Vegan
Take-out
Mexican
Catering
A popular all-vegan Mexican restaurant opened Summer 2020 by the owners of Vegatinos pop-up. Serves tacos, burritos, quesadillas, sopes, and other foods. Order for pickup via Postmates. Open Tue-Sun 1:00pm-8:00pm. Closed Mon.
108 Reviews
First Review by vi'sbunbun
m@earthville
Points +9488
Some of the best tacos in LA - Edit
El Cocinero has a good thing going. It’s a legit taqueria that happens to be plant-based, and also friendly and lively. The tacos dorados birria were mouth-wateringly good, and the sopes were excellent, too. The salsas are very tasty. The place is clean and inviting, with plenty of indoor seating. Service is friendly and efficient.
Read moreThe only thing that could be improved is sustainability: the packaging produces a lot of waste, and they don’t seem to be using organic produce. Hopefully this will be worked out in the near future if they know their customers care about it.
Enjoy!
Guest
RebeccaSullivan
Points +3425
Vegan Meats - Edit
Was so excited to try El Cocinero but was not as impressed as I hoped to be. I ordered the Birria tacos with cheese and consume (a little steep at $18 for 3 tacos) and a carne asada quesadilla with no cilantro. Also ordered cashew crema and Chipotle Mayo on the side for the quesadilla which were super tiny containers for $1 each. For the prices I expected to really be blown away. My Omni fiancé and I both preferred Viva Vegan’s Birria tacos. The quesadilla was very good though. I like that they have a ton of vegan meats to choose from.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2023-02-24
Guest
KaliCaraWillage
Points +88
A must try! - Edit
So many vegan meat options. It was seriously overwhelming! The carne asada was really good. Definitely want to go back and try more things.
Read morePros: So many vegan meat options. Reasonably priced.
Guest
happyfeetadan
Points +286
Vegan tacos for the win! - Edit
After a hike, I wanted something fast and vegan friendly to take home and found this place on the way home, via this app. It was busy when I went, but pretty fast. The food was good and filling. They even had Flan! Hadn’t had flan since I went vegan and it was enjoyable.
Read morePros: All vegan!, Fast service!, Convenient location for pickup! Parking!
Cons: Take out only., Some of the vegan meat seemed over cooked.
Guest
veganmamabear
Points +332
What’s left to say? - Edit
Joining the 5-star ratings club for El Concinero.
Read moreMy family loved this place so much. The food is excellent, and I really appreciate that the fillings are made in house (the beans are notably excellent).
It’s a must-visit if you are in LA or just passing through. Castle Park minigolf is relatively close by, so you can make it a day.
Guest
CourtneyViveiros
Points +82
Street tacos - Edit
I've gotten the tacos and nachos here. The tacos were bomb! They overstuff the tortillas with the meat so you're getting your money's worth. And the tacos are your traditional street tacos with onion and cilantro. The nachos are loaded with toppings so when the munchies hit, you're all set. The portions are great here and when you're in the mood for some satisfying super nachos or traditional street tacos, this is the spot. The meat is magical too. I don't know how they do it but the Carne asada is legit. I can't remember the other one I had but they have several "meat" options!
Read moreGuest
alenahm7
Points +114
Muy delicioso!!! - Edit
Wow! This place was phenomenal. The food was so tasty we couldn’t stop eating.
Read moreCome with friends so u can grab a bit of everything on the menu.
Pros: Big portions, Excellent taste, Good variety of flavors to chose
Cons: No place to dine in
Guest
MoeRoxxs
Points +114
The nachos are good - Edit
I was recently in the area and had to give this place a try. Since we don’t live in the area we decided to try an order of the nachos and a mix of 5 tacos to share. Unfortunately when we got back to where we were staying we found we got two order of nachos. While they were good we were disappointed we didn’t get to try the tacos.
Read moreWhile I recommend this place I also recommend checking your order before leaving to assure you got what you ordered.
bonymike
Hmmm... An interesting trip!
Read moreWell, the last sentence is important. What you ordered vs what you got... Have you tried to compare them?😃
Guest
chomp
Points +435
Absolutely awesome! - Edit
Wonderful place! Fast service, just get in the car and go now.
Read morePros: Legit Mexican
Guest
TovaRubin
Points +204
Best vegan Mexican! - Edit
I cook a lot of Mexican food having lived in San Antonio for years. When you get to this restaurant there’s a long line but don’t leave! The food is fresh and super flavorful and delicious! I had the quesadilla with Carne guisada and vegetables. My son got the nachos and my friend got a side of rice as well. We also tested the flan! Everything was beyond super delicious!
Read moreGuest
MikariLuna
Points +78
One of my faves! They have the best vegan meats. Can’t beat tacos. - Edit
Delicious tacos and vegan Mexican food.
Read moreAll they need a place to sit to enjoy the food! (Take out only)
Pros: Lots of options , Fast and friendly service, Super delicious!
Cons: No place to sit , Take out only
VeganStardustt
Do you know if they use Beyond or Impossible meats? Thanks!
Read moreGuest
RebeccaArvizu
Points +63
Try the Chicharron Anything! - Edit
Burritos, tacos, nachos whatever chicharron is the best protein option!
Read morePros: Huge menu authentic food, spices
Cons: None
Guest
kpwaii
Points +62
Great - Edit
Best vegan Mexican food in the valley. Pretty good portions, too.
Read moreGuest
mo_eats
Points +52
FAV TACO SPOT IN THE VALLEY - Edit
My BF and I absolutely love this place! we go once a week/ every other week. The staff is so friendly and the food is bangin. The tacos come w 2 tortillas and a ton of vegan meat so we usually split the meat between the 2 tortillas. So when ordering 2 tacos, i’m actually eating 4!
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2022-07-27
Pros: lots of vegan options , very good portion sizes , great service
Guest
yungveg17
Points +1070
Tasty all-vegan Mexican food - Edit
After being in France for six months I was craving Mexican food super badly. Being vegan though you can't just go anywhere. I found El Cocinero thru a YouTube video and am happy I tried it. The online ordering was a bit frustrating and it's a shame they don't have a number to call in (I was traveling from LAX so hoping to save a little time).
Read moreI tried the birria tacos and they were 10/10 with the consommé. It's a bit expensive but it's an all-vegan and independent restaurant in LA so what do you expect? I'm looking forward to trying it again
Pros: All vegan , Authentic flavors
Cons: A tad pricey
Guest
coleweso123
Points +116
Absolute must try - Edit
One of my favorite meals I've ever had. The nachos are sublime. The barrías tacos are incredible. The flan is also very good. Do not miss out on this spot.
Read moreGuest
BrookeSeawright
Points +15
Delicious Authentic Mexican food! - Edit
The jackfruit carnitas, and the Al Pastor tasted like the real thing when I used to eat meat. A must have when in the area!
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2022-06-11
Pros: Had the tacos, three “meats” all delicious
Guest
paulrumohr
Points +25
Authentic Mexican, no seriously authentic Mexican - Edit
It’s in a strip mall, but who cares? The food is prepared the way that you would have it in Mexico.
Read more100% vegan, everything is wonderful, just order anything and you’re going to be very happy. To be honest I can count on one hand the number of places that I can tell someone just to randomly pick some thing off the menu and it will be phenomenal.
Stop looking for somewhere to have lunch or dinner, if they’re open and you’re nearby, just go.
Guest
ktomasiello
Points +126
One of my faves! - Edit
So I’ve been going here since it opened and it has never disappointed me. Such amazing food. The tacos are so good some of my coworkers swore it wasn’t vegan. This is my go to place on holidays as usually they offer platters of some of there “meats “. Try this place. You won’t be disappointed!
Read morePros: Tons of options , Great flavor
Guest
Carlos2511
Points +18
This place has so much delicious foods and I really enjoy eating at this place👍 - Edit
This place serves delicious Hispanic foods that are to die for. Best vegan Mexican restaurant who is craving tacos or anything Mexican food. Love eating at this place and you won’t be disappointed on the food.
Read morePros: Lots of vegan options , All your favorite Hispanic foods veganized , Good prices not to expensive
Guest
DanFKennedy
Points +231
The hype is REAL - Edit
When I got ready to order I told the employee that I been looking forward to trying their food. He told me I'm lucky because there's usually a line going outside the door. A lady behind me chimed in enthusiastically about how she's so happy there's no one in line. That should tell you what you need to know. I came to LA looking for amazing Mexican food and El Cocinero definitely delivered. This is a must visit every LA trip. Period.
Read morePros: Delicious, Creative
Cons: No indoor seating
Guest
Beetay
Points +58
Best Nachos Ever! - Edit
How fun was it to find not only a vegan restaurant in Van Nuys, but a freaking VEGAN MEXICAN restaurant with cuisine that would amaze meat eaters.
Read moreEl Cocinero on Sepulveda Blvd in Van Nuys was amazing….and to top it off, they had a line out the door and down the sidewalk waiting to place their orders. Bravo El Cocinero!!! You guys are amazing.
Pros: 100% vegan , proteins that rival the real thing. , Amazingly popular with locals.
Guest
nunos
Points +30
my husbands fav - Edit
not really my thing but my husbands a faithful customer
Read moreGuest
Forakora
Points +491
Must try - Edit
The decor is cute and colorful! Love the artwork, can't wait to see more in the future. The food looked so good I starting eating and forgot to take pictures
Read moreAll of it was delicious! My thoughts on each item:
- Carnitas torta - I'm not normally a fan of jackfruit, but this was really tender and the flavor was super yummy. The chipotle crema is bomb and ties the whole thing together. I would eat the crema from a jar with a spoon if they sold it separately
- Al pastor tacos - traditional double corn tortillas. The al pastor was more pineapple than I expected, and it was very welcome! Paired great with the spicy red salsa
- Chik'n quesadilla - the chik'n is a bit more plain, I guess like chik'n is, lol. Tons of cheeze, and comes with onion and cilantro. Was good dipped in the mild green salsa
- Flan - I don't like flan, but my partner loved it and basically inhaled it
- Kombucha - unique flavors. I had the cherry bomb with pineapple, vanilla, and clove. It's not super cherry flavored, and all the flavors marry together. It *doesn't* have the vinegary aftertaste, very pleasant!
Overall impression was the textures and flavors were on point, portions were good sized, and it was rather cheap. I will be back to try everything else for sure
Pros: Authentic , Delicious , Low prices
Cons: Not in my backyard
Guest
Bbunny
Points +247
I’m hooked - Edit
This place doesn’t even need my review lol. By far of the best Mexican food I’ve ever had (both veg and non veg). The line is usually long but moves fast. They have the nicest staff. Everything is really clean and well laid out.
Read moreThe portions are awesome and it’s incredibly well priced. It tastes absolutely amazing and super high quality. I made the mistake of trying Sugar Taco recently, freaking awful. Made me appreciate El Concinero more lol.
Pros: Good value, Lots of options, Awesome staff
Cons: Busy but efficient
Guest
MrsGil
Points +30
BEST VEGAN MEXICAN FOOD - Edit
BOMB FRESH FOOD AND FRESH AGUAS FRESCAS. #Veganuary
Read morePros: IN THE VALLEY, MEXICAN , TACOS N BURRITOS PLZZZZZZ
Guest
KarolaSM
Points +287
Unbelievable… so good - Edit
I’m in love with this place, great price, huge portions, even tho there was a huge line it was fast, very well organized, and the food is out of this world. I tried the pozole, super Nachos, tacos dorados and everything was very good! I’ll be back for sure! #Veganuary
Read morePros: Great price , Taste! So good!
Guest
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