Gluten-Free Food Tour of Rome

Skyline of Rome

Have you ever dreamed of going to Rome? Fresh pasta, wood-fired pizza, crusty bread, all the foods we love… and all traditionally filled with gluten. But here’s the good news: Italy does gluten-free incredibly well. In fact, it’s one of the easiest and most delicious places in the world to travel gluten-free. From dedicated kitchens to thoughtfully crafted pasta and pastries, you don’t have to miss a single iconic bite. When in Rome, treat yourself to a gluten-free food tour or hands-on cooking class with NOGLUTEATALY and experience the magic of Italian cuisine, safely and deliciously.

I recently interviewed Alessia, the owner of NOGLUTEATALY, to learn more about her business.

What inspired you to start your business, NOGLUTEATLY?

"NOGLUTEATALY was born from something very personal. My husband and my best friend both have celiac disease. I’ve known my best friend since we were 10 years old, so I basically grew up traveling with someone who constantly had to think about food safety. I witnessed firsthand the stress, the careful questions at restaurants, and sometimes the disappointment of not being able to fully enjoy a destination."

"Later, when my husband was diagnosed, that awareness became part of my everyday life.

Over the years, I kept noticing the same struggle here in Rome. Travelers would arrive excited to experience authentic Italian cuisine - and instead, they were anxious. Rome is incredible for gluten-free options, but navigating it safely requires knowledge, local connections, and trust.

That’s when I realized there was space for something more curated: an experience where gluten-free guests could finally relax and enjoy the city without fear."

"NOGLUTEATALY is not just a food tour business — it’s the result of years of living alongside celiac disease, traveling with it, and wanting to transform that struggle into something empowering, joyful, and delicious."

Are you from Rome?

"I’m originally from Puglia, a beautiful region in Southern Italy. However, I have lived in Rome for most of my life, and it truly feels like home." Since I was a teenager, I have always loved discovering new places, cultures, and stories, and Rome is the perfect city for that. It is constantly evolving, layered with history, traditions, and hidden corners that even locals continue to discover over time. Living here has allowed me to deeply understand both the charm and the complexity of the city, which helps me design tours that are authentic, enjoyable, and thoughtfully planned."

Are you gluten-free or do you have celiac disease?

"I am not celiac myself, but my husband and my best friend both have celiac disease. Because of them, I follow a gluten-free lifestyle and have been closely exposed to the daily challenges, precautions, and emotional aspects of living with celiac disease. This personal connection has given me a deep understanding of the level of care, communication, and trust required when it comes to food safety, especially while traveling."

Can you tell us more about your gluten-free tour options?

"I currently offer:

• A Gluten-Free Food Walking Tour through Rome, where guests visit carefully selected, trusted venues to taste traditional Roman specialties safely.

• A Gluten-Free Cooking Class, where guests learn how to prepare authentic Italian dishes without gluten in a relaxed and hands-on setting.

  
  

Both experiences are designed to be inclusive, educational, and culturally immersive — not just food tastings, but true Roman experiences."

Photo credit @nogluteataly

What sets your gluten-free tour apart from others?

"The difference lies in curation and trust. I work only with venues that I personally know and trust, and I carefully select spots that are certified gluten-free or follow strict gluten-free safety standards. Rather than limiting the number of stops, I focus on ensuring that each location meets high safety and quality expectations."

"Rome is an extraordinary city, but it can also be overwhelming, especially for travelers who need to carefully manage where they eat. I design my routes to reflect the true rhythm of the city — balancing walking distances, neighborhood flow, and seasonal conditions — so guests can experience Rome in a relaxed and natural way. My goal is to remove the stress of food safety so they can focus on what really matters: enjoying the culture, the food, and the atmosphere of the city with confidence."

How do you ensure safe gluten-free options?

"I collaborate with restaurants and producers that are experienced in gluten-free preparation, many of which are certified or follow strict cross-contamination protocols. I maintain direct communication with each venue and continuously monitor standards. Safety is never assumed — it is always verified."

Can you explain the AIC for our audience?

"AIC stands for Associazione Italiana Celiachia (Italian Celiac Association). It is the leading organization in Italy supporting people with celiac disease. They certify restaurants and food businesses that meet strict gluten-free safety standards, including staff training and kitchen protocol compliance. Their certification is widely recognized and highly trusted among the celiac community."

Do you include information about the city and/or the history of Rome?

"Absolutely. My tours are not only about food. I integrate stories about Roman traditions, neighborhood history, local culture, and how certain dishes developed over time. Food becomes the lens through which guests explore the city."

Do you work with "Celiacs in Europe?"

"Yes, I collaborate with Celiacs in Europe, and I personally provide the Rome Gluten-Free Food Tour featured on their platform. Through this collaboration, I help offer curated and safe gluten-free experiences to travelers visiting Rome, ensuring they can discover the city’s food culture with confidence and local expertise."

NOGLUTEATALY is more than just a food tour; it's a thoughtfully created gluten-free culinary experience rooted in both passion and personal understanding. Inspired by Alyssa’s friend and husband, who both have celiac disease, these tours and hands-on cooking classes were designed so no one has to miss out on incredible Italian cuisine. Hosted in Rome, each experience blends incredible gluten-free food with the history of the city. It’s proof that in Rome, you truly can have it all: authentic flavors, meaningful connections, and amazing gluten-free food.

Thank you, Alyssa, for sharing more about your gluten-free tours in Rome! Your insights make it so much easier for travelers with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities to explore the city with confidence while enjoying authentic Italian food. We appreciate that you help the gluten-free community experience Rome safely and deliciously.