This might just be the best Mexican and El Salvadorian food I've had in Canada. Wow. This might be the epitome of a hidden gem. Tucked away behind a small restaurant plaza, El Padrino is not shiny or flashy, but boy do they make their food dazzle. We tried the fried plantain, bean and cheese pupusa, and the chicken pozole verde. The pupusas were amazing, filled with gooey and hearty goodness, and the curtido was crunchy and refreshing. The pozole... perfect for warming up on a cold winter's day. The flavors were spot on as well. Other pozoles I've tried have been too watery or too acidic without much hominy, but this one was generous with the hominy while carrying the perfect amount of spice. The homemade tortilla chips also made a splendid accompaniment. The guy running the place was friendly and clearly cared about our food experience. When we ordered the plantain, he brought us out the plantains to check if we were okay with the ripeness. One thing to note is that sometimes they're out of specific items. I wanted to try the horchata, but they were out the day we went. The tamarind agua fresca was a solid replacement, however. Prices are also quite reasonable; I think the bill came out to about $40 for two people who left feeling absolutely stuffed. I cannot wait to go back to try their horchata and chilaquiles (and to get pictures instead of eating everything immediately)! read more

A delicious hidden gem located in the International Ave area. This place is slightly tucked away and not exactly on 17th Ave. When you turn on 50th it's right there. It's a small restaurant serving different Salvadorian and other Latin cuisines. They do have alot of options to choose from. I ordered combo 14 which had a bit of everything for you to try. A taco, pupusa, Taquito and 1 more item. There are different variations in their tacos and pupusa. They even have a special stew that is served only on Sunday that we need to try someday. BTW, there are tons of places in Calgary that make pupusa but I think this restaurant is the best. Great service and very welcoming. The only complaint I would have is this place does not have air condition. So can be very hot especially in the summer. Overall, delicious food and reasonably prices. Will come back and order other things next time. read more

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Excellent food,fabulous place .muy Rica Las pupusas y today el servicio. Verrrty nice Martita

Excellent service, An amazing food I highly recommend it!! We tried the Pupusas the tamales Fried plantains, and fried beans! Taste just as good as back home!! You won't be disappointed read more