A meal that didn’t quite work for our gluten-free needs
Why we visited
Mexican restaurants are often a good option when travelling with coeliac needs. Dishes like tacos or fajitas are usually easy to adapt and can feel like a safe, simple choice for families.
We visited Las Iguanas expecting a straightforward gluten-free meal that would be easy for our 8-year-old to enjoy.
First impressions
The atmosphere was lively and family friendly, and staff were polite and welcoming when we arrived. The ordering process felt straightforward, and we expected to choose between tacos or fajitas.
Gluten-free experience
Unfortunately, the options didn’t quite work as expected.
The fajitas were served with blue corn tortillas, but they were very stiff and couldn’t be folded or wrapped at all. This meant the main dish wasn’t really usable in the way it was intended.
We also found out there were no gluten-free tacos available, which removed the other option we had planned for.
Trying to make it work
We explained the issue to the server, and they tried to help by bringing out lettuce leaves so we could wrap the filling instead.
It wasn’t ideal, but we made it work for our 8-year-old so the meal could still continue.
Dessert disappointment
We then ordered caramel ice cream as a treat to finish the meal.
Unfortunately, it was out of stock, which added to the overall sense of disappointment.
How the staff handled it
We shared our feedback with the staff about the experience.
The manager came over:
- apologised
- listened to our concerns
- offered a discount, which we accepted
The apology and service recovery were appreciated.
What worked well
- Polite and helpful staff
- Manager took feedback seriously
- Willingness to try and adapt the meal
What didn’t work for us
- Main gluten-free options weren’t practical
- No gluten-free tacos available
- Dessert option unavailable
- Overall experience didn’t feel easy or enjoyable
Who this may suit
This restaurant may still work for:
- families without strict coeliac requirements
- casual gluten-free diners
- those with more flexible dietary needs
Final thoughts
Sometimes it’s not about bad service.
It’s about whether a place actually works for your family.
While the staff were polite and tried to help, the overall experience didn’t feel easy or reassuring for our coeliac needs, and it’s not one we’d return to.