El Salvador Restaurant — Restaurant in Gainesville

Have you had pupusas before? Ultimate comfort food! Gooey cheese and meat or beans wrapped in a savory griddle corn cake! Served with curtido, a cabbage dish that will remind you of a tangy coleslaw, the combination of hot pupusas and crunchy, cool cortido makes all your taste buds jump up and say hi!

The empanadas are so delicious. Their fried exteriors were the perfect amount of crispy and soft and the cilantro avocado dip they serve with it is amazing. Just a hint of spice to it - I would put that stuff on everything!

I also got a quesadilla for dessert. Salvadoran quesadillas are like a sweet cornbread sprinkled with sesame seeds. Very different from the Mexican quesadilla you encounter elsewhere!

For three plump pupusas, cortido, two empanadas and a giant slab of quesadilla, it was only $21 and that was more than enough to feed two people! I'd say the prices are great here too.

I spoke to the owner for a while as I waited on my to-go order and she was awesome! So welcoming and definitely knows her Salvadoran cuisine! The place looked great. Plenty of seating, there's a large bakery case of fresh pastries, and cool decorations. You've got to see the awesome patio with colorful umbrellas as a roof!

Looking forward to going back on a weekend when I can enjoy some classic cocktails, I hear the margaritas and RumChata is going to...

What an absolute gem of a restaurant! We ordered four different dishes and every single bite was bursting with authentic, traditional Salvadorian flavors. From the pupusas to the horchata to their cocktails — everything was delish.

What made our experience even more special was getting to meet the owners. They personally came out to greet us and shared the beautiful story behind their restaurant. The owner, a second-generation Salvadorian-American, made the incredible decision to go back to El Salvador to learn the true, traditional ways of cooking and baking, and it shows in every dish that comes out of that kitchen. You can taste the authenticity and pride in every flavor.

The aesthetic of the restaurant is also a total vibe. From the floors to the bathroom, every inch is thoughtfully designed with so much love and attention to detail. It’s welcoming, cozy, and full of culture — you can feel the heart behind it all.

This place is a must-visit. A must-try. I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates good food, good people, and a great atmosphere. Wishing this amazing team all the success in the world — they’ve truly earned it. Can’t wait...

We tried El Salvador on the way from the mountains back to Atlanta, after seeing the other great reviews. It is not an understatement to say we were blown away. Utterly delicious food, delightfully amazing service, and a sweet little patio was just perfect for a holiday weekend lunch.

The guacamole with homemade chips is some of the best we’ve had; the Taste of El Salvador dish is a rich, flavorful smorgasbord of meats and sides; our girls loved the fresh mango juice; and even simple staples like refried beans are smoky and a little elevated.

We live an hour away, amidst incredible restaurants, but we will make the time to come back soon and often! Thank you for a...