Still delicious after all these year! We stopped by the bakery on Easter Morning. Got a selection of baked goods and tamales. Employees are helpful. When I was lost and confused since a lot of tags were missing and I didnt recognize all the pastries they helped us identify a bunch of them. Lol, I realized later their website also lists a lot of them. The slice of cheese cake was delicious, great texture and flavor. I also love the mexican biscuits, Bought one to make breakfast sandwiches. It's savory and delicious (also huge). We got mexican tamales but next time I must get the guatemalan ones! Definitely Will be going back for more. Highly recommend La Esperanza. read more

My go-to spot for conchas in the Torrance area. Tucked inside a small strip mall, La Esperanza is one of those hidden gems that's easy to miss but absolutely worth finding. Their conchas are always fresh and consistently well made. I love how balanced the flavor is--not too sweet, with just the right hint of cinnamon that never overpowers the bread. Soft, fluffy, and perfect with a cup of coffee. The parking lot can be a little sketchy , but don't let that stop you. If you're in the South Bay, this place is definitely worth checking out. read more

Authentic and delicious. Friendly service. I had the Pork chuchito - Guatemalan street tamal and Revuelta with beans, chicharron and cheese pupusa. La Esperanza Restaurant & Bakery pupusas are huge. I ordered 2 but one was enough. read more

La Esperanza Restaurant and Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Torrance, California

We had a co-worker take a promotion and got pupusas for her going away celebration. La Esperanza was great. The food was ready right when they said it was. We ordered 70 pupusas, rice and beans, and plantanos. There were several comments by people that the food was delicious. We chose La Esperanza because the person at work like going there for lunch. She was so happy with the surprise in the office. read more

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I really wanted to give this place 5 stars because their tamales are pretty good, however; they are using canned chicken for their chicken tamales. I did not eat canned chicken growing up but my husband did and he knows canned chicken when he sees it. The texture is off and the chicken breaks down too easily. it's almost the consistency of canned tuna. Anyways I immediately lost my appetite eating the Guatemalan chicken tamale. I don't recommend this place for chicken tamales. read more

This is a review of the bakery only....but I do want to check out the Guatemalan Restaurant sometime! For years, we have been relying on La Esperanza for the absolute best tamales around. They are truly the best tamales around. Made fresh in house, the aroma and flavors you get when you unwrap them are amazing. Esperanza offers 3 types of Mexican tamales: Chicken in green sauce, Pork in red sauce, cheese & jalapeno and a Guatemalan tamale wrapped in a banana leaf. All are wonderful with super flavorful masa, which is typically quite bland elsewhere, surrounding a decent amount of filling which is typically minimal at best elsewhere. The ratio of masa to filling is perfect while some tamales I've had overdo the bland masa and give you way too little filling. My favorites are the Guatemalan, the pork and the cheese/jalapeno. There's a nice strip of jalapeno and a good amount of cheesy goodness in the cheese/jalapeno. We typically place a reasonably large order for parties and holidays and they are a huge hit. Oh, and let me tell you, Esperanza's TRES LECHES CAKE slices are THE BOMB...holy smokes, best TRES LECHES CAKE we have ever had. So moist and milky....amazing. My son also likes the cookies; there are tons of other traditional Mexican and Guatemalan treats. And the prices are really good, too. I love watching the smiling bakers make and roll their tamales. Service is friendly and efficient. HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND! The tamales will change your life. read more

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Still the bomb, even years later. Great service. Made in house food. Moist soft airy tamales. I got one of each! read more

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Came here for their famous tres leches cake which was highly recommended by several locals. I was not disappointed-- very fresh, moist but not too wet, not too sweet, and beautiful. Perfect for my bday celebration. They have several on hand in their bakery case so there's no need to call ahead for a special order. They have them in three different sizes--6 inch, 8 inch round and a sheet (quarter pan?). I wanted a small one but found the 8 inch designs to be prettier and with more choices and it was worth it! I chose one with gorgeous fruits atop. They have a ton of great looking treats in their bakery including cakes by the slice too! Part of a strip mall with a parking lot that is tight to get in and out of. But the cake is worth it! read more

We have been coming here For a while now . It seems the food went from good to mediocre . It doesn't justify the process of the food when the quality is so low . Not sure if ownership has changed but hopefully it gets better rather than worsening read more

La Esperanza Restaurant and Bakery - Un tamal guatemalteco crudo - Bakeries Near Me - Torrance, California

The food is delicious I love their pupusas as a Salvadorian myself I only eat my aunts and this restaurant's pupusas! They always have friendly staff in the restaurant and the ambiance is good with music but still you're able to hear the people you came with. read more

This is just a review for the bakery. The bakery has so many options and everything is so fresh. Went in for a concha bouquet for mother's day and they had a beautiful table laid out. The concha were delicious and soft. I definitely want to come back and try other things including the restaurant! read more

La Esperanza Restaurant and Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Torrance, California

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We only came in here for brunch but it was a great time. We haven't been back here for about 8 years (one of our early date spots!) -- but it was lovely to see this restaurant survived the pandemic. We remembered having a great time back then and decided to come back for brunch. The papusa was very good. Stuffed to the max and complimented well with their pickled vegetables. The Tipico Salvadoreno was yummy. I had a craving for plantains so it hit the spot! It comes with black beans too. The only downside was the wait. We waited a good 15-20 min before our food came but maybe they're understaffed. We also went on a Tuesday morning so.... maybe that contributed to it lol read more

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We visited during their slowest period. We were the only guests there. The food was absolutely incredible. Best Yucca and Chicharrón I've had. The pupusas were amazing as well. The service could have been better. Given that we were the only guests we didn't really get checked on. We had to go looking for the waitress to pay our bill. read more

Review based on my first and only dine in visit. Came on a rainy day early November and it's a pretty big restaurant not busy at all. We ordered a breakfast plate pupusas and chile relleno plate. The service was a little odd, server seemed bothered. He tried explaining what a pupusa was to us which we didn't ask. Pupusas were 7/10 imo. The chile relleno was so disappointing it was burnt heavily oily and small. The best was honestly the black beans with bolillo. read more

La Esperanza Restaurant and Bakery - Tiny chile relleno - Bakeries Near Me - Torrance, California

The food was all freshly hot and good! The service was fast and server named arthuro was very welcoming and hepful. We came here after church with my churchmates and everybody loved their food. The place was clean & cute. I love this place, their food and their 5 stars service. read more

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I've been to the La Esperanza in Long Beach and while there they mentioned this one in Torrance (which is much closer). Let me tell you it didn't disappoint! The food was AMAZING, the service was also amazing. The staff were very friendly and welcoming. Parking is very ample here compared to the Long Beach location. The menu offerings are roughly the same as well. We had a huge spread of foot since I was introducing my mom to this spot. It's very laid back vibes here and upbeat music! A must try for sure! My favorite is the Pepian!!! So hot, flavorful and decadent!! I got the beef. I would give them a million stars if I could. read more

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I was really disappointed that the rosca did not have the baby Jesus inside. My child was so upset that he started crying, and we almost ate the entire rosca searching for it. If the baby isn't included, there should at least be a clear warning, or the baby should be placed on the side of the box/tin so families can add it themselves. That said, the rosca itself was still delicious, which is why I'm giving it 3 stars instead of fewer. The taste was great, but the missing baby really took away from the tradition and the experience. read more

La Esperanza Restaurant and Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Torrance, California

This family-owned Guatemalan restaurant offers a warm, authentic experience. The service is friendly and knowledgeable, creating a welcoming atmosphere. I started with the Mexican guacamole, which was delicious, though the chips were a bit stale. A nice touch came when the server brought a small basket with a handmade tortilla and refried black beans -- simple, but flavorful. For the main course, I ordered the Sopa de Res (beef soup), which was hearty and satisfying, though slightly salty. The portion size was very generous. The ambiance is charming, with authentic Guatemalan decorations and Latin music playing softly in the background. Despite a few minor flaws, the restaurant's heart, hospitality, and genuine flavors make it a place worth visiting for a true taste of Guatemala. Kudos to Raquel who served me. Thanks for reading. read more

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My brother highly recommend this restaurant, to my surprise they have pan dulce and café de olla and it's really good! We also dine and this is what we order Pipianes and caldo de gallina and was very delicious! If you ever come to Torrance don't forget to get to visit La Esperanza restaurant and bakery good ambience and the staff are very friendly. Thumbs up to Raquel my waitress!!! She's great!!! read more

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La Esperanza in Torrance is hands down one of the best Salvadoran restaurants I've been to! The food tastes homemade, fresh, and full of authentic flavor. The highlight of my meal was definitely the mushroom garlic pupusas -- perfectly crispy on the outside, gooey and flavorful inside, with that irresistible garlicky aroma. The chicharrones were just as amazing -- crispy, tender, and seasoned to perfection. The curtido and salsa that come with the pupusas tie everything together beautifully. You can really tell they take pride in their food here. The staff was warm and friendly, and the atmosphere felt welcoming and relaxed If you love authentic Salvadoran food (or just great comfort food in general), La Esperanza is a must-visit. I'll definitely be coming back for more pupusas soon! read more

La Esperanza Restaurant and Bakery - Garlic mushroom pupusa and pork bean and cheese Pupusa Revuelta (Mixed) - Bakeries Near Me - Torrance, California

There aren't many Pupusa's places in the South Bay that I would be like WOW... then there's La Esperanza. The service when you eat there is great and they serve you well and they are very attentive for sure. We tend to just order by phone and pick up and their service is just as great and they always give you the food warm and add all the sides that they come along with it the curtido/sauce for the pupusas. They are a great size and definitely fill you up. Their Plate of plantains with black beans and sour cream is so delicious we usually get that. Their pupusas Revueltas, De queso and frigol(beans) are so full of flavor and well made and they don't cheat you out on filling to where it's just pure masa. Very well made! Then there's the bakery that's attached to the Restaurant and that place is addicting. You grab a platter and tongs and add to your platter then they charge you. They always have fresh Pan dulce and well priced. They have great options that are in ready to go baggies and we love those for coffee and tea at home. They have fresh food as well that's more on the go and it's pretty good as well. They have champurado and fresh juices and more. Def give them a visit trust me you'll find something. read more

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Today I had the garlic pupusa and it is next level delicioso!! Service is so friendly and never rushed. The place is cute and the music makes me feel like I'm in Disneyland (super happy). read more

La Esperanza Restaurant and Bakery - Pupusa de ajo - Bakeries Near Me - Torrance, California

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I thought their fresh would be fresh since its a bakery however that was far from the truth. They have a huge selection however it tasted old. Not like fresh soft bread. I had cortadillo and it wasn't soft. Also got conchas and that was disappointing. Overpriced and not worth the price. Better off getting bread at Superior or Northgate. Oh & not to mention their customer sucks. Not a nice welcome or any type of customer service. read more

I stopped by this afternoon to go to another store in this shopping center and saw that they had tamales advertised on the outside window. Tamales take up residence deep in my heart, so I figured I'd grab some to take home. So far I tried the pork and they were delicious. The meat is thick. I thought they might be more carnitas style, but they weren't. They also stuff them full of meat. They're not huge, but for the size, you definitely get your moneys worth and no, it's not mostly masa. They're well priced and they have both Mexican and Guatemalan style. This place is also a full fledged bakery! They have all kinds of cakes, flan, breads, and also the sweet breads. Staff was nice and helpful. I'll definitely be back to try more! read more

La Esperanza Restaurant and Bakery - Beef (Res) and Pork (Puerco) tamales - Bakeries Near Me - Torrance, California

Quite a versatile business. One side they have the bakery and next to it is the restaurant. The restaurant is nicely decorated and has a cool appeal to it. The food was good. Had the huevos rancheros with a pupusa de queso y frijoles and a fresh atole in a jarrito(nice touch) the food was good the only thing was I wish it was a little hotter. Tasted luke warm. Other than that, great food, great appeal, and warm and fast service. For sure going to try again read more

Nothing says I'm home in the South Bay like La Esperanza! I've been coming here for more than a decade, I now live in Alabama and this is literally my 1st stop the minute my parents pick me up from the airport! The pupusas and Enselada drink are my favorites but you can't go wrong! The meats are cooked to perfection and seasoned just right and we never leave without indulging at the bakery! I love this place it's basically a staple in my family! The service is awesome and the food is never ever less that a 10. read more

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Came here for the first time today with my boyfriend and it was a pleasant experience. We were welcomed as soon as we stepped in the door. The ambiance was relaxing with Guatemalan marimba in the background, service was good! The food was absolutely delicious. I had been wanting to get some great Guatemalan food for a while, especially because I wanted to introduce my boyfriend to it for the first time. This restaurant did not disappoint AT ALL. My Pepian, the rice, and tamal de chipilin it came with were PERFECTLY seasoned. My boyfriend (and I) loved the Shuco. We ordered tamales de chipilin on the side and they were also perfectly cooked and seasoned. It was so good that I had to write a review to let others know about this hidden gem! read more

La Esperanza Restaurant and Bakery - Shuco, Tamales de chilpilin, Pepian - Bakeries Near Me - Torrance, California

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No Bueno. $76 for subpar dinner tonight!! We ordered the CHURRASCO GUATEMALTECO for 2 (assorted grilled meats) which our waitress said excellent choice! On the contrary, the meats were flavorless and overcooked (dry & rubbery) which was a total disappointment for $50 the only thing I can say were good were the black beans. Also, the agua frescas are pricey with no refills, which we learned afterwards.. 3 drinks ($18) Our waitress was very nice but the food was not good & not worth the money we spent!! Sorry, I do not recommend this place. ** Thank you for following up regarding my recent order. I appreciate that you acknowledged the dish was not prepared as your signature item is intended. However, given the experience, I'm not comfortable returning for a remake. At this point, I would prefer a refund for the dish, as it was not served as described or expected. Thank you for your understanding, and I look forward to your response. read more

Over time, the quality has deteriorated. The bread no longer meets expectations, with some describing it as rubbery. Purchasing $40 worth, the value for money has sadly diminished due to the decline in quality.2.28.26 read more

La Esperanza Restaurant and Bakery - Had to trash the bread had - Bakeries Near Me - Torrance, California

The bread here is always very fresh and the selection is great! I love their marranitos!

Great pupusas!! Come here for breakfast on Sunday morning. Very good food for a great price!

Food is always delicious, never messed up any orders, service is amazing it's fast and the staff are always kind, the ambiance is very welcoming and always play good music. read more

Came today with my son and aunt after leaving another place that basically talked us out of buying from their restaurant. This place smells good, it's clean, the food is delicious and the service is quick and excellent. We ordered 6 chicken tamales, asada torta, tiramisu, strawberry shakes, vanilla bread. I didn't spend close to what I thought I would but got more than what I expected! I'm very happy for my decision, they have great whole cakes for a good price as well! I definitely recommend coming here!! read more

Love there chicken and cheese pupusas super yummy here for a great price! You can get the plate and it comes with rice and beans you can add on top! The service is always fast and friendly, very reliable and great staff. Nice restaurant, lots of seating for family inside read more

La Esperanza continues to fulfill my expectations every time. Very tasty food with hints of nostalgia. Love the rellenitos although I don't know why they are called empanadas. The tamales are a little different, la masa seems to have a consistency more like chuchitos. It needs more of that delicious sauce to make it soft and delicious. Overall, it is a four star for me. read more

We went last Sunday for breakfast. Service was great and very attentive. Gave us complimentary sweet bread and also beans with fresh tortillas. Food was delicious. The place look nice and clean well organized. read more

La Esperanza Restaurant and Bakery - Dulce pan - Bakeries Near Me - Torrance, California

Food is amazing and the service is wonderful. Would definitely come back and recommend this place to everyone I know.

Pros: The beans, cheese/ chicken pupusas and toppings were great! Cons: Horchata $8 no refills Bakery next door had plenty of flies in the bakery case workers didn't care about it. read more

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First time at a Salvadoran restaurant, the restaurant is nice and clean, it's a nice little family restaurant, they are very friendly, the coffee is very delicious, the food is very good, the price is average. Not a bad restaurant for first time customer. They have some great pastries as well for your coffee. read more

La Esperanza Restaurant and Bakery - Beef soup with vegetables - Bakeries Near Me - Torrance, California

I stopped going to this place because I considered it a low value overpriced restaurant . But decided to give a try again so introduce it to a friend. Oh God, one of the worst dining experiences in a while. A $30 plate with mediocre steak and uncooked rice. Pupusas $5 but why?!! They serve you your soda drink in a plastic cup that is nasty and scratched and honestly probably not properly sanitized. The we burrito was overpriced and the sauce was thick and gross. Please spend a few extra dollars and head to a better quality restaurant. Customer service was subpar. read more