The Best Restaurants for Eating Dairy-Free in Rome

May 16, 2021 by jordangassner

The Best Restaurants for Eating Dairy-Free in Rome

During my senior year of college, I developed an irritating facial skin allergy – one that remained “inconclusive” from allergy testing. After graduating, I started my own trial-and-error experimentation; trying to self pinpoint and hopefully alleviate my painful flare-ups. It took two long years, but I eventually discovered that dairy was largely to blame, causing reactions 24-48 hours after I’d eat. Now, having been dairy-free for roughly 7 years, my skin is better than ever and I’ve become a bit of an expert on eating non-dairy through my travels, even in spots like Italy! So no matter what type of meal you’re after, here’s my list of the Best Restaurants for Eating Dairy-Free in Rome*:

dairy-free in rome

For Solo Dining: Salumeria Roscioli

Salumeria Roscioli is a restaurant, deli counter, bakery and wine shop-hybrid located in Rome’s city center. With an intimate and unassuming bar, this is a cozy spot to enjoy a few allergy-friendly bites while solo.

The menu includes an easy-to-decipher allergen legend so you can order without worry! I recommend the Caponata della Tradizione Siciliana, Terrina Di Foie Gras, or the Tartare di Ricciola.

Tips For: How To Overcome Loneliness While Traveling Solo

Various gourmet cured meats and glass of red wine inside of a restaurant

Secret Tip: Need to kill some time before your reservation? Hop over to Roscioli’s sister wine bar for some amazing drinks and light bites prior to your meal.

dairy-free in rome

For Romantic Views: Terraza Borromini

Located on a terrace overlooking Piazza Navona, Terraza Borromini is a perfect spot for a lunch or dinner date.

While not inherently dairy-free, the restaurant was more than willing to accommodate for my restrictions. My server was quick to point me toward what was safe for me to eat on their menu. Overall, they had plenty of fish plates and a few salad and pasta options that could be made dairy-free.

Glass of red wine on top of the terrace lookout above Piazza Navona at Terraza Borromini in Rome, Italy

Glass of red wine, proscuitto salad and bread basket on a table at Terraza Borromini overlooking Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy

I ended up ordering a prosciutto salad and a ragu. Both were fantastic.

Because I visited in the off-season, I even ended up having the terrace all to myself for my meal! This might not always be the case, but even so, the historic view makes this setting incredibly romantic.

dairy-free in rome

For Traditional Pasta: Rifugio Romano

A fantastic vegan-friendly restaurant and my favorite eatery in all of Roma. Rifugio Romano has two separate menus for guests to choose from: one regular and one vegan (inherently dairy-free).

Typically a cheese-heavy Roman specialty, Rifugio Romano’s version instead uses the most fantastic vegan pecorino cheese. When I tell you my eyes rolled back into my head with every bite! This dish was hands down my favorite from my trip to Rome.

Because of how extensive their options were, I quickly turned my meal into the most amazing four course experience. Starting with Bruschette Miste and a bottle of their signature red wine, I prepared my stomach for the dish that made me seek out Rifugio Romano in the first place: their vegan Cacio e Pepe.

After pasta, I magically found some extra room to enjoy my final two courses: dessert and a limoncello shot!

Grazie mille to the amazing staff for being so attentive, helpful and welcoming!

Vegan Bruschette from Rifugio Romano Restaurant in Rome, Italy

Vegan Cacio e Pepe from Rifugio Romano Restaurant in Rome, alongside a bottle and glass of their signature red wine

During my second dinner here, I tried another traditional Roman pasta: Bucatini All’Amatriciana. Like the Cacio e Pepe, the All-Amatriciana was mouthwateringly delicious.

And after that? I ate the absolute best dessert I’ve ever eaten: Zoccolette Romane con Nutella, which I chalked up to tiny “beignet-style” dumplings with powdered sugar and a vegan-friendly nutella.

If you’re traveling through Rome, dairy-allergy or no, this is hands down a restaurant that is worth trying!

Zoccolette Romane con Nutella on a clear glass plate and next to a bottle and glass of red wine on a table at Rifugio Romano Restaurant in Rome, Italy

dairy-free in rome

For Pizza: Seu Pizza Illuminati

Best Dairy-Free Pizza and Red Wine in Rome at restaurant, Seu Pizza Illuminati

If you’re hankering for pizza so good that the Illuminati MUST be involved, look no further than Seu Pizza Illuminati. I found that the staff here are incredibly helpful to those with allergies and other dietary restrictions.

Since the menu’s changed a bit since my last visit, the pizza I ordered (pictured right) is no longer available. That said, one thing that hasn’t changed is that the restaurant still has dietary-friendly identifications next to each of the food items: “vegan”, “vegetarian” and “lactose free”.

dairy-free in rome

For Unpretentious Cold Cuts: Bottega Trevi

Close-up on a dairy-free plate of cured meats and artichoke from Bottega Trevi in Rome

Bottega Trevi is a salumeria that retails cold cuts, bread, pastries, olive oils, truffles and wine and that has a sit-down restaurant located near the back of the store.

Located in an unassuming alley near the Trevi Fountain, I stumbled upon this spot completely by chance after some difficulties finding dairy-free lunch options nearby. I was so appreciative of the staff here who, on learning of my restrictions, made me my own custom allergy-friendly plate of cold cuts and artichoke.

If you’re looking for a filling, but easy meal near this part of town, I’d highly recommend stopping by. Sit back with a glass of wine, bread basket and quality cold cuts – all at a reasonable price and indoors and away from the hot Italian sun!

Exploring Italy on a budget?

Bottega Trevi, Salumeria Volpetti and Castroni are all great shops offering free samples Italian fare. Try some truffle based-products or other items before you buy for a quick and easy snack that keeps you full between meals. Make sure to connect with a sales associate and detail your allergy before you sample anything though (a few products will have dairy)!

And if you’re looking for a more filling option, don’t forget to check out one of the many aperitivo bars around Rome for Happy Hour. Most offer discounted drinks and snacks Just remember to give the staff a heads up on your dietary restrictions.

dairy-free in rome

For Gelato: Gelateria Della Palma

Close-up of a woman's hand holding an ice cream cone with vegan dark chocolate and strawberry gelato from Gelateria Della Palma in Rome, Italy

For the best selection of dairy-free (lactose-free) gelato, head to Gelateria Della Palma, about a three minute walk from the Pantheon.

On arrival, simply ask one of the attendants about their dairy-free options and they will point out which of the 150 flavors are safe to eat.

I sampled quite a few during my visit and ended up getting both a creamy strawberry and an extra rich dark chocolate!

Honorable Mentions: Como Il Latte and Fonte de Salutte

dairy-free in rome

BONUS – For Just Drinks: The Court

Jordan Gassner at a viewpoint in front of the Coliseum in Rome while wearing a black dress and cream scarf

The Court Rome is a bucket list worthy lounge and bar is located in Rome’s Palazzo Manfredi Hotel and boasts epic views of the Coliseum and Roman Forum.

Known for their epic cocktail list, the restaurant has six different “chapters” on their menu, all based around famous films that took place in Rome.

Although this spot doesn’t serve food, the drink menu is very inclusive – boasting both an impressive wine list (the Billecart Salmon Champagne Brut Reserve is my favorite!) and a non-alcoholic cocktail list to suit all kinds of guest preferences.

*Not all restaurants listed are 100% dairy-free. Make sure to check ingredients with your servers before ordering.