Estela's Restaurant

The original and Traditional pupusas in El Salvador are cooked over wood fire, using a pottery griddle (called a comal). Estela's Restaurant is made by hand. Food is delicious. We order to go food and I am back the next day for more. Definitely good.

Horrible food , used to be good not any more , plátanos black like the dirty oil never was change for months , pupusas not good at all just a big tortilla no flavor I paid over 50$$ the curtido for the pupusas black too 🙄

Great food but the service was weird as heck. Workers seemed out of it and made my experience awkward.

Good pupusas, the rice the food is good. No open Monday, and they accept cash and cards.

What a weird experience. I only came here because a friend brought me here and used to work in this area. Pupusas are better than other places but I’m not a fan of them. The rice and bean sauce ok. Chicken was meh

Best pupusas in Arleta, I recommend the gallina asada soup (delicious), sopa de res and the sopa de pata. Also the mojarra frita if you want to eat well and have real nutrients come here. It's a nice place to eat there as well they have a nice patio in front of the road where you can relax. 🫡 Estelitas Forever!

Really, really good. Did a search for best pupusas in the area and this is highly-rated among the locals. Though what really caught my eye was that they bag their curtido and salsa separate from the pupusas, which is essential for to-go orders or you end up with soggy pupusas. We went with a mix of revueltas, queso y frijoles and some empanadas de leche for dessert. All excellent and a bargain price-wise. Will definitely keep this place in rotation.

I only tried the asada tacos and they were great. We normally pay about $1.25-$1.50 each but at this place the tacos were $2 each. However, even if the price is a little higher, they had a lot of meat with everything on already. The server told us to sit outside at one of the tables. We are in the middle of the coronavirus outbreak, so eating at a place is a luxury. I was so happy we could eat the food there. When the food was ready the server brought us the food and the sodas, which was pretty neat for a small place. He then went on to clean the tables around us to keep the place nice. Overall I liked the service, I liked the food, how clean it was and that we were able to eat it there. I think $2 each taco is worth it when you get this much customer service. I recommend this place and yes, I will come back again. By the way, just a recommendation: It would be nice if they had a trash can outside. I like to pick up after my own plates out of consideration for the servers. They come out and clean up the mess that other people leave behind but in part I think it is because there is no trash can available outside. Just a suggestion.

Returning customer: I was craving Pupusas and so I called Estela's and placed my order via phone. This is your local "hole in the wall" Salvadoran restaurant, located in Arleta. They provide indoor and outdoor seating. Parking on the streets or on the parking lot that serves the other businesses. The ladies here are pleasant and efficient at cooking. I ordered four pupusas revueltas: cheese, refried beans and ground pork mixed. So delicious and satisfying; two will do it for me. I am a fan of their horchata since it has that Salvadoran authentic taste to it. Prices are reasonable for the amount of pupusas that I ordered plus the two drinks. I say to give them a try next time you are craving pupusas specifically.

Literally my favorite pupusas in the valley. Super small hole in the wall that shares a parking lot with other shops. I love that they put a good amount of cheese in their pupusas so when you get the "revueltas" you still taste the cheese along with the other goodies inside! They are also pretty big & I usually have to save my 2nd one for later. Their curtido and red salsa taste just like any other place; nothing special. Their plátano empanadas are a nice sweet treat if you want some dessert, it's fried ripe plantains with cinnamon cheese filling inside. I think it's not worth the price for those tbh but they are tasty. 10/10 because these are my favorite pupusas

Food was okay, but $4 is crazy for a pupusa. Their cheese pupusas have green chile in them and I have a picky eater who wouldn't eat it. When brought to their attention, all I got was a "it comes like that." They should change their signs. Also, this is a cash only business.

I'm done with this place. ahora fue la ultima vez que voy a regalar mi dinero, las pupas son mas masa que nada, no le echan nada adentro en especial las revueltas bien delgadas como que se le acabaron los frijoles y el chicharron. ademas de ser muy caras, si pagas con tarjeta te cobran el 10% mi total era $40 y me querian cobrar $4 mas por la tarjeta, mejor fui al chase de la esquina a sacar cash, DEJEN DE ROBAR EL DINERO....... SIEMPRE LOS NEGOCIOS TIENEN QUE CUBRIR LOS FEES DE USAR CREDIT CARDS O ALGUNOS AUNQUE SEA COBRAN $1 PERO COBRAR 10% NO SE PASEN. Y HAGAN LAS PUPUSAS MAS LLENAS MEJOR Y siempre es una misión entrar con esa cosa de plástico que tienen en la puerta smh

Food, drinks, & service was excellent. Dining at Estela's restaurant was a delightful experience from start to finish. The food was delicious, the staff attentive, and the ambiance was perfect for a cozy lunch with the family.

Food is good, pupusas are a bit over priced but the size is pretty big, so I understand.

La mejor comida exquisita, la atención súper amables !!!! De veras para volver una y otra ves

Pupusas for dinner... why not? I'm back in LA and was suddenly overcome with a desire for a good pupusa. I live in North Hills so fortunately for me there were several spots around me but I found the Estella's on yelp and it was highly rated so I decided to give it a try. The restaurant is super tiny with only like three tables inside but there are tables on the outside if you want to eat at the restaurant. I called in my order and was told it would take 20 mins. I ordered the cheese and beans and the pork cheese and beans palisades. Because it was a to go order they put the salsa and the cabbage slaw on the side which is great so that your Pupusa isn't soggy once you get home. I could only finish one because the portions were big but it was very tasty and not too greasy. I just wish it was stuffed a little bit more with ingredients but what I had it was really good. Definitely will come back and try different flavors.

Pupusas pura masa , plátanos negros con Sabor a aceite re viejo y rechinado caro realmente fueron buenas en un tiempo hoy es horrible .

I love the food here, it's like my stepmom's homemade Salvadorian food. I've had most of their menu, pupusas salpicón, etc. It takes them 30 minutes to make the food you order so it's best that you order ahead of time. I recommend this restaurant if you love homemade tasting food.

Bien rica y caliente la comida, nos gustó mucho. El servicio excelente y muy rápido. Las pupusas estaban bien grandes y deliciosas. Encantadas de todo muchas gracias a estella por su comida y servicio bueno

No clue how they got the reviews, but these were the worst pupusas I have ever tasted. And it looks like they add water to their beans. Absolutely disgusting.

This place is tiny! About four tables or so and very cramped, especially since there were other people dining in; and picking up food. There was hardly any room to stand. I was craving pupusas, so I ordered the revueltas (bean, cheese, and pork). Within 20 minutes I got my takeout. The pupusas were delicious. Flavorful and good ratio of masa/filing.The cabbage slaw (curtido) and mild salsa tasted fresh and complimented the pupusas. As much as I love to eat these wonderful Salvi corncakes, without the curtido and salsa - I find them a little too heavy. I love mom and pop type places such as this one...good food and friendly service. I will be back to try out their Salvi style breakfast and soups in the near future.

I'm a native born Salvadorean, and like most Salvys, I'm a pupusa snob. Good pupusas are extremely difficult to find in restaurants, you literally have to go to a relatives or friends house to find authentic Salvadorean food, cooked by an abuelita who KNOWS how to cook everything from scratch. The pupusas here are possibly the BEST I've eaten at a restaurant setting outside of El Salvador here in the LA area! The beans, chicharron, and cheese are OUT OF THIS WORLD!! Ask any Hispanic person, Salvys, Mexican, Guatemalan, etc, it's the most simple ingredients that make or break a meal, for example ...... beans. If the beans are good, the rest of the food may possibly be good. The beans this place cooks gives you that smile, that look of back home flavors. That blink in your eye. First bite and I was like DAMNNN!! THE GOOD DAMNNN, not the bad one. These pupusas have that IT FACTOR. The platanos were perfectly cooked, big pupusas, and they're worth every cent, they're a bit on the pricier side compared to other Salvadorean restaurants, but yeah, these are worth it! The horchata was creamy and not as sweet as other places. You can also tell how popular this place in by the nonstop orders being picked up by food delivery drivers. Yeah, I found my favorite Salvadorean restaurant. 10/10.

Overcharge. Cash only to avoid taxes? Interesting that we do pay taxes when they charge us. They are not organized I ordered pupusas with bean, cheese and Loroco and they gave me only with cheese for the second time. I give up with this place. Pupusas that I mention before are good just make sure they give u the correct order. I don't remember if they can provide receipt I never had one I have to trust what they charge. :/ Looking for another place.

Pupusas are bomb! I'm no expert but I've tried four different pupusas and they all tasted different and good. I've had pupusas from places where I'd get 3 different varieties and they all tasted the same. Not here. Ruveulta is my favorite but the queso alone is legit too. They are kinda greasy, but, I mean, I'm not looking for healthy pupusas I'm looking for good pupusas. Cash only is the major rub as well as parking not being super plentiful, but those are small prices to pay. Good value and delicious food.

Pupusas were good but in my opinion they were expensive compared to other places and we waited 30 mins for 6 pupusas. The place was empty when we arrived.

Best pupusas in the valley! The little shop can be missed if your not paying attention, but it's right across 7-eleven! The pupusas are well distributed and they do not lack flavor! Always call ahead to place an order, they are a cash only location!

The food is delicious, it's made fresh. It's a little pricey but all prices are tax included. FYI- they changed their phone number 818-571-2815. Cash only

I use to come here all the time and although the Pupusas are good. I cant justify the price. I did a phone order and placed an order for 11 pupusas, they are priced at 3.50$ each. I waited about 30 mins before I went and picked them up, thats the usual time they take. When I arrived and asked for my total the young man working the register told me my total was 53.85$ for 11 pupusas. When I asked how much each one was he said it was 3.50$ each thats 38.50$ total & when I asked him about the rest he told me its taxes. He did not give me a receipt at all. But with taxes lets say at 10.5% that should have been no more than 5$ coming to a total of 42-43$. I still don't understand why I was over charge but ok. I always leave a tip in the little jar but this time I just thought it was overpriced. That was probably my last time going there. Paying almost 54$ thats almost 5$ a pupusas. Im sure there is other places that sell more affordable.

Compre pupusas revueltas eran mas masa q el relleno y unas empanadas estaban quemadas como q nomas me las recalentaron no vuelvo a comprar con ellos

The popusas are good. I usually call in my order and pick it up. The are very friendly.

I've been going to this hole-in-the-wall for years! Owned by a hard working family, this place always makes me drive long distances to meet my craving for their homemade food! The food is great, that's why they get 5 stars, but no ambiance & they're too busy for any real table service, so dining out is better. It's all prepared on the spot, so advance ordering is a must if u don't want to wait. Always ask for extra sauces & stuff as they don't give as much as they used to. Pupusas, chicharrón, fried yucca, black beans, plantains & horchata are my must haves! Love their breakfast too! Enjoy!

Really, really good. Did a search for best pupusas in the area and this is highly-rated among the locals. Though what really caught my eye was that they bag their curtido and salsa separate from the pupusas, which is essential for to-go orders or you end up with soggy pupusas. We went with a mix of revueltas, queso y frijoles and some empanadas de leche for dessert. All excellent and a bargain price-wise. Will definitely keep this place in rotation.

It's a tiny little place so things are a bit chaotic and jumbled up. The bathroom key was in a customer's pocket and someone had gotten a deal on tomatoes 'cause there were boxes of them all over. The food rocked! We tried pupusas de Calabasa, Queso y Loroco, Chicharon and Pollo and all were very good. The curtido was mind blowing. I was sooo glad that I'd asked for more than the tiny little bag that they originally gave us. And the platanos y crema were just as tender, sweet and delicious as we had expected. The champurado also rocks but it'll take half an hour for it to go from lava to drinkable beverage so try to be patient. 2013 #10 / 365

I'm not sure what overcame me, but for the longest time I had a dislike for pupusas. Especially with my last dining experience with the one in DTLA at the Grand Central Market. I was driving back from a day trip snowboarding by myself and as I was on my way home I saw a sign for Estela's restaurant pupuseria. I like small hole in the wall places especially if they specialize in certain areas. I decided to give it a shot and pulled over especially since I had not eaten all day. I was definitely thinking a bit with my gut. I do not have much experience with pupusas so I asked the cashier for her recommendations. I ended up ordering two revueltas and it took about 15 minutes for it to be ready. She packed my order to go and I received the sauce and the pickled cabbage, but I had also wanted some of the habanero salsa on the table. She reached into the fridge and poured me a pretty big bag for me to eat with my 2 pupusas. When I got home I realized the mistake I had made as the pupusas were ginormous. I could've easily been full from a single one. The filling was a bit scarce, but given its price point I don't really mind. Although I wouldn't mind paying extra to have more filling to dough ratio. The flavors were good and the sauce wasn't overpowering. The pickled cabbage added a nice refreshing crisp to each bite. I'm glad I stumbled upon Estela's because I felt that I've never given pupusas a fair chance. I would definitely come here again, but it's definitely not friendly on the waistline!!

Delicious, authentic pupusas and horchata. Everyone in the kitchen was also really nice and helpful!

Found this place through Yelp so when I got there the location was a surprise. It's a hole in the wall with very few seats and a tv so I'm happy I ordered takeout. The order was ready promptly and I've got to say, coming from a Salvadoran family it's one of the best places to get pupusas in the Valley- maybe even in LA! I ordered frijol con queso, revueltas, and a queso and they were perfect!! Not too greasy, not too doughy, not too thin, just perfect. I also recommend the empanadas they're also amazing. 10/10 experience for me

Amazing Pupusas! Great size & affordable! Love the queso y frijoles! Will definitely be back! The outside area is nice & shaded.

Small hole in the wall. Cash only spot. You get authentic food here. The pupusas were really good as well. The shredded cabbage and great flavors and the sauce was good but it felt a bit too watery. I am not sure if the Salvadorian sauce is more watery but everything else was good. Although I thought the beans were going to be from the pot and not blended but still worth it with the crema

We stopped one night, hungry after studying all day and gave Estela's Restaurant a chance since they were one of the only pupusa restaurants still open at 9pm and boy did they blow away my expectations. We had 4 revueltas and 2 chicken pupusas. Absolutely delicious. They even stayed open while we ate outside. If you're looking for amazing pupusas in the valley, give Estela's Restaurant a tru.

Hole on the world Salvadorian spot(but able to do some Mexican as well). If you find yourself wondering around Woodman ave, you have to give their pupusas a try. We also ordered "empanadas" which is basically a cream filled sweet plantain dessert, absolutely delish! It was a quick stop but since we do a monthly stop in town, we will be back

No me gustaría dar 0 estrellas pero no es opción. Acabo de intentar poner una orden por teléfono y me dijieron que no podía hacerme una pupusa nomas de chicharrón. Era cliente frequente y a veces ordena en grande ordenes y me lo am hecho Antea no se porque no quisieron hacerla hoy. Siempre manejo desde Simi Valley o a veces manejo desde Thousand Oaks solo porque las pupusas están bien deliciosas. Pero después de este servicio me va tocar buscar otro restaurante. Muy mal servicio al cliente !

The pupusas de Calabasa here are the bomb ....pretty much everything is on point here.. !! Breakfast is delicious....I work across the street and here is where I go when I want home made food !!! Bomb place!!!

FYI: Stopped in because I had a Restaurant.com gift certificate to this place, but turns out that Estela's Restaurant is not even aware of this nor has a contractual agreement with the website....bummer Ended up staying because of the delicious smells of cheesy pupusas getting cooked to golden perfection on the griddle right in front of me. For our beverage we ordered horchata, of course. The Salvadoran recipe is miles different from the Mexican one. It has a richer, deeper, nutty taste and is darker in color, but just as refreshing. My mother (born and raised in El Salvador) and myself ordered 2 pupusas each. We tried the Revueltas (beans, cheese, and pork) and the Frijol y Queso (bean and cheese). We also asked for the Platanos Fritos (pan fried sweet plantains served with Salvadoran cream and pureed beans). There is definitely a wait for the food as it is scratch made to order each and every time. I'm not the most patient person, but as soon as we got our order I knew it was worth the wait. The pupusas are pretty big and jam packed with fillings. The flavors were awesome. Cheesy, salty goodness to feed the soul! The plantains were a tad oily, but equally delicious. The soft sweet plantain paired with the cool cream and salty warm beans is a match made in heaven. This simple dish made my mother nostalgic for her home country and breakfasts with her father. That tells you something about the authenticity. This place is tiny. About 4 tables in a little shack looking hole in the wall, but the people are great, friendly, and make some of the best pupusas I've tried in a while. It gets pretty crowded too so bring someone fun along to help you pass the time. My Salvadoran mother approves, so I'm sure you'll love it too! :)

I'm really happy to find this place. I love Pupusas they are especially delicious at this spot. I had Pupusas in a different location they were way to Greasy and not enough condiments. I highly recommend Estela's the prices are reasonable and the service is fast.

Amazing pupusas! So delicious, bit greasy and very fluffy. I highly recommend this place. Clean and covid safe.

Estela's Restaurant has the best pupusas this hidden gem not only have great food the have have awesome service.

Delicious! Perfectly made pupusas de queso, frijol con queso and revuelta. I am extremely picky with my pupusas this why I haven't had them for almost 5 years now. I had a craving for them yesterday, made a meticulous research and found this spot on Yelp. Thanks for making a customer out of me. BTW, cash ONLY!

A hole in the wall with true authenticity. This place is admittedly out of the way for me as I live in the west San Fernando Valley but that doesn't matter. I will admit that at almost $2 a pupusa it feels a bit steep but trust me it's so worth it. The Pupusas are freshly made when you order them and they bring you out plenty of curtido to pile on. They've only got four tables so you may be tempted to take your food to go, but do yourself a favor and eat there and wash down your Pupusas with a delicious Kolashampan.

I have ordered from this place several times because my family really enjoys the pupusas from here. But yesterday we were very disappointed with the food. They're usually really stuffed, but this time all we got was a lot of dough, hard dough at that. Not sure if I'll be coming back because I don't waste my money on food that's not enjoyable.

Love their food, all homemade style! I enjoy coming here with my friends, very friendly and family oriented restaurant, the music makes it great!

I have only tried pupusas, horchata, and some soups from here. What stands out the most are the pupusas. The best pupusas I have had in the valley highly recommend to try them.

Best pupusas in Arleta!! The owner is really nice and attentive! It's a small hole in the wall with only 4 tables, but the pupusas totally make up for it! I would suggest that you call your order in ahead of time especially on the weekends.

Small hole in the wall place. Pupusas are okay, would've appreciate it if they stuffed them more with cheese. It's a cash only restaurant.

Great pupusas and platanos con crema, my children and family love it too. Only downside is cash only, but worth it.

I am a very pregnant lady who has had intense cravings all throughout her first trimester. This evening I sent my husband on a hunt for pupusas. We found this place and it was an amazing choice!! Felt like we got half of the menu. The food looked like a Salvadoran grandmother just invited me into her home and made me a plate. The chicken is super good, as is the chili relleno. We got pupusas that were, in my husband's words, "THE BOMB DIGGITY." But when it comes to their horchata... there are no words to the sweet incredible nectar they serve. Well, maybe one: authentic. Don't let the look of the place fool you. It's a little hole in the wall, but so worth the visit.

The pupusas at Estela's are satisfying and inexpensive. Seeking the best pupusas in Valley, I was drawn because of their stellar Yelp reviews. I called in my order for pick-up. The small, non-descript "hole-in-the-wall" is located where I spent a lot of time as a child. I lived in the neighborhood for four years as I drove in I recalled trips in the 80s to buy my kung fu slip ons at the Payless and trips to a Korean fast fashion store across the street which was probably one of earliest locations of Forever 21. Passing the shopping center, I would't have noticed the restaurant if it wasn't for Yelp. I walked in before noon and the place was packed. It's a small dining room, but most of the tables were full. Unfortunately, I didn't get a warm and friendly vibe which would make me not want to be a restaurant regular. I didn't get a good vibe from the guy at the register. He didn't seem happy to be there. Maybe he was having a bad day or just isn't friendly. I ordered 3 because they were inexpensive. I ordered the lorroco, mixto and calabasa. I located a nearby park to eat my pupusas at the Hansen Dam in Lake View Terrace. Relishing the stillness of the park on a weekday afternoon, I ate my pupusas and decided my favorite was the mixto because it was the most flavorful. They threw in plenty of curtido which let me feel less guilty of scarfing down my carb-filled lunch. They were so hefty in size, I needed that 1.5- hour walk exploring this park! Go for the value, not for the service. The pupusas were delicious! I haven't had a pupusa yet that I didn't like. To find the best, I might need a side-by-side comparison. My favorite pupusa eating experience is located in a private home in South LA where they are slanging pupusas and champurrado in the back of their house. Yelp pupusas in South LA. I also enjoy the hominess feeling dining on pupusas at Atlacatl... a recommendation from a Salvi friend who grew up in El Salvador.

Pupusas are the main thing here. When I want to love myself I treat me with pupusas. The place is a hole in the wall but the food was good and delicious. Keep up the good work!