Leven Bakery & Cafe

I stopped by a little before closing maybe 30 mins. I ordered the vegan ice cream that I had before and liked. I waited 15-20 Mins for ice cream. And there was a fly having a good time on the baked items that are open to air at the counter. I mentioned it to an worker. I stepped away to the restroom and came back to someone wrapping up the baked items that I guess will be pulled out the next day . I did not see what happened to that particular item that I saw the fly on. But I did see them put up the things that were around it. And the fly was flying around there and could have landed on multiple items. I debated leaving but the item I ordered was a covered item from the back. I'm not sure I would return here. But if you do come here and buy a baked item maybe only stick to the packaged or covered ones. 🤷🏽‍♀️

It was my family and I’s first time at this place as we wanted to try a coffee shop that we haven’t visited before. I got the iced date latte that just tasted like a regular iced latte, it wasn’t sweet or tasted remotely similar or sort of similar to dates, so it was really disappointing. Everyone else got the iced lavender latte, but they felt that it was just ok. I tasted the lavender in the drink but as I’m already not a fan of lavender, it wasn’t to my taste at all. I also got the cherry oat bar, which I liked, and my family got the chocolate expresso cake, which was dry and didn’t have an espresso taste at all. Overall, the experience was disappointing and I shouldn’t have had high expectations or had been excited to try the date latte which was what I was most excited to try.

Leven Bakery & Café is an absolute dream for anyone with celiac or food allergies! They are a fully dedicated gluten-free bakery, and the owner truly understands what it means to eat safely with dietary restrictions. Everything is made with such care, and you can actually relax and enjoy your food without worrying about cross-contamination. The flavors and textures are incredible—you’d never know it’s gluten-free! Plus, the staff is super knowledgeable and welcoming. Whether you have celiac or just love great food, this place is a must-visit! You can also follow my journey navigating gluten-free life with EoE over at @glutenfreewitheoe on Instagram for more great finds!

I came to try their new GF nuggets and they did not disappoint! Some of the best GF fried chicken I’ve had with the bonus that it wasn’t overly greasy. The Leven potatoes with it were really good too. Definitely will be back for more!

Delicious new gluten free nuggets! This place is such a dream for folks with food allergies, especially gluten free. It’s a certified gluten free restaurant with an emphasis on high quality food!

Second lunchtime visit. Ordered takeout: chicken nuggets, grilled cheese, and the glass noodles (not pictured). Breading on the nugget is a bit thicker than a non-GF version but not so much where it seemed like too much. Crispy outside, juice and tender outside. Would have loved the sauce if it had a bit of spice (personal preference). Grilled cheese lacked flavor and because the bread is thick it definitely needed more cheese. Something thinner more like a panini could possibly work better. Or even a GF quesadilla perhaps?!? The glass noodles….6/10….needed a “zing” (tamari, lemon….something) The set up of the cafe is odd. It’s never really clear if you should order at the coffee bar or at the back register. Additionally I found the staff each time functional (they do their job) but they are not friendly. No one welcomes you when you walk in; asks if you need help; or gives a warm smile even if you have just waited 2 min for someone to show up at the back register to take your order. A smile & hello go a long way.

OMG!!! SO GLAD I MADE THIS MY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION SPOT!! So, I will agree with other reviewers regarding not knowing where to order and not being greeted when you walk in. BUT, once you make it straight to the back counter, there is a lovely person ready to help answer questions and take your order. I have no pictures because we destroyed everything!!! From the delicious and juicy chicken nuggets (with delicious honey mustard and ranch) to the fried chicken sandwich, burger, cinnamon rolls, blueberry muffin, and the maple carrot tea cake!!!! DELICIOUS!!! OH I can not forget about the key lime pie!!!! The ginger beer was refreshing as well. It was so nice to celebrate my birthday here on Friday. For the first time I could order everything on a menu without being worried about dietary issues. We also purchased a pan of cinnamon rolls, brownies, sourdough loaves, and maple carrot cake, and chicken sandwiches to go. Will definitely return! So worth the 45min drive!!!

I had a great experience at leven Bakery and Cafe! The salad was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. They offer a fantastic selection of healthy food options, making it easy to enjoy a nutritious meal. The atmosphere was cozy, and the staff was welcoming and attentive. Definitely a go-to spot for anyone looking for delicious, healthy meals in a pleasant setting!. I will diffidently be back.

I have celiac (strict gluten-free), and I'm vegetarian, and have had positive experiences each time I have went! The service is friendly, and as someone with celiac, it is reassuring to know that I can basically eat everything on the menu as everything here is gluten-free. I do believe they use oats or oat flour in some dishes, and try to use gluten-free oats, but I would recommend asking about that if you have particular sensitivity with oats. The ambiance is very casual, cozsy, also with many outlets along the wall if you're trying to get some work done while enjoying some food and coffee. My favorite dishes so far have been the grilled cheese sandwich on their french bread with creamy tomato soup, and their smoky eggplant dip with superseed crackers. The grilled cheese is absolutely delicious, the tomato soup is creamy, and the eggplant dip has wonderful smoky flavor with a side of excellent superseed crackers. I plan to get these items multiple times in the future. Their mocha latte is quite good. The brussel sprouts were cooked well with a good sauce, though I personally would have enjoyed a bit more seasoning on them. The food is definitely on the pricier side for a cafe style place, though understandably so given the gluten free certification.

Aneena: As you all know (haha) I have a gluten and dairy allergy which limits my bakery runs so hearing about Leven made me really happy!! I got the Leven Classic and it was a hit with my taste buds! Being able to order bread on the side knowing it was gluten free was an experience I missed, the sourdough gluten free bread was great!! But what I have most to talk about is the pumpkin bread... omg. It is soooo moist and you would never know it's gluten free and dairy free. 10/10 would recommend!! I ate the whole loaf in a day:)!! Dillon: Great food. All the gluten free stuff is wonderful. Coffee cake especially. Always nice to take my pookie here when she's feeling down in the dumps. Smile comes right back to her face! The rest of the food there is great. The sausage is tasty, eggs are cooked very nicely, and the potatoes were perfect. Will be a regular there for sure.

Edited to add: shortly after sharing my experience, the owner reached out to me and sincerely apologized for my experience. I understand we all have bad days, and I plan on giving them a second chance in the near future. I hate writing a negative review for a local business. However, I am extremely dissatisfied with my experience with Leven and wouldn't want this to happen to anyone else. Today is my husbands 35th birthday. He has celiacs disease, so it's very tricky to find a birthday cake for him to eat. Since it's a milestone birthday, I decided to splurge on a chocolate cake. I saw that Leven has a 48 hours in advance order time, so I made sure to order 4 days in advance, which I felt was ample time. I received an order confirmation, AND a reminder to pick up my order the next day at 3:30 PM. On pick up day at 3:17PM, I receive a call from Leven bakery while driving there with all three of my children in tow. They inform me that their system didn't show my order until "very recently" and that they don't have a cake available. They offered a cheesecake instead, which I declined because my husband doesn't eat cheesecake.

Cozy Spot for Clean, Delicious Food Leven Bakery & Café has quickly become one of my go-to spots since a client recommended it, knowing my appreciation for restaurants that offer clean, healthy, and delicious meals. After multiple visits, I'm impressed by the variety and quality of their menu. On my first visit, I tried the Chickpea Salad Sandwich, and it was absolutely delightful! The flavors were fresh, the texture was perfect, and it felt like a healthy yet indulgent choice. Paired with a freshly squeezed lemonade, it was a refreshing and satisfying meal. The very next day, I went back and was pleasantly surprised to find a Patty Melt on the menu--a more indulgent option that still felt clean and didn't leave me feeling lethargic like some comfort foods tend to do. It was hearty, flavorful, and hit the spot. On subsequent visits, I couldn't resist ordering the Chickpea Salad Sandwich again (it's that good!) and also tried the Salmon Bowl, which was equally impressive. Every dish I've had at Leven feels carefully prepared, balancing flavor and nutrition perfectly. The atmosphere is a standout feature as well--Leven has a chill, cozy vibe that makes it the perfect spot for a casual meal or a coffee break. Speaking of coffee, they brew a great cup, and their selection of desserts is both extensive and delicious, with options that feel indulgent without being overly heavy. If you're looking for a café that combines clean, flavorful food with a welcoming ambiance, Leven is a must-visit. Whether you're in the mood for a full meal, a quick snack, or just a good coffee and dessert, you won't be disappointed.

Now if this ain't just the gem of west u. Interesting enough I discovered flthis place through too good to go. I was in the restaurant picking up my order and you know I've never really investigated gluten-free food but this place, It looked so tempting and they had one of my favorite dishes. Chia seed pudding, so I figured I try it also. I sampled the glass noodles anddd lol the following morning i stopped in to try the avocado toast and a coffee. I've now been 3 times lol. What's not pictured here is I also got an espresso andd on my 3rd stop I got a slice of quiche that comes with a side salad 10/10. The Americano very, very good coffee, everything I've ordered so far has been soooo good. This place is also celiac certified, so for you folks that are gluten freebif you want to try wonderful pastries that are free of gluten, super tasty, really good desserts and fresh food. Check this place out. I obviously will be back because everything I've had is really, good and I want to try more things! Nice aesthic inside. Coffee bar to the left, counter straight ahead and seating to the right when you walk in.

The happiest place for me because there's no gluten! The restaurant is clean, with very modern neat interior and counter service which I prefer. We got the 1/2 chicken with potatoes. The chicken had a crispy skin and the potatoes were perfectly soft in middle and roasted outside. The basque cheesecake disappeared immediately! It's creamy but not too thick or sweet. It comes with blueberry compote which gave it a nice kick. I can't wait to come back and try the bread!!

"First time here?" "How'd you find out about us?" Leven is a top match in Google when searching for allergy-free food. Today my daughters and I figured out why. Many entrees are made without nuts and without gluten and without dairy. And, if they don't come that way, the restaurant is willing to make suggestions and substitutions so you can enjoy the meal worry-free. All this happens without sacrificing amazing flavor and without sacrificing variety. I highly recommend this restaurant and hope to return often enough to try everything on the menu! There is ample seating and lots of natural lighting. The cheerful interior encourages restaurant goers to engage in easy conversation.

Food here is great! Tastes good and reasonably priced for portion sizes. They have lots of allergy friendly options. Coffee tastes awesome too but... wildly overpriced. My almond milk latte was almost $10, which is crazy. It tasted good but I don't know if any regular latte could taste good enough to spend $10 on. Service is nice and inside is cute so I will still come back. Probably won't get coffee though .

We had it catered for lunch in the office bcoz one of our member is a gluten-free person. At 1st I was a bit disappointed due to the limited menu but it turned out better than expected The chicken sandwiches was so good and other items that my coworkers ordered were good too. The almond cake on the hand wasn't impressive at all.

Really amazing to have a place that pays attention to allergens and has a large variety of tasty food, coffee, and treats. We enjoyed the spicy salmon, the French toast (which was slightly dry to me but I am not GF), the rotisserie chicken, and the Bircher- and the chocolate chip cookies and coconut milk ice cream. Everything was delicious.

Leven Bakery & Cafe has a 'food is medicine' approach to their menu. It's designed as approachable 'everyday food that nourishes your body'. It is also explicitly a space where gluten and dairy intolerant and sensitive people can safely dine. Leven B&C's Partner Chef, Franklin Liao, is extremely passionate with a vision to let his ingredients shine. Chef Franklin was trained in France and spent many years cooking in San Francisco. If you have spent much time dining in SF, you may have found that the culture is to let fresh, whole, local, seasonal ingredients shine - everything is made from scratch. Chef has brought that culture to the concept at Leven B&C. The food is thoughtful, intentional, healthy and packed full of textures and subtle flavors. The CHESSY EGGS ON TOAST was addictive. The eggs were perfectly fluffy and the toast was crisp and satisfying. The GRAIN BOWL was a delightful way to get complex carbs in and the presentation was gorgeous. I felt genuinely good at the end of my meal. Coffee & Tea menu is beautiful and their baristas are skilled at what they do. Syrups are made in-house. I ordered a latte with mushroom power and it came out at the perfect temperature with beautiful micro foam. They are currently using Purity coffee beans which are a high-standard organic coffee company. The ambiance is classy-casual and so is the service. This is a counter service spot that has a bit of refinement to it. My absolute favorite thing about Leven B&C is their commitment to vulnerability and transparency. Their entire ingredient list is available on their website, which is such a breath of fresh air for the health-conscious and food sensitive. I highly recommend supporting this local business; I need to see more places like this is Houston where you can eat out AND nourish your body well.

the matcha was delicious served hot. was expensive tho like $8 is nice inside seating was a bit uncomfy

This is a great local cafe in the area! There is plenty of seating and I love the vibes here. There are a lot of windows, so this cafe gets plenty of natural lighting. There's also outdoor seating too if the weather is nice enough outside to sit out there and enjoy it. There is also plenty of parking since the parking lot is big in this plaza. I have honestly not tried any of the bakery or food items here yet. I've only tried the vanilla latte (hot) and morning matcha latte (iced). Both drinks are delicious. The morning matcha latte typically comes with oat milk (unless you ask otherwise), and I felt like it made it taste really good. It wasn't overly sweet, but was sweet just enough for me. I liked how clean, modern, and spacious the cafe is. I will definitely be back to try out the food items some time!

I've purchased their bread at farmers markets before and I feel like they excel more as a bakery than a cafe. I ordered the Patty Melt and it was disappointing. The meat was pretty dry and the entire thing was rather small. Not sure why anyone would order this when they can go to one of Houston's excellent burger restaurants and get a bigger, juicier burger for the same price or less. Yes, their bread is pretty good but it's not enough. I also tried the Green Goddess Salad which was good but felt overpriced for the amount of ingredients. It was just leaves, radish, and pumpkin seeds. The dressing (Aji Verde) was pretty good but they provided such a small amount that it only covered the top of my salad. I had to look for something else at home to dress it with. I do think it's pretty cool that they serve sipping broth (although I didn't get to try it this time).

Friendly service at a well lit, clean gluten free bakery with a coffee bar. A nice neighborhood addition in the Palace Social center. The Maple Carrot cake is moist and delicious. The Tart Cherry Chocolate Hemp Oatmeal bar has complex flavors that are delightful, but is dry so highly recommend eating with coffee or tea. We also had the Gingerdoodle cookie, which is tasty but dry and very crumbly.

The positive was that service was good, but the baked goods just aren't the same quality as several of the other high-end Houston bakeries. Interior is fine but doesn't feel as cohesive as said competition.

I love when I find a GOOD veggie sandwich, and I certainly found it here in the Green Goddess Sandwich (Broccoli, avocado, sprouts, pumpkin seed crunch, watermelon radish, aji verde). This one had a good mix of filling to bread, and is now one of my new favorites. The bread itself was tasty and toasted perfectly, adding to the overall yummy'ness of this sandwich. I also tried the Lemon-Lavender (Vanilla buttercream loaf cake topped with lemon icing drizzle and lavender flowers), it was good; and, the Praline Pecan Scone which was okay. Neither of them made me want to go back for it again; on the other hand, it was good enough that I want to go back and try some of their other treats. Plus, there are a couple of bowls calling my name...I hear them calling me now, so it won't be long before I go back and find another sweet-treat as well.

It's a very nice clean establishment and contemporary with a great hostess Sarah. She was very informative and knowledgeable about all the items on the menu. I ended up ordering the Mushroom Mocha and the Lemon Lavender Tea Cake. She advised me that the Mushroom Mocha was invented by her and it along with the Lemon Lavender Tea Cake was delicious. I will definitely be back and I advise anyone in the area to give them a try especially since they only use Oatmilk and usually I don't like that but the Mushroom Mocha was great with it.

A cute addition to this shopping center! Plenty of room to dine in. There are two counters for service: beverage and food. I ordered an adaptogenic matcha latte with oat milk and thoroughly enjoyed it. My friend and I ordered several plates to share and were pleased with the service--both servers we interacted with were very patient, kind, soft-spoken and helpful. We ordered the eggplant dip, Brussels sprouts, charred broccoli and cauliflower. Everything was delicious. I think next time I would try a sandwich or one of their breakfast items, but this time was lovely because I was sharing with a vegetarian friend. Everything here is gluten-free and they have plenty of baked goods to choose from.

The food at Leven is delicious, fresh and healthy. Presentation is beautiful! The customer service is excellent! I am so grateful for a local restaurant that offers all of this deliciousness!

We visited Leven, and it was pretty blah--both on the service and food fronts. We arrived about an hour after they'd opened for breakfast, and they seemed totally unprepared (even surprised to see us maybe maybe?). They weren't rude, but they also weren't super friendly. And, particularly for being the only party in the restaurant, our food took a while to come out to our table. I had the "custard" french toast and thought it was pretty dry actually, not at all custard-y. While I could have smothered it in maple syrup to make it less dry, they only gave me one tiny tablespoon of maple syrup. And it was surprising that at bakery's bread wouldn't be great. My friend had an egg sandwich, which I tried--the egg was good, but, again, the bread part was dry. It's too bad--Leven is a cute spot in a nice location.

If you are gluten-free, this is your place. If not, I wouldn't recommend it! Came for brunch with a friend and was really disappointed. Happy there is a place for those with food sensitivities.

Tried this place yesterday - enjoyed the experience immensely. Didn't realize it was all gluten free - the bread is phenomenal, especially with their sandwiches. The rotisserie chicken sandwich was delicious and filling and the date latte really hit the spot. The staff is great, helpful and pleasant. Very patient with us, since it was our first time here. The place as whole is great, has a very comfortable interior and decent parking. I recommend this place and will be back to buy loaves of bread.

This was the second time coming to Leven. First time I just got a cold brew which was actually very good. I like my coffee strong and want to taste it! This time I came for lunch with my husband. We ordered the CRUNCHY FRENCH LENTIL BOWL(D) and a tuna toast. Both were very fresh and healthy tasting. The Bowl was just amazing. The combination of flavors, the dressing and the fresh herbs and olives made it an excellent, tasty and very filling salad. I'll definitely be back for this again! I finished with a drip coffee. It was the perfect strength and great coffee. The staff were very friendly and helpful. It always helps when you are greeted with a smile. The place itself was clean and bright. I was glad to see comfortable seating around the round tables. I love seats which are comfortable - makes a place. There are a lot of gluten free baked goods and breads as well. The first time I came we ordered a lemon and lavender cake. It was nice but a little dry for me - not sure if gluten free tends to be drier. I'll try something different the next time. But for me the food menu sounds fabulous. I have so many small plates I'd love to try so it means many more visit . I like that there is ample parking and easy to get in and out.

OMG. The brownies!!!! They are so soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside, and you feel good eating them since they're gluten free! The vibe of the cafe is really great, super welcoming, and there's a huge coffee roaster right there with an open concept bakery that promotes full transparency. 100% would suggest checking out!

I'm in love. Entirely gluten free establishment. Leven is so well intertwined within the community too, I've seen their booths at farmers markets and their products at other restaurants as well. Definitely leading the way. Food was great whether you're gluten free or not, staff is so friendly and willing to answer questions happily, guest wifi is available as well .

I've only been here once but I was able to have their green goddess salad with chicken and tried their orange, almond cake. Great counter service and the place is a little bit bigger than it looked from the outside. Modern coffee bar inside was tempting but I had already filled my caffeine quota when I arrived. I'll be back!

Gorgeous design and convenient location. Works equally well as a coffee shop or bakery or lunch spot. Food was excellent! We had the chicken fat rice, labneh dip, turmeric cauliflower, grain bowl with salmon. Loved ALL of it. They've really thought carefully about each menu item and have developed flavorful options. They privately and ethically source their coffee and offer a very curated selection that tastes amazing. They also understand how tea should be served (with tea pot, etc), unlike many other places. Staff could be a bit friendlier but I'm definitely returning to try other items-- that Green Goddess sandwich looks great!

I've been going there frequently for a few months now, and I love their bakery and coffee items. Haven't tried too much off their food menu, but I love the location and interior design. Esp since it's GF! Hard to find a completely GF place.

The food was dryer than normal gluten free. Very little taste. Danishes were much better. Service was great and fast. Ambience was like a European cafe.

Great dining experience, delicious.It's a very unique taste, and it's very healthy。I will come again next time and hope to share with my good friends.

Leven was recommended for its bakery. I ordered the Patty Melt, carrot tea cake and a latte. Everything was clearly carefully crafted with layers and layers of flavor. the staff are friendly and attentive. The decor is chic and serene, with attention to detail in all areas.

Cute place, but coffee was not good and pastries (cookie & scone) were mediocre at best. Way overpriced for the quality. Service was just ok.

The atmosphere was nice and the customer service was good. The food they sell has clean ingredients which is awesome in today's day. Only problem was the drink. I'm a chai latte connoisseur and had high hopes. The drink didn't deliver in the taste department which is unfortunate for such a small cup for $10.

I have no gluten allergies, but I really enjoy their baked goods. They're not too sweet and flavorful. I especially like the oatmeal cookie and orange almond cake. The bread in the patty melt tasted like how you would expect bread to taste. The mushroom mocha with oat milk is also delicious. It doesn't taste like mushrooms. I recommend this restaurant for everyone,with or without gluten allergies.

Over priced place for mediocre coffee and not so decent tasting over priced pastries. Went to get some coffee and was recommended vanilla latte for which was charged $8 for a small sized which had lot of ice despite asking for light ice and only 3/4th full which tasted decent but for the price not at all worth. Next got their orange almond cake and coffee cake, orange almond cake tasted ok but nothing to talk about rather than saying moist it's drenched in some syrup. The coffee cake was dry as hell and felt like eating sand one of the worst cake slice I have ever tasted. Overall over priced poor quality and not so good tasting food. Wouldn't go back especially their prices are ridiculous.

Awesome service! Great location and awesome food and drinks. I highly recommend their oatmeal raisin cookies

I love this local gluten free restaurant. Whether you are gluten free or not the food is clean and delicious with local healthy choices. Great food, friendly, thoughtful service and fabulous coffees. Also a nice place to get work done

I found this bakery on Seed Oil Scout. This place is hundred percent seed, oil free and also gluten-free. I tried their coconut milk, vanilla ice cream, which was delicious. It's right next to the dish society which makes this place for a convenient dessert spot

Food and ambience were amazing. Love the GF options available. Overall their service was great.

Best Bread - Trail Mix Adventure Very unique and packed with grains. Organic and gluten free rolled oats with sesame, flax, pumpkin, hemp, chia seeds and just a touch of maple syrup.

Just came here for lunch and had the green goddess salad - absolutely delicious. So much crunch with the broccoli and radish. The croutons were out of this world. I added chicken and it was a nice rotisserie chicken, very juicy. Portions are great. Highly recommend!

Perfect place for a gluten free, nourishing meal with hot or cold beverage. The salads are wonderful paired with cauliflower or any sides. I also had the date milk, matcha tea. Going back for the chicken and chai. Can't wait!

Delicious delicious delicious! Must try the chocolate chip peanut butter oatmeal cookie, date latte, brownie, made with clarified butter and dark chocolate for anyone with an allergy to lactose. Restaurant is intentional about serving the needs of the community of people who suffer from different allergies but still want to enjoy the the things that make life worth living, extremely wholesome tasty food and treats! Highly recommend this place!

Beautiful decor and furniture. Really great variety of gluten free breads and baked goods. The service was great! I will say that the food was a bit under seasoned but once I added salt it really made a difference.

I read a review in a FB group about how good this place is so I popped in and got the cheesy eggs & toast along with a lavender latte and both were excellent!!! The eggs were cooked so perfectly and the toast was insane. So simple yet executed so well. The latte was delish with coconut milk that they actually make in house. They sell their baked good at Urban Harvest farmers market now they have a store front. This place is excellent!

Love the ambiance, lavender latte, and food options! You do not have to be gluten free to enjoy the food here

I've given this bakery 4 visits and unfortunately I don't see it lasting more then a year. Each visit feels like they just opened the place up. Unprepared and one employee didn't even know the about the items they sell. Told me "we don't sell that brand" as the brand sits in a shelf in their store. The customer service is terrible. You walk in, no one greets you or welcomes you in. Even standing at the counter looking at the bakery items or menu no one says anything.

We absolutely love Leven! We come here about 2x a month for meals. Kids have celiac and it's so nice to have a safe restaurant for them. Kids favorite dishes are patty melt, grilled cheese with tomato soup and the rotisserie chicken sandwich with a side of their sweet potato's. My favorite is the quiche with side salad. The bakery items are also delicious and we sometimes stop in for a quick snack - lemon lavender loaf, carrot cake loaf or a blueberry muffin. The staff is always pleasant and the ambiance is very relaxing and welcoming.