- Scooter tour on Lake Garda – grappa also tastes great in the hinterland - 8. September 2024
- Parking in Verona – A guide to parking in the city - 4. February 2024
- Alpencross Garmisch Lake Garda: By MTB to the lake - 1. January 2024
Gluten-free eating Lake Garda – For someone who suffers from celiac disease, it can be difficult to find suitable restaurants and food on vacation. Fortunately, there are plenty of gluten-free options around Lake Garda that we’d like to share with you. We give you tips on where to eat and shop gluten-free on Lake Garda. You can also find more information at https://lagodigardasenzaglutine.it/de/
There are many gluten-free restaurants around Lake Garda, some of which have been certified by the Glutango website. So it’s worth looking for gluten-free options before you travel and reading reviews from other visitors to ensure the best culinary experience during your stay at Lake Garda.
Gluten free dining on Lake Garda
There are numerous restaurants around Lake Garda that specialize in gluten-free dishes.
We have compiled a small list of restaurants and hotels that offer gluten-free food on Lake Garda:
Restaurants and pizzerias
There are several restaurants and pizzerias on Lake Garda that specialize in gluten-free food.
Lake Garda is a true paradise for gluten-free travellers.
With the right planning and a little research, you can find numerous restaurants and specialties that offer an unforgettable culinary experience.
We have put together a few tips for you here:
- Agriturismo Eden Marone – Via Marone, 23, 38066 Riva del Garda (Trento)
- Al Braciere – Via San Martino della Battaglia, 2 – Sirmione
- Kapperi – Via Nazario Sauro 7, Desenzano d/G
- Al Torchio – Via Leonardo da Vinci, 11 – 25080 Tignale – Gardola (BS)
- Ristorante Gemma, Limone sul Garda, in piazza Garibaldi n.12
- Speck Stube, Via Navene Vecchia, Località Molini, 139, Malcesine
- Ristorante al Gondoliere, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele 6, 37018, Malcesine Italy
- HOTEL EDEN, Via Zanardelli 6, 37010 Brenzone sul Garda (VR)
We are constantly expanding the list and are happy if you share your tips & experiences with us.
In addition, many restaurants offer gluten-free dishes in addition to their “regular” dishes. From our own experience we know that, for example, the restaurant La Fenice in Vesio offers gluten-free pizza and also pasta.
However, one should always make sure to inform the waitress about one’s celiac disease and ask for a separate preparation of the food.
Gluten free risotto variations
A typical specialty of the Garda region is the risotto. Since rice is naturally gluten-free, celiacs can enjoy a variety of risotto dishes without worry. For example, a great dish is a delicious risotto with sea fish and lemons from the region or a delicious mushroom risotto.
Polenta: a gluten-free alternative to pasta
Polenta, a traditional dish made from cornmeal, is also an excellent gluten-free option. Polenta can be served as a side dish or main course and is available in many restaurants on Lake Garda. For example, a great variation is a polenta with mushrooms and cheese.
Sweet temptation: gluten free ice cream in Desenzano del Garda
Of course, something sweet must not be missing. There is an ice cream parlor in Desenzano del Garda that offers gluten-free ice cream:
- Gelateria mamà Desenzano, Piazza Malvezzi 25, Desenzano
In addition, there is a café in Lonato sul Garda that offers gluten-free pastries and cakes. You can also buy other gluten-free products there.
- LA BOTTEGA DEI SANI S.n.c.Via Cesare Battisti, 23/M25017 Lonato del Garda (Brescia)
Hotels with gluten free options
Not only restaurants offer gluten-free options on Lake Garda, but also some hotels. For example, Agriturismo Eden Marone offers gluten-free cuisine. There you can enjoy a varied gluten-free breakfast in the morning.
- Agriturismo Eden Marone – Via Marone, 23, 38066 Riva del Garda (Trento)
- HOTEL SMERALDO di Castellani Nadia Via G. Puccini, 2, 37017, Lazise (VR)
- Hotel Gallo ***, Hotel a Tignale, Hotel Lago di Garda Via Roma, 30 – 25080 Tignale (Brescia)
- Hotel Riel – Via San Martino della Battaglia, 2 – Sirmione
- HOTEL EDEN, Via Zanardelli 6, 37010 Brenzone sul Garda (VR)
- Hotel Sorriso via Religione, 5 – 25088 Toscolano (Bs) Lake Garda
Gluten free dining on Lake Garda – Shopping
Whether you’ve rented a vacation rental or just need snacks for the road, gluten-free shopping in Lake Garda can be a challenge if you don’t know exactly where to look. We show you how and where to find the best gluten-free food on Lake Garda.
Supermarkets with gluten-free products
Many of the larger supermarket chains (e.g. Iper Poli, Coop) on Lake Garda now carry a wide range of gluten-free products. Here you will find not only gluten-free pasta, bread and pastries, but also ready meals and snacks. When shopping, look for the “senza glutine” label or the crossed-out wheat-ear symbol on packages.
Organic and health food stores
Organic and health food stores are also a good place to go for gluten-free foods. They often offer an even wider selection than traditional supermarkets and emphasize high-quality, organic products. Look around the towns around Lake Garda for such stores – they can often be found in the central shopping streets. Examples:
- NaturaSì, Viale Guglielmo Marconi, 133 – 25015 Desenzano del Garda (BS)
- Mondo Vegan Di Flavio Mangeri, Via Giulio Natta, 18, 25087 Salò BS
- NaturaSi, Via S. Caterina, 49, 38062 Arco TN
Gluten free bakeries
There are several bakeries on Lake Garda that specialize in gluten-free baked goods. Here you will find fresh bread, rolls, cakes and even pizza. Such bakeries are more rare, but with a little research you can find them Garda.
Here are two bakeries we found:
- ZERO&ZERO, Via Giovanni Quarena, 210, 25085 Gavardo BS, Italy (Has also a branch in Brescia)
- LA BOTTEGA DEI SANI S.n.c., Via Cesare Battisti, 23/M25017 Lonato del Garda (Brescia)
Gluten free dining on Lake Garda – Conclusion
For people with celiac disease, it can be difficult to find suitable restaurants and food on vacation. Luckily, there are plenty of gluten-free options around Lake Garda. There are many gluten-free restaurants around Lake Garda, some of which have been certified by the Glutango website. We’ve compiled a list of restaurants and hotels that offer gluten-free dining on Lake Garda, including Agriturismo Eden Marone, Al Braciere, Kapperi, Al Torchio, Ristorante Gemma, Speck Stube, Ristorante al Gondoliere, Hotel Eden, Hotel Smeraldo di Castellani Nadia, Hotel Gallo, Hotel Riel and Hotel Sorriso. In addition, many restaurants offer gluten-free dishes in addition to their “regular” dishes. Gluten-free ice cream and pastries are also available in some restaurants and stores, such as Gelateria mamà Desenzano or La Bottega dei Sani.
It is important to make staff aware of celiac disease and ask for separate food preparation. A great gluten-free option on Lake Garda is risotto, which can be enjoyed without hesitation by those with celiac disease. Polenta is also an excellent gluten-free option, available at many Lake Garda restaurants.
When shopping for gluten-free foods on Lake Garda, large supermarket chains such as Iper Poli and Coop, as well as organic and health food stores, are a good place to start. Organic and health food stores often offer an even wider selection of high-quality, organic products. There are also some bakeries on Lake Garda that specialize in gluten-free baked goods, such as Zero&Zero and La Bottega dei Sani.
FAQ – Gluten free eating Lake Garda
Can you eat gluten-free in Italy?
Yes, you can eat gluten-free at Lake Garda. In recent years, awareness of gluten intolerances has improved significantly in Italy and many restaurants now offer gluten-free options. There are also some specialized gluten-free restaurants on Lake Garda. However, in the restaurant it is always advisable to inform the staff about the gluten intolerance.
Which dishes typical of Lake Garda can be enjoyed gluten-free?
Risotto: Risotto is a typical dish of the region and is made with gluten-free rice. There are many different risotto variations to try.
Polenta: Polenta, a traditional northern Italian side dish, is made from corn flour and is gluten-free. It can be served as a side dish or main course and is available in many restaurants on Lake Garda.
Nevertheless, one should always point out the gluten intolerance to the restaurant staff and ask for gluten-free preparation of the dishes.
Is it possible to buy gluten-free products on Lake Garda?
Yes, this is not a problem. Many supermarkets and organic stores on Lake Garda offer a wide range of gluten-free products.