Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food
Salvadoran restaurant · San Diego ·

Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food

Salvadoran restaurant · San Diego ·

Phenomenal pupusas, fried pork, and Salvadoran horchata

Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food by null

Information

7516 Mesa College Dr, San Diego, CA 92111 Get directions

$10–20

Order delivery
See Menu

Information

Static Map

7516 Mesa College Dr, San Diego, CA 92111 Get directions

+1 858 707 7003
cuscatlansd.com

$10–20 · Menu

Features

payment credit card
Tap to pay
reservations

Last updated

Dec 11, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@eater
390,870 Postcards · 10,986 Cities

New San Diego Restaurants and Bars That Have Opened During the Pandemic | Eater San Diego

"Bringing the flavors of El Salvador to San Diego, Cuscatlan serves Salvadoran specialties like yuca frita, banana leaf–wrapped tamales, and pupusas stuffed with fillings ranging from zucchini and cheese to chicharron and cheese, while the lunch and dinner menu also extends to items like Philly cheesesteak sandwiches and deep-dish pizza." - Candice Woo

https://sandiego.eater.com/2021/2/12/22280054/new-san-diego-restaurants-bars-eateries-open-during-covid-pandemic
Cuscatlan Salvadorean Food

VaNe N

Google
There was plenty of clean spacious parking. Superb customer service, great atmosphere and perfect volume of music. The food was excellent. I would definitely recommend and I would go again.

Xitlali Abigail L.

Google
This is my new favorite Spot. This is the best place for fresh non-greasy, not too thick pupusas. The pupusas are $4.25 each pupusas regular size so we got two each and a drink. On M-F they have a lunch special for 2 pupusas and a drink for $10.95. Thank you for serving us so kindly. (No pictures because we couldn't wait to eat them)

Alan R.

Google
An excellent place to have Salvadoran food, especially the pupusas, as they're so phenomenal. Also, I'm glad that I finally got to try the Salvadoran horchata, even though it tasted a little different compared to the Mexican horchata. So, I highly recommend this place.

Kanorka

Google
Great food, friendly staff! If you are in the area, pay them a visit. The people running the place were super friendly, we ordered their lunch specials and they were a great deal. The food was fresh and yummy.

Ashley L.

Google
Laidback restaurant with delicious food. The hot salsa is amazing. We tried several things and were happy with everything. Also very affordable!

Liz N.

Google
Ordered the combination plate to try a little bit of everything, and it was more than enough for two! These were hands down the best pupusas I’ve had in San Diego. Big thanks to Luz for her great service, and to the owner for playing some old-school dolidas—it really added to the vibe. The food was absolutely delicious. Just a heads-up: be patient! They take their time to make sure every pupusa is made with care, and it’s well worth the wait.

Cristian O.

Google
Best pupusas I’ve had in a long time !! Not greasy. Amazing tamales too.

Dulce S.

Google
I really love this restaurant! It was the first spot where I tried pupusas, and it did not disappoint. Somehow, the food gets even better with every visit—how is that even possible? Excellent customer service too. Highly recommend!
google avatar

Maomi

Yelp
Always had my eye on this spot while in the area and finally was able to try it out! Amazing first experience, Juan and his staff made sure we felt at home and enjoyed our first pupusas ever by taking the time to explain the menu to us. The food was made to order and tasted very fresh and homemade! Everything was delicious. The ambiance was comforting and home feeling. Worth the drive from Poway ! Will definitely be back when in the area !Thank you to Juan and his staff! 10000% recommend.
google avatar

Maria G.

Yelp
Nice casual restaurant. Good amount of menu items to choose from. We came here for lunch and ordered two pupusas - zucchini and cheese and spinach and cheese, the 3 pies ( pasteles del pupa, pollo o carne), and sopa de pollo. First I have to be honest that this was the first time I had a freshly made pupusa. Before this I only had frozen ones from Costco. These pupusas were so much better in taste and texture, although the spinach and cheese one was more on the salty side. The 3 pies were also very good. You have a choice for a pork, chicken, or a potato pie which we got one of each for our order. They were all good but I especially liked the chicken and potato ones. The chicken soup was very good. Good balanced amount of chicken and vegetables. Service was great. The server was helpful in helping us choose menu items. And she was good about checking on us during our visit.
google avatar

Andi T.

Yelp
There are very few places where every time I eat their food, I think "why don't I come here more often?" This is one of those places. I have been coming here since they opened a few years ago and it is a hidden gem. I had my first pupusa here and have never strayed away. My go-to is the revueltas and the horchata. And the veggie slaw and spicy hot sauce are SO good. Everything here is super flavorful and you can taste the love that the staff put into the food and the restaurant overall. The restaurant is so homey and the staff are fantastic and attentive! I will sing my praises for this place forever.
google avatar

Kenneth A.

Yelp
What a great little find, my first try at Salvadorean food. I was not sure what tk expect , but it was yummy for sure. I asked the kind server what to order and what was the popular dishes. Which is what I ordered. Go check them out, super friendly and accommodating.
google avatar

Cathy G.

Yelp
I had a very tasty lunch of two pupusas. I tried the chorizo and the bean with pork, which I preferred. I also enjoyed the refreshing passion fruit drink. It made for a very economical and deliciious meal.
google avatar

Nancy L.

Yelp
Authentic flavors and beyond friendly service! The server/maybe owner, was very welcoming and offered suggestions since we said it was our first visit. The pupusas were made fresh to order and the filling was very delicious and definitely did not skimp out. The curtido, was just ok imo bcuz it had more carrots than cabbage. I would prefer more cabbage but to each their own, every place has different preference on how they make their curtido. I appreciated the fact that they offered a spicy salsa along with the traditional tomato sauce, I enjoyed them both. I understand why this is a locals' favorite. There are plenty of tables and seating and the various artwork on the walls are a nice touch. Will definitely be back when in SD
google avatar

Cody H.

Yelp
First time trying this place and we are very glad that we did. We tried the carne asada pupusa and the pollo tamale. WOW! Is all I can say. The food tastes homemade and not like you're at a restaurant. The homemade taste proves that the staff puts love and time to preparing the food. This is also evidence by their hospitality, as we were warmly greeted and taken well care of today. The ambiance is like a small hole in the wall place, definitely a "mom n pop" atmosphere. We will absolutely be back, as this is one of the most authentic Salvadorean meals we have had in San Diego.
google avatar

Ryan M.

Yelp
I think this restaurant may have everything I have ever loved at a Salvadorean restaurant and then some, and it always tastes good too! Plus, perhaps the friendliest staff in town, or maybe they just really like our baby daughter, ha! But a clean and bright place. I just really wish they opened earlier and on Sundays but I can't blame them for not either.
google avatar

Mercedes A.

Yelp
This place popped up on google, so me and my boyfriend decided to try it out. The service was so good, and the pupusas were simply amazing. Very friendly, they would constantly check on you. Definitely would be coming back. I just wish their salsa was a bit more spicy. pupusas: 8/10
google avatar

Chanel Y.

Yelp
I finally made my way in here and I was not disappointed! So many yummy options to choose from, there's definitely a flavor for everyone! They're pretty good sized, so 2 should fill you up. I really enjoyed the sauce and cabbage on the side as well. The staff working was so cute and recommended some of their best sellers-one of them being the carne asada, which ended up being my favorite. I will definitely be back!
google avatar

Vanessa D.

Yelp
First, plenty of parking in the parking lot. Upon walking in we were greeted and everything was clean. The server was extremely nice and made sure our drinks were filled and we didn't need anything. The food was absolutely AMAZING. The pupusas were perfect, the fried corn tamale tasted like heaven and the carne was melt in your mouth good. The price was also extremely reasonable! We will definitely be back.
google avatar

R H.

Yelp
Great pupusas and easy parking. There is a coffee shop in same parking lot and a 7/11 next door. Great pupusas. I liked the rice and beans too. The rice and beans are a little different than Mexican rice and beans but they were good and nice change of pace. The waiter (maybe one of the owners) was the friendliest person you can find. I'll add some pictures. You can get different kinds of pupusas and I'm not sure which one I prefer, maybe the chorizo. I'll definitely go back!
google avatar

Maureen M.

Yelp
We were greeted with a very friendly waitress who was quick to sit us down and come check in on us every now and then. The place has a lot of tables and was very clean. I had been craving pupusas and have not had any in San Diego since I've moved here. Before I get into the pup really liked their spicy hot sauce and cabbage slaw. The pupusas I've tried were: - carne con queso: this tasted like a carne asada burrito, it was pretty good - chicharron con queso: I thought this could have been better. It was a little soggy and not crispy like I thought it would come in. - chipotle chicken con queso: This was my favorite, it had a strong chipotle flavor that was delicious! Overall, I'd come back again and try different pupusa flavors.

Mario C.

Yelp
Great place!!! Great customer service by the muchachas working there!!? Great customer service by a gentleman on the counter: very freindly!!!! Nice food!!!!! Very , very clean bathrooms areas, compared to other restaurants!!! Definitely recommend this Salvadorian restaurant!!! Thanks for your great customer service!!!!

Lil B.

Yelp
The best popusas in San Diego!! Family business. Everything tastes authentic and everybody is nice and attentive to the customer's needs! We go there everytime we're looking for good Salvadorian food! I highly recommend!
google avatar

Sharon B.

Yelp
Affordable place for lunch with good pupusas. The staff was really friendly. We appreciate the owner/manager and the waitress checking on us and refilling our drinks. We ordered the meat pies appetizers to start. They were crispy and tasty. We then ordered the mushroom+cheese, carne asada, chicharron+ cheese, and potatoes+ cheese pupusas. We liked them all but the chicharron pupusa was a little bland. They came with pickled cabbage as a side and salsa. The parking lot is small but there is street parking. The plaza was busy at lunch time. One of us had to park across the street.
google avatar

Tanya A.

Yelp
Amazing food, plus spicy i love it! We will be coming back, pupusas are amazing Just amazing
google avatar

lisa j.

Yelp
I ordered 2 pupusas for a late lunch to go. Revuelta (pork, bean and cheese) and a chorizo and cheese. They are about $4 each and made to order. It was still warm when I got home. I wish they would provide more cabbage salad since it was a perfect accompaniment. Parking was available, but the parking lot is tiny and shared with 4-5 other businesses.
google avatar

Paola M.

Yelp
Best pupusas in San Diego hands down. My favorite are the chicharrón con queso ones. La salsita and en curtido are also good. I also recommend their quesadilla, it's so hard to find good Salvadoran quesadilla nowadays and this one hits. The frescos are meh, I've tried their fresco de ensalada and chan and they were both too artificial-tasting. Service is great, very friendly. Place is nothing fancy but it's clean and they have plenty of tables. Every time I've placed a phone order they are prompt with answering and my order is always on point. Also, they have a parking lot so parking hasn't been an issue. Sucks that they're closed on Sundays though! :(
google avatar

Emerson D.

Yelp
Excelente lugar, buen servicio y la comida súper deliciosa! Everyone enjoyed everything they ate. Pupusas, pastelitos y yuca frita! We will be back to try the pan con pavo, sopa de gallina, empanadas y plátanos. Salvadorian food is the best!
google avatar

Mariah C.

Yelp
We try to eat Papusas in every state that we travel to and this place definitely was in the running for the top 5 we have ever eaten. We ordered the combination place which had 2 bean, pork and cheese Papusas, plantains, a corn tamale, a chicken or pork tamale and yucca frita with chiccarons and a side of black beans. This plates was a perfect option for my husband and I to share. Everything on the plate was delicious. My kids ordered Papusas as well and they loved them. Out waitress was super nice and helpful and the restaurant was clean. I would recommend this place if you are looking for some fresh Salvi food!
google avatar

Jessica V.

Yelp
I've been seeing this spot here for awhile and I finally got to try their food. I ordered to go. I tried the sampler which had 2 pupusas, one tamale (pork or chicken) I chose chicken. , yuca, plantains and fried pork, also came with a side of beans and creama. I also ordered two extra pupusa on the side to try. Chicken chipotle and chicharron. The sampler was such a good deal! The pupusa were actually a really good size and it was so yummy! Add the curtido and spicy sauce ! The plantains were also such a good balance. I didn't really care for the yuca. But the fried pork was good as well. It's like carnitas. I forgot it also came with a corn tamale! Omg that was so good! It was sweet I didn't think I cared for it but I took a bite and it reminded me of my childhood days. The black beans were also delicious. Had a little kick to it but I actually enjoyed it because I love spicy food. I'm so glad I tried this spot! Now I don't have to drive all the way to imperial to get my pupusa fix. Next time I want to try their breakfast menu.
google avatar

Lisa D.

Yelp
Love Salvadoran food and it is hard to find here in San Diego. I'm originally from the Bay Area and over there it's easy to find. When I saw this place I was very excited! The had plenty of cute pictures of El Salvador throughout the restaurant. They had a giant mural of a map of El Salvador and I wish I was able to get a picture but it was so big it couldn't fit my camera. Our waitress was very nice and attentive and everyone there seemed happy. We were welcomed right away and told we could sit wherever we wanted. We ordered pretty much a sample plate and shared that and ordered other pupusas on the side. I was excited to eat the tamales because I haven't had a Salvadoran tamale in years! I was a little disappointed as it barely had any meat. It was mainly masa, BUT it had great flavor. The platanos were so good! The sweet corn tamale was also very good. It tasted like a yummy corn cake. It was soft and moist with lots of flavor. The chicharrón was pretty dry and needed more salt but was okay. Now for what I came here for, the pupusas. There was plenty of filling, but the beans inside looked blue and tricked my brain into thinking I was eating a blueberry. But the flavors were good. It was a pretty good pupusa. Is it the best? No, but it wasn't horrible by any means. I think if the beans had a little more salt it would have tasted better. I would definitely come back again. The prices for a single pupusa have definitely gone up since the last time I bought one, but that is to be expected in this economy. So, if you're craving pupusas in San Diego this is definitely a good place to go!
google avatar

Alfonso D.

Yelp
By far the best place to get Salvadorian food . The food had good taste and good portions . The service was amazing and fast if your in the neighborhood stop by.
google avatar

ANGELINA T.

Yelp
Found this place as we were looking for a good place to eat for lunch. we ordered their Revuelta popusa, side of Plantains.. the staff was really nice and food was fast and great taste , will definitely be going back soon.
google avatar

B. S.

Yelp
Just tried this restaurant today. Owners were so nice! Amazing pupusas! Will definitely be back to try all their flavors!
google avatar

Jordan C.

Yelp
Hands down, the best pupusas I've had in the U.S. Every bite is rich, comforting, and unforgettable--the kind of flavor that lingers in your memory and leaves you craving more.
google avatar

Sophia T.

Yelp
Out of every restaurant I have ever been to, I can easily say the customer service here is easily in the top-three kindest, accommodating, and welcoming I have ever experienced. The friendliness of the staff was so memorable and rubbed off on the customers who were there- it was literally a restaurant filled with happy people all conversing with each other! On top of the incredibly positive atmosphere, this was the first time I have ever tried Salvadorian food. My good friend, who was born in El Salvador, took me here to explore her culture. She said the food was delicious (and she's picky!) I agree, the quality of the food (and the price) was delicious. This place throughly mimics a 5/5 star establishment and the owners deserve all the positivity they can get.
google avatar

Zakira J.

Yelp
This is my go-to place for pupusas whenever i'm in town! I recommend calling ahead because they do make them fresh upon order so it does take some time. But it is definitely worth the wait!! If you like spicy, make sure to ask for their spicy sauce as well, it definitely has a kick to it!!
google avatar

Juditt G.

Yelp
Pupusas de maiz were good. My husband ordered pupusas de arroz and he loved them. I also had the atol de elote and it was perfect. The place itself is not super appealing but the food is pretty good and worth a shot.
google avatar

Audrey L.

Yelp
Pupusas are the name of the game here: cheap, yummy, and filling. "What are pupusas?" you ask. Think empanadas or calzones but flatter; Cuscatlan's rendition feature corn cake, but if you're like me and prefer flour tortillas over corn, fear not: The corn cake tastes, looks, and feels like flour. If you're also like me and love horchata, try Cuscatlan's Horchata Salvadoreña. "What is horchata salvadoreña?" you ask. Think horchata with essence of peanut and various other spices. I'm glad I discovered this gem and will be back for the rest of the menu!
google avatar

Karla R.

Yelp
I was blown away by this place. Authentic Salvadoran food that was delicious and fairly priced. They have lunch specials here, so that's an extra bonus! I got two pupusas de frijol con queso. They were both SO GOOD! Both pupusas had generous amounts of filling in them, and the curtido was perfect. It was perfectly pickled and I was given two salsas -- one mild and one spicy. I love spicy food and can handle it, and the spicier one they gave me really packed a nice amount of heat to it! If you're incapable of eating spicy food, go for the mild salsa for your curtido. The woman who took my order and helped me was very nice. She checked on me to see if I needed anything a couple of times, so I appreciated her generosity.
google avatar

Phoebe L.

Yelp
This place was fantastic. We came here at the recommendation of our Salvadoran friend because we had never tried pupusas before. It's a little mom and pop style restaurant, and they had a bunch of cool art on the wall that looks like it could be purchased. The server was great, and we also saw people just ordering takeout or picking up food. We started off with some fried yucca, and we each got two pupusas. I got to try the chicarron, revueltas, queso con loroco. Out of the three, the revueltas was my favorite by far, and I wish I just gotten 3 of those. The loroco was a really interesting texture, and I'm glad that I tried it since it sounds like not many places will serve such a traditional vegetable. I would definitely come back and order more pupusas, maybe as part of the lunch special!
google avatar

Lisa M.

Yelp
If you're looking for authentic Salvadorian food, Cuscatlan is where it's at. I tried Pupusas for the first time, which is a corn pancake filled with bean, cheese, and/or meat...so delicious! I also tried the Pan Relleno con Pollo, which is a chicken sandwich and it was so tasty! The bread was soft and warm, and the chicken was cooked just right. Make sure you grab some hot sauce, it adds so much extra flavor.
google avatar

E. F.

Yelp
Las popuses están deliciosas. Grandísimas y a buen precio. Con 2 te llenas sin problema.

Elijah M.

Yelp
Ive been eating here for over 4 years already and i will always eat here. The customer service is always exceptional. The ambiance is amazing with paintings and tvs with music. The food is always great and the papusas are the best
google avatar

Swan L.

Yelp
Excellent service and pupusas! For a light meal, I ordered two pupusas: Revueltas (pork, beans & cheese) and Hongos Con Queso (mushrooms & cheese). It comes with a little side of peppery slaw and some salsa. Order at the counter and pick an open table. The pupusas were piping hot when they came out. Thin cornmeal crust with light filling to keep the flat shape and crispy texture. I enjoyed the flavors on both of my choices, although there was a lot more beans than pork in the Revueltas one. Executed pretty well and a great value, would absolutely come back for more.
google avatar

Astrid A.

Yelp
Solid pupusas for the San Diego area at a really good price. I really like the atole here too.

Jai S.

Yelp
I am so happy I found a place with amazing papusas! I can't have gluten so these are a special treat. Friendly staff.
google avatar

Nicole O.

Yelp
All the pupusas I sampled were so tasty! We ordered nine different types and all were so good
google avatar

Emily I.

Yelp
Went to go check out milk tea lab next door and saw a large sign for pupusas so I had to stop in !! I opted for the cheese and jalapeño as well as a chicken cheese chipotle which was quite yummy !! Although I will say I think I want to go back and try the traditional flavor. While the food was delicious the notable component was the incredible service the two owners gave. They're so so lovely!!! Definitely going back to dine in !!
google avatar

Amanda B.

Yelp
I love this spot!! Best pupusas ever. Great prices , and the service is extremely friendly. I love the owner , he's always working hard and has a great attitude. My boyfriend also got the pollo guisado and it was amazing. Food came out super fresh and hot and everything was delicious. Definitely gonna be a regular lunch spot for me! Also plenty of seating inside but you can also order pickup !
google avatar

Ruby R.

Yelp
Meh. Tamal de Elote was too sweet too. Not coming back )-; Chocolate was decent. This was my second try here.
google avatar

Curt T.

Yelp
This place was good. It is an out of the way spot but it's delicious. The sandwiches were just ok. The bread crunchy which I like and had good flavor and all but nothing spectacular (wouldn't necessarily recommend the sandwiches. The pupusas on the other hand were simply amazing. Both of the ones we tried were excellent. Highly recommend these. I'd come back for the pupusas alone. The Salvadorian Salsa was great too! Spicy but delicious. I love spicy and this didn't disappoint. They have many other things/options as well, Greek, pizza etc but definetly get a pupusas!! The service was great as well. Friendly and fast!! The dessert empanadas were good also!!
google avatar

Seancito X.

Yelp
Custom papusas?!? Yes, please! We pass through at least once a month. Clean, always friendly, stellar papusas packed for travel with care.
google avatar

Han L.

Yelp
I worked in El Salvador for a month and this place brought me back. The taste of the pupusas was so good. I loved the carne and the pollo. The tamales are good too. They aren't dry. The fries and fish are definitely skippable though...

Eric S.

Yelp
Food was delicious and service was quick and very friendly. I ordered the Blistec plate and the banana cream filled dessert. I don't like things too sweet so the dessert was perfect for me. Highly recommend
google avatar

Art Tuli H.

Yelp
First time trying Ecuadorian food and I'm an instant fan. I got the revuelto pupusa and it was delicious; comparing it to a quesadilla doesn't do it justice. Got a side of pork which is tasty little fried chunks and a pork Tamal. It's a lighter masa than a Mexican tamale; Good, but the other two items were the highlight. Great tangy cabbage slaw/topping for the pupusa along with homemade Sauce and hot sauce. I love Mexican food, but this will be a frequent change up. It's worthy and I look forward to trying more pupusa varieties and other items like the carne guisada. They get busy, but the service is friendly and sufficient. Enter the Pupusa zone.
google avatar

Martha P.

Yelp
Awesome customer service, great selection of authentic pupusas! We also had the desserts, plátano con frijol y crema y empanadas, so good!! Everything we order was delicious and 100% Authentic flavor from El Salvador! I grew up in San Francisco had many Salvadoreño friends so absolutely authentic!!! Great seating with televisions to watch sports and music was calming to my ears. Loved the delicious pupusas in the Kearny area. I will return for sure with my family to try other selections. Oh and they have breakfast too!