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The options are limitless and that itself makes me so happy. Being able to have some of my favorite foods recreated in such a delicious way is awesome. The jackfruit carnitas were my favorite (especially in the tacos). I recommend also trying the loaded fries! Very flavorful. The service was decent, and overall a great experience and a nice place to dine in.
Why did I wait this long to finally try their food?! Got their two taco plate that came with a carnitas taco, a birria taco, rice, and beans...and boy did it SLAP! Wow!! I can finally get my vegan Mexican food fix without sacrificing any flavor! Dare I say it's even better than traditional Mexican food?! Can't wait to go back and try the rest of their tacos...yum!
My Forever Favorite -- Vegan Mexican Magic Let's be clear--El Cocinero is him. I've been pulling up here for years and the love is still real. Everything about this place just hits: the flavor, the vibes, the service. It's the kind of spot that makes you feel like family from the jump. Seasoning? On point. Portions? Always generous. The kind of comfort food that wraps you up and feeds your soul. Whether I'm posted up alone or bringing friends for the first time, it's always a win. Now if you really know, you know--my go-to cheat code is adding rice on top of the fries or the nachos. Game. Changer. Vegan or not, this place delivers every single time. Real ones know: El Cocinero been that guy.
I visited this place coz it came as a recommendation from a friend. So while we ordered jackfruit taco and corn on the cob we ask the person how much for guacamole and chips and he says $4 then when the order arrives there is no chips. So we ask for chips and they say it's an extra $2.70 which is really annoying since we asked the guy the price for both chips and guacamole then we order. Do they think we just want to eat a bowl of guacamole by itself. Was annoyed how they gave no chips and charged more for simple chips. Jackfruit was too salty. Corn on cob was boiled with cheese and mayo. They need to make some changes. I wouldn't recommend it yet.
First time eating vegan Mexican food. I gotta say the flavors were very good. I came with my brother's family and we got a few different things to try. We got burritos, nachos and tacos. They all tasted the same, cause they all have the same ingredients. It was busy here so I'm assuming vegans love this place. Clean restaurant and friendly service. A good spot to check out if you are vegan.
The absolute best Vegan Mexican food I've ever had! I've been following them since they were doing little pop-ups as Vegatinos and I'm glad to see they're still going strong. I love their al pastor, especially on nachos. In the couple of times I've visited their restaurant, I've had a good experience and friendly service. It has a very classic Mexican restaurant feel with a good amount of seating for dining in. Their nachos really can't be beat and I'd say it's well worth the drive and price.
Bienvenidos! To over 5 years of El Cocinero. No puedo decir y I still can't say enough great things about this Van Oaks gem. Located in Van Nuys/ just above the Sherman Oaks border, this Sepulveda Boulevard must is the best 100% vegan Mexican food in California as well as Los Angeles. They have dine-in seating with tables and chairs throughout, but it's very limited and if you've been, you know they stay busy from the moment they open at 11am until close at 8pm, Tuesday through Sunday. Their service is flawless con un equipo perfecto (a perfect team) managing the flow from the moment you order to the moment you pick up for dine-in, takeout and/or delivery. For comidas, you should absolutely devour the entire menu: All the tacos Al's/Alex Super Burrito (3 "meat" proteins) - massive Breakfast Burrito (I always ask for ketchup inside) Burrito Bowl Ceviche Elote aka Street Style Corn Mulitas Papas a la Bestie (Beast Fries) Quesabirria Tacos v Sopes Super Nachos Tortas The plant based meat is insanely good, all and I do mean all my vegan, vegetarian and non-vegan peoples love it all. The Al Pastor, Asada, Birria, Chicarron, ChikN, Jackfruit Carnitas, "Shrimp" and Soyrizo. Additionally they have incredible Flan, Agua frescas, Jamaica,Horchata and Natural Sodas like Mexican Coke and/or Diet Coke, Topo Chico Mineral Water as well as Alkaline Water. Love coming here to support them as much as possible with bae and/or the squad. My friends Mike and Derrick eat here a lot as well as order out and they're not vegan, but have been incorporating more plant-based meals into their life over the years. El Cocinero is also gluten friendly with loaded of gluten free options like their nachos, bowls, and majority of their proteins. The sides are stellar as well from the beans to the rice, chips and salsa, so many great things. They greet you and thank you every time and are all welcoming. Enjoy a tailgate/car meal, cool off inside when seats open up or bring it all back home for a fun feast. Easy parking in a shared plaza lot behind the old CVS (now a Spirit Halloween) at Sepulveda Blvd/Erwin Street. El Cocinero has some great catering meals a few of which I'm considering for the holidays and/or my big milestone birthday (40), also around the holidays. 25 platter of tacos, half tray of nachos and five tray burritos (cut in half) all are calling my name, but you don't need a special occasion to enjoy the magica de El Cocinero, six days a semana/week.
Fire!!! Normally don't eat vegan but it was delicious. Come by this place if you're interested in vegan food or not.
We ordered nachos with al pastor and some tacos with al pastor, birria, and asada. Nachos - Beans, sauce, guacamole, and tortilla chips were good. Al pastor meat was good but overtly seasoned that it hurt my stomach. I might just have a sensitive stomach so would definitely aim for something more gentle next time even though it was tasty at first. Tacos - the tortilla is not great quality, or made in house. In addition, there was no place to add toppings for your tacos. I like mine with mexican pickles, radish, lime juice, onions, salsa and cilantro. When you make the order they ask if you want all ingredients (cilantro & onion) yet they are minimal on the taco. I would invite them to have a taco topping bar! The birria was good, asada a bit dry (hence the need for lime on the side), and al pastor was overtly seasoned. The space was nicely lit, and a lot of seating available.
The BEST BEST BEST vegan Mexican food spot I've ever ever had in my life not even just vegan like in general the best Mexican food spot I've ever been to and I love me some Mexican food lol I went a week ago and I literally have not stopped thinking about it since. I'm pretty sure I saw god the second I tasted their food. I'm being so fr I've had DREAMS about this place since going lmao I happily spent like $70 on my first visit bc I couldn't decide on what to get and I don't regret it at all. I'm bringing my boyfriend here tomorrow and I literally plan to spend our life's savings here lol I don't even live near the area I'm like over an hour away but idc it's way too good to not go back 10/10 recommend I cannot believe they're not more popular like I know they're not overlooked but they should fr be recognized as the best vegan Mexican restaurant in all of LA
Yum!! My favorite vegan Mexican food! The loaded fries and my favorite!! Even my meat loving husband always need to get some! When I came in there was loads of parking available and seating tables
I've been coming here for a while and really enjoy their food! I like that they continue to offer new items. I appreciate that they now provide water upon request! This is a sweet family business and the mother has been decorating seasonally! My go to is the 3 meat burrito which must include some form of jackfruit and the nachos with fries instead of chips. I crave these things like once a week! Their serve good size portions! I always leave stuffed. They have a few tables and stools for dine in. It's a rather casual atmosphere where you order and grab your food from the cashier.
This used to be my favorite place for a burrito until they hit us with shrinkflation. The price for Al's Special Burrito went up $2 while the size decreased by about 50% (see photos taken just two weeks apart). I was fine with previous price increases since costs have gone up everywhere and the portions stayed the same. But charging more while serving half the portion isn't a price adjustment, it's a downgrade. Paying more for significantly less just isn't worth it, especially with an hour round trip. There are closer options for me, like Cena Vegan, that still offer generous portions.
There is a term you say in Hawai'i that when something is good, it "broke da mouth." AND THIS VEGAN Mexican dinner by El Cocinero BROKE MY MOUTH! I recently tried out El Cocinero's food at an event that they catered to. As a person who eats meat and is not restricted, I would come here for the good food. The vegan al pastor had chunks of pineapple and it is seasoned and cooked to taste just like the meat version. The texture is just a little bit different but it does resemble a lot like meat. The vegan pastor also tastes just like the meat version, just less "smoky" and the texture is softer. The rice is flavorful and fluffy. The beans are seasoned just enough to have flavor but not compete with the other dishes. The creamy chipotle sauce was perfect topping the rice and beans. I do like vegan food but the only reference I had with Mexican vegan are places that try to add fake cheese and lean heavily on beans and rice. This business shows that you can still have all the flavors and not rely on cheese and meat. They focus on the flavors and not what would make non-vegans feel comfortable. Initially, I was going to give this first time experience a 4 star review so that it encourages me to go check out the restaurant so I can add the service and the ambiance. However, I was lucky enough to bring home leftovers and as I was eating it, the food tastes better. Had to add the extra star! read more
First time at El cocinero, planning on coming back again and again and again!!!!!!! I was informed it was all and everything is vegan which I love tacos and to find a vegan Mexican spot that is all vegan came in clutch. This place had everything you'd need and tastes so good for a vegan spot. You would be able to fool me and tell me this is actual meat and I'd believe it. That's how good it was! I got the quesadilla (half asada, half al pastor) omg that was the best thing I have ever had. The cheese melts and pulls just like regular Cheese. The meat was so juicy and good flavor. I'd get it again and again But I'd probably try the tacos next time along with the quesadilla tbh. I also got the flan which was tbh less sweeter than a regular flan. But hey I still loved it, I don't complain about it. It was still delicious. (Funny incident, I ordered the flan at the front and paid for it.i wasn't told anything else by the guy at the register. SoThen went back to the table and Waited and waited and waited for a good 20 minutes, till I asked about it and was told that I can just grab it out of the refrigerator!!!! Smh, as much as I was upset as much as I for some reason just found it funny. So don't do the same mistake I did and just go grab it right after you pay for it.) Overall, I loved everything and all the things about this place. Nice seating areas, nice environment , helpful workers,convenient parking! And most importantly, delicious food. Definitely be visiting this place again! read more
5 days ago
The options are limitless and that itself makes me so happy. Being able to have some of my favorite foods recreated in such a delicious way is awesome. The jackfruit carnitas were my favorite (especially in the tacos). I recommend also trying the loaded fries! Very flavorful. The service was decent, and overall a great experience and a nice place to dine in. read more
21 days ago
Why did I wait this long to finally try their food?! Got their two taco plate that came with a carnitas taco, a birria taco, rice, and beans...and boy did it SLAP! Wow!! I can finally get my vegan Mexican food fix without sacrificing any flavor! Dare I say it's even better than traditional Mexican food?! Can't wait to go back and try the rest of their tacos...yum! read more
8 months ago
My Forever Favorite -- Vegan Mexican Magic Let's be clear--El Cocinero is him. I've been pulling up here for years and the love is still real. Everything about this place just hits: the flavor, the vibes, the service. It's the kind of spot that makes you feel like family from the jump. Seasoning? On point. Portions? Always generous. The kind of comfort food that wraps you up and feeds your soul. Whether I'm posted up alone or bringing friends for the first time, it's always a win. Now if you really know, you know--my go-to cheat code is adding rice on top of the fries or the nachos. Game. Changer. Vegan or not, this place delivers every single time. Real ones know: El Cocinero been that guy. read more
10 days ago
I visited this place coz it came as a recommendation from a friend. So while we ordered jackfruit taco and corn on the cob we ask the person how much for guacamole and chips and he says $4 then when the order arrives there is no chips. So we ask for chips and they say it's an extra $2.70 which is really annoying since we asked the guy the price for both chips and guacamole then we order. Do they think we just want to eat a bowl of guacamole by itself. Was annoyed how they gave no chips and charged more for simple chips. Jackfruit was too salty. Corn on cob was boiled with cheese and mayo. They need to make some changes. I wouldn't recommend it yet. read more
First time eating vegan Mexican food. I gotta say the flavors were very good. I came with my brother's family and we got a few different things to try. We got burritos, nachos and tacos. They all tasted the same, cause they all have the same ingredients. It was busy here so I'm assuming vegans love this place. Clean restaurant and friendly service. A good spot to check out if you are vegan. read more
5 months ago
The absolute best Vegan Mexican food I've ever had! I've been following them since they were doing little pop-ups as Vegatinos and I'm glad to see they're still going strong. I love their al pastor, especially on nachos. In the couple of times I've visited their restaurant, I've had a good experience and friendly service. It has a very classic Mexican restaurant feel with a good amount of seating for dining in. Their nachos really can't be beat and I'd say it's well worth the drive and price. read more
1 year ago
Bienvenidos! To over 5 years of El Cocinero. No puedo decir y I still can't say enough great things about this Van Oaks gem. Located in Van Nuys/ just above the Sherman Oaks border, this Sepulveda Boulevard must is the best 100% vegan Mexican food in California as well as Los Angeles. They have dine-in seating with tables and chairs throughout, but it's very limited and if you've been, you know they stay busy from the moment they open at 11am until close at 8pm, Tuesday through Sunday. Their service is flawless con un equipo perfecto (a perfect team) managing the flow from the moment you order to the moment you pick up for dine-in, takeout and/or delivery. For comidas, you should absolutely devour the entire menu: All the tacos Al's/Alex Super Burrito (3 "meat" proteins) - massive Breakfast Burrito (I always ask for ketchup inside) Burrito Bowl Ceviche Elote aka Street Style Corn Mulitas Papas a la Bestie (Beast Fries) Quesabirria Tacos v Sopes Super Nachos Tortas The plant based meat is insanely good, all and I do mean all my vegan, vegetarian and non-vegan peoples love it all. The Al Pastor, Asada, Birria, Chicarron, ChikN, Jackfruit Carnitas, "Shrimp" and Soyrizo. Additionally they have incredible Flan, Agua frescas, Jamaica,Horchata and Natural Sodas like Mexican Coke and/or Diet Coke, Topo Chico Mineral Water as well as Alkaline Water. Love coming here to support them as much as possible with bae and/or the squad. My friends Mike and Derrick eat here a lot as well as order out and they're not vegan, but have been incorporating more plant-based meals into their life over the years. El Cocinero is also gluten friendly with loaded of gluten free options like their nachos, bowls, and majority of their proteins. The sides are stellar as well from the beans to the rice, chips and salsa, so many great things. They greet you and thank you every time and are all welcoming. Enjoy a tailgate/car meal, cool off inside when seats open up or bring it all back home for a fun feast. Easy parking in a shared plaza lot behind the old CVS (now a Spirit Halloween) at Sepulveda Blvd/Erwin Street. El Cocinero has some great catering meals a few of which I'm considering for the holidays and/or my big milestone birthday (40), also around the holidays. 25 platter of tacos, half tray of nachos and five tray burritos (cut in half) all are calling my name, but you don't need a special occasion to enjoy the magica de El Cocinero, six days a semana/week. read more
6 days ago
3 months ago
Fire!!! Normally don't eat vegan but it was delicious. Come by this place if you're interested in vegan food or not. read more
We ordered nachos with al pastor and some tacos with al pastor, birria, and asada. Nachos - Beans, sauce, guacamole, and tortilla chips were good. Al pastor meat was good but overtly seasoned that it hurt my stomach. I might just have a sensitive stomach so would definitely aim for something more gentle next time even though it was tasty at first. Tacos - the tortilla is not great quality, or made in house. In addition, there was no place to add toppings for your tacos. I like mine with mexican pickles, radish, lime juice, onions, salsa and cilantro. When you make the order they ask if you want all ingredients (cilantro & onion) yet they are minimal on the taco. I would invite them to have a taco topping bar! The birria was good, asada a bit dry (hence the need for lime on the side), and al pastor was overtly seasoned. The space was nicely lit, and a lot of seating available. read more
5 months ago
The BEST BEST BEST vegan Mexican food spot I've ever ever had in my life not even just vegan like in general the best Mexican food spot I've ever been to and I love me some Mexican food lol I went a week ago and I literally have not stopped thinking about it since. I'm pretty sure I saw god the second I tasted their food. I'm being so fr I've had DREAMS about this place since going lmao I happily spent like $70 on my first visit bc I couldn't decide on what to get and I don't regret it at all. I'm bringing my boyfriend here tomorrow and I literally plan to spend our life's savings here lol I don't even live near the area I'm like over an hour away but idc it's way too good to not go back 10/10 recommend I cannot believe they're not more popular like I know they're not overlooked but they should fr be recognized as the best vegan Mexican restaurant in all of LA read more
1 year ago
I've been coming here for a while and really enjoy their food! I like that they continue to offer new items. I appreciate that they now provide water upon request! This is a sweet family business and the mother has been decorating seasonally! My go to is the 3 meat burrito which must include some form of jackfruit and the nachos with fries instead of chips. I crave these things like once a week! Their serve good size portions! I always leave stuffed. They have a few tables and stools for dine in. It's a rather casual atmosphere where you order and grab your food from the cashier. read more
6 months ago
This used to be my favorite place for a burrito until they hit us with shrinkflation. The price for Al's Special Burrito went up $2 while the size decreased by about 50% (see photos taken just two weeks apart). I was fine with previous price increases since costs have gone up everywhere and the portions stayed the same. But charging more while serving half the portion isn't a price adjustment, it's a downgrade. Paying more for significantly less just isn't worth it, especially with an hour round trip. There are closer options for me, like Cena Vegan, that still offer generous portions. read more
2 months ago
2 months ago
8 months ago
My all time favorite Mexican / Vegan food Their Birria tacos with consome is to die for and their Flan and Horchata is the best ! The Cashier who helped me " Pedro " is super kind and has amazing customer service , Definitely coming back ! read more
2 months ago
4 months ago
Holy f'n smokes. This spot hit we have vegan spots back home but not like this . That's delicious read more
I stopped here to get a takeout order to eat on the drive home. When I walked in, it wasn't clear where to go so I got in line after a customer being helped at a lcounter on the left. After waiting, the employee told me that I was in the pickup line and needed to order at the counter on the right. I ordered the Al pastor burrito without pico de gallo. I asked for lettuce or extra cabbage instead, but I think they forgot. I used the bathroom while I waited and just in the time it took me to pee (and I pee quick), it was already ready. I went to the pickup counter (again) and they offered me sauce. I requested mild and they gave me 3! The burrito was delicious! They didn't cut in half for me so I had to use a pocket knife to cut it. So if you're sharing yours, make sure you ask them to cut it for you. I like that it's all vegan so I'm giving them 5 stars for caring about animals. They had indoor seating but I didn't see any outdoor seating. read more
I am no longer vegan but when I was this was my go to place and it's still an establishment I frequent. When they first opened I was in the long line always and continued to come here through the years. Glad they're still in operation. I finally took a picture of my meal to leave a review after coming here for many years now, I live close by and when I feel like I want a really good burrito I come here. It's the crunchy cabbage and the very flavor mock meats that do it for me every time. The staff is quick with pushing out orders when they're busier and I'm glad they have some seating inside now because a couple years ago they did not. read more
7 months ago
Go here now! We got the pastor vegan nachos and now I can never get them anywhere else. These were so good I've devoted my vegan nachos eating life to them. Forever and ever. The rice was everything you want it to be. We got 5 tacos to eat at home later and I couldn't even wait to try them to write this review, the nachos were so good I had to publicly praise them immediately. read more
7 months ago
Absolutely delicious burritos and elote!! Service is fast and parking is easy. A must-go when you're in Van Nuys. read more
A great taqueria / taco spot located in a strip mall in the valley that specializes in vegan/ plant based 'meat' options. The spot isn't huge and it feels cozy. The folks here are friendly and the order/service style is more of a fast casual where you order from the counter and they bring you your order. I came here looking for the 'carne' guisados taco, but they don't have that every day. Not a big deal at all. I ended up getting a three taco order - "carne asada", jackfruit "carnitas", and mushrooms. Each were very delicious in their own way. I am actually not a vegan, but I must say the flavors and textures of these tacos are on point. I actually had this place bookmarked on a few of my Yelp collections (including a vegan/ vegetarian list as well as a couple of taco lists). I can see why this placed is loved by so many. Parking was pretty easy since the lot was pretty sizable and the strip mall itself wasn't crazy busy (at least on a Sunday afternoon) read more
It's sad we are limited to 5 stars here. People often give 5 stars when they get very good value/service and everything is nearly perfect. There is nothing "nearly" about El Cocinero's perfection. I was looking for something...anything to be wrong so I could have some point of reality. Nope. We came here for my wife's birthday because she's vegan and we'd never been. They have 8 different kinds of "meat"......EIGHT. That's insane. My wife hasn't tasted anything even remotely pork-like in forever, so she didn't know they would taste like. The guy behind the counter just said we could sample the four out front that interested us the most (probably could have tried all 8 but we didn't need to. I am moving over to vegetarian but it wasn't that long ago I ate meat regularly. I usually have a "95% rule" on fake meats. If it's 95% as good, it's good enough to not commit murder. This passed the 100% test, 99% for the Asada. The Al pastor, carnitas, and chicken looked, felt, and tasted exactly like their mean counterpart. Asada was 99% only because I've had enough asada to know it won't get cut up as finely as that, but the feel and taste was spot on. $16 for Super Nachos we had them do with fries instead. I was slightly worried just looking at the containers because they were a little smaller than most I've seen. Then I picked it up. I do not believe I have ever felt the amount of weight in a take out container I felt with these. Open them up and they are PACKED. I came in very hungry. I'm about 225 pounds. I left stuffed and at least half of them left. Thank you leftovers. The store was clean, people were friendly, insane portions, and one of the best fries I've had in my life, vegan or not, and I usually dislike vegan cheeses. I wish I lived a little closer, but probably should be happy I don't because I would be there a lot more often than I should. One note: these are not gringo salsas. The green is a little citrusy and very flavorful. The red is hot. LEGIT hot. Even if you are a big spicy person, you might want to taste this first - this is a lot spicier than normal. Tastes fantastic, but if you're even a little shy about something too spicy, go with the green. If you're close and like Mexican, you MUST try this place. Being vegan totally optional - this stands up to the best real meat places, and the pricing is absolutely reasonable. Get stuffed, feel good about less murder. Perfecto! read more
3 months ago
Delicious and fun!! This local vegan Mexican restaurant makes creative dishes that are both tasty and filling. I ordered a mandarin flavored Jarritos soda and the quesabirria tacos dorados with consome. This came with a hearty portion and the service was fantastic! The team brought my entree and drink right to my table. The entire restaurant was spotlessly clean and I loved the festive ambiance. There was a whole section dedicated to holiday cheer, with life-sized grinch dolls and tree table toppers throughout. I enjoyed my meal and had a great time dipping the sumptuous quesabirria tacos into the rich consome broth. A delight! read more
Vegan Mexican food that is SO tasty!! They have multiple vegan meat styles and they all blow the sad animal versions away! On my most recent visit I ordered asada tacos w rice and refried beans, tamales, and flan. Everything is SO flavorful. Prices are reasonable. And, I cannot get over the flan. The sauce is perfect, and the texture of the flan is literary drool worthy. Run, don't walk ...to El Cocinero!! read more
i would (and have) drive all the way from san francisco for their food! the quality is amazing, it's so consistent, portions are huge, staff is so friendly, food comes out so fast! personally love the al pastor, it's my fav. love the new menu additions too, everything they make is delicious could not recommend it more!!! read more
9 months ago
7 months ago
Carne Asada Sope was delicious!!! I want to come back to try other things. Service was friendly! read more
2 years ago
El Cocinero is my favorite vegan Mexican restaurant by far. They offer a variety of flavorful plant based meats with several options to combine them, such as: tacos, burritos, fries, nachos, and mulitas, plus a few others. My favorite vegan meat is pastor; I just love a mix of anything sweet and semi-spicy, so this was definitely a hit for me since day one. I've also tried their flan dessert and it's literally perfect in terms of consistency and flavor. Drinks are also on point. Service is usually fast. Having everything warm and ready is a great advantage for everyone. Of course, fries (which I order pretty often) do have to be made on the spot, but they usually only take a few extra minutes given that everything else only needs to be packed and you're ready to go! Employee's are friendly and tend to make sure everything is ok with your order and ask if you need anything else before you leave. I always get carry-out, but they do have indoor seating. Don't second guess the area. This plaza used to seem pretty dead before COVID hit (only a few cars parked), and soon after COVID (around the time they opened) the parking lot started getting full. That's how good this place is, and I am now one of those parked cars, lol! Either way, parking is never an issue since the parking spots are stretched out throughout the plaza. I am delighted with this place, and although they don't serve guac, I still give it 5 stars. I do hope they incorporate it one day. It would be even more awesome! read more
1 month ago
3 months ago
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More info about El Cocinero
6265 Sepulveda Blvd
Ste 12
Van Nuys CA, CA 91411
Van Nuys
Directions
(818) 317-5654
Call Now
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https://www.elcocinerorestaurant.com
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Ask the Community - El Cocinero
Will El Cocinero be offering vegan tamales for the Holidays?
One can hope! I know they offer great catering meals and packages.
Do you guys just have a phone for decoration? Or do you actually answer it?
Every time I've been there they've honestly been so busy, they don't have time to answer the phone. There's usually a line out the door. With all the worker shortages, a lot of restaurants aren't able to answer the phone.
Do they have trays available too? Interested for upcoming small family gathering .
Yes they do. You can order them through the Clover app.
Do they take over the phone orders?
I don't think they use phone service at all. The number has been taken down, possibly due to an overwhelm of calls. They only offer take-out for the for seeable future, but might update in the new year and as things improve with health restrictions.
Is indoor dining open yet?
Still no indoor dinning at the moment, believe there will not be until the pandemic is completely over.
What is the asada made of?
The asada is made from soy and/or Iseitan/wheat. Most of all the other plant proteins are gluten-free.
Has anyone been successful using Ritual for online ordering? It never works when I've tried.
I believe they don't do online orders on the weekends. Only walk-ins.
What are the meat substitutes made of?
They use mushrooms in some of their items, jackfruit, chikin (unsure if that is soy based) cashews and nut based flan.
Do they have gift cards/certificates?
I believe they do, I saw a sign for them a few months ago. Not sure if anything's changed with all the restrictions.
What on your menu is gluten free?
I think the super nachos, papas a la bestia and possibly the tacos are gf... I pretty sure the tacos are corn based tortillas. I'm not sure if all or if just some of the plant based meat is gf.
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39 reviews that are not currently recommended
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El Cocinero - mexican - Updated August 2026
Best of Van Nuys CA
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