Reading, a bustling Berkshire town, continues to evolve into a lively haven for global cuisines. Although many diners flock here seeking British classics or international street food, gluten-free explorers often yearn for something more adventurous—particularly tacos brimming with spice and crunch. Fortunately, the growing emphasis on dietary inclusivity means several restaurants now specialise in gluten-free tacos in Reading, ensuring coeliacs can enjoy a hearty dose of salsa and perfectly seasoned fillings.
Crucial to these establishments’ success are corn tortillas that bypass wheat, plus careful preparation methods limiting cross-contamination. Though soy sauce, batter, or shared fryers can pose risks, savvy restaurateurs emphasise tamari, dedicated utensils, and separate cooking zones. As a result, coeliac diners may happily immerse themselves in tangy salsa verde, succulent barbacoa, or crunchy slaw-filled wraps—without fretting over hidden gluten. Whether you’re after a leisurely meal with friends or a fast bite between errands, the city accommodates diverse palates and schedules.
In what follows, we highlight eight spots prized for their safe handling of allergens, wide range of fillings, and consistent flavour. Each captures a unique angle on the taco experience: some lean towards Tex-Mex favourites, while others champion authentic Latin American recipes. A few even experiment with quirky fusion combos, merging unexpected tastes for those in the mood to shake things up. No matter your preference, rest assured that these venues aim to serve you an enticing feast minus the wheat.
Prepare to discover crisp tortillas, slow-cooked meats, lively sauces, and the type of welcoming atmosphere that encourages you to linger. After all, great tacos aren’t just about convenience—they can also deliver bold tastes and inclusive dining. Read on to find your next go-to hangout for a satisfying taco fix, courtesy of Reading’s blossoming gluten-free scene.
1. Las Iguanas (Riverside, The Oracle)
Las Iguanas is a vibrant Latin-American restaurant known for a dedicated gluten-free menu and knowledgeable staff . Located along The Oracle’s Riverside, it clearly labels gluten-free dishes and even offers tacos on its gluten-free menu. The tacos here are served soft (you can request corn tortillas or even lettuce wraps) and come with fresh fillings like smoky chicken, jackfruit, or pork pibil. What makes Las Iguanas stand out is its cross-contamination awareness – staff are trained to handle gluten-free orders separately and even bring out GF dishes on distinct plates for extra assurance. Diners appreciate the variety: there are plenty of tapas and mains beyond tacos (think nachos, Brazilian curries, and salads) that are all safe for coeliacs
Why it’s great: A separate gluten-free menu means you can eat almost anything on it worry-free. From taco sharing platters to mojito-pulled pork carnitas, all are prepared with gluten-free ingredients. Customers often mention the relief of having a wide selection of GF options – no feeling left out here. “Tons of South American dishes [are] available off their gluten free menu,” notes one gluten-free review, highlighting tacos, nachos, and even dessert choices. This inclusive approach, combined with lively atmosphere and cocktails, makes Las Iguanas a top pick for gluten-free tacos in Reading.
Gluten-Free Caution: As with any chain, Las Iguanas does prepare food in a kitchen that also handles gluten, but they take care to avoid cross-contact. Always inform your server of your dietary needs so they can alert the kitchen. Overall, it’s a trusted choice for coeliacs, and the restaurant’s Coeliac UK accreditation adds peace of mind.
2. Mission Burrito (The Oracle, Riverside Level)
Mission Burrito is a fast-casual Mexican eatery that has become a favorite for gluten-free Mexican food in Reading. Situated on The Oracle’s Riverside, it offers customizable tacos and burritos in a bowl. Crucially, Mission Burrito provides 100% corn soft tortillas for their tacos – meaning you can swap the standard flour tortillas for corn and enjoy safe gluten-free tacos. You get three corn tacos per order, and you can fill them to your heart’s content with options like grilled chicken, carnitas pork, ancho chile beef, veggies, or butternut squash chili. All the salsas and guacamole are naturally gluten-free too.
What sets Mission Burrito apart is its burrito bowl and rice box options, which are essentially all the taco or burrito fillings served over rice instead of in a wrap – a totally gluten-free meal by design. Their menu explicitly marks the rice boxes and salad boxes as “gluten free”, and staff are accustomed to handling allergen requests. Many coeliac customers have reported safely eating here; in fact, one TripAdvisor review even raved “Awesome gluten free food!” about Mission Burrito. The assembly-line setup means you can watch your order being made and speak up to ensure the team changes gloves or uses fresh utensils if needed.
Why it’s great: It’s quick, affordable, and very accommodating to gluten-free diets. The dedicated corn tacos and clearly labeled gluten-free rice bowl mean you don’t have to compromise. Plus, the variety of fillings and toppings (all prepared fresh) ensures you can have a different taco experience each visit – from spicy salsa verde chicken to hearty veggie beans. Regulars with gluten intolerance love that the burrito bowl is a safe bet and that even the tortilla chips are usually fried in a separate fryer (double-check with staff) so you can enjoy chips and salsa too.
Gluten-Free Caution: While corn tortillas are used, Mission Burrito’s kitchen does handle flour tortillas for other orders. Cross-contact is minimal as long as staff are informed – they can change gloves and use ingredients from fresh containers if you mention you’re coeliac. The restaurant’s openness to customization and their high volume of gluten-free orders means they are generally careful, but it’s always wise to remind them.
3. Tortilla (Broad Street, Town Centre)
Tortilla is another build-your-own burrito and taco spot, located on Broad Street. Much like its counterpart above, Tortilla caters to gluten-free patrons with several options. While known for burritos, Tortilla also offers “naked” burrito bowls and tacos that can be made gluten-free. They have corn taco shells available (including crunchy corn shells which are naturally gluten-free) and all rice, meats, and salsa fillings are gluten-free as well. Many diners note that Tortilla’s menu is clearly marked for gluten-free choices, and staff are happy to assemble your meal in a way that avoids contamination. “They have vegetarian and gluten free options on the menu as well!” one customer remarked, highlighting Tortilla’s inclusive approach.
You can order three corn tacos packed with fillings like succulent barbacoa beef, chargrilled chicken asado, or sautéed veggies. Top them with fresh pico de gallo, cheese, and guacamole, and you’ve got a safe and satisfying meal. Tortilla’s salsa verde and corn chips are gluten-free too, so you can add chips on the side . If you’re avoiding even the slightest risk, their burrito bowl – all the contents without any tortilla – is a hearty gluten-free alternative.
Why it’s great: Tortilla is a convenient, centrally located option for a quick gluten-free lunch or dinner. It’s casual and budget-friendly, but still takes gluten concerns seriously. Every ingredient that contains gluten (like the flour tortillas) is handled with separate utensils, and you can ask staff to change gloves or fetch toppings from the back if you’re very sensitive. The result is that coeliac diners can enjoy favorites like tacos al pastor or carnitas without worry. With a variety of sauces and extras, you won’t feel limited – it’s a fully customizable taco experience.
Gluten-Free Caution: As with any assembly-line restaurant, speak up about your needs. Tortilla doesn’t have a separate prep space for gluten-free orders, so the onus is on staff to use fresh ingredients (for example, cheese that hasn’t had the flour tortilla spoon in it). Fortunately, they are used to such requests. The only real limitation is dessert – but you’ll be too full of tacos anyway!
4. Revolución de Cuba (Friar Street)
For a more tapas-style experience, Revolución de Cuba in central Reading offers Latin-inspired dishes and a fun Cuban vibe – and it hasn’t forgotten gluten-free guests. Their menu features soft corn tacos as part of the tapas lineup, meaning the taco shells are corn-based and gluten-free. One of their standout gluten-free taco offerings is the Fidel’s Pork Tacos, filled with slow-cooked pulled pork, caramelised pineapple, and hot salsa, all served in three soft corn tortillas. They also do a delicious halloumi taco (vegetarian) on corn tortillas. Importantly, corn tacos are naturally gluten-free and Revolución de Cuba uses them as the base for all their taco variations, so you can order these without needing special swaps.
Revolución de Cuba clearly marks gluten-free options on its menu and has a variety of other dishes that are safe like their cassava fries, slow-cooked pork belly, and certain curries. Staff can provide an allergen matrix on request, and while the kitchen isn’t exclusively gluten-free, they take care with allergen orders. Customers appreciate the efforts – the restaurant is listed as offering “Gluten free options” on its TripAdvisor profile, and many have enjoyed tacos and cocktails here without issue. It’s a lively spot, so you can enjoy live music and tropical drinks with your tacos – a bonus for atmosphere!
Why it’s great: It’s one of the few places in Reading where you can get authentic Latin street-food style tacos in a bar setting, all while being able to relax about gluten. The pulled pork and the mojo chicken tacos are customer favorites – packed with flavor and served in gluten-free corn tortillas that hold everything together. Revolución de Cuba also offers gluten-free nachos and has gluten-free labeled items from starters to mains. So if you’re out with friends, you won’t be limited to just one or two safe choices; you can partake in a whole tapas spread. “Our favourite dish is the pulled pork tacos…served in soft corn tacos,” notes one local blog, emphasizing the authentic approach to gluten-free tacos here.
Gluten-Free Caution: Being a bar/restaurant, cross-contact can happen on shared cooking surfaces. The fried items, for example, may share oil with breaded items – always check if fries or churros are in a dedicated fryer. Stick to the clearly marked GF items like the tacos, enchiladas (made with corn tortillas), grilled skewers, and salads. And of course, inform your server – they’ll ensure the kitchen prepares your tacos on clean cookware. With those precautions, Revolución de Cuba is a fantastic and festive choice for gluten-free dining.
5. Vegivores (Caversham – Bridge Street)
Vegivores is a fully plant-based restaurant in Caversham that has earned a loyal following for its creative vegan dishes – including some exceptional gluten-free tacos. In fact, most of the menu at Vegivores is either gluten-free or can be made gluten-free. The chefs here experiment with global flavors, and tacos are often a highlight, featuring fillings like smoky BBQ jackfruit “carnitas”, spiced cauliflower, or pulled shiitake mushrooms. All their tacos come in 100% corn tortillas (no flour tortillas in sight), keeping them naturally gluten-free. Even better, since Vegivores’ kitchen is entirely meat-free and egg-free, there’s less risk of cross-contamination mishaps – and they are very mindful of allergens like gluten.
This restaurant originally launched a side venture called “The Taco Tree”, a taco stall that was completely gluten-free and vegan. While The Taco Tree pop-up is no longer operating, its spirit lives on in Vegivores’ taco specials. Customers rave about the tacos here; one reviewer noted the “yummy tacos we had!” and gave the food a 10/10. The combination of massive flavors and 100% gluten-free ingredients is a big draw – think chipotle-marinated jackfruit topped with tangy slaw and vegan lime crema, all in a safe corn shell. On top of that, Vegivores offers gluten-free nachos (with cashew cheese sauce), burrito bowls, and even desserts, all gluten-free. It’s accredited by Coeliac UK and clearly marked, so you can dine with confidence.
Why it’s great: Vegivores proves that gluten-free and vegan tacos can be indulgent and delicious. The care they put into sourcing and crafting their food means coeliac diners have zero worries about hidden gluten – even their soy-based “meats” and sauces are gluten-free (no sneaky soy sauce unless it’s tamari). The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, and they often do themed nights or Taco Tuesdays. If you’re a coeliac vegan (or dining with one), this place is a godsend. Even non-vegans find the flavors satisfying – you won’t miss the meat or wheat. Plus, you can round out your taco meal with other gluten-free goodies like their plantain burrito or the popular “slay” burger on a GF bun.
Gluten-Free Caution: Vegivores is about as safe as it gets, but note that they do use some wheat-based vegan proteins (like seitan for certain specials). However, those are clearly indicated, and there’s no airborne flour from baking, etc. If you are extremely sensitive, you can ask if an item contains any gluten (they’ll tell you or adapt it). Because the entire restaurant is vegan, there’s a strong allergy-aware culture. Make a reservation if you plan to visit during peak times, as this spot has become quite popular – for all the right reasons.
6. Gringo Loco (Delivery Kitchen / Pop-Up)
Gringo Loco is a newer entrant to the Reading taco scene, but it’s already making waves among gluten-free diners for being 100% gluten-free. This venture started as a pop-up and delivery-only kitchen in Reading and is run by a chef passionate about authentic Mexican cuisine. The best part? The entire kitchen is kept gluten-free on purpose. The owner’s spouse has coeliac disease, so from day one they decided to “keep the whole kitchen the same” – meaning everything on the menu is safe for gluten-intolerant folks. Now that’s dedication!
Gringo Loco specializes in authentic corn tortilla tacos with a variety of traditional fillings. On the rotating menu you might find Blackened Fish Tacos with zesty pollock, Birria & Cheese Tacos stuffed with slow-braised beef brisket, or Chicken Fajita Tacos with achiote-marinated chicken – all served on soft corn tortillas. Even their beer-battered Baja fish taco is made using gluten-free batter (no beer with barley here, likely a gluten-free beer or soda water batter). Salsas, marinades, and even fried items are all gluten-free, and they use a dedicated fryer for chips. Essentially, anything you order from Gringo Loco is safe for a coeliac, which is a rare and wonderful find.
Why it’s great: Gringo Loco offers truly authentic Mexican flavor with zero gluten risk. Coeliacs can finally try items like churros, empanadas, or birria consommé (if on the menu) without fear – because the kitchen doesn’t even allow gluten through the door. The attention to detail in flavor is as high as their safety standards. Reviewers have been impressed by the taste and quality; many say it’s the closest to real Mexican street tacos you’ll find locally – and the fact that it’s all gluten-free is the cherry on top. With options ranging from vegan mushroom tacos to pulled pork and pineapple, there’s something for everyone. They also make homemade corn tortilla chips and fresh guacamole that are must-tries.
Gringo Loco has been operating via delivery and at occasional food markets. (They announced plans to open a brick-and-mortar taquería in Henley, but it will still serve Reading locals via delivery.) So you can order through Deliveroo or UberEats and enjoy these tacos at home, or catch their stall at local events. It’s an excellent choice if you want restaurant-quality gluten-free tacos but prefer to dine at home – or if you simply want the utmost assurance of no cross-contamination.
Gluten-Free Caution: Honestly, none needed regarding the food content – it’s all gluten-free. Just ensure when ordering through delivery apps that you specify any other allergies, since you won’t be there in person. Portions can be on the gourmet side (e.g., tacos are somewhat small, as authentic tacos are), so you might want to order a few extra if you’re hungry. But in terms of gluten safety, Gringo Loco is a coeliac’s dream come true.
7. Taco Bell (Friar Street)
Yes, even Taco Bell has made the list – albeit with an asterisk. Taco Bell is a well-known fast-food chain, and Reading’s branch on Friar Street can technically provide a few gluten-free taco options. We include it here for the sake of completeness and for those times when you need a quick taco fix. The only gluten-free taco at Taco Bell is the crunchy corn taco – the hard-shell corn tortillas are made without wheat and are generally safe, and you can fill them with ground beef, chicken, or beans. Some sides like their black beans, seasoned rice, and nacho cheese sauce are also gluten-free in ingredients.
However, Taco Bell does not guarantee any item to be 100% coeliac-safe due to potential cross-contact in the kitchen. In fact, Taco Bell openly states they don’t certify any menu item as gluten-free, though they do identify items made without gluten ingredients. One TripAdvisor reviewer of the Reading location noted “the distinct lack of gluten free-compatibility on the menu. (Only crunchy tacos and some minor sides are compatible)”. This sums it up: you’re basically limited to crunchy tacos (avoiding the flour tortillas) and maybe the nachos. The staff likely won’t have extensive allergen training, so if your sensitivity is high, caution is advised.
Why it’s on the list: Sometimes, it’s late at night or you’re on a budget and Taco Bell is appealing. For those who are only gluten intolerant (but not severely sensitive), Taco Bell’s corn tacos can hit the spot – they’re cheap, quick, and you can customize them (ask for “fresco style” to get fresh salsa instead of dairy, etc.). The Doritos Locos Taco (with a shell made of Doritos corn chips) is also made of corn and is a quirky gluten-free option. Taco Bell also offers bowls (Power Menu Bowls) which can be made without the tortilla – essentially rice, meat, beans, and veggies. Those are gluten-free by ingredients and a better choice if you want more substance. In a pinch, Taco Bell can accommodate a gluten-free order, but it’s best for those who aren’t extremely sensitive or for whom a little cross-contact is not the end of the world.
Gluten-Free Caution: This is not the place for highly sensitive coeliacs, due to shared prep areas and fryers. The same line that makes a Crunchwrap (with flour) is making your corn taco. If you do order, stick to items with zero gluten ingredients (the crunchy tacos, black beans, pintos, or rice) and maybe avoid the seasoned beef – some reports suggest the beef mix may have traces of gluten or be prepped near gluten. The safest bet at Taco Bell is a black bean crunchy taco or a chicken crunchy taco, no cheese (to avoid any flour-dusted lettuce or similar, which sometimes happens). Enjoy it, but consider this the most “proceed with caution” spot on this list.
8. Blue Collar Street Food – The Taco Tree (Hosier Street)
Blue Collar Corner is Reading’s buzzing new street food arena, and it has been host to some great gluten-free taco options, most notably The Taco Tree. The Taco Tree was a fully vegan and gluten-free taco stall that opened with Blue Collar’s launch and proved that street tacos could be safe for coeliacs and packed with flavor. While The Taco Tree (run by the Vegivores team) has since closed its container, Blue Collar Corner continues to feature rotating street food vendors – so keep an eye out, as they often include stalls with gluten-free offerings.
During its run, The Taco Tree offered 100% gluten-free tacos and nachos from a cool shipping container setup. Menu items included things like crispy fried avocado tacos, spicy “chorizo” mushroom tacos, and loaded nachos with vegan queso – all entirely gluten-free. Customers still reminisce about those tacos; one social media post exclaimed, “The greatest tacos, nachos & corn ribs we’d ever had, full of massive flavours and vegan & gluten free as a bonus”. This dedication made Blue Collar Corner a hotspot for gluten-free street eating. Even though that specific vendor is gone, Blue Collar frequently hosts food trucks and stands, and the management is known for being responsive to dietary needs. You might find other taco vendors popping up during events. For example, a stall serving corn tortilla tacos with various international fusions – just ask if they’re using corn and dedicated fryers.
Why it’s great: Blue Collar Corner offers a festival-like atmosphere with multiple vendors, a bar, and often live music or DJs – it’s as much about the experience as the food. For a gluten-free eater, it’s refreshing to be able to join friends at a street food market and have options. If another entirely gluten-free taco vendor comes in, you’ll know Blue Collar is the place to find them. In the meantime, Blue Collar’s weekly markets often have stalls like gluten-free Indian street food, GF falafel wraps, or Colombian arepas. So, it’s a gluten-free adventure where tacos could very well make a comeback.
Gluten-Free Caution: Since vendors rotate, always confirm with each stall about their gluten-free processes. Blue Collar Corner’s environment itself doesn’t guarantee anything (each trader handles their own food), so one stand may be coeliac-safe while the next is not. However, when The Taco Tree was operational, it set the standard high – completely gluten-free and vegan, meaning zero risk of cross contamination from wheat. If you see a new taco stall, look for similar signs (for example, if they advertise using corn tortillas or have a Coeliac UK accreditation symbol). Blue Collar is open-air and casual, so as long as you communicate with the vendors, you can enjoy a fun, inclusive street food night out in Reading. Keep your fingers crossed for a Taco Tree revival or a new GF taco hero to join the lineup!
Where to Enjoy the Best Gluten-Free Tacos in Reading
Tacos, with their enticing blend of zesty sauces, juicy fillings, and crisp salad, have an almost universal appeal. Yet for coeliacs, a standard flour tortilla or cross-contaminated fryer can easily spoil the fun. The great news is that an expanding number of local vendors now serve gluten-free tacos in Reading, swapping out wheat-based wrappers for corn tortillas or lettuce cups and reinforcing cross-contact safeguards to put diners at ease.
Whether you’re dashing through town on a lunch break or seeking a laid-back dinner with friends, each of the eight venues above exemplifies how to craft a safe yet satisfying taco feast. By employing tamari sauces, dedicated prep areas, or even all-GF kitchens, they remove the guesswork from your meal. Meanwhile, the variety of flavours across these establishments is remarkable: some champion classic carnitas or smoky barbacoa, while others push boundaries with fusion fillings like jerk chicken or falafel. Vegetarians, vegans, or spice-lovers all find something to relish.
Each restaurant or food truck prioritises staff training and thorough ingredient labelling, enabling coeliacs to embrace bold salsas and layered seasonings with minimal worry. The rising popularity of street-food events around Reading further expands the range of safe GF taco options, inviting you to roam between stalls or schedule a midweek pop-up dinner. Ultimately, the city’s inclusive approach underscores the belief that no one should miss out on a cornerstone of Mexican cuisine simply because they avoid gluten.
By spotlighting these distinctive locales, we hope you’re inspired to indulge in that perfect balance of tang, spice, and crunch. Whether you want a quick snack, a leisurely meal by the riverside, or an upbeat bar night with friends, Reading’s taco spots prove that coeliac-friendly dining can be as vibrant as any mainstream menu. Embrace the corn tortilla revolution and prepare for a fiesta of flavour—gluten-free, of course.
