Where to get the best gluten-free eats In Houston

Gluten-free diners don’t need to take chances when it comes to Houston’s food scene. Here’s our guide for gluten-free dining in H-Town, whether you’re hankering for a pizza, a burger, or a juicy steak.

One benefit of being in the most diverse city in the nation is that the food scene reflects the many cultures represented across the 88 neighborhoods, many with great views of the Houston skyline. You can find everything here from standard American melting pot fare to niche specialty items you’d typically have to travel thousands of miles to eat.

As a result, those with gluten allergies or gluten intolerance have their pick from hundreds of restaurants, some with naturally gluten-free menu items (think power bowls, protein sources, and veggies) and some with gourmet menus devoted solely to gluten-free diners.

So whether you wake up with a need for pancakes or are craving a particular ethnic dish, here’s your guide for finding delicious gluten-free food in Houston.

For health food fans

True Food Kitchen, on Post Oak near the Galleria, has clearly labeled GF dishes on the regular menu, all of them tempting.  How does grass-fed tenderloin with cheesy mashed potatoes and trumpet mushrooms sound? This is a great spot for health-conscious eaters, as the ingredients are seed- and oil-free, fresh, local, and seasonal.

For pizza lovers

If you find yourself in Kingswood, check out RC’s NYC Pizza & Pasta. There’s a special section of the menu dedicated to GF options, which largely replicate what you’ll find on the regular menu: breadsticks, an artichoke dip, and Sicilian pizzas with your choice of toppings. Top it off with GF versions of tres leches or brownies.

For plenty of options

If you’re the type of person who likes a little bit of this and a little bit of that, you’ll love Island Grill, serving three meals a day out of five locations, including Rice Village. Everyone in your party—including gluten-free diners—will find plenty to choose from. Meals like sandwiches that are usually off-limits are yours for the taking—just ask for gluten-free buns and pitas. Mediterranean options and standard meals that are naturally GF expand your options.

For gluten-free American food

A fast-casual go-to for many Houston diners, Bellagreen covers almost the entire Houston map with six locations that stay busy all day. Gluten-free patrons love this local chain, which takes great care to avoid cross-contamination. The staff never makes you feel like you’re being fussy and are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions with substitutions. Some fan favorites include brick chicken, salmon, and super veggie tacos.

For ready-made take-out

Literally everything at Snap Kitchen is gluten-free, so there’s no guesswork and total peace of mind. This marketplace on Kirby offers over 100 distinctive meals that have no artificial preservatives and no added hormones. Opt for pickup or delivery and enjoy the fresh, seasonal ingredients in every dish. For breakfast, go for the eggs and chicken chorizo hash, and later in the day, return for the burger with truffle home fries.

For vegan food that’s also gluten-free

Mandala and crab puffs and Buddha bowl salads—oh my! The Ginger Mule has your dietary needs covered oh-so-deliciously with an entirely vegan menu, with most of the choices also being GF. While you may feel your choices are limited elsewhere, this place provides a refreshingly inclusive atmosphere.

For baked goods

Known throughout Houston as THE place to find 100% gluten-free baked goods, Leven Bakery & Cafe serves up breads and desserts that you rarely find GF at other restaurants. You can have everything from a chicken sandwich to French toast to cheesecake here. They also serve an all-day breakfast and are free from seed oils.

For fine dining

For a kitchen that is meticulous when it comes to allergy-restricted orders, look no further than Perry’s Steakhouse & Grill. All of its locations include gluten-free menu options for lunch, dinner, and happy hour. Choices include chargrilled Bluepoint oysters, homemade Texas sausage, and NY strip carpaccio. So forget the salad and dive into the same delicacies others enjoy, with no fear of gluten!

For Tex-Mex (without the flour tortillas)

Look, you can walk into any Tex-Mex restaurant and order up some beans and rice, but it might get old. At Cyclone Anaya’s—with six locations, including their new River Oaks location—you can order freely from the clearly marked gluten-free options and really eat! Make those beans and rice your side to smoked brisket with ancho guajillo sauce, spicy slaw, and pickled onion.

For Persian food

Gluten-free eaters know that Persian food is generally a solid choice, and Kasra Persian Grill is no exception. The original Westchase location led to two more restaurants on Nasa and in Rice Village. Aside from the bread and some desserts, most of the menu is GF. Order from traditional Persian delights like mirza ghasemi, kubideh, kababs, rice, and vegetables—all of it’s delicious.

For breakfast

With nine locations across Houston, the newest in Stafford, Snooze A.M. Eatery is always packed, and for good reason. The service is friendly across the board, the food is consistently fabulous, and the GF items are easy to spot on the menu. Staff can swap out traditional bread for gluten-free options, meaning you can enjoy the “to die for” avocado toast, and come back again for the tasty gluten-free pancakes.

For Indian food

You’ll never tire of the food at Pondicheri, an Indian restaurant that has ever-evolving weekly specials that always include at least one GF option. Butter Chicken Biryani, anyone? Visit the restaurant on the first floor serving three meals a day, then head to The Bake Lab on the second floor to shop and take home whatever you like. The venue is fun, colorful, and funky, a great addition to the Shops at Arrive River Oaks.

For burgers

Kids and adults alike love Hat Creek Burger Company, where burgers, fries, chicken nuggets, fried pickles, and tater tots can all come gluten-free. All sides and shareables are marked with the GF designation and are kept separate from allergens, but as with all restaurants on this list, be sure to confirm with your server if you are celiac. Bonus: The Spring, Katy, and Fulshear locations feature an outdoor play area for kids, so families can enjoy mealtime and playtime all in one.

For ice cream

No meal is complete without ice cream served from Houston’s best ice cream shops. For an entire menu of GF flavors, head to Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. You’ll have a wide range of choices from brown butter almond brittle to wildberry lavender to salted peanut butter with chocolate flecks. All four locations offer GF options, but Jeni’s Montrose, in its large white farmhouse with red doors, is so cute you won’t want to miss it.

For gluten-free desserts

The locals rave about Nu Café, where gluten-free menu items dominate and Nu Ices are made entirely from scratch. This restaurant also offers dairy-free milk tea, Boba teas, and eye-catching desserts like a mountain of shaved ice served on a plate and surrounded by colorful fruit—it’s as beautiful as it is tasty. Find this café in Bellaire.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

RELATED: Bow-wow! 12 dog-friendly restaurants, bars in Houston