I'm half Ecuadorian and half Mexican, and I've been looking for an Ecuadorian restaurant for the longest time! I did a Google search and came across Ava Maria. I told my mom about it, and what a perfect little gem it turned out to be to celebrate my brother's birthday. I've been longing to eat some nostalgic food from my father's homeland, and since he is no longer with us, Ava Maria brought a little piece of him back home. The flavors and atmosphere were reminiscent of being Ecuador, and that made the experience even more special. The owner and her son were so welcoming and such a delightful duo to be around. Somehow, it makes the food taste even better because you know it comes from a place of love. I recommend Ava Maria to anyone who loves being treated with genuine kindness and hospitality and who appreciates a meal that tastes like something your father, mother, or grandparents would have cooked for you. Food made with love, passion, and the joy of watching another person delight in flavors that only someone from back home seems to know how to create. Thank you, Ava Maria, for bringing back a little piece of my father and Ecuador for an afternoon read more

I really wanted to like this restaurant. Ecuadorian food is one of my favorites. I ordered Guatita, Empanada de Carne, Hayaca, and Quinbolito. The Guatita was made well with the honeycomb tripe tender yet retaining a slightly firm texture that this type of tripe will have. There were also several pieces of potato in the stew. Served with yellow rice, the guatita could use some seasoning, such as salt, as it was quite bland. A larger portion size would have been good considering the rather high price point. There were only four pieces of half inch sized tripe in the whole meal. Plantains came with the dish and were nicely prepared with slightly caramelized edges. The Hayaca was a good portion size in the banana leaf wrap with seasoned shredded chicken breast, green peppers, green olive, raisin, and a wedge of hard boiled egg. The slightly sweet cornmeal masa texture was fairly loose, resembling thin mashed potato. Overall, the Hayaca tasted good but could have used a sprinkle of salt to bring out the individual ingredient flavors. The Empanada de Carne, however, did not need additional salt. The beef filling had green olives in it which helped balance out any blandness but I did not detect any other seasonings used. The crust, however, was crispy on the edges with a nice chewy texture throughout. Quinbolito is a bread steamed in a banana leaf with a single raisin on top for decoration. I liked this very much because it was not too sweet. The texture felt light for a dense textured bread. This was a good ending for my meal. An average rating for this restaurant. The food was prepared well but overall lack of seasoning in the items I ordered was very disappointing. I had ordered the food for delivery so I cannot comment on the service and ambiance of the dining room. There was no price increase on the menu items for delivery; same price for delivery and dine-in. Boxes came well packed with no spillage. But considering the high price point of this restaurant, I may or may not return. read more

See all

Stopped by for a weekend lunch and it was delicious. The flavors of each dish played so well with each other and tasted very true to the culture. Ordered: Beef Seco, Chicken Seco and a Beef Empanada. The Beef Seco was amazing, you could tell the meat was marinated and tenderized in juices spices and beer. Super tender with perfectly cooked yellow rice, topped with caramelized delicious plantains. Chicken Seco was just as good, but for some reason the beef hit harder. Try both! Next for me will Be Chivo Seco (Goat)! The beef empanada was classic, crispy and the filling was perfectly seasoned. Service was warm and welcoming. Really great family owned business. Will return soon to try more dishes and experience a slice of Ecuadorian culture. Gracias!! Oh, they have a nice laid back ambience, parking lot and tvs. read more

Ave Maria Restaurant - Seco de Rez (Carne) - Latin American Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

I have been craving Ecuadorian food and I'm so picky about it since I've gone every year these past few years. I really enjoyed their food the owner was very kind and friendly. I was nervous because I saw Mexican and Ecuadorian but they are Ecuadorian :) she let me know the burritos have an Ecuadorian twist and it's also to bring the people who might not be familiar to Ecuadorian food but Mexican food to come. I definitely want to try their burritos now. Llapingachos were so yummy and the sausage! My grandma apparently knew about this place but now she knows they are open later. I will be coming back with my family soon. Only thing is I would definitely update the decor and make it look nicer. They have a lot of potential read more

See all

The food was absolutely delicious! Everything was fresh, full of flavor, and seasoned perfectly. You can truly taste the love and care that goes into the food. It was also such a pleasure meeting the owner of the establishment. She has an amazing personality and was incredibly warm and welcoming she made me feel right at home from the moment I walked in. That kind of hospitality, paired with such delicious food, made the entire experience even more special. You can tell she genuinely puts her heart into what she does. Amazing food, wonderful hospitality, and such a welcoming atmosphere. I'll definitely be coming back! read more

Deliciosa Ecuadorian food , authentic Ecuadorian dishes, seco de pollo, seco de Chivo, and other delicious plates. Katherine, the owner of this restaurant, give the best of her knowledge in the Ecuadorian cuisine read more

Order the main dishes, skip the apps. Owner was kind, quaint ambiance. We tried the Ecuadorian appetizers and they were all underwhelming.. only note worthy for the value and quality was the beef empanada and arepa. Will maybe come back for the main dishes, that was our main mistake read more

Ave Maria Restaurant - Latin American Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Good food, but service was slow. They were quite busy and probably the reason why we waited a while. But we will be back read more

Came here for the first time to try Ecuadorian food because of my wife, I must say WOW. This restaurant is as real as it gets to homemade Ecuadorian food. My wife almost cried because it brought back so many memories. You have to come and the owner Katherine and her son will take great care of you. They're so kind and know what they're doing in the kitchen! read more

So good! What a hit. Hit the soul! Thank you guys for the late night holiday order. Can't wait to bring my family back to dine in. See you guys soon. 10/10 read more

Ave Maria Restaurant - Quimbolitos and Humitas. - Latin American Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

My mom was born and raised in Ecuador, so I grew up eating a lot of Ecuadorian food. It's the kind of comfort food that instantly feels like home to me. So when I found out there was an Ecuadorian/South American restaurant near me, I had to check it out with my mom. We started with cheese empanadas and humitas, and honestly they tasted just like the meals I grew up eating with my family. The seco de carne was absolutely delicious--super flavorful and the meat was perfectly tender. Not pictured, but my mom ordered the lentils with carne and it was also so good! I also got a chicken seco to go for my boyfriend and he said it tasted just like my mom's. It was really cool to see Ecuadorian cuisine being represented because there honestly aren't that many spots around. It made me really happy to see. If you get the chance, definitely check it out! read more

See all

Love this place. The food is amazing and fresh. The service is excellent so nice and helpful if you have any questions. I will definitely be back again to try other items on the menu. read more

See all

Excellent Ecuadorian food. We had the cheese empanadas and humitas to start. The Sango de Camaron was delicious, as was the "quaker" (oat based tropical fruit smoothie) and the flan for dessert. Very friendly staff , indoor outdoor seating. Really brought me back to my childhood flavors. Would definitely recommend! read more

This is a really great Ecuadorian restaurant with great caring service. Not to mention the food and the taste

Amazing customer service. The cuisine is to die for. You must order some empanadas to go you'll thank me later. Enjoy support your local businesses. read more

I am Colombian married to an Ecuadorian, so we know the food and this place is wonderful and authentic! Enjoyed the light empanadas with cheese and humitas. Seco de carne, llapingachos and sango de camaron were delicious. The owner was gracious and told us her story of learning her grandmothers recipes. We will be back soon read more

I came in right at open on a Saturday morning and was greeted with a friendly young man at the register. He made sure to wipe down the outside table for my family and I and give us the menus right away. Inside felt like a nice welcoming atmosphere. Almost like coming into someone's home. We ordered guatita, Bolon mixto, and encebollado- all Ecuadorian staples. Each plate was delicious and tasted straight from the motherland. Quaker tasted like my mom made it and the maracuya felt fresh and like it was straight from the fruit and not just a syrup. The owner came out and greeted us with such awesome energy. Can say without a doubt ill be back and will be telling all my people to check it out! read more

See all

The food here was amazing! We recommend the Seco de Pollo and the Seco de Carne!! And of course their Amor'd Warrior coffee was on point!! We will be back soon!! read more

Ave Maria Restaurant - Enjoying a great cup of coffee! - Latin American Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Great place to have a breakfast or lunch meal. Very friendly and inviting atmosphere. Clean and cozy dining area. I had lunch, delicious freshly made Seco de Carne! Original recipe from Ecuador . Mexican food is also available for us Mexicanos . If for some reason you're unsure of what to get. Ask for a recommendation, you won't be disappointed. Clean restrooms and parking lot available for customers. Come by if you're in the area! For those of you that haven't been here you'll be surprised to know this hidden gem was in your area. Enjoy! Buen provecho! read more

Ave Maria Restaurant - Dining area - Latin American Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This hole in the wall was a gem!! We drove over an hour to try this place out and it did not disappoint! The food and service was amazing! Catherine, the owner was very welcoming and we learned a little bit of her background. All her recipes are passed down from her grandmother who was from Guayaquil Ecuador! Both my husband who is from Quito, Ecuador and I both really loved every bite, the food is truly authentic and delicious! We tried the Sango De Camarón, the Bolon de Queso, Ceviche De Camarón and Seco de Pollo! Everything was absolutely delicious. We will definitely return. Tip for the Sango De Camarón, squeeze that lime on it, it makes the dish even better! read more

Ave Maria Restaurant - Bolon De Queso - Latin American Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

Wonderful service and hospitality!!! Our family is Ecuadorian and none of us were disappointed. We had The seco de carne, menestra de lentejas con carne, guatita, sango de camarón, and empanadas de queso y carne. The colada, jugo de maracuyá were also refreshing. Can't wait to go back and try some other dishes. read more

Ave Maria Restaurant - Everyone was hungry so this is the only pic I could get - sango de camarón - Latin American Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I had no idea what I was in for when I came to Ave Maria Restaurant in El Sereno, but wow, what an incredible surprise! From the very first bite of the empanada de carne with the green sauce, I knew this place was special. The empanada de queso was just as good, and the seco de pollo completely blew me away. The flavors, the quality, the authenticity which brought me back to my grandmother's cooking so many years ago. I wasn't expecting not just a meal, but memories coming back with every bite. I also had the chance to meet the owner, Catherine, who was so warm and humble. She shared stories with us on her getting the recepies from her grandmother and explained how many of the ingredients are imported directly from South America, which makes the dishes taste truly authentic. This restaurant is now my go-to spot. I'm already planning to bring my dad here for his birthday in a few weeks! If you're looking for delicious Ecuadorian food made with heart, Ave Maria is a must. read more

Ave Maria Restaurant - empanada -- they taste even better than they look! - Latin American Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

GRACIAS!!!! I love it so much. A little slice of home. El bolon, the empanadas (thank you for the extra treat! The carne one was heaven too). El jugo de naranjilla hit the spot. I'm so happy to have Ecuadorian food so close by. I highly recommend this place! read more

Ave Maria Restaurant - Bolon de queso - Latin American Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I have tried almost every spot in the neighborhood of el sereno since I discovered this beautiful town, I personally have tried almost every restaurant at this location, a soon as I saw that I new owner took over and looking at the menu I got excited. I have plenty of Central American friends that are always looking for food around here so I went for a drive to try this place, I personally avoided the Mexican menu since I can find Mexican almost in every corner, so went with seco de carne, and my daughter went for taquitos de pollo The food right now is in not that great when it comes to flavor, portion or presentation but the menu and the concept has potential I wasn't super happy but I see something good coming out of this So I would go back for sure for a second time and see how they improve in a couple of weeks Service was good so give a try maybe this place is the place that you were looking for. read more

Ave Maria Restaurant - Latin American Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

Authentic comfort food- Ecuadorian style. They also serve other South American dishes and some Mexican dishes as well. Service was great and the location is super clean. I was looking for a place to eat with my co worker and I found it! I'll be coming here again. Totally recommend it. read more

Ave Maria Restaurant - Latin American Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

If you don't visit, especially as an Ecuadorian, you're missing out. I'm first generation US born, both my parents are Ecuadoreans and I lived most of my childhood in Ecuador. Finally I found a restaurant that does justice to Ecuadorian food, our mother was the best cook on both sides of my family she took cooking lessons occasionally to learn more and while her cooking is still the best I ever had, now I have a restaurant to go to where I can enjoy Ecuadorian food. We had the Seco de Pollo and Seco de Carne, what a great way for me to celebrate my birthday, the portions were satisfying here as well. The empanadas were also good, home made style. I'm very happy to FINALLY be able to recommend an Ecuadorian restaurant that I like. read more

I'm visiting family and we came to try a new place let's just say I was excited that it was this food. Amazing food very home cook feel. Tastes just like my mom's cooking. If you want authentic Latin food come try this place out. The owners are amazing as well, super friendly and just a great feeling. The place is super cute as well love all the colors. read more

Ave Maria Restaurant - Bolon - Latin American Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

Wow Ecuadorian Restaurant which are hard to find, and this one is worth visiting!!!! These are truly home cooked meals old grandma recipes for sure. So we started with the humita and ayaca which are kinda like a tamale but much different. Then I had the sango de camarón which is a plantin peanut butter sauce, and my partner had llampingachos which kinda like a breakfast dish with potato pancakes side eggs and sausage with rice topped with plantains. Everything was extremely tasty very different than other Hispanic restaurants and far from Mexican food. Just a whole other vibe and mix of ingredients. The rice is different , tastes different and has different texture but very good. Get out of your comfort zone and eat some Ecuadorian food you want to wrong and you will definitely come back. The owner is friendly and takes time answering any questions you might have. Clean comfortable spot easy to get to and plenty of parking. 5 stars all the way. read more

See all

The food is superb, the staff kind and gracious, and the environment is relaxed and inviting. Try the empanadas, they're incredible. The passion fruit juice is outstanding. What a wonderful little restaurant read more

Smelled that grease. Old oil used for frying. Very unhealthy. Couldn't order anything It's heart attack food read more

The food is amazing here and theirs a family atmosphere here! Great service, I will be coming back again. I recommend the Seco de Carne. read more

WOW!! WOW!! WOW!!! The food is DELICIOUS!!! I had BOLON & SECO DE POLO. The service was next level!! And being from Ecuador the restaurant reminds me like being at home!! Definitely a must if you want authentic ECUADORIAN food!! read more

Ave Maria Restaurant - CECO de POLLO - Latin American Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Food is amazing Seco de carne a must Sango de camarones Just like being in Ecuador read more

My husband and I had never tried Ecuadorian food before. We ordered the shrimp ceviche and Sango de camarones. The ceviche was really good, flavor had just the right spices. The Sango de camarones was very good also, it had a very good peanut flavor and it blended well with the spices. The empanadas de carne were the best I have tried. The agua de Maracuya was also good. The owner was a very nice woman and you can see the passion she has for cooking. We had a great conversation with her. This is a hidden Gem. We don't live in Los Angeles but for sure we will be going there again every time we are in Los Angeles! This restaurant is a must try!! 5 stars because it is fresh and homemade food! La comida estuvo muy sabrosa el ceviche de camarón estuvo muy delicioso y el Sango de Camarón también. Las empanadas de carne fueron las mejores que he probado. El ambiente es como en casa y la comida muy frescas y casera. La dueña es muy amable y tuvimos una conversación muy buena. No somos de Los Angeles per cada vez que estemos allá regresaremos a esta joya escondida de restaurante! read more

Ave Maria Restaurant - Ceviche de camarón, empanada de carne, agua de Maracuya - Latin American Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

Super good food and it literally brings me back to Ecuador, did not disappoint, brought me back so many memories, the owner is super nice and friendly read more

Ave Maria Restaurant - Guatita y burrito de asada - Latin American Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Best Ecuadorian food in town. Reminded me of my grandmas seco. Definitely going back! read more

Ave Maria Restaurant - Seco De Pollo - Latin American Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I came to Ave Maria and let me tell you as a born and raised Ecuadorian the food tasted super homey and traditional. The seco de carne, pollo, guatita, hayacas were delicious. To top it off for desert, I had morocho. (A definitely must). It really transported me back to Ecuador. I really recommend their food. I will definitely be coming back. read more

Ave Maria Restaurant - Morocho - Latin American Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

Food was amazing Sango de camarones is a must Delicious Seco de carne meat was tender Sauce was delicious The best Ecuadorian restaurant I've ever been to read more

The food was absolutely delicious! Everything we ordered was so tasty I really enjoy every bite! I will definitely come back ! read more

The family-owned business is a top-tier destination. The food is delicious and plentiful. The ambiance is sweet and inviting. They will have you wanting more. I am looking forward to trying everything on the menu. The staff is wonderful and their service is excellent. read more

Ave Maria Restaurant - Seco de Carne - Latin American Near Me - Los Angeles, California