italian

Low FODMAP at ASK Italian - Complete Ordering Guide

Complete guide to ordering low FODMAP at ASK Italian. Safe menu items, what to avoid, and how to customize your order.

Last verified: January 1, 2025 View Allergen Menu →

Safe Items to Order

ItemNotesModifications
Gluten-Free Pizza BaseAvailable on requestSelect toppings carefully - avoid garlic and onion
Gluten-Free PastaGF penne availableRequest simple olive oil and safe toppings only
Grilled Chicken BreastPlain grilledNo marinade, no sauce
Grilled SalmonPlain fishNo sauce or glaze
Side SaladMixed leavesOlive oil and lemon only
ChipsPlain friesNo seasoning

Items to Avoid

  • Regular pasta (contains wheat)
  • Regular pizza dough (contains wheat)
  • Garlic bread (wheat + garlic)
  • Dough balls with garlic butter
  • Arrabbiata sauce (contains garlic)
  • Pomodoro sauce (may contain onion)
  • Carbonara (cream + potential garlic)
  • Bolognese (contains onion)
  • Risotto dishes (onion base)
  • Tiramisu (wheat + dairy)

Example Orders

Custom GF Pizza

  • Gluten-free base
  • Request sauce without garlic/onion (or olive oil base)
  • Mozzarella
  • Chicken, peppers
  • No garlic oil finish

Tip: Verify sauce ingredients before ordering

Simple GF Pasta

  • Gluten-free penne
  • Olive oil, salt, pepper
  • Grilled chicken on top
  • Side salad

Tip: Avoid all prepared sauces

Quick Summary

ASK Italian provides gluten-free options for both pizza and pasta, making it one of the better Italian chain choices. However, garlic and onion are prevalent in Italian cooking, requiring careful communication.

Best bets: Gluten-free pizza or pasta with olive oil and safe toppings

Always avoid: Regular pasta, garlic bread, dough balls, any sauce with garlic or onion

The Italian Restaurant Challenge

Like all Italian restaurants, ASK Italian uses:

  • Garlic as a foundational flavor
  • Onion in many sauce bases
  • Wheat flour for pasta and pizza
  • Cream in many dishes

How to Order

  1. Request gluten-free options - Pizza base or pasta
  2. Clarify sauce ingredients - Most contain garlic or onion
  3. Consider olive oil as a base - Instead of tomato sauce
  4. Choose simple proteins - Plain grilled chicken or salmon
  5. Build your own - Select individual safe toppings

Gluten-Free Options

ASK Italian offers:

  • Gluten-free pizza base
  • Gluten-free penne pasta

Important: Gluten-free doesn’t mean FODMAP-free. You still need to avoid garlic and onion in sauces and toppings.

Safe Toppings and Additions

Pizza toppings:

  • Grilled chicken
  • Bell peppers
  • Rocket (arugula)
  • Olives
  • Mozzarella

Avoid:

  • Caramelized onions
  • Roasted garlic
  • Mushrooms
  • Artichokes
  • Sausage (may contain garlic)

Sauce Strategy

Most Italian sauces contain FODMAPs:

  • Pomodoro often has onion
  • Arrabbiata has garlic
  • Cream sauces may have both

Safest approach: Request olive oil with herbs (no garlic) as your sauce.


Last verified: January 2025. Menu items and ingredients can change. Always confirm with restaurant staff.