La Calabrese Italian Restaurant Lunch and Dinner
GF pasta bases, GF pizza bases (swap available for $7), and several dishes marked GF on the menu, but the kitchen is shared — GF pizzas are cooked in the same ovens as regular pizzas, and there is no dedicated fryer.
Per-allergen evidence
GF pasta bases, GF pizza bases (swap available for $7), and several dishes marked GF on the menu, but the kitchen is shared — GF pizzas are cooked in the same ovens as regular pizzas, and there is no dedicated fryer. Multiple coeliac reviewers warn the pizza is not safe for coeliacs, and some were told by staff that GF pasta was unavailable on a given night. Staff are described as knowledgeable but the structural setup means cross-contamination risk is real. Best for diners who can tolerate some risk; confirmed coeliacs should call ahead to check current pasta stock and discuss protocols.
[1] Official FOOD MENU, La Calabrese Italian Restaurant Lunch and Dinner (official menu)
The official menu page uses GF, V, VG, Vegetarian, and Gluten-free icons on each dish. It states that a gluten-free pasta swap costs $5, a gluten-free pizza base swap is $7, and a vegan cheese swap is $6.fetched May 25, 2026[2] Aggregator Are there gluten-free menu options at La Calabrese Italian Restaurant & Pizza in Surfers Paradise?, FindMeGlutenFree
FindMeGlutenFree contains a community listing where multiple coeliac reviewers report no dedicated fryer and that the gluten-free pizzas are cooked in a shared oven, so the staff advised the pizza is unsafe for coeliacs. One reviewer had no reaction despite the warning.fetched May 25, 2026[3] Verified blog La Calabrese Italian Restaurant Breakfast and Dinner - Gluten-Free Restaurant in Surfers Paradise, atly.com
Atly GF directory lists La Calabrese as 'accommodating gluten-free', and notes GF pasta and pizza, trained staff, and some risk of cross-contamination.fetched May 25, 2026[4] Verified blog La Calabrese Italian Restaurant Review | Pizza & Pasta Review, tastesofitalia.com.au
An Italian food blog review confirms gluten-free options are available at the restaurant at an additional charge, and highlights prices and menu items. No safety detail about gluten-free preparation is included.fetched May 25, 2026Multiple dishes are marked with a Vegetarian icon: Truffle & Parmesan Potato Rosti, Mozza Focaccia, Square Spaghettone Tomato, Margherita pizza, and others. The menu clearly identifies vegetarian options. Shared kitchen with meat dishes, so no dedicated prep area, but staff are described as attentive.
The menu marks several items as V or VG, such as Gnocco Fritto add-on capsicum pesto, Giant Arancino Funghi, seasonal greens, French fries, and Italian rosemary roasted potatoes. Vegan cheese is available as a pizza swap for $6. The kitchen is shared with meat and dairy, and there is no dedicated vegan equipment. Vegan diners should be comfortable asking staff to confirm.
The restaurant charges $6 for vegan cheese on pizzas. Items marked VG or V often overlap with dairy-free options, but the kitchen relies heavily on cheeses such as mozzarella, parmesan, burrata, and gorgonzola. Cross-contamination risk is therefore high. Lactose-intolerant diners can order around this situation. However, the restaurant is not suitable for those with a dairy allergy requiring strict avoidance.
The menu includes pistacchio cream cannoli, pistacchio in Mortadella Focaccia, and walnuts in the mixed salad. No nut-free preparation is described and no marking system for nut allergens is evident. Best to discuss needs directly with staff.
Always confirm with venue staff before ordering. Tiers and accreditations are guides, not guarantees.
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