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There was a time when gluten-free Florence eateries have been few and much between, however thankfully, that’s now not the case. The vary of gluten-free choices in Florence has improved drastically over time, and now dozens of celiac-friendly spots are scattered all through town.
If you happen to’ve joined one among my Florence meals excursions, you’ll know that Tuscan delicacies is way more than decadent pasta and Italian bread (as dreamy as they’re!). Having mentioned that, once you fancy both of the above, you’ll discover loads of locations that serve options for gluten-sensitive diners.
This gluten-free information to Florence is filled with all my suggestions for eating within the Renaissance metropolis as a celiac traveler.
Da Garibardi
Photograph credit score: Da Garibardi
Da Garibardi is a traditional trattoria near Mercato Centrale in San Lorenzo, with some of the spectacular gluten-free menus within the metropolis.
Higher nonetheless, it’s authorised by the Italian Celiac Affiliation, typically shortened to AIC in Italian, which means it’s an accredited Celiac-safe spot.
On the floor, it seems like your typical old-school Florence eatery. Once I walked inside, I used to be immediately charmed by the medieval-looking stone partitions and wood beams. But, in contrast to many eating places of this type, the menu was extremely accommodating for gluten-free visitors.
At the same time as somebody who eats gluten, I might fortunately come right here a number of occasions to strive the wheat-free takes on gnocchi, ravioli, and crostini. They even had gluten-free desserts like tiramisu, which I’m already eyeing forward of my subsequent go to! On this event, I opted for the wild boar ragu.
A number of pals had raved about this dish, and I shortly understood why. The tagliatelle was virtually indistinguishable from conventional pasta, with its barely chewy texture and trace of saltiness. To at the present time, I nonetheless dream concerning the tender, gamey meat, and wealthy tomato-based sauce.
Da Garibardi (€€) – Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 38R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy – Open day by day from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
Ristorante Hostaria Il Desco
Photograph credit score: Ristorante Hostaria Il Desco
Ristorante Hostaria Il Desco is simply a couple of streets again from the banks of the Arno River between Ponte Vecchio and Ponte Santa Trinita. If you happen to’re going gluten-free in Florence, this pleasant little hang-out deserves a spot in your itinerary.
I got here throughout Ristorante Hostaria Il Desco by likelihood, and I nonetheless can’t consider how lengthy it took me to seek out this place. From the pleasant employees to the oh-so-elegant red-brick eating space, the ambiance right here is someplace between subtle and understated.
In the case of the menu, it’s primarily a showcase of all issues Tuscany, gluten-free-style. The ribollita soup, Chianina beef, and veal all caught my eye, however none have been as intriguing to me because the spaghetti alla chitarra.
From the second I noticed the waiter coming over with this hearty portion of contemporary gluten-free pasta, I knew I used to be in for a deal with. Mixing succulent, briny shrimp, vibrant and creamy pesto, and gooey buttery burrata, this dish had a fantastically balanced assortment of flavors.
Ristorante Hostaria Il Desco (€€) – By way of delle Terme, 23/R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy – Open day by day from 12:00 pm to three:00 pm and from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Ristorante Quinoa
Photograph credit score: Ristorante Quinoa
Ristorante Quinoa isn’t simply the most effective gluten-free Florence institutions; it’s additionally the oldest. Nestled midway between the Florence Duomo and the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, this restaurant has been dishing up 100% gluten-free meals longer than anybody else within the metropolis.
As beautiful because the inexperienced and white aesthetic in the primary eating space is, I’m extra keen on the plant-clad courtyard. The terrace space was half-full, but the ambiance was so full of life.
I wasn’t within the temper for Italian meals on this explicit day, so I used to be relieved to seek out Asian grub with a ton of vegetarian and vegan dishes on the menu. As a staunch fan of Thai meals, I had my coronary heart set on inexperienced curry.
My waitress offered me with a basket of gluten-free bread after I ordered, which was far crustier and softer than any I’d tried earlier than. This was the proper warm-up to the steaming bowl of curry
Spicy with out being overpowering, the sauce was stuffed with citrussy and refreshing notes from the lime and lemongrass. Every rooster chunk was juicy and lean, and the coconut milk gave the dish a contact of nuttiness that mellowed the warmth from the chilis.
Ristorante Quinoa (€€) – Vicolo di Santa Maria Maggiore, 1, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy – Open each Tuesday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to three:30 pm and from 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm and Sunday and Monday from 12:00 pm to three:30 pm
Mister Pizza
Mister Pizza is presumably essentially the most beloved pizzeria amongst Florence’s gluten-free group. Their meatless and dairy-free pizzas have additionally proved fashionable in every of their two Florentine places, my favourite of which is located within the enchanting Santa Croce neighborhood.
Inside, Mister Pizza is quaint and colourful, with a inexperienced, orange, and yellow shade scheme. The vibe right here feels informal and relaxed, and its far-reaching menu caters to pizza lovers with just about any kind of dietary requirement.
I got here right here with a buddy of mine who’d just lately realized he was celiac, and I used to be decided to seek out him a pizza joint with high quality gluten-free fare. We have been peckish somewhat than famished after we swung by, so we determined to separate a pizza with mozzarella, mushrooms, and black truffle cream.
After a few lackluster wheatless pizza bases up to now, I used to be pleasantly shocked by how agency and crunchy this dough was. Discovering a good gluten-free base could be a problem, however this was as near the traditional style as I’d discovered.
The entire toppings have been as scrumptious as I’d hoped. Whereas the floral mozzarella and punchy basil added lightness to every chunk, the meaty porcini mushrooms and nutty black truffles gave the pizza extra intense undertones.
Mister Pizza (€) – By way of Pietrapiana, 82r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy – Open day by day from 12:00 pm to 4:00 am
Sgrano
Photograph credit score: Sgrano
So far as gluten-free bakeries go, it doesn’t get a lot better than Sgrano. This bustling spot, which additionally serves as a pizzeria, is situated close to Palazzo Vecchio. The staff behind Sgrano additionally runs a gluten-free osteria only a brief stroll away, which I’ve heard rave critiques about.
Cozy however fashionable, Sgrano mixes rustic decor with trendy finishes. Sgrano’s darkish paneling and wood tables are brightened up by polished white chairs and glossy hanging lighting fixtures.
I knew after I noticed the size of the menu I’d have a tough time selecting what to order. Quite a few favorites like bruschetta and gluten-free pizza have been out there, however I went for a Florentine staple and selected schiacciata stuffed with Tuscan ham, pecorino, and zucchini.
As a lot as I loved the intense flavors of the ham and the way it paired with the sharp pecorino and grassy zucchini, the bread actually received me over. Thinner and chewier than focaccia however no much less flavorful, the schiacciata was light-weight and had a delicate earthy tinge.
Sgrano (€€) – By way of dei Neri, 49r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy – Open day by day from 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm
Gelateria Santa Trinita
Photograph credit score: Gelateria Santa Trinita
Gelateria Santa Trinita in Santo Spirito is turning into my go-to gelato spot south of the Arno River. Since I noticed their gluten-free cones, I’ve advised this gelateria to my celiac pals. Whereas ice cream itself is free from gluten, discovering cones appropriate for celiacs may be difficult.
What I like about this explicit gluten-free gelato hotspot is how spacious and ethereal it’s. With its excessive ceilings, wine-packed cabinets, and fridges stuffed with desserts, it’s acquired a bit of extra occurring than your common gelateria.
I’ve sampled each the usual and gluten-free cones, and there are hardly any variations between the 2. One factor I steadily battle with is deciding on a taste, however final time I used to be right here, I went for their signature mascarpone gelato.
The wheat-free cone was crispy and durable with a delicate, sugary style. As a lot as I used to be trying ahead to the mascarpone ice cream, I had no concept how indulgent and easy it will be. As a result of the flavors have been comparatively delicate, the Nutella added the correct amount of sweetness.
Gelateria Santa Trinita (€€) – Piazza de’ Frescobaldi, 11/crimson, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy – Open 11:00 am to 12:00 am
Conclusion
Florence is extra appropriate than ever for wheatless guests with its devoted lineup of gluten-free institutions providing tasty non-gluten dishes.
You’ll be able to see that town’s gluten-free scene has exploded and is extra welcoming than ever to these with gluten intolerance or who’re merely following a weight-reduction plan freed from gluten. In your subsequent go to to the Renaissance metropolis, don’t neglect to incorporate a couple of of those spots in your itinerary.
