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Est. Summer 2020 by Alex Vargas. A very popular fully vegan restaurant serving authentic Mexican food. Menu includes tacos, burritos, quesadillas, sopes, nachos, flan, capirotada (bread pudding), horchata and more. Has counter seating with stools and a few tables (seats about 30). Open Tue-Sun 12:00pm-8:00pm. Closed Mon. Updated as of March 2025.
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6265 Sepulveda Blvd Unit 12 (at between Victory & Erwin), Van Nuys, California, USA, 91411
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- Delivery
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- Accepts credit cards
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Last update on 17 Jul 2025 by ronitw
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134 Reviews
First Review by vi'sbunbun
Albert_a
Points +28
First time - Edit
I got friendly service, it wasn’t busy, and the other guests seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Read moreI got the quesadilla with asada and it was good, as was the salsa
Guest
Antoniaaaaa
Points +13
Birria Tacos - Edit
So as a new vegan curious person, I tried their vegan birria tacos made with jackfruit and I’m a convert exactly the same as meat tacos actually, I’m probably gonna go buy some today
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2026-01-12
Guest
HCMex
Points +1059
A valley gem - Edit
My go to spot whenever I hit up LA. Seriously brings so much nostalgic flavors of eating at Boyle Heights taco stands and generational family cooking. Favorites from the menu are tacos, super nachos, birria tacos with Consume, and the flan.
Read moreParking is very easy as well which is a plus
Guest
SaramatiKrishna
Points +37
Hidden Gem of vegan Mexican food - Edit
Reasonable prices, very tasty taco fillings.i have never been to a place that has 7 different vegan protein options! Service is friendly but not fussy. Be sure to try the street corn and the carnitas! Wish we lived in town to be able to eat here often!
Read morePros: Variety of options, Excellent flavors, Quick friendly service
Cons: Hours on the door outside did not match Google , Can’t think of any other cons
Guest
TravisWhite
Points +1624
My Forever Favorite — Vegan Mexican Magic 🫶🏾🌮 - Edit
Let’s be clear—El Cocinero is him. I’ve been pulling up here for years and the love is still real. Everything about this place just hits: the flavor, the vibes, the service. It’s the kind of spot that makes you feel like family from the jump.
Read moreSeasoning? On point. Portions? Always generous. The kind of comfort food that wraps you up and feeds your soul. Whether I’m posted up alone or bringing friends for the first time, it’s always a win.
Now if you really know, you know—my go-to cheat code is adding rice on top of the fries or the nachos. Game. Changer. 💥
Vegan or not, this place delivers every single time. Real ones know: El Cocinero been that guy.
Pros: Family Oriented, Sit down space, Be kind to all kind
VeganWineLush
Yaas #BeKindToAll - love this spot!
Read moreTravisWhite
Yessss 🫀🌬️✨🐷
Read moreGuest
VeganWineLush
Points +2040
"The Kitchener" esta fuego! - Edit
El Cocinero is the best plant-based vegan Mexican comfort food spot I've ever had the pleasure enjoying in the U.S. and I'm not just saying that because they have me love spell obsessed.
Read moreI've been a frequenter take-out, pick-up, delivery and dine in since they opened their doors in 2020. Their extensive menu features burritos, bowls, ceviche, elote, loaded fries (papas a la bestia), mulitas, nachos, pozole, sopes, quesadillas, quesabirria (w/ or without consomé,), tacos, tortas, and so much more! The menu has grown so much in five years and I'm constantly adding new instant favorite like their Breakfast Burrito I could eat every dia.
Plant based proteins included Al Pastor, Asada, Birria, Carnitas, Chicharron, Jackfruit, and even a new plant-based Shrimp, to name most.
They have several gluten free options mainly their tacos, burrito bowls and nachos.
Great sauces including red and green, chipotle mayo, cashew crema, ketchup y mas.
Incredible staff, flan for dessert and horchata as well as hibiscus drinks that will have you quenched, but also in want of more.
The flavors are an expression.
The quality is above and beyond.
The vibes are everything.
Recyclable meets sustainable containers, cans, bottle beverages and packaging. The lines move fast for ordering as well as pick up. Seating is limited inside, but nothing like a tail gate party with like minded foodies. Often a go to for group dinners with my vegan and non-vegan friends who equally love this spot and incorporate more yummy healthy and positive for all meals here.
Easy parking in a spacious plaza strip mall lot off Sepulveda Blvd.
I can't say enough great things about one of my favorite places in the city of Angels San Fernando Valley.
It's 818 great times infinity!
Te Amo!
Pros: Has their own app for orders and rewards, Alex Super/Special Burrito, Available on most 3rd party delivery apps
Cons: Limited Seating
Guest
tonyakay
Points +4085
This is Mexican food!!! - Edit
No frills. No creative embellishments. Traditional Mexican food without animal products! This is everything I miss about LA when I’m not here!
Read moreMulitas highky recommended. Ceviche is delightful. $5 Street Corn on the Cob outstanding. I’ve never lived pinto beans so much - perfection.
Guest
brieskis
Points +421
Yummy Casual Mexican Food - Edit
A must try for vegan Mexican restaurant for a city with multiple great vegan Mexican restaurants. I’ve taken vegans and non-vegans here; it’s always a hit. Very basic but tasty dishes. Super friendly staff. Cute, casual seating, with happy vegan themed wall art. Set up to be very take-out friendly. I think most their business is takeout. That said, they don’t take phone orders and ordering through postmates or uber eats adds about $$ to the prices, even for pickup. Their website isn’t helpful, seems to be for catering only, and doesn’t have their regular menu; but see photos on here for what they have. Also, it is a bit overpriced. But very tasty so I leen going back.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2025-07-06
Pros: Yummy. , Good ‘meat’ options. , Cute setting area, if looking for VERY casual.
Cons: Their website is very limited and lacks basic info, No preorder directly through them. , No kids menu or ‘meat’-free options.
Guest
novabird
Points +74
High prices for basic dishes, hidden upcharges, average quality - Edit
Food is only ok, and crazy overpriced. LA Vegan Tax in FULL effect. $16 before-tax for a quesadilla 😹 $15 after tax for 3 very plain street tacos, no rice & beans or nothing. An extra $4 upcharge for a little cup of consommé that should come with the meal. Tough chewy corn shells. Bare-bones interior, the food isn't even cooked fresh, it just sits under the counter like Chipotle. So why did we pay over 30 bucks for six mediocre tacos? Hard Pass, never again.
Read morePros: the house made salsa is ok
Cons: too high prices, food is not fresh, plain dishes
Guest
The Vegan
Points +75
Vegan Mexican Deliciousness - Edit
I absolutely love this place. The food was delicious and the prices are very reasonable. There are so many food choices . I had the three taco combo and I added rice and beans on the side. The three tacos were $11 and then the rice and beans which was a generous portion of each was another four dollars. I got jackfruit tacos and really I couldn’t have been happier with everything. I also got some nacho cheese on the side to add to the tacos. You order at the counter here and then sit down and they call you to come pick up your food. It’s a clean nice looking restaurant and as previously stated, the food was delicious. I highly recommend this place. I wish I lived in the area I would come here regularly.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2025-05-15
Pros: Delicious food, Cheap prices, Wonderful employees
Guest
Thekatchats
Points +128
Amazing - Edit
I got surf and turf, husband got torta with el pastor. Both amazing!
Read moreGuest
mrsmasters
Points +20
Delish! - Edit
Yummy, consistent, friendly staff. Don’t skip the flan!
Read moreGuest
dancingvegan
Points +869
Authentic Mexican Recipes! - Edit
Although I was sitting in Van Nuys, California, due to the authentic-ness of the food, I could’ve been in Mexico.
Read moreEvery bite was so flavorful and scrumptious I couldn’t believe how good it was.
The rice, the refried beans which were more like a thick liquid and the three different tacos were so delectable my taste buds were exceptionally happy!
The customer service by Pedro and his team were also exceptional. They are like a fine-tuned instrument.
It was my first time but it will not be my last time.
I work for HappyCow so I gave them some of our little stickers and an excellent review window decal.
Updated from previous review on 2025-03-19
Pros: Food, Horchata, Customers and customer service
Guest
vivaloo
Points +60
Best vegan Mexican - Edit
I discovered this place around 2020 and constantly go back. Everything on the menu is delicious. They have indoor seating and staff is helpful. I really enjoy all the different options but my favorite are the nachos to share (the portions are big). My favorite of the meat options is the asada and chicken! Sometimes the chicharron! Couldn’t recommend this place enough! My friends and family who aren’t plant-based rave about this spot!😄
Read morePros: Delicious food, Lots of options, Great service
Guest
AubreyGolding
Points +260
Surf n Turf - Edit
Surf and turf special was fantastic! Love this neighborhood spot - NEVER disappoints
Read moreGuest
ankurwat
Points +107
So much choice! - Edit
Nice to come to a legit Mexican restaurant and have so many vegan options! We had the asada tacos and the breakfast burrito - they hit the spot.
Read moreGuest
Anngee
Points +478
Authentic ro the culture - Edit
I've been here many times but it's been a while. I had to take home options 😌
Read moreI liked the new setup! I haven't seen the dining area until today.
Pros: Lots of parking
Guest
Flowerluvr
Points +50
Worth the drive! - Edit
The tacos were amazing! Their selection of meats was incredible! I would definitely recommend and will being going back!
Read morePros: Birria Taco, Al Pastor Taco, Carnitas Taco
Guest
Brookeiva
Points +24
Love this place - Edit
What to say other than the food is exceptional. If you are in doubt about trying, just go.
Read moreGuest
BvonGone
Points +62
The spot! - Edit
No one comes close to what El Cocinero does for vegan Mexican food!
Read moreIt's all good, no notes!
Updated from previous review on 2025-01-10
Guest
Notstevie
Points +2235
Absolutely delicious - Edit
Wish I stopped by here sooner!! Got a burrito with chick’n and it was incredible. Huge portions too! Will definitely be back soon! Need to try the rest of their menu asap
Read morePros: Easy parking , Huge portions, Fair prices
Guest
MrsTerryMasters
Points +24
Don’t skip dessert! - Edit
The flan is delicious too!!!
Read moreGuest
HeathNVegan
Points +64
Best Mexican - Edit
Best Mexican I've had in a while and everything is Vegan
Read morePros: The Chorizo, The Flan , The Price
Guest
cyle
Points +840
Chicharrón all day every day - Edit
The secret to the burrito is to get it with chicharrón (added a few months ago) and macho cheese. Too decadent, can't stop.
Read moreActually, just add chicharrón to everything. The nachos are out of this world. Put chicharrón on them and you'll be bursting into the next galaxy.
Street corn when they have it? Yes please. Flan? Get it to impress your friends.
Sodas in glass bottles? I'm buying it to support the environment!
To that end, the takeaway containers can go in the compost bin.
The prices can't be beat especially when one burrito, the nachos , etc are filling as hell. Each is probably enough for two meals... if I could stop myself from eating it in one sitting because it's THAT good!!
When we have friends visiting from other countries we get El Cocinero so they know what Mexican food is supposed to taste like.
Updated from previous review on 2024-08-26
Guest
Gwyndlyn
Points +18
OMG This Place Is AWESOME! - Edit
The food here is REALLY, REALLY good. There's food I say is great - for vegan. Then there's food I say is great - period. This food is amazing. Period! I try and eat more a more plant based diet, but I do eat meat. The "meats" here are so flavorful, though, that even if you're not vegan/vegetarian you don't miss eating meat at all. The street corn was to die for. So were the rice and beans. My friend and I both got three 3 tacos - pastor, carne guidado, and chicken. My favorite was the pastor, but they were all pretty dang incredible! Got a side of the chipotle mayo and used that instead on salsa on the chicken taco. Soooooo good. The service was great too. Everyone was helpful and friendly. So happy I found this place. I'll be back. Wanna do a burrito next time!
Read morePros: Tastes amazing, Variety of "meats", Friendly service
Guest
BorisGutierrez
Points +21
Can't stop eating this food - Edit
It's all good. If you like Mexican food and you like your food without murder...this is the spot
Read morePros: Tacos..all of them
Cons: none
Guest
JakeFuller
Points +1562
Incredible Mexican - Edit
Absolutely delicious! And how often do you find vegan flan? Highly recommend.
Read moreGuest
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