Gran Villa Restaurant

Unfortunately, I don’t love everything on their menu or how they do grilled chicken, which is banged out and dry. Good people and prices though.

Last weekend my girlfriend and I went to the monthly open house at Koch Comics Warehouse in Sunset Park. If you’re into comics, fantasy, sci-​fi, or anything kool from the 80s or earlier, you should definitely check these guys out (
). But, before our adventure, we needed to feed ourselves, which we ended up doing Salvadorian style at Gran Villa.
I’ve never been to El Salvador, but if the food there is anything like what I ate at this place a trip is Definitely in order! Gran Villa is a cute family run and owned spot that was bustling with life when we walked in. Seems like it’s a big local hangout. I ordered their Eggs Ranchero with beans and sour cream with a side order of fried sweet plantains. The beans were FANtastic and the plantains some of the best I’ve ever had, and I’ve had a lot.
My girlfriend ordered some Pupusas, a traditional Salvadorian dish made of thick handmade corn tortillas that you fill with your choice of shrimp, pork, beans, cheese or anything else you want. I’d never tried one before (
). Take it from me, you haven’t been living till you’ve had a pupusa from Gran Villa. OMFG, the pork, cheese, and bean combination was beyond words. We also ordered their homemade guacamole, which was absolutely delicious. Their coffee was darn good too.
The staff at the place is really friendly and you truly feel like you’re at a friends house for your meal and not a restaurant. It reminds me of my favorite Dominican hole-​in-​the-​wall place in Hell’s Kitchen, where I live, called Lali’s (
). Next time you’re out in Sunset Park you definitely need to stop by this hidden gem!

When flying to El Salvador is not an option and your are craving some damn great Salvadorian food, BAM here it is! They are so amazing, super friendly and warm service, once you go, you will be hooked. The Pupusa’s are picture perfect, and taste so balanced and rich, they have so many different types to choose from, all made to order. But their tamale de lote is OMG F****in God they are so good with the Izalco cream, damn man, you just get there and eat! Tony is super passionate about his food, so nice to see this dedication. This is our families official spot for Salvadorian food and we live in Queens! Honestly I think this food is better than in El Salvador, lol. WB

Horrible service!!! I ordered food with the guy and i simply asked if you guys include taxes he says «NO do you want me to». I honestly don’t know how he has that job. Later i send a friend to pick it up and he said i made no such order and he raises his voice on me. This review is for you know who you are.

Luis is a great cook and great host. We ordered a bunch of different foods and they were all good. The pupusas are perfect, great salsa and cole slaw come with them. Stewed chicken was fantastic, with perfectly cooked white rice and great refried beans. The tamales and maduros are incredible, I wish I lived closer so I could pick some up in the morning… for breakfast and lunch! He let us try each of the homemade drinks, really stand-​up guy.
Que fantastico haber conocido a Luis, y tener el placer de probar su rica comida! Los tamales son hechos cada mañana y el sabor es increible. Tambien, deberia probar los jugos– el tamarindo es mi favorito.

Amazing food with an amazing staff!!! Having been to my fair share of El Salvadorian restaurants I can tell when I’ve had a good pupusa or tamale and this place rocks!

Coming to this place is like stepping into a family member’s kitchen. The owner is incredibly sweet and remembers you when you pop in for lunch. I always order bean and cheese papusas that are handmade and as authentic as it gets. The corn tamales are so satisfying, served with a strained sour cream. Finding decent food in this neighborhood can be difficult so it’s nice to know this place is right around the corner.