All I have to say is, food quality and portions have gone down. The first couple of times I've eaten here I was impressed in the quality of food and how they had flavor but as the time has gone by so has the quality and the flavor. I gave this spot hope but all it's given me back is extremely explosive bowel movements. As far as the ambiance, dude whoever they hired to change the paint on the walls had no idea what they're doing, the place went from looking and feeling super cozy and welcoming to colorless and lifeless. Cleanliness: 7/10 Vibe: 6/10 Service: 7/10 Food: 6/10 Speed: 8/10 Value: 5/10 read more

I've been following this restaurant on Instagram for years and finally got to try it yesterday. I live in Orange County and wish we had a location here. My friend (eats meat) and I (vegetarian) both ordered nachos with half Al Pastor and Asada. The flavor of the Al Pastor was amazing. The sauces were so good and the portions were huge! They don't go easy on the toppings. We couldn't even see our chips! We both couldn't stop talking about how good the food was. The service was great and fast. The parking lot was easy to access and there were multiple spots when I got there. I hate dealing with parking in LA, but I didn't have issues here. The store was very clean. Overall, fantastic experience. If it was closer, I'd go weekly. read more

El Cocinero - Al Pastor and Asada Nachos (10/10, amazing) - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys CA, California

I tried the burrito with my 6 year old in December. We loved it. I went back for the tres durrado tacos birria style! Add the orange spice and you have one of the best flavors ever to reach American streets! Amazing! Best vegan taco ever and it's truly hard to beat Vegatinos but this one hits! I'd say this is my favorite Mexican vegan! read more

Mostly it was okay. The different combinations made it a bit daunting for a first time. Thankfully the staff was understanding and helpful. The chiccarone (?) quesadilla was best. I am not so sure fake meat with apparent flavorings and who knows what else is healthier for you? All in all a little pricey, not in a rush to go back as it did not overwhelm and I am not a vegetarian (although I do not know what religion has to do with it)! read more

We were on our way to grab boba at Boba Time and pick up some veggies from 99 Ranch when we stumbled upon this spot. As a taco lover, I had to give their vegan tacos a try! I got the 5-taco combo for $17.50 to sample different flavors, and wow -- the al pastor and one of the crunchy "meat" tacos (not sure what it was, but so good!) really stood out. Each taco was served on two small tortillas and overflowing with meat, and the salsa was delicious. You honestly wouldn't even think they're vegan! We came around 1 PM and there were quite a few people waiting for orders. It took a little longer than expected, even though the vegan meats looked prepped buffet-style, but it was totally worth it. Definitely recommend this place -- can't wait to come back and try more from the menu! read more

I really do love this place. I'm not vegan by any stretch of the imagination. But I do enjoy vegan food. I haven't been here in a while and I'm glad they're doing so well. Came and it was a full house. Yet my order barely took 10mins to get ready. Fast service considering I came 15mins before closing. They offer a variety of vegan "meats". I got the guisada on my nachos. Definitely hasn't disappointed. If you haven't been here before, consider ordering the nachos because they are HEAVY (I.e. you get quite a bit for your money). Will come here again. Next time I want to try their vegan flan read more

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Wow! Amazing vegan Mexican. Hubby & I split nachos, so flavorful & fresh. I had a carne asada bowl-- also top notch Super helpful & friendly staff Simple, clean ambiance read more

I wanted to love this place but they overloaded my tacos with onions and I had indigestion afterward. I tried one of each of the fake meat options. The staff seemed friendly but the extra onions made me think maybe they don't want my business due to my demographic or whatever. Generally most vegan spots are inclusive so not sure what's up here. They are out of the way for me and I had been wanting to check out this place for over 1yr. I won't go out of my way for this place but if I'm in the area I'll give them one more chance. I think I liked the fake chikn and jackfruit the best. My partner liked the pastor. We both thought the asada was eh but it wasn't bad. I wish I had gotten a burrito and the menu has other interesting choices I just did a sort of sampler plate as an introduction. They could also up the wow factor by having some better salsas but that's just me a good salsa can have me hooked on a place. read more

El Cocinero - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys CA, California

Absolutely amazing! I am obsessed with the chicharron but all the proteins are amazing. Delicious salsas and agua frescas. About time LA had a 10/10 vegan mexican spot that keeps giving. If you're vegan or just love a damn good taco, you have to try it. read more

Amazing vegan Mexican food. I think the prices could be lower but the food is great. The place should be open later than 8 PM. It was really busy up until close. I would definitely eat here at 11 PM vs Taco Bell. read more

Excellent food, perfect taco size for the money you pay. Totally worth it. The place is very clean, and the service is great!

I am astounded at how good the tacos are and how close to meat they taste. I could easily go vegetarian if all vegetarian meat replacements were thus good! People totally knock the Valley as a place to visit for food, but these were some of the best tacos I have ever had. I wish I bought more. The people working here are friendly. I came during Christmastime so the decor was super festive and jolly. read more

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I love El Cocinero so much it's unbelievable. If this restaurant were closer to me, there's no doubt that I would be here every single day. I've been to El Cocinero multiple times and have always had a great experience. The line can be a bit crazy sometimes (and this is the only negative), but that's because of the phenomenal food. I've tried almost everything on the menu and I've loved every bite. However, my favorites are El Cocinero's Sopes, Burritos, and Papas a la Bestia with either chicken or al pastor. The horchata is also a must-order menu item. The inside is fairly small but there are adequate seating options; however, because they're typically busy, don't bank on finding seating, especially if you're in a big party. Overall, this is one of the best restaurants in Los Angeles, for vegans and non-vegans alike. I've brought several of my meat-eating friends and family members here and I've only heard praises. I'm looking forward to coming back to try the pozole. Thank you El Cocinero for your existence. read more

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TL;DR- Ah.maz.ing. Nice taco portions. Reasonable prices. We only tried their tacos, but my hubsand and I tried almost all of the "meats." The tacos are served in tiny tortillas like you find in actual street food. One bite sent much of the filling into the container, so I used a spoon because I refused to leave the yumminess behind. My husband ordered asada, pastor, and chicharron. He says the pastor is his favorite. I stole a bite of the chicharron and while it doesn't taste exactly like the meat version (ya' know because it's not meat) the texture is the perfect crunch one expects from chicharron. I ordered asada, birria, and carnitas. The birria is my favorite, but they were all yummy. My guy also ordered flan and really liked it but said it's denser and tastes like coconut and not what is traditionally expected in plain flan. He said, "Don't expect the flan you're used to, but it is a delicious dessert." El Cocinero has THE best vegan tacos I've ever had. The prices are reasonable, too, considering they're vegan, and everything vegan is typically double the price of the carnivore version. Since this place is an hour away from my home (we visited because we're in the area for an errand), we're going to swing by for dinner, too. read more

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The food is absolutely amazing! Been vegan for 8 years and this is thee best Mexican food I've had. The restaurant is clean and and the staff is wonderful. We came for lunch and we are seriously going back for dinner! Highly recommend! read more

El Cocinero - Forgot to take a before photo. Birria taco and the pastor were my favorite! - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys CA, California

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I happened to be in this area and wanted a sandwich but I'm on a plant based diet so options are severely limited. I found them on Apple Maps, saw the good reviews, and went in and ordered an "asada" torta and a side of rice/beans. The restaurant was super clean, the man at the counter was super nice and gave me samples to try, and the food was stellar; I thought it was eating real asada. The price was higher than I'd have liked for a torta but the taste made it worth it. I will be back and I marked them as a favorite in my Maps app! read more

True story - I never get a photo because I'm too excited to start eating. The "chicharron" is incredible. I don't know how they pull off that texture and saltiness but they do and I love it. Also a big fan of the "asada," especially in a burrito. And speaking of which, the burrito is the way to go. Get everything on it. No regrets. I get extra sauces on the side, especially the chipotle mayo. Their salsa roja is fire, both literally and in the gen Z way. Don't sleep on the beans. They are so stupid good, and I normally don't even like pinto beans!! When I'm feeling extra, I get some rice and chips, which are both super solid. I just don't usually need the extra food 'cause the burrito is so packed. Tried to horchata for the first time today and I can honestly say I was surprised by how refreshing and not over-the-top sweet it was. I could actually drink it with my meal and not have it as a dessert, which I really enjoyed. Lovers of good, hearty, homey food, you gotta come here. There's so much love in every bite. read more

I have been wanting to come here for the last couple of years, and I finally made it twice within two weeks... The vegan shrimp fajita tacos are to die for... I also had an asada taco and jackfruit. Both are great. Today they surprisingly had a bread pudding type of dessert in the fridge that I also took home... Unbelievable! So glad I found this place, and I can't believe that I happened to come without a big wait or anything. They are a keeper on my rotation! read more

Torta was excellent. I think one strong reason is because their red sauce is so good. Tacos were good especially the chichurron. Service always top notch. read more

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The food was fresh, flavorful, and served quickly. The tacos were packed with delicious fillings, the salsa had just the right kick, and the staff was friendly and welcoming. Great atmosphere and excellent value--I'll definitely be coming back! read more

WOW I'm so impressed by this place and I'm not even vegan! Their flsvors are delicious, super savory, and you def don't feel fomo for not eating meat. The place itself is super clean and I love how minimal the interior is, yet it's so warm and cozy because the staff is super kind!! I got the QuesaBirria, Taco al Pastor, and Chick'n Quesadilla. My fav was the Birria!! The Consome sauce was soooo delicious, and the Birria was savory and crunchy with the perfect amount of cheese and "meat". Everything tasted super fresh too. The taco was also super delicious, they made the "carne al pastor" super well seasoned and a bit crunchy which was nice. The quesadilla's "chick'n" taste real too- I added the sauce on top it but next time i would just get it plain bc it makes the quesadilla a little soggy. I was super stuffed and satisfied. I would 100% come back. Oh and their Horchata was so yummy- it's sweet and reminded me of arroz con leche a bit! read more

El Cocinero - Taco al Pastor - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys CA, California

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This is one of those places that if you have to wait it's TOTALLY worth it! Carnivores vegans everyone do not pass up one of the tastiest plant-based eateries here in SoCal! I eat here at least once a month and the food is so good I wait for them to open if I'm out here early! Service is always fantastic! I've only had takeout but there is seating available inside as well and always a nice atmosphere and the staff and clientele make you feel welcomed. A party on your tastebuds it will be! Just check it out and you will see! 10/10 and if I could give 7 stars I would. read more

I really love this place but unfortunately I've had bad experiences when it comes to picking up my order. I came here a while ago (approx. 2 months) to pick up my food and I was first in line but was ignored by an employee who then helped the person behind me instead. At first, I thought nothing of it and gave them the benefit of doubt thinking that it was a mistake/accident. Unfortunately, the same thing happened again tonight while I was picking up my online order. I got there and was the first one waiting at the pick up counter. An employee saw me there and the same exact thing happened to me. I've been supporting and going to this place since 2020. I'm very disappointed by the way I've been treated the last 2 times I've gone. read more

The best. Nothing comes close to this place. The quesabirria tacos with consume is what dreams are made of. Burritos are incredible. All the staff are super friendly too. I always get extra food to go - heats up well next day. A Los Angeles institution, even though it has been here that long. read more

After so many years of following this place , since they used to do pop ups in parking lots Vegatinos times, I have to say they have lost not just my support but also my family and friends support as well.their food has gone down , way over price for a burrito and worst of all the staff Pedro the guy who takes the orders think he's doing you a favor by taking your orders he's so entitled he forgets that we the costumers are the one who keep their business afloat. Over all too many negatives experiences here lately. read more

This restaurant has amazing food options with something for everyone! The plant based meats come so close to the real thing that it has all my family members second guessing their taste buds because the food is so delicious! And apart from the tasty food, the service is amazing! There are some real quality human beings that help you find something that you will love and enjoy! Special shoutout to Yessica, Esteban, Chava, Andy, and Santiago! God bless all of you! Looking forward to enjoying another fantastic meal made possible by all of you! THANK YOU read more

I've heard so many great things about El Cocinero so finally decided to try it out. I kept it simple and went with tacos (chicharron, carnitas, and suadero) and nachos (carne asada).I am the biggest cumin hater so unfortunately I didn't love everything I tried because it was cumin heavy. I did love the "chicharron" and would come back to just try it in a burrito or mulita. Brought my mom and she loved everything we tried. There's a ton of parking. There are tables and bar style seating available. Making it easy for dine in or take out. read more

El Cocinero - Chicharron, carnitas, and suadero tacos - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys CA, California

Incredible vegan Mexican food! Full of flavor, great vibes, and top-tier service. Even non-vegans will love this spot. Friendly staff, great atmosphere, and food that keeps you coming back. Highly recommend! Dj Mark Da Spot read more

Wow! This is the BEST Mexican. Everything we tried was so delicious. The street corn is spectacular! Even the side of rice & beans was outstanding. Highly recommend read more

Finally made it to El Cocinero today! Absolutely amazing food! One of the best vegan restaurants I've ever tried!!! Everyone one was super nice. Service was fast. I really enjoyed my meal. The Al Pastor tacos are fantastic!! I can't wait to come back!! Thank you for creating such a delicious menu!!! 10 stars!! read more

I wasn't sure what to expect, but this place really impressed me. The vegan tacos were full of flavor, and everything tasted fresh and made to order. Even my non-vegan friend loved it. Definitely a spot I'll be coming back to when I'm craving Mexican food. read more

Great food and big portions. I will be back. One would not know that the food was vegan. I was full and took food home. read more

VEgan nachos were amazing. No shortage of toppings and a full meal for 2 People. Will return anytime I'm in this neighborhood! read more

El Cocinero - Nachos - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys CA, California

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First time visit to this vegan taco joint, and we will be back! My husband and I shared a 5-taco order, a street corn and an order of guacamole. Having the food on display at the front counter makes it easy to see what the various fillings are. We enjoyed all of the types of vegan meat fillings. The guac was well seasoned and very fresh. There were two sauces (red and green) and we liked both of them. They do have other things on the menu besides tacos, so we will have to come back again to try them out! read more

One of my favorite vegan Mexican places! I usually get takeout or delivery here but decided to eat in and love how they've added indoor seating! There's a great variety of seating available and the decor is so cute! Everyone is so friendly there. I am obsessed with their burritos and love the jackfruit filling best. I love their crema and mayo as well. The food is so hearty and well seasoned. read more

El Cocinero - Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys CA, California

This is one of my favorite burritos in LA and I'm not vegan! You can't tell it's not meat, it's just so flavorful. The el pastor is amazing. I've been here many, many times. If I had one suggestion it would be an option to grill the burrito. read more

Everything was pitch perfect ! The flavors ,the service ,the quality of the food and portion sizes for your moneys worth ! It was our first time here and we couldn't have felt more welcomed and appreciated to be there , I loved how the staff called regular guests by their first name making every visit a personal one , we were given recommendations and they were spot on! Thank you for this amazing first time experience ! Looking forward to returning ! read more

El Cocinero - Outside - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys CA, California

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and now, after hearing back from whoever claims, they watched this on video the whole place is a lie. I recommend going to another vegan restaurant as will everyone I know. very unprofessional and rude. read more

I came here for Mother's Day. My family came right at their opening at 1pm because we wanted to avoid lines and the hassle of crowds. We succeeded because we came to scout the place 20 minutes before it opened and I was the 3rd family in line when it opened. This place is located in a tiny strip mall that is so unassuming. You actually would have driven by here a thousand times while driving on Sepulveda. But I came upon this place because I was looking for healthy eats. And how can you resist VEGAN MEXICAN in the valley? We came to celebrate and we did. We got an array of their assortments of delectables. We got their nachos, burritos, tacos, street corn, and even flan. Thier REFRIED BEANS WERE THE BEST I'D HAD. Their walk up order front is welcoming but you do have to scour to get seating if you have a larger company which we had handmake our own craft table to fit the size. The experience was heartwarming because of the company but the food was soulful and healthy, just as we hoped. read more

I had the quesobirria with consomé and it's delicious. I tried the rice and flan! 10/10! Will be coming back for sure. Very clean and friendly. read more