El Paraiso - Lake Forest

Fresh and delectable! The dough of the pupusa was wonderfully soft and lightly seared, making it truly beautiful. I walked in expecting a fast-food experience, but instead, I felt like a guest in someone's home.

On the downside, the restaurant tends to get crowded, making it difficult to find a seat, and there’s usually a 30-minute wait for the food. However, it’s worth it because everything is made to order, ensuring fresh meals every time. By the time I get home, my pupusas are still piping hot. I’m giving it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, as some dishes, like the caldo de gallina (hen soup), can be hit or miss; sometimes it’s too watery, while other times it’s perfectly seasoned.

This is honestly the best food I've had in ages! My wife and I are food enthusiasts who love exploring diverse ethnic cuisines. If you're craving delicious Salvadorian dishes, you absolutely need to visit this place!

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!

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!