Top Five Gluten-Friendly Restaurants In Perugia
An opinion piece by Riley Kilfoyl, Umbra Reps
Celiac and gluten-free friends, are you worried about dining in Perugia? Going out to eat is a fun and easy way to explore a city, get to know friends, and try new foods. However, navigating where to dine when you have a gluten allergy can be overwhelming. Don’t worry; I have been taste-testing gluten-friendly menus and am here to help! I have compiled a list of my favorite gluten-safe restaurants from casual lunch, sweets, and a nice dinner option.
Scrufanizie
This shop is a short two-minute walk from school which makes it a perfect stop for lunch or an after-school snack. Here you can grab a quick, personalized sandwich with gluten-free bread! Their menu does not specifically communicate gluten-free products so make sure to communicate your allergies when you order. They can make your sandwich separately to avoid cross-contamination as best as they can.
Pinseria Hamburgheria Torre Degli Sciri Perugia
You can find pizza on almost every street in Perugia but the best option for a gluten-free pie is at Pinseria Hamburgheria at the end of Via Dei Priori. Every pizza is available with a gluten-free crust, and their menu is long. They are also a great dining option if you are missing a hamburger as they have GF buns as well. I often order their combo meal to share with friends. The combo includes a pizza, french fries, and a drink (Don’t worry they use a separate frier for the GF fries.) Pinseria Hamburgheria does a discount for students in the afternoon making this a great lunch choice as well as a casual dinner option.
Smile
Another short two-minute walk from Piazza IV November is a dedicated gluten-free creperie with the AIC (Italian Coeliac Association) emblem displayed right out front. While their menu is small, they have both savory and sweet crepes. You can stop by for a casual lunch or a sweet treat. My favorite menu item of theirs is the mini pancakes with dark chocolate, strawberry, and pistachios.
Lescre Fantastique
If crepes are your thing, Lescre Fantastique has a much larger menu of equally delicious savory or sweet crepes. Communicate your allergy/intolerance as you order and they will offer the option of a GF crepe or a GF flatbread. I recommend the flatbread for the savory options so any sauce doesn’t fall to the bottom. You cannot go wrong with any of the sweet options either. This is the perfect place to dine after school when half your friends want a treat and the other half wants a light savory bite.
Borgo San Francesco
Amazing safe and delicious dinner can be found at Borgo San Francesco. The restaurant looks as though you are dining inside a medieval wine cellar that is described to be part of the AIC circuit with 90% of the menu gluten-free. While dining here with friends, we were immediately asked about any allergies before ordering and were guided through the menu. Their menu was accurately described with options on their appetizer, first, second, AND dessert menu.
Whether you are craving a three-course meal, pizza, or a quick dessert there are plenty of gluten-friendly restaurants in Perugia. Let this guide be a confidence boost in your dining exploration. I hop you enjoy a safe and delicious meal during your stay here!