Maybe you’ve been dreaming about coming to the EXPO2015 in Milan this year but are worried you’ll have nowhere to eat. Sadly, this is a real fear when you are living with Celiac Disease or a Gluten Sensitivity. Unless you want to spend your entire vacation preparing your own food in an apartment you must research and plan your restaurant meals in advance.
I decided to put together this list and map for any English speakers who plan on a visiting Milan during the EXPO2015. Although there are plenty of options for a perfect gluten free weekend in Milan trying to find information in English isn’t that easy. This year’s EXPO2015 theme is Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life, so what a perfect time to share the gluten free options in Milan with the English speaking world.
So here is my list of the top ten restaurants that offer gluten free menus in Italy’s most international city.
I hope this inspires anyone out there with a gluten sensitivity or Celiac Disease to come to Milan with the confidence that they will be able to enjoy one of Italy’s best offerings….the food!
1 – La Cantina Piemontese
By far my TOP recommended restaurant in the CENTRE of Milan. They offer an extensive menu that is certified gluten free with excellent quality ingredients. Here you can enjoy traditional Milan dishes such as Risotto allo Zafferano with Ossobuco and the Milan breaded cutlet – Cotoletta alla Milanese, in delicious gluten free versions.
However, you won’t want to limit yourself to the traditional Milan dishes, La Cantina Piemontese specializes in dishes from the Piedmont area of Italy and I recommend the Risotto with Castelmagno cheese. I’ve personally eaten at La Cantina Piemontese and you can find my full review here complete with pictures of their scrumptious desserts and details on how to get there. The location is one of the most convenient in the city for gluten free dining, only a 7 minute walk from the Duomo of Milano.
This is a fine dining restaurant perfect for a romantic date or family lunch date (high chairs are available), they also have a patio open in the summer months and booking in advance is recommended.
# 1 on the map : La Cantina Piemontese
Read the full review HERE. Find them here on FACEBOOK or visit their WEBSITE Via Laghetto 2, Milan Phone: +39 0278 4618 E-mail: cantinapiemontese@gmail.com
2 – La Taverna Guyot
A well-known Milan restaurant specializing in risotto and select wines, most of their menu in offered in gluten free versions. On their website you can find more information on their gluten free philosophy. Please note that they are closed on Sundays and also on Saturdays at lunch.
# 2 on the map : La Taverna Guyot Visit their WEBSITE Via Arnaldo da Brescia, 3 Milan Phone: +39 02 87237103 E-mail: info@tavernaguyot.com
A basket of warm gluten free “Gnocco Fritto”!
3 & 4 – Tigella’s
With not one but TWO locations in the centre of Milan, Tigella’s is easily one of my favorite gluten free spots in the city, especially if you are visiting with kids or have a tight budget. Yummy. That is the word I use to describe the warm tigellas and gnocco fritto that are served up with large platters of coldcuts, deli meats and traditional sauces and toppings.
Tigella’s takes its name from a famous Italian snack food that is basically a flatbreat traditionally made with flour, water, baker’s yeast, milk, salt and oil/lard. I live in the land of the Tigella, Modena, however, it is not that easy to find a place serving a gluten free alternative so imagine my surprise when I found these two restaurants in Milan!
Gnocco Fritto is a worthwhile guilty pleasure, a savoury square dough that is fried up into a big puff and stuffed with mortadella or prosciutto crudo. A flaky, buttery, crispy, crunchy must taste in Emilia Romagna, now you can have them in Milan! Don’t miss your chance to indulge in these gluten free versions of two famous Italian street foods.
Here you can find my complete review of Tigella’s with details on the menu and their complete offering. I also recommend booking in advance and going on an empty stomach!
# 3 on the map : Tigella’s (Garibaldi location) Read the full review HERE. Find them here on FACEBOOK or visit their WEBSITE Via Anfiteatro 6 – Corso Garibaldi – NEAR the Sempione Park and the Castello Sforzesco Phone: +39 0249541367 E-mail: prenogaribaldi@tigellas.it
# 4 on the map : Tigella’s (Corsica location) Read the full review HERE. Find them here on FACEBOOK or visit their WEBSITE Viale Corsica, 38 – At the corner with Via Crasselli Phone: +39 0239543224 E-mail: prenocorsica@tigellas.it
5 – Grani e Braci
An Italian steakhouse focused on grilling any cut of meat you desire. They have a full gluten free menu that you can find on their website here. The location is convenient, especially if you feel like doing some shopping at 10 Corso Como, Milan’s epicentre of researched fashion and design.
# 5 on the map : Grani e Braci Visit their WEBSITE. Via Carlo Farini, 6 Milano Phone: +39 02 366 37422
6 – Be Bop Ristorante e Pizzeria
When you are limited by a gluten free diet, the restaurant options can start to become a little boring. If you are searching for a few exciting gluten free meals to spice up your stay in Milan look no further than the Be Bop Ristorante and Pizzeria. They offer an EXTENSIVE gluten free menu complete with pasta dishes, second courses, pizzas and (surprisingly) many revisited international dishes like Indian spiced chick peas and savory fish appetizers.
You can easily find something for everyone at this gluten free oasis which also offers vegetarian and vegan alternatives. They have a patio, lots of seating and are family friendly. The location is perfect if you plan on a stroll or post dinner drink at the Navigli canal area of Milan, which I’ve written about before here.
I’ve written a full review post of the Be Bop restaurant here complete with photos of our large and satisfying meal. Don’t skip dessert at this meal because they offer a wide selection of gluten free cakes like their sweet ricotta and pistachio pie.
# 6 on the map : Be Bop Ristorante e Pizzeria Read the full review HERE. Find them here on FACEBOOK or visit their WEBSITE Viale Col di Lana 4, Milano Phone: +39 028376872
7 – Pepperino Pizza
Very close to the 10 Corso Como luxury shopping mall, (which I highly recommend you swing by!) you’ll find Pepperino Pizza offering a full gluten free menu complete with over 35 different pizza combinations. Although their GF menu is available online in Italian here , most of the dishes are described in English on their normal menu, so you won’t have a hard time ordering. No trip to Italy is complete without pizza so indulge knowing that theirs is certified gluten free!
I recommend booking in advance and if you don’t feel comfortable calling you can find an online booking form on their website.
# 7 on the map : Pepperino Pizza Visit their WEBSITE Piazza XXV Aprile , Milano Phone: +39 0263793078
8 – Trattoria Casa Fontana 23 Risotti
Certified gluten free by the Italian Celiac Association this restaurant focuses on risotti of all types as the name suggests. Please note that because the space is small and intimate I recommend booking in advance. Many of their risotti require you to order a minimum of two portions.
# 8 on the map : Trattoria Casa Fontana Visit their WEBSITE Piazza Carbonari, 5, Milano Phone: +39 02 6704710
9 – La Rosa dei Venti
With a Coeliac Chef at the helm, this restaurant is filled with imaginative gluten free dishes and their specialty is seafood. PLEASE NOTE that the gluten free menu is ONLY AVAILABLE BY BOOKING IN ADVANCE, so please avoid disappointment and call or email to make your booking.
# 9 on the map : La Rosa dei Venti Visit their WEBSITE Via Piero della Francesca, 34, Milano
Branzino from the Osteria 5 Sensi
10 – Osteria dei 5 Sensi
Located just 10 minutes from Le Colonne di San Lorenzo, the Osteria dei 5 Sensi is the perfect place for lunch before an afternoon of vintage shopping and exploring. The owners of this refreshingly mediterranean kitchen decided to include a gluten free menu when they found out their son was Celiac. From signature dishes such as their Taglioni 5 Sensi to more daring apetizers such as black rice with a squash flan, their menu has a distinctly Southern Italian Flair. My absolute preferred dish, and their forte (in my opinion) are the fish dishes and the gluten free penne with sword fish and cherry tomatoes.
# 10 on the map : Oseria dei 5 Sensi Find them on FACEBOOK Via Cicco Simonetta, 17, Milano Phone: 02 5810 2650
Click here to visit this map on MY MAPS
Here you can find all of the posts in the Gluten Free in Italy Series!
Reasons to Dress is a lifestyle blog, and now that I find myself with my son who has a Gluten Sensitivity, finding delicious gluten free options is a part of my life!! Even if you aren’t interested in gluten free travel, please feel free to pass this along to someone who might me. And I sincerely hope that this review and series makes someone’s vacation much more positive and easy. Just because you have a gluten intolerance doesn’t mean you can’t travel and enjoy all that life has to offer.