Bistro Menil

27 recent ratings
$$ • French Restaurant
Reported to have a gluten-free menu
Reported GF menu options: Cocktails, Fries
Safety Rating
23 ratings

As rated by the community

1513 W Alabama St
Houston, TX 77006
Collections
In 4 Public Collections

Most Recent Reviews


Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Excellent gluten free options and able to field and handle other food sensitivity questions and requests (like dairy and tree nuts). Appreciated the chef coming to our table to talk about the food. Servers checked in on us frequently. Food was excellent (I had the calamari, crab cakes with a side of fried potatoes and Brussels sprouts and mango sorbet for dessert; mom had french onion soup; friend had short ribs) - something we wouldn’t easily make ourselves so a real treat. Love that they have a parking lot. Easy to make online reservations. Highly recommended if you are in the area!

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings
  • Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for dairy-free
  • Good for dinner
  • Good selection of healthy options
  • Offers outdoor seating
Updated 2 months ago read full review

Gluten Intolerant

Overall Rating

Review


Delicious gluten free French onion soup, crab cakes with 2 sides, and fruit topped cheesecake. Impressive number of gluten free options!

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 3 months ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Bistro Menil is my go-to for a nice dinner out! They have many gluten free options (the best desserts!!) and are willing to work with you to discuss any concerns for cross contamination. I’ve only gone for dinner but they also have brunch, lunch, and afternoon tea options. For desserts, I recommend the basque cheesecake! So good!!

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 4 months ago read full review

This establishment is NOT a dedicated gluten-free facility and may not be safe for those with celiac disease. Please contact the establishment directly to inquire about safety precautions.

Gluten-Free Features

  • Reported to have a dedicated fryer
  • Cocktails
  • Fries
  • Gluten-Free Menu

Categories

  • Allergy Friendly
  • Brunch
  • Dairy-Free Friendly
  • Delivery
  • Dinner
  • French
  • Happy Hour
  • Healthy
  • Keto Friendly
  • Kid Friendly
  • Lunch
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Restaurant
  • Seafood
  • Takeout
  • Vegan Friendly

Photos


Crab cakes
Cheese cake
Crab cakes with asparagus crepes
amazing.
Gluten-Free at Bistro Menil
Add a photo View all photos

More Reviews


Gluten Intolerant

Overall Rating

Review


Favorite restaurant in Houston. Have eaten here multiple times and never had an issue. Everything is clearly marked on the menu.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 4 months ago read full review

Gluten Sensitive

Overall Rating

Review


Great dining experience…delicious gluten-free French food at reasonable prices in a comfortable setting. After I informed the server about my several food allergies (gluten, eggs, shellfish, and nuts), he ensured that I knew what was alright to eat or not. I highly recommend.

Safety


Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Quality & Quantity


How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 5 months ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


We have been here twice. Once for an anniversary and again for my birthday. It is sooo good and almost everything on the menu is gluten free. It is pricey.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 7 months ago read full review

Asymptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Terrific food, and I felt safe here. The menu says they're strict about cross-contamination (though no guarantees), the menu is clearly marked and almost entirely GF, and our server said he'd tell the kitchen I'm celiac. We'll definitely be back.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings
  • Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for breakfast/brunch
  • Good for dinner
  • Good for lunch
  • Reservations recommended
Updated 7 months ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


One of the best gluten-free dining experiences I’ve ever had. The savory Belgian waffle with fried chicken was delicious and I had no symptoms afterwards. I was nervous because it was so delicious that I thought there is no way this could be GF, but the reviews are right this place rocks. For dessert we had banana, Nutella crepes which were also amazing. They have tons of gluten free desserts. The waiter was very knowledgeable about the GF options, but things being GF here is so normal that to them that they act casual about it. Great experience.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 10 months ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


I have dined at Bistro Menil at least 50 times as a symptomatic celiac—-with zero issues. Among the menu items I have enjoyed repeatedly are: crab cakes, the burger, fried chicken and waffle, burger, roast chicken, grilled salmon, chicken crepes, Caesar salad, fried calamari, eggplant fries, fried squash blossoms; all are very good. It is also the rare restaurant that straddles the line between being safe for those of us with food intolerances while also being a great (non weird to gluten eaters) option for family and entertaining. Highly recommended!

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 10 months ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


I was so excited to try this restaurant because of all of the excellent reviews, gluten free menu with a wide variety of gluten free options including desserts. The dining experience was perfect. However, 12 hour later the usual symptoms of gluten consumption occurred which were very unpleasant. I ordered the snapper with crab that was the special for the day and was told by the server it was gluten free. I also had the gluten free BlackBerry cake. I have celiac disease and am super sensitive to gluten contamination. I suspect this place is safe for those who are less sensitive. Houston needs more options for people with celiac disease. It is hard to believe that there are so few options in a city of 2.3 million people.

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Really good food! Everything but 2 things on the menu are gluten free. I have celiac and didn’t get sick after. Even gluten free deserts!

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Love all the gluten free options! Calamari was great

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


I absolutely loved this restaurant! The staff were very kind and helpful, and there were tons of gluten free options (apps, entrees, AND desserts) and the food was delicious. Highly recommend

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Rare to find a local restaurant with this quantity and quality of gf options! Duck was expertly cooked, crispy and tender. Fries are potatoes, cauliflower mashed potatoes are excellent. Seafood salad is more of a cocktail glass with seafood and very good. No bad dishes as far as I can tell! Lemon almond torte was great!

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Almost the entire menus is GF or can be made GF. French onion soup? yes please! Our server wasn’t fantastic he was sick and kept sneezing, it was very awkward. I wish they offered blankets or heaters for patio seating on cooler nights.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


This is my top 3 GF of all time. Absolutely top notch. Incredible food, service and drinks. Just go and be amazed.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


The food was delicious and very safe. Almost everything is gluten free and it the French onion soup was amazing🤤 the server new what he was doing and took care of us. I will be back.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Overall Rating

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Overall Rating

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Wonderful meal at this Classic bistro. The regular menu is gluten-free. Delicious crab cakes and Duck confit. My husband was so happy to have the cheese cake for dessert! Please remember to make room for dessert. Wonderful staff and owner Greg! One of the top restaurants in our travels and so nice to dine and know you can enjoy a meal without any hesitation!

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Symptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Love this place! We’ve been eating here for years. Most items are gluten free or can be made that way. Delicious and fresh!

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


I’ve been here over 5 times now. I’ve eaten there and ordered to go and have never gotten sick. Most of the menu is GF and they state that the kitchen staff takes CC seriously when I asked. Delicious food just a little pricey but everything is worth it

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Most of the menu is gluten free including the desserts. Good and service were great!

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Many gluten free options. Waiter was really helpful asking about dairy in everything I was interested in as well. I’m not particularly sensitive to cross contamination, so YMMV, but I did not get sick after eating here. I was even able to have a delicious lemon tart. Was a really nice experience, we will be back.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for breakfast/brunch
  • Good for dairy-free
  • Good for dinner
  • Good for lunch
  • Good selection of healthy options
  • Good with other allergies
  • Offers outdoor seating
  • Reservations recommended
Updated 1 year ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Most of the menu is gluten free, including many options for dessert. The food was overall really good. I had the short rib and my only complaint was that I wanted more sauce. The service was a little slow, but we weren’t in a hurry so it wasn’t a big deal. I love that there’s plenty of parking too. I’ll definitely go back!

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 1 year ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Virtually their entire menu is GF! We have never had a better GF meal. Everything was sooo delicious! Highly recommend if you’re in the Houston area.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other


Other Characteristics
  • Good for breakfast/brunch
  • Good for dairy-free
  • Good for dinner
  • Good for keto
  • Good for kids
  • Good for lunch
  • Good selection of healthy options
  • Good vegan options
  • Good with other allergies
  • Offers outdoor seating
Updated 1 year ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


I've had the waffles, Lyonnaise, short ribs, and crabcakes and have never had any issues. This place is amazing.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 2 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Delicious. Lots of GF options. Most things were and everything was labeled.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 2 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Wonderful food and almost all gluten free. Celiac friendly and great place to dine

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 2 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


SO GOOD. Amazing food & so so many gluten free options.

Safety


How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Quality & Quantity


Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Updated 3 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


The food was amazing, well what I was able to eat, unfortunately somehow I was cross contaminated and within 10 minutes I was swollen and throwing up. The food was yummy, but if you are celiac, I say no.

Celiac friendly?

No

Updated 4 years ago read full review

Asymptomatic Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


Amazing! They had many options and a clearly marked menu. Lots of desserts that were gluten free too!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


I haven't eaten here, but I called in and received some confusion about what celiac is. I was told that they do not have a dedicated GF frier and I would not be able to have anything fried on the menu. Wanted to put this info here since other reviews mention fried items...

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


It seemed like the menu is catered to GF diners. At least half or maybe even 3/4 of the dishes have a GF label. Staff was knowledge and courteous. Everything was delicious, inventive and fresh. I can’t believe the eggplant fries are actually GF! So good.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Most of the menu was gluten free. The crab cakes were amazing!

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Overall Rating

Review


Most of the menu is gluten free. Awesome options including eggplant fries, fries, calamari, and amazing desserts including cake, brownies, etc. So so delicious can’t wait to go back.

Updated 5 years ago read full review

Celiac

Overall Rating

Review


This place is a little slice of heaven! I highly recommend the happy hour menu! All but two of the items are GF!!!!

Updated 5 years ago read full review

More Info