La Toxica, the family-run Mexican taqueria in Montréal, builds its tacos on corn tortillas, which are naturally free of wheat, and it also offers a vegetarian line of tacos, quesadilla and burrito. If you are searching for gluten free tacos in Montreal or vegetarian Mexican food in Montreal, this guide explains what to expect at our Villeray and Chinatown restaurants, and how to order with confidence.
Ready to eat? Browse the La Toxica menu or reserve a table and mention any allergies when you arrive.
Are corn tortillas gluten-free?
Traditional corn tortillas are made from corn masa, which is corn treated through nixtamalization, then ground and pressed. Wheat is not part of that recipe, so a corn tortilla is naturally gluten-free as an ingredient. That is why corn is the base of our tacos, from birria to carnitas to al pastor.
An ingredient, though, is not the same as a guaranteed meal. Sauces, marinades, toppings and shared kitchen equipment all play a part in what ends up on your plate.
Can you eat gluten-free tacos at La Toxica?
Many guests who avoid gluten enjoy our tacos, because corn tortillas are the foundation of the menu. We want to be clear and honest about one thing: our kitchen also handles wheat. For that reason, we do not promise a gluten-free meal or the absence of cross-contamination.
If you are celiac or have a serious allergy, tell your server before you order. The team can go through the dishes with you and check with the kitchen, so you can decide what is right for you.
What to ask when you order
- Which tacos and fillings suit your dietary need.
- Whether a sauce, marinade or topping contains wheat.
- How your order can be handled given that the kitchen also works with wheat.
What is on the vegetarian Mexican menu in Montreal?
La Toxica has a dedicated vegetarian line that includes tacos, a quesadilla and a burrito. It sits alongside our meat dishes on the same menu, so a group with mixed diets can share one table without anyone compromising. For the current list of dishes and their descriptions, check the menu page.
Vegetarian tacos
The vegetarian tacos follow the same format as the rest of our taqueria: a corn tortilla, a filling and fresh toppings. They are a good starting point if you want the classic taqueria experience without meat.
Quesadilla and burrito
If you want something more filling, the vegetarian quesadilla and burrito are the heartier choices. Keep in mind that a burrito or quesadilla may be built on a different type of tortilla than our corn tacos, so ask your server if gluten is a concern for you.
What should vegetarians skip at a taqueria?
Our best-known dish is birria, Rosa Castellanos’s grandmother’s recipe, served with a rich consommé. It is a meat dish, and the consommé is meat-based, so vegetarians should choose from the vegetarian line instead. Carnitas and al pastor are meat dishes as well.
When in doubt about a sauce, a rice side or a topping, ask. Traditional Mexican cooking sometimes uses animal fat, and our staff can tell you what is in a given dish.
Where can you find gluten-free and vegetarian Mexican food near you in Montreal?
We have two restaurants, each with its own character and neighbourhood.
- Plaza Saint-Hubert, Villeray: 7221 rue Saint-Hubert, Montréal QC H2R 2N2, near métro Jean-Talon on the Villeray and Little Italy side. Call 514 277-1111. See the Plaza Saint-Hubert page for hours and details.
- Chinatown Saint-Laurent: 1059 boul. Saint-Laurent, Montréal QC H2Z 1J6, near métro Saint-Laurent and Place-d’Armes. The entrance is on the upper floor, separate from the ground floor. Call 438 380-8995. See the Chinatown Saint-Laurent page for hours and details.
Parking nearby is limited street parking and paid lots, so the métro is often the easier way to arrive.
Can you order gluten-free or vegetarian tacos for delivery?
Yes. You can order through our online ordering page or through Uber Eats and DoorDash. For allergies, we recommend dining in or calling the restaurant directly, since a conversation with the team is the best way to make sure your needs are understood. Our weekly promotions are for dine-in only, not delivery.
Does La Toxica cater for dietary needs?
Our traiteur service offers vegetarian choices alongside birria, al pastor and carnitas, and it covers formats such as a taco bar, lunch boxes, a buffet, weddings, corporate events and private events. Our food truck serves Greater Montréal. Any allergies are noted in the quote request so the team can plan around them. Use the contact page if you have a question first.
Frequently asked questions about gluten-free and vegetarian food at La Toxica
Does La Toxica serve gluten-free tacos in Montreal?
La Toxica builds its tacos on corn tortillas, which are naturally gluten-free, but our kitchen also handles wheat. Tell your server about any allergy when you order, because we do not promise gluten-free meals or the absence of cross-contamination.
Does La Toxica have vegetarian Mexican food in Montreal?
Yes, La Toxica has a vegetarian line of tacos, quesadilla and burrito at both restaurants. Our birria, carnitas and al pastor are meat dishes, so vegetarians should choose from the vegetarian line.
Is the birria at La Toxica suitable for vegetarians?
No, La Toxica’s birria is a meat dish served with a meat-based consommé. Vegetarians will find better options on the vegetarian part of the menu.
Can La Toxica handle celiac disease or serious allergies?
La Toxica asks guests with celiac disease or serious allergies to tell the staff when ordering so the dishes can be reviewed with the kitchen. Because wheat is also used in the kitchen, we cannot guarantee a meal free of cross-contamination.
Does La Toxica’s catering include vegetarian options?
Yes, La Toxica’s traiteur and food truck offer vegetarian choices alongside birria, al pastor and carnitas. Add any allergies to your quote request so the team can plan around them.
Plan your visit. See the full menu or book a table at La Toxica, and tell us about any dietary needs when you arrive.
