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

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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

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

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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

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

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

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

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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

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

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

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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

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

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

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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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

FINALLY. An Ecuadorean restaurant in LA that does it all right. Guatita, sango de camaron, colada de maracuyá, hayacas, bolon mixto, empanadas de queso y de carne... and more. The owner holds herself to a high standard to cook the Ecuadorean dishes with a loyalty to the flavors as one would have them in Ecuador. If you've never tried Ecuadorean food before, it might just become your new favorite cuisine after a meal here. read more

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

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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

wow! this place is a little gem in the El Sereno/Hermon/Highland Park neighborhood. Im a Peruvian married into an Ecuadorian family so as soon as we saw the Ecuadorian flags driving by, we had to stop. My personal highlights are the humitas and the seco de carne, but all the Ecuadorian food we've ordered has been top notch. Very tasty home flavors. My family is from north Peru, close to Ecuador, so many of the flavors reminded me of my childhood as well (specially the humitas--best we've had in LA). Highly recommended, can't wait to go back and try the locro, sango and guatita. 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

The service was amazing, the owner is very friendly and welcoming. The food is delicious and so right on point with all the expected flavors. I highly recommend trying this place if you haven't. Thank you for the flavorful food. read more

Food was amazing and service outstanding. I had bolon and guatita was so delicous. I also recommend de beef and cheese empanadas.

Food was great, had a carne asada torta and it was flavorful, fresh and filling. The spicy green salsa was also probably the best green sauce I have had, the owner very nice lady imports her spices from South America. Will definitely be going back to try other menu items! read more

Had the best experience with the Tallarín Verde, the taste was definitely like the one prepared in Ecuador. I had grown to like the regular pesto sauces that I found here in the U.S. but definitely that was Ecuadorian touch nonetheless. Everybody was very welcoming plus the freshly brewed coffee tasting stand they had was top notch. read more

The food is amazing! Great service and it's so cozy!! Just like being at home!! Totally recommend it!