Cancel

Open app

Search

El Salvadoreño

4.0 (966 reviews)
Open • 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Updated a few days ago

Order El Salvadoreño Takeout or Delivery

El Salvadoreño Photos

Business Info

EL SALVADOREÑO ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Classy
Outdoor seating

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - El Salvadoreño

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Mojarra Frita
Maria D.

It's always a pleasure to come back to this amazing restaurant!!! First of all, all the servers are so nice and welcoming. The food is just so amazing, comforting, delicious and just the best for when you're super hungry!! The place has nice happy music but it might be a little loud. Can't wait to go back!

Antojito Salvadoreño
Jobeth E.

First timer here! Stopped by to have a lunch date as it was highly recommended by a friend. For starters, don't let the area discourage you. This is a hidden gem. Parking can be tricky as it's on a busy street and close to residential homes. Once you get past the parking, you'll see the great customer service this restaurant has. Looks nicely decorated with clean bathrooms too! Food itself was delicious. We got the Antojito Salvadoreno which had a variety of their food items. Savory, sweet, and just right. For people looking for authentic cuisine. This is a must.

Halle J.

Loooooove the pupusas here, you definitely need at least 2. My favorite is the chicken con todo. Also the plátanos con lechera is soooo good if you want something sweet. The prices are fair and service is nice/quick :)

Chicharron pupusas with cheese and jalapeno
Ashley M.

Salvadorian pupusas here are full of flavor and super consistent -- they always hit the spot. The curtido and spicy salsa are savory, bold, and bring the whole plate to life. Definitely the highlight every time I come. The Horchata Salvadoreña, though... it's been a hit or miss for me. I've tried it about three different times now, and honestly, it just feels inconsistent -- sometimes it's rich and creamy other times it tastes a little watered down or something. Service tends to be mediocre and the food usually takes a while, but I do cut them some slack since everything is made fresh to order.

Pupusa Queso (Cheese) Baleada de Asada
sbwli

Very good. This was my first time. I Just felt so happy and good and full. Words dont even describe how happy and appreciative the food made me. Was so great. 10/10 Thank you

Beef Salpicon / Salpicon De Res con arroz y ensalada
Bianca G.

We got lucky with parking so that was a plus. We were seated as soon as we came in on a friday afternoon. Very welcoming server and ambiance. The music was a good volume to uphold a conversation at your table. The server accommodated to my food allergies and made great recommendations. The food came out hot and perfectly seasoned. Definitely will be coming back

Lorenzo W.

TASTY MIXED PUPUSAS! My family and I stumbled upon this place near Grant Hill after craving something warm to eat all-day, we were definitely impressed! We ordered a variety of different pupusas ranging from mushroom, vegan, revueltas (mixed - beans, pork, and cheese) and chicharrón. One pupusa was about $5.50 EACH. My order included the chicharrón and revueltas. The clear winner was the revueltas as the pork was absolutely delicious and flavorful. The chicharrón was also good, but it didn't blow my mind like the other pupusa. El Salvadoreño also serves refreshing fruit drinks called Ensaladas (not to be confused w/ a Salad) which include chunks of fruit. My Mom particularly liked these and informed me that it tasted pretty authentic! Service was great, our waitress was polite and refilled our drinks quickly! The dining room is sizable and fits both small and large groups. Restrooms are available! I'll definitely return to this place and suggest it to my Yelp friends.

Granadia sooo bomb!!
Crystal N.

Every time my family and I come down to San Diego we always come have breakfast here before heading back home to Anaheim. This is by far the best salvadorean restaurant wish they were closer but it's not too bad of a drive we love it out here. The food is amazing and the customer service is great. My favorite plate is called "Puchica Vos" and I never get to finish it so I share with my husband. Their baleadas and pupusas are delicious as well. As for my favorite drink it's the "Granadia". Parking is bad in this area so you might be driving around for an open spot since this restaurant is surrounded by houses.

Inside area
Edward Z.

Quick spot we stopped at in San Diego me And the wifey loved it Authentic. Meal with authentic vibes!

Red snapper
Ashley M.

Homemade style food ! Everything is great, we live the mojarras & pupusas. Service is friendly and bilingual. Family friendly and tvs to watch games.

Menu - December 2024
Jay R.

Stopped in for some Pupusas, left with full bellies and the desire to come back and try other items on the menu. Lunch rush definitely hits this place hard, may want to time your visit after 1:30 pm to ensure timely service.

Jarek M.

Pupusas me! What I like about this restaurant you ask? Pretty much everything. - Clean and well organised with plenty of tables and nice back patio. - Very friendly and attentive service. - Authentic Salvadorian food. Food was the main reason of our trip here and it was worth it. Good flavours, seasoning, and overall presentation. Everything was prepared to order and tasted very fresh. 1. Ceviche was made with white fish and was quite spicy. You can ask to remove spicy peppers if you don't like your food to be too spicy. This goes for all the dishes that require cooking with peppers. 2. Pupusas were very good too and paired well with delicious and crunchy curtido. 3. Empanada de plátano, pork tamales and corn tamale were super tasty and melt in your mouth. 4. Atol de elote was sweet and creamy. Yum! You must try this restaurant if you crave Salvadorian food.

See all

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Joe B.
41
113
174

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of J T.
1
29
0

18 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of sbwli
0
12
14

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 months ago

I was so heartbroken to find out the entire family supports Donald Trump. Will no longer be spending my money here at this establishment.

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Bianca G.
121
49
64

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Crystal N.
18
44
103

10 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Jane D.
163
169
19

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Ashley M.
235
45
131

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 7
Thanks 5
Love this 7
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of V S.
0
290
3

6 months ago

The food was very good. We mostly ordered pupusa's. Unfortunately the service was very slow. We waited 40 minutes after we ordered.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Jessie M.
1141
166
96

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 6
Photo of Dee R.
1
92
0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 months ago

Food was delicious and definitely worth the wait. The staff is so attentive and caring. They deserve 10 stars. Love this place!!!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Juan
0
2
0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Pupusas were amazing! Truly authentic friendly service. It's a must if your in San Diego. Hidden gem

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Roxy I.
0
21
20

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Ana M.
0
20
2

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 25

El Salvadoreño Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - El Salvadoreño

Is this place really closed on Saturdays?

Yes, closed in Saturday

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Salvadoran 2,370 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

El Salvador Pupuseria Y Restaurante - Imitación de carne de cangrejo

El Salvador Pupuseria Y Restaurante

3.8(546 reviews)
3.3 mi
•$

They have the most delicious Salvadoran food in San Diego!…read more I love the horchata pupusas , pasteles , everything is bomb here

Zamn this place is FIREEE. Both temperature (on a hot day) and food-wise…read more Came here after church down the way as I was craving tamales. I know, I know; it's not a Mexican spot but I'm gluten free and I had read before that salvadoran food is gluten free friendly. Just to note: if you're celiac or severely gluten free the cashier wasn't sure if the food is gluten free. We parked on the street -- ample spaces, with a lot that was full likely for the market with some tables full in the restaurant. When we came in, we were immediately greeted by a nice cashier in Spanish. We decided to take our food para llevar (to go), as the low-lit restaurant did not have AC and had limited fans blowing on this 100 degree day. The bad: The food did take 45 minutes to go, and that was for just 5 side items. People seemed frustrated; I believe I heard someone come in and cancel his order, as many had been waiting even longer than us. And on this 100 degree day, waiting in their hotbox of a restaurant was already uncomfortable as is. The good: Look, this is a no frills, likely legit Salvadoran spot. It is actually my first time ever visiting a Salvadoran restaurant; I've had pupusas before but never at a sit down place. All to say, I don't expect them to cater to a five star dining palate in city heights where the food is already authentic as is, and what more can you ask for? We got 3 tamales and 2 pupusas: 1 chicken pupusa no cheese 1 carne asada pupusa (came with cheese) 2 chicken tamales 1 pork tamale The food The tamales were unlike what I've had before, wrapped in foil in a green leaf that moreso represented a banana leaf than a corn husk as in Mexican culture. As a result, the very hot and fresh tamales were dripping wet from the moist meat when I opened up the boxes -- be careful if you're trying to eat in the car, as I was :P The tamales were pretty good, but overwhelming with corn -- yummy but not exactly what I was looking for. The pupusas on the other hand... oof!! Get those pupusas! The outer wrapping (corn? Rice) was perfectly fried and crispy, and the meat inside was soo moist and fresh. It's like a taco but if the meat were wrapped in a warm winter quilt of rice or corn flour instead. So so so so good! Bonus The highlight for me was their version of salsa: an orange watery sauce (salsa roja I believe?) and pickled vegetables (Curtido) in two separate plastic containers. First of all they're quite generous to give so much -- and not in the small containers, either. The orange sauce was surprisingly mild but added a good flavor to our food, and the achata or pickled veggies had a nice spice and bite to them, mm I will be craving those with anything I eat! Overall Incredible food, nothing much like it in SD; I loved watching the server carry out huuuge plates of meat wrapping around the edge to customers. I'm glad I got to try their food and will surely be back with a (phone to go) order of their pupusas. Hint: be sure to call ahead at least 45 minutes for a to go order, though. Waiting in the heat, in their non-air circulating or ventilated space was quite uncomfortable, but glad I did :)

Photos
El Salvador Pupuseria Y Restaurante - Counter

Counter

El Salvador Pupuseria Y Restaurante
El Salvador Pupuseria Y Restaurante - The outside of the restaurant

See all

The outside of the restaurant

Love Pupusas

Love Pupusas

4.9(8 reviews)
18.7 mi•Torrey Highlands

I have never had Salvadorian food before, so I ordered a whole bunch of different pupusas,…read moreempanadas, and quesadillas. I figured I could try all of these with my coworkers. **This is a home kitchen tucked away in PQ, and offers food for Pick Up.** Everything was so hot and fresh. Not greasy at all! The pupusa filling is bursting at the seams! We tried the cilantro-jalapeno, chicharron, revueltas, chorizo, locoro. The locoro is a flower and a traditional ingredient in salvadorian pupusas. I'm glad I got to try something so unique. There is cheese is all of these and it is such a comfort food. The empanada was also hefty and delicious. I believe the filling is chicken. They even gave us extra fixings, which consists of a dipping sauce and a coleslaw salad. The dressing in the salad was slightly spicy and quick hit of acid. It was really appetizing. The quesadillas salvadorenas (sweet dessert) were light and fluffy, mildy sweet. It really hit the spot. The owner was so nice, food so good, pick up was very easy and organized, good communication. I would definitely order here again for large parties! The food was a huge hit at work! Support small business!!

Best pupusas in soCal by far. Not super greasy, good amount of filling and most importantly taste…read morejust like my great grandmother made them . We also tried the quesadilla bread & it did not disappoint! If you're interested in supporting local and want authentic pupusas-- love pupusas is the way to go! Pictured - revueltas with curtido and salsa . Also tried the cilantro jalapeño cheese and it wa

Photos
Love Pupusas - Everything neatly packaged and labeled inside and outside!

Everything neatly packaged and labeled inside and outside!

Love Pupusas - Quesadilla salvadoreña

Quesadilla salvadoreña

Love Pupusas - Pasteles (Empanadas)

See all

Pasteles (Empanadas)

Super Cocina - 2 Guisados plate to go: chicken mole and meatballs (along with rice and beans)

Super Cocina

4.3(819 reviews)
3.2 mi•Normal Heights
•$$

I was in SD for vacation with my boyfriend and was cravinggg chicharrones con chile. I searched it…read moreup on Google and this place came up. We went over and I immediately loved the vibe of the place. It was very warm and inviting inside, it almost felt like home. The ladies behind the counter were extremely nice and helpful, even letting me sample some of the food. I ended up getting a plate with the chicharrones and spicy pork with potatoes. The food was very yummy with a nice heat behind it. My boyfriend doesn't eat pork and they were very accommodating to that, making him a breakfast burrito with potatoes, eggs, and cheese. I loved this place and will 100% go back!

I believe in giving people second chances, and I'm glad I did…read more The other day, my coworker came into the office with chilaquiles that smelled amazing. She told me they were from Super Cocina, so I had to give the place another try. I ordered the chilaquiles with carnitas, and they were delicious! The mild salsa really hit the spot. The next morning, I went back and ordered the same thing before heading to work because I enjoyed it that much. Then today, I stopped by again for lunch and ordered the enchiladas de mole and a guisado (Mexican stew). The food was good, and the customer service was friendly. My only complaint is that the portions could be a little larger. The enchiladas had very little meat, and overall the servings felt a bit small for the price. I also think the restaurant could use an upgrade or remodel. Other than that, my second experience was much better than my first, and I'm glad I decided to give Super Cocina another chance.

Photos
Super Cocina - Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant

Super Cocina - This one up from 1199 to 1899

This one up from 1199 to 1899

Super Cocina - Indoor seating

See all

Indoor seating

Tropical Star Restaurant & Specialty Market - Empanadas de queso

Tropical Star Restaurant & Specialty Market

4.0(411 reviews)
8.2 mi•Clairemont
•$$

I've visited the store for snacks and drinks a few times in the past, but I finally dined in to try…read moretheir delicious food. I tried the homemade style Colombian empanadas with potatoes and beef inside, the Cuban sandwich with salad, and my guest ordered the chicken Milanesa with rice, beans, plantains, and salad. The empanadas came out hot and fresh. The outside was crispy and the filling of potatoes and beef was delicious. I want more! My Cuban sandwich was good as well. Some parts of the meat were too chewy for my liking, but that might be a personal preference. I enjoyed the salad with it, added some freshness to the dish. Tried bites of the milanesa and the breading was flavorful. Same with the rice and beans. I really liked the plantains too. The service has always been nice, especially when I dined in. Our server was super friendly, warm, and always had a smile on her face. I haven't tried many things from the culture so I always have fun trying the snacks and drinks from the store. The dining area is cute with tropical decor around the whole room.

Ever since Tropical Star changed ownership, the prices have increased dramatically and frankly,…read moresome of them are ridiculous. Certain items have literally doubled in price. And for the prepared food? They cut the size of everything and they charge even more. What makes it even more frustrating is that many products no longer have prices displayed, so you don't even know what you're being charged until you're standing at the register. Why? Customers should be able to see what something costs before deciding to buy it. I used to shop here twice a week and Tropical Star was always my go-to place for Latin ingredients. Unfortunately, not anymore. With these prices and the lack of transparency, I simply can't justify shopping here again.

Photos
Tropical Star Restaurant & Specialty Market
Tropical Star Restaurant & Specialty Market - Empanadas

Empanadas

Tropical Star Restaurant & Specialty Market - Drinks

See all

Drinks

Paraná Empanadas - Malbec Beef Empanada

Paraná Empanadas

4.0(480 reviews)
5.1 mi•Liberty Station, Loma Portal, Point Loma
•$

I love empanadas and have had these empanadas before when at Pacific Beach open market…read more I kind of stumbled on this place and immediately I knew I wanted some empanadas! Empanadas are stuffed turnovers, originally from Spain and Portugal, and eaten widely across South America, including Argentina, Paraguay and also eaten in Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Phillipines too. They are a delight and delicious! This spot is an Argentinian place and I got 3 empanadas. They have many different stuffed options and I chose a beef, mushroom and spinach as my three. I asked how spicy the spicy beef one is and the very nice lady working said it was about 5/10, so I passed. She said it wad spicy, unfortunately, I cannot handle too spicy. So far, I have eaten the beef and spinach one and like them both. I was given chimichurri sauce, but I dont think I like this version, its a little too lemony for me. I like a more parsley forward chimichurri and this one too sour for me. For 3 empanadas, it was about $11, which isnt too bad! The empanadas are delicious and I will def be back again and again!!

I really like the empanadas here. I do not like fried empanadas so to me these are close to…read moreperfect. I like the texture of the baked dough and usually these are filled pretty full. I prefer the spinach, mushroom and beef empanadas. I tried the Malbec beef but it was too mushy and sweet for me. I'll stick with the traditional one, with olives. I lived in S. FL and baked empanadas are everywhere and usually were $1.50 each (now maybe $2.00-$2.50) so it does bug me to pay $4.00 for an empanada. On the other hand, they make a great snack or meal, depending on how many you get. And they are not as easy to find here, especially baked, so I'll keep coming to Parana.

Photos
Paraná Empanadas - Great service!

Great service!

Paraná Empanadas - Malbec Beef Empanada

Malbec Beef Empanada

Paraná Empanadas

See all

El Salvadoreño - salvadoran - Updated October 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...