San Francisco's First Gluten-Free Italian Restaurant Opens

Clementina brings inclusive dining to the city's culinary scene.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:54am by Ben Kaplan

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic Italian food item such as a pizza slice or pasta dish, repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the bold, creative spirit of Clementina's gluten-free Italian cuisine.Clementina's innovative gluten-free take on classic Italian cuisine brings a vibrant, modern twist to the San Francisco dining scene.San Francisco Today

San Francisco has welcomed its first gluten-free, celiac-safe Italian restaurant, Clementina. Founded by restaurateurs Gianluca Legrottaglie and Viviana Devoto, along with chef Giorgio Brunella, the restaurant was inspired by their daughters' celiac diagnoses. Clementina aims to recreate the magic of traditional Italian dishes without compromising on taste or texture, offering a menu of gluten-free pastas, pizzas, and other classics.

Why it matters

The opening of Clementina represents a significant step towards inclusivity in San Francisco's renowned culinary landscape. For those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, finding a restaurant that truly understands their dietary needs can be a challenge. Clementina fills this gap, offering a safe and enjoyable dining experience for families and individuals who previously had to forgo their beloved Italian favorites.

The details

Clementina's menu features a range of gluten-free Italian dishes, from wine-braised calamari with tagliatelle to a perfectly layered pesto lasagna. The restaurant has also mastered the art of gluten-free pizza crust, achieving a satisfying crispness with rice flour. Even classic dishes like saffron risotto are elevated with the addition of bone marrow. The inclusion of gluten-free focaccia and baguette slices for dipping showcases Clementina's commitment to providing a complete dining experience.

  • Clementina opened in San Francisco in April 2026.

The players

Gianluca Legrottaglie

One of the restaurateurs who founded Clementina, inspired by his daughter's celiac diagnosis.

Viviana Devoto

One of the restaurateurs who founded Clementina, inspired by her daughter's celiac diagnosis.

Giorgio Brunella

The chef who works with Legrottaglie and Devoto at Clementina.

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The takeaway

Clementina's success sets a new standard for gluten-free cuisine, challenging the notion that dietary restrictions mean sacrificing taste and variety. As awareness of gluten intolerance and celiac disease grows, this restaurant's innovative approach is likely to inspire more inclusive dining experiences in the industry.