I came here on a Saturday hoping for pupusas and I was very disappointed as I had a long piece of black hair in my food couldn't go back the same day for a remake and they wouldn't offer a refund. Came back in on Monday as they said they could remake the same order as I was disappointed about the hair and feel so disgusted I hope for some alternative food and they wouldn't accommodate or refund my money. The store looks clean but after this experience I don't know if it's clean in the kitchen at all. read more

El Paraiso Restaurante - Pupusas with long hair - Salvadoran Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Best PUPUSAS EVER in South County, better yet, in Orange County. We ordered them often and recently ordered 2 dozen revueltas for our Christmas dinner. They did not diasapoint. They are full of flavor and a very decent size. Would highly recommend getting pupusas here. read more

Came here last night to eat some pupusas. Would recommend to call ahead because the wait time was around 20 minutes for 2 pupusas. I ate them at the restaurant, the restaurant had about one other party, so it was nice and quiet. As for the pupusas they felt a little too greasy. The one I got, revuelta, the taste was a little off. But my sister got a bean and cheese one and it was delicious! read more

The food is good here and pricey too but the service is 5/10 due to they seem to prioritize the people that eat there over the ones that order to go. I have ordered my food an hour in advance and still not ready. It is not okay because we are all paying the same prices. read more

They tax so much on the food not even worth it . The prices are insane for what you get . San Sivar would've never done me like that . Never again . read more

The food was amazing. I like the bean papusa the best. The guacamole was fresh and delicious.

Best papusas of my life!!! So good, everyone is so sweet and the service was amazing!!! I usually takeout but I always recommend this place to family and friends read more

Pros: The food is always fresh and delicious. It is 100% authentic and high-quality Salvadoran. For that alone, I would rate 5 stars absolutely. Cons: The prices are high, so for that I take one star away. I ordered 4 pupusas and it came out to $20... The restaurant has very friendly, vacation-style vibes and music that lets you know the food is going to be authentic. The workers are friendly and bi-lingual which is a plus. Overall I really enjoy it here, just not often as the prices are expensive read more

Update. This place deserves 5 stars for its true authenticity. The food is always served fresh. Lovely staff. Great environment read more

El Paraiso Restaurante - Menu - Salvadoran Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Si estás buscando las mejores pupusas en Orange County, este es el lugar. El sabor es auténtico, casero, y cada mordida te transporta directo a El Salvador. El servicio es excelente, el personal siempre amable y atento. No es casualidad que siempre esté lleno de gente -- la calidad y el ambiente lo dicen todo. 100% recomendado. read more

Yummy El Salvadorian food made to order fresh! Service with a smile! Latin music while you eat!

Service is not good. They charge you extra for takeout delivery if you want more red sause for the pupusas. Spent over $30 and barely got 1 sause for the pupusas that is not enough for all the pupusas I got."no buen servicio te cobran por salsas extras para llevar." Las pupusas casi $5 y no te pueden dar salsa te cobran extra". read more

El Paraiso Restaurante - Restaurant - Salvadoran Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Small informal place, thought I get could get a quick bite for pretty cheap. Got a burrito and a Sprite, bill came out to $17 and change. Huh? Checked the bill and the Sprite was about $4.50. Isn't that a little steep? Will probably find a cheaper joint next time. read more

Delicious pupusas and friendly staff always make our dining experience wonderful. We have ordered for pick up and also sat down there to eat- food is consistently good quality. With limited latin American food options in South Orange County El Paraíso is always a go to. read more

I was craving for some pupusas one day and stumbled upon this place while searching Yelp. I was a little frustrated ordering over the phone as the lady on the phone couldn't hear and understand anything I was saying. I was persistent to try them out, so I ended ordering in person, and waited 30 minutes for them to prep my order. Gladly, I persevered despite the long wait 'coz their PUPUSAS are some of the bests I've had. I've been coming here since, and I've been lucky to have gotten someone more helpful on the phone. Gosh, how I wish places like this have online ordering available or just someone who can speak English 'coz it's a hit or miss placing orders on the phone. Despite the challenges of ordering here, their Pupusas are so good, and they make it fresh upon ordering. It comes out piping hot, and so delicious! You can taste the corn flavor of the masa, and their generous with their cheese fillings at such reasonable prices, starting at $3.99/each. The flavors I've tried so far are: Queso (Cheese) - So simple yet so good! Chicharron Con Queso (Pork & Cheese) - This is a family favorite. So delicious! Jalapeño Con Queso (Cheese & Jalapeño) - I personally didn't like this. Queso Con Loroco (Cheese & Loroco) - I love this! This is my personal favorite! This place had become our go-to for some amazing Pupusas! read more

El Paraiso Restaurante - These Pupusas are sofa king good! They make it fresh and piping hot! - Salvadoran Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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AMAZINGGGGGG pupusas!! The service was good and the staff was so sweet. The food came out in 15 minutes, SOOOOO worth the wait, it was fresh and flavorful. Recommend 10/10 read more

El Paraiso Restaurante - Pupusasssss - Salvadoran Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Are you reading this because you are interested in their pupusas? Well if you are, CALL YOUR ORDER IN 20 mins before you want them. Apparently you can order online or call. There's located in a small plaza that has a liquor store, a burger joint, and a car body shop. Pupusas are very well worth the wait. They are STUFFED with the filling and the dough is so crisp on the outside and nice and soft. The loroco and queso is personally one of my favorites. The jalapeño and queso and the revuelta (pork beans and cheese) are good as well. Curtido (slaw) is heavenly. Only down side is for three pupusas a they gave me a small 3 oz salsa and a small bag of curtido. I asked to order an extra side of curtido but the lady said don't worry about it but lady I am going to worry about it. The curtido is fire and I will definitely check my order before I leave next time so I can get what I need of the curtido and the salsa. Highly recommend! Wanna try their plantain empanada and their corn tamales! read more

El Paraiso Restaurante - 3 Pupusas, 1 salsa, 1 small bag of curtido. (2022) - Salvadoran Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Wow. If you've ever dreamed of paying full price for tiny portions, crunchy undercooked rice, and fish so burnt it could be used as charcoal, then this place is a culinary jackpot. The location? Chef's kiss -- if your idea of a good time is circling the block 12 times just to question all your life choices. Honestly, I came hungry and left with trust issues. 10/10 would not recommend unless you're on a diet, enjoy disappointment, or just want to pay for pain with a side of curtido. read more

Nice little restaurant that's cozy and clean, I got the Huevos con Jamon (Eggs and ham), and it was delicious. I'll come back to try the salpicon de res. Service was also really good. read more

Fantastic! Before going to mexico if you're looking for authentic food to taste this is the place. Atmosphere is also fantastic. This is definitely an orange county hole in the wall that should be enjoyed by all. Just remember, If you like fast food you're gonna be disappointed here or you will never go back to fast food. Everything is fresh cooked and not processed junk. The service was fantastic. read more

Love it here! It's great food, it takes a while to get the food. I recommend ordering ahead.

The food is hot and delicious, service is friendly. They are a bit pricey, pupusas are 4.50 each You can sit and enjoy your food or take it to go. The restaurant is clean and the staff is attentive. read more

I had a mad craving for pupusas the other day so I got on Yelp and found El Paraiso. This place is small and located in a sort of run down looking mini strip mall. Upon entering it's a pretty none descript restaurant, but hey it's all about the food anyways! We ordered chicken and cheese ,pork and cheese pupusas , side of beans and rice. I personally was not a fan of a the pork pupusas and the rice, I found them to be bland in taste. But the chicken and cheese pupusas are so good! I loved the portion and the curtido and salsa were on point! read more

El Paraiso Restaurante - Pupusas - Salvadoran Near Me - Lake Forest, California

best pupusas i've ever had really love the jalapeño cheese ones! the nutty horchata is also amazing only i wish they could offer in to-go cups because i can never finish the drink there! read more

I was craving pupusas and I am so happy I stumbled upon this place! The pupusas were huge!! They were also so flavorful and filled up! read more

El Paraiso Restaurante - Salvadoran Near Me - Lake Forest, California

My friend recommended we try this restaurant and took my partner and I to it, earlier tonight. The food was REALLY good! Everything tasted flavorful and fresh. The service was quick, which was good, since I was very hungry. The restaurant had good seating and nice music playing. I would definitely recommend this restaurant. read more

El Paraiso Restaurante - Taquitos and burrito. - Salvadoran Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Este es mi lugar favorito para comer pupusas y caldo de res, su caldo es el más delicioso, que allá probado, Mi familia y Yo adoramos este lugar, siempre ordenamos las pupusas revueltas, y mi hijo Leo de 6 años pide la de queso, si quieres comer ahí, te recomiendo llamar antes (40 min)para que sepas que tan larga es la espera y para poner tu orden, cuando vallas por tu orden asegúrate de decirle a la chica de la caja que has llamado para poner una orden para comer ahí, Nosotros siempre hacemos eso para no tener que esperar, por que como son muy populares siempre están bien ocupados... el servicio es muy bueno y las Chicas son muy amables, ya no vivimos cerca,pero espero muy pronto poner ir a comer ahí otra vez. Muchas gracias read more

El Paraiso Restaurante - Salvadoran Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Fantastic pupusas. Tried the revuelto (pork, bean, & cheese), jalapeño & cheese, and bean & cheese. My favorite so far is the revuelto. The curtido is sooo good. So happy I paid the extra $3 for the medium pouch. Would consider paying the extra $5 for the big tub next time. The fried plantains are also delicious. Soft and caramelized and a perfect sweet and savory combo eaten together with the beans. So so happy I found an El Salvadoran restaurant in the Lake Forest area that lives up my other favorite in Tustin (El Habanero- their fish tacos are also the best I've ever had). read more

El Paraiso Restaurante - salsa, 6 pupusas, 2 pouches of curtido (larger pouch is extra $3), fried plantains with black beans and crema - Salvadoran Near Me - Lake Forest, California

I was first introduced to pupusas when I worked in Anaheim several years ago. There are quite a few Pupuserias in that area, and I doubted that I'd ever find anything close to the likes of them in South OC. Boy, was I wrong! If you don't know what pupusas are, they are a traditional Salvadoran dish made of a thick, handmade corn tortilla that is usually filled with a blend of cheese, pork, refried beans, chicharron and other goodies. They are typically served with curtido (crunchy fermented cabbage) and a tomato salsa. If you're on a diet, head for the door because this would not be your food of choice. I happened to stumble upon El Paraiso Salvadorian in Lake Forest because I was at another business in the area. They are located in a very small shopping plaza on the corner of El Toro and Jeronimo. It's a small hole in the wall with limited parking. The menu is prominently displayed, front and center. It's a fast casual place where you order at the cashier and wait for your food. They have limited seating inside, but it seemed that most people got their food to go. I ordered the pork & cheese pupusa and the bean & cheese pupusa to go. While the pupusas may not look very big in my photo, they are definitely filling! Two pupusas and I was stuffed! Not gonna lie... they are pretty greasy, so be prepared for the drippings! Adding the curtido on top just adds to the overall flavor. The 2 pupusas that I ordered were $2.49 each, which is very reasonable. In addition to pupusas, they also offer burritos, tacos, soups, combo plates and other Salvadoriian favorites. If you haven't had a pupusa before and happen to be in South OC, this would be a legit place to try them! read more

El Paraiso Restaurante - Pork & cheese pupusa and bean & cheese pupusa = $2.49 each. Delicious and filling! - Salvadoran Near Me - Lake Forest, California

The pupusa's are good but they have an updated their menu with the new prices so I thought I was spending you know 50 or 60 not $100 and that's very annoying and the got the order wrong... I called and said I'll take back the wrong 8 pupusas and she couldn't answer sooooo I'll call my bank ... one the over charged and the wrong order ... be aware read more

Seriously the best food I have had in a long time, my wife and I are foodies and like to try different ethnic foods. If you're in the mood for some great Salvadorian food. Definitely check this place out!! read more

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Found this little gem on a yelp, when I was looking up pupusas. Read the reviews and informed y husband we had to go try it. We went around 5pm and it was packed. I would say they have about 10 tables for seating and they were all taken. They have an extensive menu so it took us a while to order. I got a jalapeño cheese and a chichiron papusa. My husband got the monday chicken special and I also got the beef soup. The order took about 30 minutes, which was okay bc I read in the reviews it is cook to order. We were in no rush. The ladies working there were very very nice, the establishment nice and clean. My Pupasa's were nice and hot, cheese everything very good. Just wish they had a spider hot sauce. Took them home with my spicy hot sauce and they were fire!!! My beef soup was good I would give it a 8 out of10 just a bit more flavor needed. Now my husband's Monday special!!!! Delicious!! It was amazing! I can't even describe the taste of it. It was well marinated and perfectly cooked! Definitely coming back for that dish. They have so many options you can go wrong. I'm excited to come back and try more entree's. We were very happy with our food, the customer service and the ambiance. Nice authentic place. Excited to try again! Thank you! read more

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Ordered a pork burito with green sauce with extra rice and beans and jamaica drink. Drink was 6 bucks. Burito was 17 buck advertized at 11.99. Burito was stuffed with 90% over cooked rice and very little pork. Order took 20 minutes. Total rip off. Never coming back. read more

Ordered over 100 papusas for a work event and they were great to work with and food was amazing!

I am a regular customer and always order my regular plate, but I ordered something different this time. I noticed the plate was missing a potato, just a little piece. When I requested potato and asked the server, she returned to the kitchen and said it was only a little piece of potato. That is ridiculous, and I didn't think the cooks needed to say that. This is the second time my wife had two tablespoons of rice last time, and the cook lady was watching us and saying the same things, only that portion the owner needed to pay attention to this problem. read more

Fresh and delicious! The dough of the pupusa was both pillowy and thinly seared, beautiful. I dropped in expecting a fast food experience, but instead was treated like a guest in the home. read more

You know it's the best when a business is "unclaimed" and still popular - seriously the BEST pupusas around! We are used to eating really good pupusas having lived in downtown la for a few years so when we moved to Irvine I was looking for a pupuseria and so glad we found El Paraiso! read more

This little hole in the wall restaurant didn't really stand out at first. But I was craving papusas so we came. These have got to be the best pupusas in town. Very yummy and a decent price. Service was just fine. Some workers don't speak English but no problem. Place could be cleaner but it's not that big of a deal. I will continue to come back!! read more

Worth the wait. Popusas are delicious. My favorite are the cheese and bean popusas. Will be returning

I took a $25 loss. I should have walked away when I saw how empty the place was. I ordered the platanos con frijoles y crema ($12.50) and one puousa revuelta and a coffee (12.50) to dine there. I was served coffee in a Styrofoam cup I sat down to wait for the food and like 10 min later the cashier came up to me and told me the platanos were not good and that she'd refund me. Fair. The machine couldn't refund me on my apple pay so she tries various times to call the owner who never picked up. When the pupusa (de arroz) arrived, it was burned both sides and there was still uncooked masa around the edges. I went up to her and I was like hey, this is burned and not cooked. This is not good. She said "oh it's the masa" really? They bragged about the lady having 10 years experience in making pupusas and she doesn't realize her complaints is way too hot? So the lady picks up the phone again to call her boss, and I was so annoyed and hungry I told her I'd rather take the loss! read more