The Rome Index
Eating in Rome with allergies
Gluten, dairy, nuts and shellfish — how to navigate Rome's restaurants safely.
Gluten-free
Italy takes coeliac disease seriously — gluten-free (senza glutine) options are legally required to be prepared separately in certified restaurants displaying the AIC (Italian Coeliac Association) symbol. Many Rome restaurants now carry the certification. Dedicated gluten-free pizzerias exist in several neighbourhoods.
Dairy
Dairy is embedded in Roman cuisine — pasta sauces, risotto, pizza and most desserts contain it as a default. Communicating a dairy allergy (allergia al latte) clearly and specifically is essential; "lactose intolerant" is sometimes interpreted as a preference rather than a medical requirement.
Key phrases
Sono allergico/a a... (I am allergic to...). Senza glutine (gluten-free). Senza latte (dairy-free). Contiene noci? (Does it contain nuts?). Mi può verificare con la cucina? (Can you check with the kitchen?). Writing allergens on a card in Italian is the most reliable approach.
The EU allergen disclosure system
Restaurants across the EU, including Italy, are legally required to disclose the presence of major allergens on request — in practice this ranges from a printed chart to simply asking the kitchen directly.
Cross-contamination in shared kitchens
Even where a specific dish is technically allergen-free, shared cooking surfaces and pasta water mean genuine cross-contamination risk for severe allergies — always ask about shared equipment for anaphylaxis-level concerns.
