The Best Gluten-Free and Lactose-Free Bakeries in Milan
Pastries at PanPerMe
As someone with food allergies and intolerances, finding sweet treats I can safely enjoy, especially pastries, can be a real challenge while on vacation. While I do not have celiac disease myself, I understand how difficult it can be to find delicious and safe options.
I already knew that Rome is a fantastic destination for gluten free and lactose free bakeries, but I was curious to see if Milan could measure up. After plenty of research (aka me eating gluten free cookies) , I am happy to report that it absolutely does.
In this post, I will share my favourite gluten free bakeries in Milan where you can indulge in allergen friendly Italian classics like cornetti, cannoli, and biscotti without worry.
GluFree Bakery
When I was doing some research for my trip, I realized that two out of the three gluten free bakeries I wanted to try were just about five minutes from where I was staying. Talk about fate, right?
The first one I visited was GluFree Bakery, located at Via Curtatone 6.
GluFree Bakery is open every day except Sunday from 9 in the morning until 18 in the evening. There are a few seating spots inside, but I could not take pictures because the place was packed. Since I was staying nearby, I walked past a couple of times, and it was busy almost every time. If you want to eat your treats there, keep in mind that you might not find a seat.
GluFree Bakery has both savoury and sweet options. I tried their cornetto con marmellata and a chocolate chip cookie, and both were absolutely delicious. I especially recommend the cornetto.
Not everything is lactose free, but I asked the kind staff about their lactose free selection , and they were happy to help me out. They also serve coffee and other drinks, so you can grab something to go with your treat.
I really enjoyed the food, the staff, and the overall vibe. Definitely a place I recommend checking out!
PanPerMe
About 5 minutes away from GluFree Bakery, you'll find PanPerMe at Viale Monte Nero 57. As stated on their website, PanPerMe was created with the idea of offering a place where anyone can eat, explore, and savor without restrictions, all while enjoying great food.
PanPerMe is closed on Mondays, and during the weekdays, it's open from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM. On Saturdays, they're open from 9 AM to 6 PM, and on Sundays from 9 AM to 4 PM.
PanPerMe has a totally different vibe from GluFree Bakery. I would describe it as warm and welcoming, almost like stepping into someone’s home. In contrast, GluFree has more of a trendy takeout feel. There are also more seating areas at PanPerMe, but once again, I could not take pictures because it was packed! If you want to see the interior, I recommend checking out their gallery online. 😊
PanPerMe offers a wide range of both sweet and savoury options, and some of their pastries are seriously works of art! It’s definitely the perfect place to treat yourself. Almost everything is lactose-free, and I'd say they have more lactose-free options than GluFree Bakery. The staff was incredibly kind, and even though it was packed, they took their time to help me out.
I definitely recommend this place. As a solo traveler, it is the perfect spot to read a book, sip something warm, and just relax.
Officina Zero
Last but not least is Officina Zero, a bakery in a different part of Milan, closer to the central train station (which, by the way, is incredibly beautiful) on Via Andrea Doria 44.
According to their website, Officina Zero’s goal is to give you a small moment of pleasure, and I must say, they do not disappoint. The bakery is open every day except Sunday, from 7:00 to 19:30, so there is plenty of time to grab your treats!
Out of all three bakeries, Officina Zero feels the most like an authentic Italian bar, with a small, simple seating area and just a couple of seats outside in front of the bakery.
Like the other bakeries, they offer both sweet and savoury options, and the staff helped me find something lactose free. I would say this bakery had the fewest lactose free options of the three, but still enough to choose from!
Now, let’s talk about what I ordered. I picked these thinking they were castagnole or something similar. I know castagnole as small, fried dough balls dusted with sugar—super delicious. But when I took a bite, they were really airy and filled with egg? (You see how much attention I pay when ordering things.) They were so good! Honestly, one of the most delicious things I had in Milan.
But now I am curious about the name. Were they just castagnole with an egg filling? Or something else entirely? If anyone knows, please tell me!
Either way, great place, kind staff, and amazing food—definitely recommend!
Final Thoughts
After my little trip to Milan from Rome, I am happy to report that it is a very allergen-friendly city! Bakeries like these make me so happy because I know how much pleasure they bring to people with coeliac disease, gluten sensitivity, or lactose intolerance like myself. All these owners and staff work incredibly hard and put so much love into what they do, and I can do nothing else but appreciate it. I also wrote a guide on what to do when visiting Milan in just a day, and if you are interested, you can click this link!
Much love,
Juliëtte
