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Pondicheri

9 Excellent Gluten-Free Dining Destinations in Houston

The best restaurants for the wheat-averse

by Nadia Gire Updated
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by Nadia Gire Updated
1 comment / new
Pondicheri

Whether out of necessity or choice, staying away from gluten can be challenging when you're trying to decide on a place to dine.

Fortunately, Houston offers a bounty of options for the gluten-avoidant. Many of these restaurants aren't exclusively gluten-free, but offer up a solid menu of dishes that isn't limited to boring salads and sandwiches served on store-bought gluten-free bread. You'll also find a variety of price points and cuisines, which means that you can enjoy everything from a casual lunch to an upscale dining experience sans gluten.

As always, drop us a line in the comments if your favorite gluten-free spot is missing from this map.

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Backstreet Cafe

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Backstreet Cafe presents abundant gluten-free options for seafood enthusiasts with dishes like the seared striped seabass (served with butternut squash puree and roasted vegetables), a creamy shellfish risotto (filled with shrimp, clams, scallops, lobster and mussels) and seared scallops (plated alongside wilted spinach and cauliflower puree in a butter sauce).

1103 S Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77019
(713) 521-2239
(713) 521-2239

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True Food Kitchen

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Eschewing the typical cardboard flavored, über healthy, gluten-free options, True Food Kitchen loads up its menu with raw vegetables and fresh seasonal items for under $15. Options include a spicy panang curry made with organic potato, bok choy and thai basil in a coconut shrimp broth, spaghetti squash casserole, and a Mediterranean quinoa bowl.

1700 Post Oak Blvd Ste 180, Houston, TX 77056
(281) 605-2505
(281) 605-2505

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Kenny & Ziggy's Deli

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If GF eaters have resigned themselves to a life of sad, soggy grilled cheese sandwiches made with inadequate gluten-free substitutes, this is the time to reevaluate. Galleria deli Kenny & Ziggy’s grills a masterpiece dripping with a combination of cheese, bread and toppings. Try a melt with smoked gouda and sautéed onion on gluten-free challah bread.

2327 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056
(713) 871-8883
(713) 871-8883

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Pondicheri

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The aromatic spicy scents wafting from Pondicheri’s Bake Lab + Shop will lead customers straight up the stairs from the restaurant to a quiet bakery and market where a treasure trove of gluten-free baked goods reside. Dip a perfectly flavored gluten-free cookie infused with Indian spices, scone, or bar in a cup of steaming masala chai. Unlike other bakeries with gluten-free choices, Pondicheri goes so far as to blend its own gluten-free flour for customers.

2800 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098
(713) 522-2022
(713) 522-2022

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Little Pappasito's Cantina

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Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes reign supreme in Houston. Pappasito’s Cantina does gluten-free diners right with its standalone gluten-free menu that serves mouth-watering dishes for the pickiest (or most allergic) of eaters. Start with the classic ceviche made with fresh shrimp, scallops, and fish marinated in lime and cilantro topped with avocado. Move on to a flavorful array of chicken or pork tamales and finish with the famous shrimp fajitas.

2536 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77098
(713) 520-5066
(713) 520-5066

Kiran's

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The gluten-free fare on this upscale fave’s menu is extensive and includes classic Indian dishes like the creamy spiced Chicken Tikka Masala and slow braised lamb rogan josh. The cornish hen definitely merits an order – the half-bird is served with mango chutney red onions and a pepper salad.

2925 Richmond Ave Ste 160, Houston, TX 77098
(713) 960-8472
(713) 960-8472

Also featured in:

Glazed The Doughnut Cafe

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Exotic doughnuts sprinkled with sweet breakfast cereals are not reserved solely for wheat eaters. The Med Center’s gourmet doughnut shop Glazed lays out an assortment of cakey and airy doughnuts of the vegan and gluten-free variety. The sweet treats consist of decadent nontraditional flavors like pineapple upside down cake and maple encrusted bacon comparable to any gluten laden options.

1333 Old Spanish Trl Ste 100-E, Houston, TX 77054
(281) 402-1868
(281) 402-1868

Also featured in:

Coltivare Pizza & Garden

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The gluten-free pizza crust at this beloved Heights eatery is a true marvel, both chewy and satisfying. Top it simply with tomato, basil, and mozzarella, or get wild with accoutrements like ‘nduja, anchovies, olives, and more.

3320 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007
(713) 637-4095
(713) 637-4095

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Dish Society

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Thanks to a menu that’s easily marked with bright yellow “GF” indicators, eating gluten-free at Dish Society is super easy. Dig into plates like pork belly hash with potatoes and avocado hollandaise or gluten-free pancakes during breakfast, or swing by during dinner for citrus-glazed salmon or steak tacos.

1050 Yale St suite 100, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 861-3474
(713) 861-3474

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Backstreet Cafe

1103 S Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77019

Backstreet Cafe presents abundant gluten-free options for seafood enthusiasts with dishes like the seared striped seabass (served with butternut squash puree and roasted vegetables), a creamy shellfish risotto (filled with shrimp, clams, scallops, lobster and mussels) and seared scallops (plated alongside wilted spinach and cauliflower puree in a butter sauce).

1103 S Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77019
(713) 521-2239
(713) 521-2239

True Food Kitchen

1700 Post Oak Blvd Ste 180, Houston, TX 77056

Eschewing the typical cardboard flavored, über healthy, gluten-free options, True Food Kitchen loads up its menu with raw vegetables and fresh seasonal items for under $15. Options include a spicy panang curry made with organic potato, bok choy and thai basil in a coconut shrimp broth, spaghetti squash casserole, and a Mediterranean quinoa bowl.

1700 Post Oak Blvd Ste 180, Houston, TX 77056
(281) 605-2505
(281) 605-2505

Kenny & Ziggy's Deli

2327 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056

If GF eaters have resigned themselves to a life of sad, soggy grilled cheese sandwiches made with inadequate gluten-free substitutes, this is the time to reevaluate. Galleria deli Kenny & Ziggy’s grills a masterpiece dripping with a combination of cheese, bread and toppings. Try a melt with smoked gouda and sautéed onion on gluten-free challah bread.

2327 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056
(713) 871-8883
(713) 871-8883

Pondicheri

2800 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098

The aromatic spicy scents wafting from Pondicheri’s Bake Lab + Shop will lead customers straight up the stairs from the restaurant to a quiet bakery and market where a treasure trove of gluten-free baked goods reside. Dip a perfectly flavored gluten-free cookie infused with Indian spices, scone, or bar in a cup of steaming masala chai. Unlike other bakeries with gluten-free choices, Pondicheri goes so far as to blend its own gluten-free flour for customers.

2800 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098
(713) 522-2022
(713) 522-2022

Little Pappasito's Cantina

2536 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77098

Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes reign supreme in Houston. Pappasito’s Cantina does gluten-free diners right with its standalone gluten-free menu that serves mouth-watering dishes for the pickiest (or most allergic) of eaters. Start with the classic ceviche made with fresh shrimp, scallops, and fish marinated in lime and cilantro topped with avocado. Move on to a flavorful array of chicken or pork tamales and finish with the famous shrimp fajitas.

2536 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77098
(713) 520-5066
(713) 520-5066

Kiran's

2925 Richmond Ave Ste 160, Houston, TX 77098

The gluten-free fare on this upscale fave’s menu is extensive and includes classic Indian dishes like the creamy spiced Chicken Tikka Masala and slow braised lamb rogan josh. The cornish hen definitely merits an order – the half-bird is served with mango chutney red onions and a pepper salad.

2925 Richmond Ave Ste 160, Houston, TX 77098
(713) 960-8472
(713) 960-8472

Glazed The Doughnut Cafe

1333 Old Spanish Trl Ste 100-E, Houston, TX 77054

Exotic doughnuts sprinkled with sweet breakfast cereals are not reserved solely for wheat eaters. The Med Center’s gourmet doughnut shop Glazed lays out an assortment of cakey and airy doughnuts of the vegan and gluten-free variety. The sweet treats consist of decadent nontraditional flavors like pineapple upside down cake and maple encrusted bacon comparable to any gluten laden options.

1333 Old Spanish Trl Ste 100-E, Houston, TX 77054
(281) 402-1868
(281) 402-1868

Coltivare Pizza & Garden

3320 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007

The gluten-free pizza crust at this beloved Heights eatery is a true marvel, both chewy and satisfying. Top it simply with tomato, basil, and mozzarella, or get wild with accoutrements like ‘nduja, anchovies, olives, and more.

3320 White Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77007
(713) 637-4095
(713) 637-4095

Dish Society

1050 Yale St suite 100, Houston, TX 77008

Thanks to a menu that’s easily marked with bright yellow “GF” indicators, eating gluten-free at Dish Society is super easy. Dig into plates like pork belly hash with potatoes and avocado hollandaise or gluten-free pancakes during breakfast, or swing by during dinner for citrus-glazed salmon or steak tacos.

1050 Yale St suite 100, Houston, TX 77008
(713) 861-3474
(713) 861-3474

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