amazing.

Bistro Menil

30 recent ratings
$$ • French Restaurant
Reported to have a gluten-free menu
Safety Rating
27 ratings

As rated by the community

1513 W Alabama St
Houston, TX 77006

Most Recent Reviews


5 days ago

Great gluten free options and celiac friendly.

Safety
Taste
Variety
GF Menu Items
  • — Crab Cakes, Steak
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
5 days ago

We love dining here! It’s a fabulous date night out and we feel very safe with the menu, not to mention it’s delicious.

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Variety
Symptomatic Celiac
1 month ago

I’ve had the duck and the tuscan torte. I did enjoy, especially because they are very knowledgeable about celiac and cross contact. The menu flags GF items and although it contains a disclaimer about them not being able to ensure there’s no cross contact, all waiters told me there would be none and the meal would be celiac safe. I ate here and didn’t feel bad. Coming back tonight to try other options on the menu.

Safety
Taste
Variety
GF Menu Items
  • — Dessert, Salad
Menu on December 13, 2024

Important

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.
Information contained in this listing is based on reports by the community. Please verify all information directly with the establishment.

Reported safety features

Other

Collections
In 10 Public Collections

Photos


Menu on December 13, 2024
Crab cakes
Cheese cake
Crab cakes with asparagus crepes
amazing.
Gluten-Free at Bistro Menil
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More Reviews


Celiac
1 month ago

This was the greatest Celiac restaurant I've ever been to! 90% or more of the menu was gluten free and they knew exactly how to handle everything! Very knowledgeable wait staff. Incredible food!! Could not recommend more!

Safety
Taste
Variety
GF Menu Items
  • — Beef Ribs, Cakes
Celiac
1 month ago

This place is amazing! So many gluten free options in a nice spot near the museum district. The pizza is so good! Waitstaff is knowledgeable and helpful. We came for my bday and had a great baked alaska for dessert. We came here 2x during our time in Houston.

Safety
Taste
Variety
GF Menu Items
  • — Meatballs, Dessert, Cakes, Pizza
Safety Features
  • — Dedicated fryer
1 month ago

I love this restaurant! Their food is amazing and there’s plenty of GF options. I love the crab cake, pizza and the blackberry cake the most but everything I’ve tried has been amazing

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Variety
2 months ago

We have been here a handful of times for special occasions. It is sooo good and almost everything on the menu is gluten free. It is pricey. I absolutely love the crab cakes, I’ve had them twice.

Safety
Taste
Variety
GF Menu Items
  • — Crab Cakes, Beef Ribs, Salad, Calamari & more
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Other
  • — Good for dairy-free
Crab cakes with asparagus crepes
Gluten Intolerant
4 months ago

Went for Houston Restaurant Weeks…why haven’t I been here before? Almost everything on the menu is GF. Food was very good! Greg, the chef, came out to talk with us. Very warm and friendly person. We had a wonderful chat. Definitely will go back. Not sure I would define the restaurant as “French”. Check out the menu, you won’t be disappointed!

Safety
Taste
Variety
GF Menu Items
  • — Fries, Cheesecake, Crab Cakes, Meatballs & more
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Other
  • — Vegetarian options
  • — Outdoor seating
  • — Healthy options
  • — Brunch
Symptomatic Celiac
4 months ago

Had brunch and it was wonderful! Can’t wait to go back for dinner. Almost everything is gluten free.

Safety
Taste
Variety
GF Menu Items
  • — Fries, Dessert, Calamari, Pizza
Safety Features
  • — Dedicated fryer
7 months ago

Truly amazing gf options. Menu clearly marked, and waitress went the extra mile to make sure items were safe for me. Also accommodated dairy free easily. Shared the calamari which was the best we've ever had. Crab cakes with caper aioli were excellent, served with perfect roasted potatoes and a red sauce that was fabulous. What a gem! If you can eat dairy, the desserts look amazing.

Safety
Taste
Variety
GF Menu Items
  • — Fries, Crab Cakes, Dessert, Calamari & more
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Other
  • — Good for dairy-free
Symptomatic Celiac
11 months ago

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
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Safety Features
  • — Knowledgeable staff
Other
  • — Good for dairy-free
  • — Outdoor seating
  • — Healthy options
  • — Dinner
Gluten Intolerant
11 months ago

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

Safety
Taste
Variety
Crab cakes
Cheese cake
1 year ago

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!!

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Gluten Intolerant
1 year ago

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

Safety
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Gluten Sensitive
1 year ago

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.

dedicated gluten-free badge Dedicated GF
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Asymptomatic Celiac
1 year ago

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
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Safety Features
  • — Knowledgeable staff
Other
  • — Breakfast/Brunch
  • — Reservations recommended
  • — Lunch
  • — Dinner
Symptomatic Celiac
1 year ago

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
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
1 year ago

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
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
1 year ago

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.

Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Symptomatic Celiac
1 year ago

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!

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Variety
Gluten Sensitive
1 year ago

Love all the gluten free options! Calamari was great

Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Celiac
1 year ago

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
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
1 year ago

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!

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Celiac
1 year ago

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
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Celiac
2 years ago

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

Safety
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Separate gluten-free menu
Symptomatic Celiac
2 years ago

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
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
2 years ago
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
2 years ago
Safety
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2 years ago

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
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Symptomatic Celiac
2 years ago

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
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Celiac
2 years ago

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
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Celiac
2 years ago

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

Safety
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Celiac
2 years ago

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
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Other
  • — Breakfast/Brunch
  • — Good for dairy-free
  • — Outdoor seating
  • — Healthy options
Celiac
2 years ago

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!

Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Celiac
2 years ago

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
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Other
  • — Breakfast/Brunch
  • — Good for dairy-free
  • — Outdoor seating
  • — Healthy options
Gluten Intolerant
2 years ago

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

Safety
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Celiac
3 years ago

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

Safety
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
Celiac
3 years ago

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

Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu
4 years ago

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

Safety
Taste
Variety
Is there a gluten-free menu?
  • — Separate gluten-free menu
amazing.
Gluten-Free at Bistro Menil
Celiac
5 years ago

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.

Safety
Asymptomatic Celiac
5 years ago

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

Safety
Celiac
6 years ago

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...

6 years ago

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.

Safety
6 years ago

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

6 years ago

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.

Celiac
6 years ago

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

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