Rika M.
Yelp
I got a chance to visit this (El) Salvadorian restaurant today as I was in the neighborhood of Green Valley Ranch midafternoon for a business matter I needed to take care of and here is how it went.
I'll admit; I am still new to this cuisine and yet I've been to a really good restaurant that boasts this type of food in the central Denver. Having that memory still fresh in mind, when I discovered this place accidentally today, there was no need for me to waste time to second guess about the food.
The restaurant is easy to spot; its restaurant name is clearly on the front of the building with big letters. Its boastful existence to let people know about it is something I can appreciate.
My anticipation was high due to its current ratings of near-perfect 5 stars. Whereas I've been to places where I truly thought they were simply overrated, I was under the impression that this place was an exception.
Upon entering the eatery, a bright pastel colored mural (or wall painting I should say) with restaurant name on it was right in front of me. Its vividness - as if to say that it depicts the colorfulness of the dishes they serve - was a sure indication that it is a diverse restaurant with flavorful cooking. This also enhanced my anticipation.
While I was taking some photos at the reception that was unmanned, a young lady eventually came to me with a welcoming voice. She then immediately asked me if I was there for a dine in or to go to which I said to go.
The menu is a good size. Colored pictures with easy-to-understand dish name and the description, no person gets confused with what they have to offer.
My intent was to get me a few small side dishes and yet as soon as I saw the "Paradise Plate" ($31.95 as of June 14, 2025), I was like, "why not?" even though I wasn't there to buy a huge plate to be shared with someone else. If you visit this place for the first time, this dish is recommended as it has everything. And the portion is huge (this can be easily split between two people.)
The plate contains 3 traditional pupusas (which you'll be asked to choose from the traditional pupusa section), 1 chicken or pork tamale, 1 corn tamale, 1 savory empanada, fried yucca (2 pieces) and fried plantain (2 pieces) are all in 1 plate. On top of that, coleslaw type salad/veggie and red sauce accompanied the whole thing so when the young lady handed me my food, the plastic bag was quite the weight. Oh my goodness, what did I just get???
As a tradition of mine, as soon as I got to my car, I immediately opened the bag and then I was like oola la, I realized that I simply got waaaaaay too much food for one person. Sound like I was complaining and yet I was filled with unexplainable joy that filled my heart and mind.
Some were deep-fried, some were pan-fried or oven-baked. However they were cooked, their rich and oily flavors with all kinds of spices and ingredients were all over my mouth. I ate some of it in 2 separate sittings and yet the container still had plenty of food left for me to morsel the next day. No wonder this place has 4.5 stars by people who experienced the goodness they offer.
Let's not forget. The restaurant is a good size. It was clean. It's got some bar seating perfect for solo diners. I wonder how crowded it gets on a peak lunch or dinner time.
Anyway, I am not sure how many (El) Salvadorian cuisine restaurants that exist in the greater Denver area and yet, this must be ranked one of the top 5 for sure. I may still like the one on Colorado Boulevard as it's a lot closer to my house (for a convenience reason), this place checks for great food and service. Whereas I thought some of the foods were a bit too oily to my liking, its overall food quality speaks for itself as to why people fancy this restaurant. For those who live in the Green Valley Ranch neighborhood, lucky them!