Celiac-Friendly Spots in Milan: Top Gluten-Free Eateries For Everyday Dining
- milanwomennetwork
- Mar 23
- 3 min read
Struggling with dietary restrictions? Fellow MWN member Lydia has you covered. With 6 of her favourite discoveries where she’s guaranteed a tasty meal (without making it boring for friends & family), you’ll surely find your next favourite go-to place. From pizza to gelato, and everything in between, let’s dive into what Milan has to offer.
Written & photographed by: Lydia Smollen
MWN Anniversary , Oct 2024 photo by Sydney Duncan
When I moved to Milan from Florence, it was initially a struggle to find restaurants that accommodated my dietary restrictions. Florence, with its smaller size and lesser reliance on dairy products, was significantly more accessible. I could usually find suitable options at almost any restaurant and enjoy meals with friends without much worry.
Milan, however, was a completely different challenge—here, butter, cream, and gluten seem to be in nearly everything!
Over the past three years though, I’ve come to love the restaurants listed here, not only for their food, but also for their inclusiveness.
They cater to my needs while remaining accessible and enjoyable for my friends and family without allergies. Ultimately, a restaurant’s true value lies in its ability to provide both great food and a welcoming social environment, rather than focusing solely on dietary restrictions.
N.B. While this blog post is focused on gluten-free options, it’s centered around my experience. This means you may also assume these are dairy, egg, peanut, tree nut, soy, and gluten-free options.
Bistrò
Located on Corso Magenta, this cosy caffeteria and restaurant boasts a menu to satisfy nearly any dietary restriction. The offerings are primarily Italian cuisine with a few exceptions such as hamburgers and French dishes. As the sister restaurant to the gluten-free bakery in Via dalla Spiga, the sweets are not to be ignored.
Member of AIC (Associazone Italiana Celiachia)
Barragán
It’s a difficult task to find decent Mexican food in Italy, and Barragán rises to the occasion. While this restaurant is not guaranteed to be celiac safe, they offer many dishes that are naturally gluten free, as well as some plant-based options. The warm atmosphere is perfect for an aperitivo, dinner or Sunday brunch.
Mama Eat
Mama Eat refers to themselves as a restaurant (also) gluten free. The AIC-certified chain has two kitchens to offer both glutin and gluten-free food. They deliver a casual and appetising southern Italian menu with plenty of pizza, pasta and dessert options.
One can also find locations in Naples, Rome and Florence.
La Piadineria
Perfect for a quick lunch if you’re near the Duomo, this branch of La Piadineria is completely gluten and lactose free. The menu has plenty of vegan and vegetarian options as well.
Crema Alta Gelateria
Craving a sweet treat? This artisanal gelateria has three locations around Milan and is 100% gluten-free with plenty of lactose-free and vegan options. Each branch serves both classic and less common flavours, and even offered panettone for the first time this holiday season.
Tortona: Piazza Napoli, 15, 20146 Milano MI
City Life: Via Giovanni da Procida, 29, 20149 Milano MI
Pizzeria Positano
The best southern-style gluten-free pizza you’ll find in Milan, with a pretty good glutinous crust as well! They have three locations in the centre (AIC certified), as well as offering takeaway and Deliveroo options. The menu has a wide variety of pizzas with different tomato and topping options.
Carrobio: Via S. Vito, 5, 20123 Milano MI
Cadorna: Via San Nicolao, 10, 20123 Milano MI
I hope this list helps you discover enjoyable and safe dining experiences for yourself and your loved ones. Food is inherently social, and it’s important to maintain that connection while prioritising your health.
Recently, I launched an interview series called Past Present Picnic, where each episode features three dishes selected by the guest to represent their past, present, and future.
It's been a wonderful opportunity for me to foster meaningful connections through food. While I prepare all these dishes free from my allergens, the focus isn't solely on that. Instead, I hope to normalise the idea that adjusting recipes to meet specific needs doesn't mean sacrificing flavour or enjoyment.
Proofread and edited by Ché Milani
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