Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Restaurante Estela

    3.8 (111 reviews)

    Restaurante Estela Photos

    Business Info

    You might also consider

    More like Restaurante Estela

    Recommended Reviews - Restaurante Estela

    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

    1- Pupusa de Chicharon

    Pupusas were tasty and warm! The reveuelta ones are super savory and flavorful. I got 3 pupusas for about 13$, a pretty good deal in my experience

    If you want to wait to order and wait to get served come here.  Ridiculous time waiting for just a pupusa . Ask me if I will come back . No
    Pat G.

    Restaurant is getting worse and worse . You wait to order and you wait to get served . But you paid in advance . For 4 pupusas and plátano I expend about 45 min waiting each way . Horrible experience. Last time here

    Brittney C.

    Ordered and ice tea tastes like soap. Asked to exchange drink and they said they were going to still charge me for the iced tea when I only took one sip. So I took it back and left it on the table. The lady didn't understand our order and just brought what she thought we ordered. My boyfriends was speaking Spanish to her and she still didn't understand. The food was good and hot but the low rating is for the customer service.

    Look at that lorroco!!!
    Trina S.

    I've been spoiled. Thanks to Restaurante Estela. My first experience with pupusas began many years ago with an innocent visit to Restaurante Estela in Wilmington, and no matter how far and wide I search, I cannot find a cheese-stuffed hunk of masa that comes close to the pockets of goodness created at this place. Part of this "no one comes close" verdict is that I am a huge fan of lorroco. In a ridiculous way. I can't eat pupusas without ordering at least one queso con lorroco, and then as soon as I have the piping hot plate in front of me, I'm tearing apart my pupusas and screaming "Where's the LORROCO!!!" I'm starting to wonder if any other pupuseria has the industrial size lorroco that Estela does or maybe they're just chopping them up in itty bitty pieces to placate the American palate. Well, not at Estela. Those lorroco buds are packed in there, even to the point of busting out the sides. There is no anxiety when ordering my lorroco at Estela... they always deliver. Now, the other very cool thing about Estela is that there are 23 different variations of pupusas you can order. Yes, it is the usual mix of chicharon con queso, and then chicharon con frijole, and then frijoles con queso... but they have some other options you may have not considered. Some of the pupusas I've wanted to try are the asparagus, cactus, carrot & cheese, jalapeño & cheese... but damn it, I keep going for the lorroco! Even though it's not stated on the print menu, the menu board in the restaurant mentions labios de res & corazon! I don't speak Spanish, but I can only imagine what those translate to! They've got a tiny, little parking lot that always seems to have a spot open and you can kill two birds with one stone if you've plum run out of calling cards for Central America or need a Honduras or El Salvador baseball cap. Restaurante Estela will hook you up!

    Cristine D.

    NUMBER OF VISITS: 5+ WOULD I COME BACK: Yes I've been on a pupusas kick lately. Probably because I was reintroduced to it a couple months ago when I met up with a friend in Long Beach. Since then, I've been on a hunt for good pupusas. I found some here in Wilmington which has a pretty big Mexican population. I recently learned that historically Mexicans don't get along with El Salvadorians. Anyway, I think this place may be owned or managed by both cultures. FOOD CONSUMPTION: I've tried several pupusa options: Chicken; pork bean and cheese; potato and cheese; rice dough with bean and cheese. All of them were pretty tasty. For me, I like the ones made with the rice flour because it has a chewier feel to it. They serve it with pickled cabbaged that's a bit spicy and hot sauce. Someone referred to it as Salvadorian banchan which I found amusing. (Banchan is those Korean side dishes you get at most Korean restaurants) Bionicos: I'm also new to the bionicos world. I recently discovered it at Hojas which is not to far from here. I think this place makes it good. I'm not a big fan of raisins and my bionicos expecations are different than most I guess, so I'm not a huge fan of this one... (2.75 stars) CUSTOMER SERVICE: Sometimes it's a bit on the slower end, but I'm usually not in a hurry. Other than that, customer service is pretty friendly. LOCATION: It's on PCH. The parking lot is small and on occassion can be pretty challenging. Overall, I like this place. I come here when I have a Pupusas kick. It's pretty good, the pricing is decent and if you have patience, the customer service is ok.

    Reno C.

    My first intro to Pupusas was at the Farmers Market in Torrance. I've always thought they were a breakfast item since that's when I had eaten them in the past. As I browsed through yelp for food ideas from my yelp friends, I saw the review on Restaurante Estela. Off I went with an address in hand. Easy to find, parking was limited, so I took a tour around the block hoping for parking near by. As I walked in, we were the only ones, so we took a table next to the window. I didn't count all of them on the menu, but I'll take their word that there are 23 different pupusas. We ordered a chicken, a queso, a queso con lorroco, a chicken tamale, and a carne asada taco. Well, after we called it quits, there was only one bite of tamale left, just because it was a big hunk of masa and our tummies were full. The food was good and filling. There is plenty of seatting for a baseball team, and they have an area for Karaoke, and a big screen TV for major sports games. They also have Juices, Smoothies, Bottle Beer, and fruits.

    Hp C.

    Pupusa and campechana yummmy... Avalon and PCH. It's all good in the hood, food. Greaaaaat cocktail of shrimp and octopus. Horchata... Yummmy...tough parking is tight. But food is really a'ight!

    Won't split checks, even tho this sign don't specify
    Julio S.

    Food was delicious and service by runner(woman) was impeccable. THE MANAGER is Stuupid and has no respect towards his customers. Literally said "I don't care if I lose your fucking business" Customer is not always right with this dude. Really no respect don't waste your time with this man and his restaurant. Accused of not wanting wanting to pay the bill. We did on two cards, but weren't allowed to since their sign "specifies" only 40 dollars max on a card. Nowhere did it specify you can't use two cards. Horrible handling in Frankilino's part. Not everyone was being rude. Not everyone in the party had alcohol. Trying to resort to lies to justify their poor and horrible lack of customer service. FRANKILINO... Horrible service and damn proud of it

    After racing home with my pupusas and curtido, I'm ready to dig in!
    Laurie M.

    I stopped off at my favorite farmers' market (on La Palma in Buena Park) to buy a couple pounds of white nectarines when I saw it: a booth selling pupusas. I love Salvadorean food, pupusas and spicy curtido in particular. I was almost out of cash, so I stopped by Estela's restaurant's booth to see how much their pupusas were. The super-nice man at the window said $3. And is the curtido spicy, I asked. Yes, he said. I told him I'd be right back. I raced to my fruit guy and bought fewer white nectarines than planned, and headed back to order, what turned out to be, the very best pupusas and curtido I have ever had! Cooked perfectly with just the right amount of filling (I chose one bean and cheese and one cheese and pork), the pupusas were hot and oozy with cheese. The curtido (shredded cabbage and carrots with basil and red pepper with a vinegary dressing) was flavorful, crunchy, and with the right amount of heat. I am SO lucky to have this treasure so close to me once a week, but I look forward to a drive to Wilmington to visit their restaurant. By the way, I was able to sample their fresh fruit juices (I was out of cash!). I tried passion fruit, a mixed fruit with cashew juice, and soursop. All were just the right level of sweet, very fruit-fresh, refreshing, and completely memorable. Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to delicious food and drink at Estela's Restaurant or farmers market booth. (You can get white nectarines anytime!)

    Pork and bean and cheese Papusa with house guacamole.

    See all

    Photo of Martin T.
    134
    14
    7

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nachaka W.
    165
    171
    569

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 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 Dee V.
    0
    42
    30

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    I love the blend of food variety. Such a laid back place to eat , relax, enjoy company, and have a leazure lunch. Comforting and familiar

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    No me gusto no da recibo pague 104 por dos guisados una bebida una agua y 8 pupusas no más tengo el recibo

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of S S.
    1
    72
    23

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 12
    Thanks 0
    Love this 12
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Cristine D.
    582
    181
    1359

    12 years ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 0
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Hp C.
    3
    748
    483

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Julio S.
    17
    54
    48

    12 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Estela M.

    Estela M.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Laurie M.
    4
    146
    61

    11 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Javier M.

    Javier M.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jason G.
    64
    101
    159

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Amazing Salvadoran horchata and papusas. Caught them before closing time and glad i did. Definitely going to be going back for more

    Business owner information

    Photo of Javier M.

    Javier M.

    Thank you for your kind words Ruben

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Joe P.
    0
    43
    4

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jax B.
    65
    9
    0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    This place has not disappointed me yet everything is amazing. Service is grwat and so is food

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Wende J.
    149
    76
    33

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kandy G.
    30
    153
    11

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Delicious pupusas. There's a bit of a wait but it's worth it! Tons of options for vegetarians, too.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Y N.
    40
    21
    9

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 3

    Restaurante Estela Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Restaurante Estela

    You might also consider

    La Esperanza Restaurant and Bakery - Tamales Guatemaltecos

    La Esperanza Restaurant and Bakery

    4.2(976 reviews)
    3.0 miHarbor Gateway
    $$

    Still delicious after all these year! We stopped by the bakery on Easter Morning. Got a selection…read moreof baked goods and tamales. Employees are helpful. When I was lost and confused since a lot of tags were missing and I didnt recognize all the pastries they helped us identify a bunch of them. Lol, I realized later their website also lists a lot of them. The slice of cheese cake was delicious, great texture and flavor. I also love the mexican biscuits, Bought one to make breakfast sandwiches. It's savory and delicious (also huge). We got mexican tamales but next time I must get the guatemalan ones! Definitely Will be going back for more. Highly recommend La Esperanza.

    Sunday morning I picked up a few assorted conchas for breakfast, and this place definitely…read moredelivered. The bakery is tucked into a small strip mall, and while it was buzzing with people inside, I'll admit I felt a bit intimidated approaching--there were two men outside staring, and I wasn't sure if they were customers or just loitering. Once inside though, it was a completely different vibe. The place was busy, with lots of people grabbing pastries, and the energy felt lively and welcoming. The conchas were fresh, soft, and had just the right amount of sweetness--you can tell they're made with care. Prices were very affordable, which made it even better. Even with the crowd, the service moved pretty efficiently. Overall, great pastries and worth the stop--just wish the outside experience felt a bit more comfortable. Next time I'll come earlier to hopefully grab conchas fresh out of the oven, and maybe give the tamales or chilaquiles a try.

    Photos
    La Esperanza Restaurant and Bakery
    La Esperanza Restaurant and Bakery
    La Esperanza Restaurant and Bakery - Pupusas

    See all

    Pupusas

    La Casita - Bukelazo #1.

    La Casita

    4.1(40 reviews)
    3.3 mi

    Right across the street from UCLA Harbor Medical Center. First time eating there, staff is super…read morefriendly, prices are affordable. Ordered the desayunos (breakfast plates), they were super delicious! Tortillas are excellent! The horchata was okay, a little too sweet for my taste. I personally like the taste of all the spices in the Salvadorian Horchata, the sugar was over powering. We also ordered some pupusas revueltas to go. Those were okay, not bad, but not the best. The curtido was more like a coleslaw. It needed more time to pickle and much more spices. I didn't taste the oregano at all or pepper. The red sauce that typically comes with the pupusas tastes like canned tomato sauce. Very vinegar-y.

    La peor experiencia hoy en este lugar. No puedo opinar sobre la comida, pero el servicio me dejó…read moremuy insatisfecha, por decir lo menos. He ido a este lugar muchas veces y en varias ocasiones he tenido malas experiencias, pero hoy se superaron a sí mismos. ¡Incluso mi iglesia celebró allí la fiesta de Navidad de los líderes durante dos años seguidos! ¡Nunca más! Llamé a las 11 de la mañana para pedir yuca sancochada con salsa y curtido para recoger a las 11:30. Pregunté el precio y aclaré que solo quería salsa y curtido, sin chicharrón. Llegué al restaurante a las 11:45 y todavía me hicieron esperar 30 minutos. ¡Ni una disculpa por las molestias! La mesera dijo que el pedido no estaba listo y mintió diciendo que ella no había tomado mi pedido, que la chica que lo tomó ya se había ido. ¡Qué descarada! Si vas a mentir, hazlo bien y deja de llamar a la gente "linda", "mi amor", "corazón". Era la misma chica mintiéndome descaradamente. Finalmente me entregó la comida y era solo yuca sancochada. Quería cobrarme un dólar extra por el curtido y la salsa diciendo que la yuca se sirve asi. ¿Cuántos salvadoreños conoces que coman yuca sola? Le dije que habían perdido una clienta, a lo que respondió: "Haz lo que quieras, no voy a discutir contigo". ¡Qué asco! ¡Me da mucha rabia la falta de profesionalismo de esa mujer! ¡Nunca más mientras ella esté allí! The worst experience today at this place. I cant talk about their food, but their service leaves me dissatisfied to say the least. I have been to this place many times and many times I have had a bad experience but they outdid themselves today. My church even celebrated our leadership christmas party there two years in a row $$$!. No more! I called to place my order for yuca sancochada con salsa y curtido at 11am for pick up at 11:30am . I asked for the price and clarified i only wanted salsa y curtido, no chicharron. I got to the restaurant to pick up my order at 11:45am and they still had me wait 30 min. No apology or anything for the inconvenience! The server said the order wasn't in and lied saying she didnt take my order, the girl who took the order left already. Girl! You want to play that game, play it right and stop calling people linda, mi amor, corazón no! It was the same girl lying straight to my face. She finally gives me my food and it is plain yuca sancochada. She wanted to charge me an extra dollar for curtido y salsa. How many salvadoreans do you know eat plain yuca?? I let her know they had lost a customer to which she answer do as you wish, Im not going to argue with you. Ugh! Im discussed by that women's lack of professionalism! Never again while she's there!

    Photos
    La Casita
    La Casita - Very very delicious

    Very very delicious

    La Casita

    See all

    Restaurante Estela - salvadoran - Updated May 2026

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