, where guests learn how to make fresh pasta and tiramisu in a dedicated, controlled environment.

The two experiences are quite different: one is about discovering the city, the other is more intimate and hands-on.

What can guests expect on your tours?

From the very beginning, the goal is to make guests feel comfortable, relaxed, and understood.

We meet in Piazza Navona and take a short walk together through the area, which is also a chance to start connecting and get a feel for the city.

The introduction to how gluten-free works in Italy comes naturally once we reach the first stop. There, I explain what to pay attention to, how things work locally, and what makes a place truly safe - something that already helps remove a lot of uncertainty.

As we continue, the experience goes beyond just food. We share stories about Rome, the neighborhoods we explore, and the origins of the dishes we taste, so guests can connect with the culture, not just the cuisine.

Each stop is carefully selected, and I always explain not only what we are eating, but why that place is considered safe and what to look for when choosing a restaurant on their own. Guests are encouraged to ask questions and be part of the experience, not just follow it.

By the end of the tour, guests feel more relaxed and confident about eating gluten-free in Rome.

How do you choose the restaurants and stops featured on your tour?

Selection is very strict.

I don’t choose places just because they offer gluten-free options — I focus on how they handle food preparation, awareness of cross-contact, and consistency over time.

It’s an ongoing work: I constantly monitor, test, and stay in touch with the restaurants.

How do you ensure safety and avoid cross-contact at each stop?

Safety is the most important part of the experience, especially because many guests are celiac or highly sensitive to gluten.

I work only with places that I trust for gluten-free food and that understand how important cross-contact is. All the stops included in the tour either have a fully gluten-free kitchen or a dedicated, separate preparation area.

Before including a place, I make sure their gluten-free options are suitable for the experience and that the staff is familiar with gluten-free needs.

If a guest has additional allergies or dietary restrictions beyond gluten, I always ask in advance. In those cases, I check directly with the restaurants or bakeries to see whether they can safely accommodate those needs. If I feel that I cannot guarantee a safe experience, I prefer to be transparent and, with sincere regret, I may need to cancel the booking to protect the guest’s safety.

This way, the experience is not only enjoyable, but also as clear, careful, and reassuring as possible.

What makes Rome a surprisingly great destination for gluten-free travelers?

Many people don’t expect it, but Italy has a very strong awareness of celiac disease.

There are clear regulations, dedicated products, and a culture that takes food seriously - which includes dietary needs.

Rome, in particular, has a wide range of options, from casual street food to bakeries and restaurants.

The key difference compared to other cities is that gluten-free is not just an “alternative”, but is often integrated into the menu. You just need to be careful what to choose!

What tips would you give to gluten-free travelers visiting Rome for the first time?

The main advice is: don’t assume every place is safe just because it offers gluten-free.

Always ask questions, especially about preparation and cross-contact.

At the same time, don’t be afraid - with the right information, you can enjoy Rome fully.

Starting your trip with a guided experience can really help, because it gives you a clear understanding from day one.

What’s your personal favorite gluten-free dish in Rome?

It’s hard to choose, but I would say gluten-free pizza and tiramisu

When it’s done well, it’s something you don’t expect to find at that level - and it really changes the experience for many travelers.

Thank you, Alessia, for an incredible tour and for taking the time to share your story with us. We truly appreciate all that you do to make Italy a safer and more enjoyable destination for the gluten-free community!

Let Us Help You Plan Your Gluten-Free Italian Adventure

As gluten-free travel advisors specializing in helping travelers with celiac disease and gluten intolerance explore the world with confidence, we love connecting clients with experiences that make travel easier and far more delicious.

Whether you're dreaming of wandering through Rome's historic streets, enjoying authentic gluten-free Italian cuisine, or learning to make fresh pasta during a cooking class, we can help you plan a vacation that lets you experience Italy without the stress of wondering where you'll safely eat.

Because everyone deserves to experience Rome and yes, that includes incredible gluten-free pizza, pasta, and tiramisu.

Let us turn your dream vacation into reality!

When you work with us, you’ll get the following:

Recommendations for destinations, hotels, and cruises based on your needs
A custom itinerary and assistance booking excursions and transportation
Gluten-free travel tips and restaurant recommendations for your destination
Gluten-free translation cards to show restaurant servers
Custom document package with your itinerary, confirmations, travel tips, and more!

Plan your next vacation with us!