Los Angeles is a vibrant and diverse city with a thriving food scene. One of the most beloved dishes in the city is the pupusa, a traditional Salvadoran dish made with a thick corn tortilla filled with cheese, beans, and/or meat.
Pupusas have become a staple in many neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles, and locals and visitors alike can't seem to get enough of them.
Finding the best pupusas in Los Angeles can be a challenge, as there are so many options to choose from. Every pupuseria has its own unique recipe and style, which makes for a delicious and diverse culinary experience.
Whether you prefer your pupusa with pork, chicken, or vegetables, there's a place in Los Angeles that will satisfy your cravings.
In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best places for pupusas in Los Angeles. We'll take you on a journey through some of the city's most vibrant neighborhoods and introduce you to the people and places that make the best pupusas in town.
From classic spots that have been serving up pupusas for generations to newer, more innovative spots, we'll cover all the bases. So grab a fork and get ready to discover the best pupusas in Los Angeles.
1. La Pupusa Urban Eatery
La Pupusa Urban Eatery is a cozy Latin spot that serves delicious Salvadoran street fare.
They offer an excellent selection of pupusas, including specialty options that are thick and bursting with flavor. The restaurant also has a small selection of Mexican classics and vegan dishes.
The customer service is excellent, and the atmosphere is inviting. The prices are reasonable, and the curtido and salsa are flavorful.
La Pupusa Urban Eatery is a hidden gem that is worth checking out.
2. Panaderia y Pupuseria Los Cocos
Panaderia y Pupuseria Los Cocos is a family-owned Salvadoran restaurant that offers delicious pupusas with a homemade touch.
The limited seating no-frills bakery also serves sweet breads and cafe meals.
The owner is friendly, and the service is excellent. If you're looking for an authentic Salvadoran spot, this is the place to be.
3. Mi Bandera Pupuseria & Restaurante #2
Mi Bandera Pupuseria & Restaurante #2 is a must-visit for anyone who loves authentic Salvadoran cuisine.
The pupusas are top-notch and very reasonably priced.
The restaurant is clean and the service is great.
The atmosphere is relaxed and there is even live music on the weekends. Don't miss out on this hidden gem!
4. Jaragua
Jaragua is a Salvadoran restaurant that serves some of the best pupusas in town. The food is authentic and delicious, and the service is excellent.
The restaurant has a nice ambiance, with plants and paintings adorning the walls. They also have a bar area and several large TVs for watching sports.
The outdoor dining area is spacious and comfortable. Prices are a bit higher than other pupuserias, but the cleanliness and atmosphere make it worth it.
Jaragua is a great place to try traditional Salvadoran cuisine in a welcoming environment.
5. La Cabanita Restaurant y Pupuseria
La Cabanita Restaurant y Pupuseria is a hidden gem for those seeking authentic Salvadoran food.
The restaurant is clean and the service is friendly. The pupusas are fresh and delicious, and the revueltas are a must-try.
The menu also offers other Latin American comfort food like refried beans, steak, and grilled chicken. The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable.
The cozy atmosphere and homemade drinks make for a great dining experience. Highly recommended for anyone in search of a satisfying meal.
6. Los Molcajetes
Los Molcajetes is a must-visit Salvadoran restaurant for pupusa lovers. This modest eatery serves up delicious and authentic pupusas that are well-filled with your choice of filling.
The restaurant is also known for its yuca, which has a light garlic flavor and can be ordered boiled or fried, served with fried pork chunks.
The Quesadilla, a Salvadoran sweet bread, is also a must-try with their freshly brewed coffee.
Though the restaurant is cash-only, the food and customer service are worth it. Don't forget to try their hot sauce for an added kick to your meal.
7. El Sonsonateco Restaurant
El Sonsonateco Restaurant is a Salvadoran and Latin American restaurant that serves some of the best pupusas in town. The food is prepared fresh and made to order.
The restaurant is a little hole in the wall, but don't let that fool you. The pupusas are delicious and come in various options including rice flour. The plantains are perfectly cooked and have the right amount of crunch and ripeness.
The horchata and atole de elite are also worth trying. The only downside is the limited parking, but street parking is easy to find.
The restaurant charges a $1 convenience fee for using cards, so it's best to bring cash for tips. All in all, El Sonsonateco Restaurant is definitely worth a visit for those who want to taste some inexpensive but tasty pupusas.
8. El Jocoreno Restaurant
El Jocoreno Restaurant is a Salvadoran restaurant that serves delicious pupusas.
The food is great and definitely worth checking out if you're in the area. The restaurant offers a variety of pupusas that are sure to satisfy your cravings.
The atmosphere is welcoming and the service is friendly.
If you're looking for a tasty and authentic Salvadoran meal, El Jocoreno Restaurant is the place to go.
9. The Spot Street Pupusas
The Spot Street Pupusas is a Salvadoran restaurant that serves up some seriously delicious pupusas.
The filling is ample and fresh, and the curtido is absolutely amazing.
The ladies behind the counter are friendly and sweet, making for a pleasant dining experience.
All in all, this is a spot worth checking out for anyone in the mood for some authentic pupusas.
10. Drive Thru Pupusas
Drive Thru Pupusas is a family-run Salvadoran restaurant that serves up delicious and clean pupusas.
Their sidewalk service is terrific and their food is worth ordering ahead to avoid the wait.
The loroco con queso, frijoles con queso & revuelta with cheese are highly recommended. For those who love cheese, this is the perfect place to satisfy your craving.
They also offer delivery service. Drive Thru Pupusas is definitely worth a visit for anyone in search of tasty pupusas.
11. Restaurante Cabanas
Restaurante Cabanas is a great place to go if you're looking for delicious pupusas.
The maza used for the pupusas is of great quality, which makes them really tasty. The service can be a little slow, but it's worth the wait.
The waitresses are friendly and provide great customer service. The yuca frita is also a must-try.
The only downside is that the AC unit needs fixing, so it can be a little warm inside.
12. Pupuseria y Panederia Atecosol
Pupuseria y Panederia Atecosol is a Salvadoran restaurant that serves some of the best pupusas in town.
The food is exceptionally delicious, and the horchata is a must-try.
The staff is friendly and welcoming, making the dining experience even more enjoyable.
If you're looking for a place to satisfy your pupusa cravings, Pupuseria y Panederia Atecosol is the place to be.
13. Naomi's Pupuseria and Restaurant #1
Naomi's Pupuseria and Restaurant #1 is a must-visit for pupusa lovers.
The food is top-notch and the prices are reasonable. The staff is friendly and provides excellent customer service.
The outdoor dining area is elegant and adds to the dining experience.
This Salvadoran and Mexican restaurant is a gem that is worth checking out. 5 stars!
14. El Guanaco Restaurant
El Guanaco Restaurant is a Salvadoran eatery that serves the best pupusas in town.
Despite the wait, the pupusa was worth it.
The restaurant has been around for years and has a loyal following.
If you're in the mood for some authentic Salvadoran cuisine, head to El Guanaco Restaurant.
15. La Piramide Salvadorena Restaurant
La Piramide Salvadorena Restaurant is a must-visit for those craving authentic Salvadoran pupusas.
The cheese and filling are perfectly balanced, making for a deliciously satisfying meal.
As a Salvadoran and Latin American restaurant, La Piramide Salvadorena Restaurant offers a true taste of the culture.
Don't miss out on this hidden gem for a delicious and authentic dining experience.
16. El Rincon Usuluteco Restaurant
El Rincon Usuluteco Restaurant is a Salvadoran restaurant that serves delicious pupusas.
The small but well-maintained place offers freshly cooked food of good quality.
The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is welcoming.
If you are looking for a great place to try authentic Salvadoran pupusas, El Rincon Usuluteco Restaurant is definitely worth a visit.
