Best Salvadorian & Mexican Restaurant in Calgary

Authentic Central American Cuisine on International Avenue

Welcome to El Padrino Restaurant, Calgary's premier destination for authentic Salvadorian and Mexican cuisine. Located on Calgary's vibrant International Avenue at 5020d 17 Ave SE, we offer a delightful dining experience featuring traditional Central American recipes prepared fresh from scratch daily. Whether you're craving our famous pupusas, authentic tacos, or homemade tamales, our hidden gem restaurant brings the rich flavors of El Salvador and Mexico right to your neighborhood. Enjoy dine-in, takeout, delivery, and catering services.

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Best Salvadorian and Mexican restaurant in Calgary - El Padrino Restaurant on International Avenue

Since opening our doors on Calgary's International Avenue, El Padrino Restaurant has become a beloved culinary destination for those seeking authentic Salvadorian and Mexican cuisine. Founded and operated by siblings Martina and Frederico, our restaurant specializes in traditional Central American and Mexican dishes prepared fresh from scratch daily. Tucked discreetly at the rear of a building, we create an intimate, hidden gem atmosphere that feels like stepping into a small Central American dining establishment.

Our restaurant is conveniently located on International Avenue (17 Ave SE), Calgary's multicultural food corridor. We're just minutes away from Forest Lawn, Albert Park/Radisson Heights, and Marlborough, making us your perfect dining destination whether you're looking for a casual family meal, authentic Salvadorian pupusas, or traditional Mexican enchiladas. The interior features cozy booth seating, a welcoming bar area, and vibrant décor that transports diners to Mexico and El Salvador.

El Padrino Restaurant in Calgary - Authentic Salvadorian and Mexican cuisine on International Avenue

El Padrino Restaurant proudly offers delivery, takeout, dine-in, and catering services throughout Calgary and surrounding areas. Our service areas include the following neighborhoods:

Southeast Calgary - Priority Areas

Albert Park / Radisson Heights
Southview
Forest Lawn
Forest Heights
Penbrooke Meadows
Marlborough Park
Dover
Applewood Park
Erin Woods
Red Carpet
Abbeydale
Ogden

Central & Inner City Calgary

Inglewood
Ramsay
Bridgeland / Riverside
Downtown Calgary
Beltline
Mission
Eau Claire
Chinatown
Crescent Heights

Northeast & South Calgary

Whitehorn
Riverbend
Chaparral

For areas outside our standard delivery zones, please call us at (403) 312-2400 to inquire about delivery options and catering services.

"My daughter came and picked me up for dinner. She wanted tacos and there was a new restaurant on 17th she wanted to try. It was El Padrino. Now, the outside may not be enticing but once you get inside, you are transported to somewhere south of the border - the US border!! The restaurant is small with three booths in front of the bar, some stools around the bar, and two booths in the upper part behind the bar. And, despite being hidden away, it is a very busy place!! The owner and his wife chatted with us a bit. He was very friendly and explained the menu and the food items. There are many choices. The Pupusa, a Salvadorian specialty, is a must try!"

- Calgary Resident

"It was so delicious. I have been spoiled to have very good friends back home who's mother makes amazing pupusas. This restaurant's pupusas were delicious, fresh and juicy, the tacos wonderful, and the tamales.. just yum. The service was topnotch, the server, the barman, the chef. Everyone very friendly and kind. I just moved to Calgary and will definitely be returning. This was a great experience."

- New Calgary Resident

"Finally, a hidden gem I've been searching for. These are the hidden spots that make the search worth while. Expect authentic Mexican and Salvadorian food. We were stuffed after ordering enchiladas and papusa and taco dish. To find it you'll have to go park at the back which is where the entrance is. As mentioned it's a hidden spot. Go out of your way for authenticity."

- Calgary Food Enthusiast

Where is El Padrino Restaurant located in Calgary?

El Padrino Restaurant is located at 5020d 17 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2A 0V6, Canada. We're situated on Calgary's International Avenue in the heart of the multicultural corridor. The restaurant is tucked discreetly at the rear of a building - park at the back where the entrance is located.

Do you offer delivery in Calgary?

Yes, we offer delivery throughout Calgary including Albert Park/Radisson Heights, Southview, Forest Lawn, Forest Heights, Penbrooke Meadows, Marlborough Park, Dover, Inglewood, Ramsay, Bridgeland/Riverside, Downtown Calgary, and many more neighborhoods. For specific delivery inquiries, please call us at (403) 312-2400.

What are your most popular dishes?

Our most popular dishes include Pupusas (Pupusa Frita) - a Salvadorian specialty filled with cheese, beans, and meat options, authentic Tacos with various proteins, homemade Tamales, traditional Enchiladas, crispy Taquitos, and our fresh homemade Horchata (sweet rice drink with cinnamon). The Pupusa is a must-try Salvadorian specialty!

Do you have vegetarian options?

Yes, we offer vegetarian choices including cheese and bean pupusas, vegetarian tacos, and other meat-free options. Please ask our friendly staff for recommendations based on your dietary preferences.

What are your hours of operation?

We are open Thursday and Friday from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and Monday from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM. We are closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

What type of cuisine do you serve?

We specialize in authentic Salvadorian and Mexican food, featuring traditional Central American and Mexican cuisine prepared fresh from scratch daily. Our menu highlights Salvadorian specialties like pupusas alongside classic Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and tamales.

Do you offer catering services?

Yes, we offer catering services upon request for events of all sizes. Contact us at (403) 312-2400 to discuss your catering needs and menu options.

Whether you're dining in, taking out, ordering delivery, or planning a catered event, El Padrino Restaurant brings the authentic flavors of El Salvador and Mexico to Calgary's International Avenue. Visit us today or order online to experience our delicious, fresh, scratch-made menu offerings.

El Padrino Restaurant

Address:

5020d 17 Ave SE
Calgary, AB T2A 0V6
Canada

Phone:

(403) 312-2400

Hours:

Tuesday - Wednesday: Closed
Thursday - Friday: 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Saturday - Sunday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Monday: 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Service Options:

Dine-in | Takeout | Delivery | Catering

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Best Salvadorian & Mexican Restaurant in Calgary

Calgary's Hidden Gem for Authentic Salvadorian & Mexican Food

Our Delivery & Service Areas in Calgary