Trattoria Al Forno Dinner: Paleo and Keto Friendly

One of the premier restaurants at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is Trattoria al Forno, serving amazing Italian cuisine. On our latest visit, the first back since Covid-19 shut down the resort, we made reservations for our first meal to be a Trattoria al Forno dinner. My goal was to check out the limited menu for paleo, keto, and gluten-free options.

Having only dined out once at home, at the restaurant of a friend that I knew was safe, I was a bit concerned. I had followed the reviews of two women I highly respect – Liz Reynolds from Pixie Lizzie and Alexis Salerno from Alexis’s Gluten Free Adventures. They had both visited the Walt Disney World Resort with their families upon reopening. When they deemed the safety precautions suitable to their strict requirements, I knew it would be safe to head back to my happy place.

We arrived early and decided to check out the gift shop on the BoardWalk. That was an expensive start to our vacation. With 2020 merchandise buy one, get one free, and 30% off for annual passholders, I took advantage of the savings to shop, shop, shop.

Entering Trattoria al Forno

The first thing I noticed upon entering the restaurant for our Trattoria al Forno dinner was how empty it was. Although we did have a reservation soon after opening, you can see by the photo below how they have closed off tables for social distancing.

Everything was spotless, and I felt extremely safe. It is fun to watch as they prepare pizzas in the open oven. They do have Udi’s pizza shells for those who are looking for a gluten-friendly pizza for dinner.

As you can see in the photo below, everyone in the kitchen, along with the entire wait staff, wore masks. Servers wore shields in addition to their masks.

While it was strange to see the restaurant so empty, even later, when it got “busy,” it was a wonderful dining experience. Every member of the staff was so friendly and accommodating.

Paleo, Keto, and Gluten-Free Menu Options for a Trattoria Al Forno Dinner

Our server for our Trattoria al Forno dinner on this visit was the fabulous Fabiana. She brought out the amazing Chef Abner, who went above and beyond to create a spectacular dining experience. If you are lucky enough to be there on a night that Chef Abner is working, you are in for a treat. He is very familiar with paleo and keto diets and enjoys creating memorable meals for those with dietary restrictions and allergies.

The restaurant offers a nice selection of wines from various regions of Italy, as shown below.

You can also indulge in a cocktail or one of the beers and ciders that they have on hand.

I chose a Sicilian Iced Tea as a special treat – and it was well worth it!

Many of the items on the regular menu are also featured on the allergy-friendly menu. All restaurants now have a QR code that you scan on your phone, which takes you to the same menu found on the Disney website. We will link to that at the bottom of this review. The allergy-friendly Trattoria al Forno dinner menu from our visit is posted below. You will notice that it does not include pizza, but that is an option for those who desire that choice.

Please remember that menu items can change, especially if there is trouble getting specific ingredients from the suppliers.

Antipasti/Appetizers

Salumi Italiana

While the regular menu lists four appetizers, the Salumi Italiani, a charcuterie, was missing from the allergy menu. The charcuterie features spicy capicola, salami, prosciutto, and mortadella, pickled vegetables, and beer mustard. The board also features fried dough with pancetta fat. They can omit that a substitute with a GF bread option for those who desire.  

Calamari Fritti

This gluten-free dish uses a blend of 3 GF flours, including corn starch. Since we avoid corn, Chef Abner used a blend of rice flour and almond flour instead. Although rice is not on a paleo or keto diet, I really wanted to try this dish, and it was a better alternative in my diet than corn.

Insalata di Stagione and Insalata Salad

Both salads are suitable for a gluten-free and keto diet. Omit the cheese for a paleo diet.

Secondi Piatti/Entrees

If you are craving a Trattoria al Forno dinner of pasta, you are in luck. They have gluten-free rice pasta. Of course, if you are on a paleo or keto diet, pasta is out. Instead, a variety of vegetables are available as substitutions, as you will see in the next section.

Oak-grilled Strip Steak

This dish features fire-roasted potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and roasted pepper sauce. Substitutions are always available here.

Polpette

The meatballs, made from beef, pork, and veal, contain herbs and gluten-free breadcrumbs (corn). While suitable for a GF diet, paleo and keto dieters may want to avoid due to the corn crumbs.

Pettini di Mare

While this is not a GF, paleo, or keto dish, I include it here so that people who might consider it who have a shellfish allergy can know they can substitute another protein for the scallops.

Pasta alla Bolognese

The braised short rib and pork belly Bolognese includes tomatoes, mushrooms, and Pecorino Romano. You can omit the cheese for paleo diets and opt for rice pasta or a bed of veggies.

Parmigiana di Pollo

The gluten-free breaded chicken breast is always a hit and one we highly recommend.

Our Trattoria Al Forno Dinner

On this particular trip, my daughter selected this meal as her cheat meal, meaning she was going to eat gluten. The reason – the ravioli! We have yet to find a GF ravioli that she loves. That is why you see the loaf of bread served to her below.

Bread Service

Her bread came with an olive tapenade that was out of this world. I must find out the recipe for this!

When I expressed my desire to have some type of “bread,” Chef Abner rose to the occasion. He offered to make me some cauliflower bread, using blanched and blended cauliflower, almond flour, and eggs. I expected some form of roll shape, so imagine my surprise when the following magnificent plate emerged from the kitchen, with a dish of extra virgin olive oil.

These tiny little breads were beyond anything I have ever had. The photo below shows the inside of the bread. It was tender, tasty, and worth every bite. It was also worth the wait, as special items like this do take time to make.

Appetizer

We also ordered the Calamari Fritti appetizer below. The Balsamic Agrodolce sauce is made with balsamic vinegar, golden raisins, and capers. The Meyer Lemon Aïoli contains eggs, olive oil, Meyer lemon zest and juice, and chives. Also included is a sugar-free marinara sauce. I highly recommend this appetizer.

Entrees

Pasta alla Bolognese

I am salivating just remembering this dish and looking at the photo. In place of pasta, I selected julienne veggies. Chef Abner has a wide array of vegetables available, so you will definitely find something that works for you. I highly recommend this dish for anyone on a paleo, keto, or gluten-free diet.

On top were pieces of fried spinach leaves – wow! Even the edible petals tasted great with the dish. I wish I could have licked the plate clean – it was that good!

My daughter selected the Pettini di Mare, with sliced steak rather than scallops, as she is allergic to shellfish.

The mushroom ravioli was delicious, and the presentation was lovely. If you are a mushroom lover, this dish is for you.

On the recommendation of Alexis, who loves this dessert, we had to try the pistachio gelato. The gelato contains chocolate, sugar, milk, and there is possible cross-contamination for peanuts, so be aware before ordering.

The gelato was so good it warrants a close-up. Thanks, Alexis, for the recommendation.

There is nothing like a good cup of coffee after an incredible meal. The Central Espresso hit the spot.

You can check out the regular menu for Trattoria al Forno here. We cannot recommend this restaurant enough for the ambiance, food, and service.