Taormina Hotel Villa Ducale
Location: Taormina, Italy
“Hotel Villa Ducale was a dream. We went here for our babymoon and the staff was extremely knowledgeable and attentive. Upon arrival, they answered all of our questions on safe food and told us they were happy to just get me safe foods from other restaurants if we wanted. Staff called ahead to any restaurants and made sure my food was safe. They were also willing to call ahead to any restaurant we wanted while out and about. Breakfast was fully safe (the best breakfast I’ve ever had) and dinner had lots of options they could safely serve. Their attention to cross-contact and the guest experience was unmatched. Not to mention the incredible views of Taormina. After this experience, I’d find it hard not to stay here again when we come back to the area.”
Monaci delle Terre Nere, Relais & Chateaux
Location: Zafferana Etnea, Italy
“This resort came highly recommended from a friend in Napa Valley. This resort is all about relaxation, farm to table (literally they call it 0 km food), and wine. This property is both Michelin Key & Relais Chateau so you know the standards are next to none and you also know they can accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions. We went right at the end of their season (Nov 1). When we checked out, so did the staff (ha!). It was beautiful but I can only imagine enjoying their pool and the warm weather in summer. This is a place to escape and to have a romantic time away. The food was some of the best we had. Most everything on their menu comes from the orchards and garden on property so it’s fresh. The morning spread was also a treat because they will guide you through what’s gluten-free but the fresh ricotta with olive oil and your choice between 15 different honeys is something hard to describe unless you taste it for yourself. We dined at their Michelin restaurant every day although we did the tasting menu just once which is a must with an added wine pairing. Their cocktail bar called Convivum is in what once was a winery. The stone and vibes are like old but modern, and their cocktails are methodically created. Their wine cellar is in an old well so you go down winding stairs to discover their collection. Our room was quiet and peaceful. You wake up to the sound of birds and the views of the ocean and vineyards. I wish we did a massage but we were only there for two nights. I was told the massage was magical. As a guest you are able to walk around the property and pick fresh fruit from the tree. They don’t use any chemicals so it’s safe. I could go on and on with the special touches.”
Macallè Sicilian Bistrot | Ristorante in Ortigia
Location: Siracusa, Italy
“We stumbled upon this place because it was next to our Airbnb (which we loved). When I looked it up online I saw they were Michelin Guide recommended which I usually gauge at having great protocols for celiac/dietary needs.
When we sat down I told our waiter who actually is the owner and chef that I had celiac. He immediately said no problem, order anything you want and I will make it gluten-free and celiac-safe for you. I had never had anyone treat me so kind before. He also immediately told a team member to grab gluten-free bread. I got a gf breaded swordfish which was a must in Ortigia. They also had gluten-free pasta and for dessert a pistachio panna cotta. I still think about this meal and the owner’s kindness. Best experience. ”
Arancina
Location: Siracusa, Italy
“100% gluten-free Arancina. The owner’s favorite and ours too was the carbonara. There is a whole vegan menu too. Arancina is a Sicilian classic so it’s a must-try.”
Bam Bar
Location: Taormina, Italy
“If you go to Sicily you have to try granita. Great on a warm day and actually traditionally it is eaten more as a breakfast and served with brioche. This place is touristy but they have delicious granita and a gluten-free brioche bun that comes packaged so it doesn’t encounter cross-contamination. They have vegan options and label things with dairy and I believe nuts too.”
Gran Caffe del Duomo
Location: Letojanni, Italy
“This was recommended by a friend at being the best with celiac protocols. It was good not the best gluten-free pizza but will cure a craving. They don’t use the Caputo’s gluten-free wheat starch I believe it’s a corn/rice blend by the taste of it. They have three options. A Margherita (pictured), a mushroom one, and a prosciutto one.
It’s in a beautiful location and have something for everyone. For being in a touristy place it was better than you would think! ”
Chiodo – Ristorante Ortigia
Location: Siracusa, Italy
“One of the best meals we had in Sicily. Their staff walked through the entire menu with me. They had gluten free bread and gluten-free pasta. Two of the dishes I’ll remember forever were the black garlic pasta and the passion fruit gluten-free tiramisu. On the menu I didn’t think I could eat many of the desserts but I noticed this in Ortigia that they never want you to miss out. The server told me he believed they had a gluten-free version of their special tiramisu and they did. I just closed my eyes and enjoyed every bite. I would eat that tiramisu over the traditional any day. A must if you visit Ortigia/Siracusa.”
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Don Peppinu | Siracusa
Location: Siracusa, Italy
“This gelato spot was incredible. When in Sicily you have to get Brontë pistachio gelato and this one was beautiful. A celiac friend recommended this place as having the best protocols and she’s not wrong. I wouldn’t have typically picked this spot because it seems more touristy but I trust her and she didn’t steer me wrong. They had cones with the chocolate dip (which is so rare) and they change their gloves and safely scoop the gelato from the front where it hasn’t been touched. Most all of the gelato was gf and they also had sorbet for dairy-free options. You can get a cone or even a gluten-free brioche. Writing this makes me want to go back to get it all over again.”
Bar Milano
Location: Taormina, Italy
“Bar Milano has a dedicated gluten-free case and space. They are recognized by AIC. I went late in the day, so I would recommend going earlier to get the freshest pastries. We got savory ones. They use Caputo’s gluten-free wheat starch. I would recommend steering clear of the sausage unless you like hot dogs. Not my thing. I loved the potato and onion calzone type product I got.”
Ethica Chef’s Table and Garden | Taormina
Location: Taormina, Italy
“We went here for my birthday meal and wow! We did a tasting menu and all of the dishes were made naturally gluten-free. They make sure to ask you in advance if you have any allergies. I loved the flow of the dishes and the presentation. They brought out this beautiful hand made buckwheat loaf with Mt. Etna olive oil.”
Raya Taormina | Taormina
Location: Taormina, Italy
“We were recommended Raya from a friend who lives in Sicily as a great gluten-free friendly restaurant and it didn’t disappoint. There is a little GF symbol on the menu items that can be made gluten-free. They were very knowledgeable and accommodating. They had gluten-free bread and also gluten-free pasta. We had the burrata, pasta dish, and swordfish entree. It was all delicious!”
