Costa Azul — Restaurant in London

I had previously visited a different Costa Azul branch back in 2020 and unfortunately had a poor experience one that put me off the brand entirely for years. However, a friend recently recommended I try the Elephant and Castle branch, assuring me it was a completely different experience. I must admit, I was hesitant, but I’m genuinely glad I gave it another chance.

This branch exceeded all expectations. It’s a cosy Ecuadorian restaurant, and although we visited on a busy Saturday without a reservation, we were seated immediately no waiting, which was a pleasant surprise.

I ordered the Carne en Palito con Maduro Frito (grilled beef served with yellow fried plantain and salad). The portion size was just right for me as I have a small appetite. The beef was cooked to perfection, medium rare, just as I like it. The salad was fresh, and the fried plantain was golden and delicious exactly how it should be.

My friend had the Arroz Chaufa Mixto, a special fried rice dish with soy sauce, mixed seafood, chunks of beef, red peppers and peas. He absolutely loved it. The flavours were fresh, vibrant, and the portion was generous enough to take half home!

For drinks, my friend chose the Maracuyá (passion fruit) natural juice, which was refreshing and flavourful. I asked for a still lemonade, as I can’t have fizzy or carbonated drinks for health reasons, and the team kindly accommodated my request with no issue. It’s the kind of attention to detail that makes a real difference.

This visit has genuinely changed my perception of Costa Azul as a brand. I’m proud to leave this review and highly recommend the Elephant & Castle branch. I sincerely hope the other locations follow the excellent...

I would say the food was excellent, big portions and had good flavour HOWEVER I would not say the food there was very Ecuadorian and definitely not from la Costa. There was no Ecuadorian authenticity in the restaurant, I asked the waiters about dishes from the coast and they didn’t have a clue. The menestra was red kidney beans heated up from a Can very disappointing as Menestra is my favourite dish. The maduros en queso were swimming in cheddar cheese ( not supposed to be done this way). Not much variety of food, everyone seemed to be eating the seafood rice which looked good however would not say is a traditional dish from la costa because it’s sea food. I think the menu needs re doing and maybe the place being advertised as Latin American cuisine as it’s definitely not Ecuadorian. As an Ecuadorian person from the coast I found the experience and food disappointing and deceiving for those who have never had Ecuadorian food from ‘la costa’...

Not very impressed with the food they served for the money we paid. We got the meat grill (£32?) and the seafood grill £36 (specified : king prawns tiger prawns, squid, and other fishes, see attached picture of what we actually got! So shocked for such small amount of food. In the past this place was well known for the big dishes, and taste but it has gone down, not worth the money. I went with all my hungry kids, we left hungry still. Still shocked. 2 prawns!! 2 squids. 1 tiger prawn! I thought i took a picture of the meat grill but i hadn't. Not that impressed either. Not going there again for sure. They should also restrict kids after certain time because of the atmosphere in the evening on a Friday night/weekend, people drinking, very loud music, and some very inappropriate songs for children to be exposed to, unless you already have this environment at home...

We had to rush out beacuse of the videos shown on the tvs all around...