Welcome to El Centroamericano Resturant
At El Centroamericano Restaurant, we celebrate the vibrant flavors of Salvadoran cuisine, offering an authentic taste of Central America nestled in Ladson, SC. Our journey began with a passion for bringing traditional dishes to the local community, inviting diners to explore flavors like the creamy *platano maduro* and savory *pupusas*. Each dish reflects our commitment to quality and authenticity, from hearty *bandeja paisa* to comforting soups. Recently expanded, our space welcomes all who seek delicious culinary adventure. Join us to savor the warmth of our culture through food, where every meal tells a story, and every bite leaves you yearning for more.
- 113 College Park Rd suite k, Ladson, SC 29456 Hotline: (843) 553-8596
Welcome to El Centroamericano Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Ladson, South Carolina. Specializing in authentic Salvadoran cuisine, this eatery presents a delightful culinary experience that transcends traditional dining.
Located at 113 College Park Rd Suite K, El Centroamericano Restaurant invites food lovers to explore the vibrant flavors of Central America. From the moment you step inside, the aroma of freshly prepared dishes envelops you, hinting at the authentic experience that awaits. With a friendly staff ready to share their passion for food, this restaurant is not just a place to eat; it’s a cultural journey.
- Desayunos (Breakfast): Start your day with rich Salvadoran fare. The Desayuno Tradicional is a standout dish featuring refried beans, sweet plantains, cheese, and cream. The variety continues with offerings like Desayuno Sencillo with chorizo and scrambled eggs, and the hearty Desayuno Centro served with grilled steak.
- Especialidades Caldos: El Centroamericano is famed for its comforting soups. The Caldo de Pollo and Mariscada de La'casa are perfect choices for those seeking warmth and heartiness. The beef soup is a must-try, rich in flavor, and steeped in tradition.
- Aperitivos: Don’t miss their Pupusas – thick corn tortillas stuffed with cheese or pork. These are beloved by locals and serve as an excellent introduction to Salvadoran cuisine. Pair your pupusas with some Yuca con Chicharron for a satisfying appetizer.
Reviews from customers reveal the restaurant’s undeniable charm and authenticity. One happy patron, Ramon M., recommends the Bandeja Paisa, even though it's traditionally a Colombian dish, praising the restaurant for its delightful rendition. It's clear that the blend of flavors and generous portion sizes leave diners coming back for more.
Erika R. echoes this sentiment, expressing her love for the authentic Spanish food offered. The overwhelming praise for crispy plantains and friendly service amplifies the restaurant’s appeal, highlighting the community's fondness for El Centroamericano.
Not only is the food remarkable, but the environment is also welcoming and clean. Customers have noted the expanded space that accommodates more diners, reducing wait times without compromising the quality of service or food.
In conclusion, El Centroamericano Restaurant is a culinary haven for those in search of authentic Salvadoran cuisine in Ladson. From savory breakfasts to hearty soups and delightful appetizers, each dish reflects the rich culture and flavors of Central America. If you’re ready for a distinctive gastronomic adventure, make your way to El Centroamericano, where every bite tells a story of tradition and love. Remember, the journey to flavor begins here!

La comida esta rico. I'm choosing to leave this review in English in hopes that more non Spanish speaker give this place a try. Definitely, on of the better Spanish food restaurants outisde of the Mexican restaurants littered all over Charleston. I always get the "Bandeja Paisa" typically a Columbian dish but the make it pretty good here and since I don't know of any Columbia restaurants in the area. I'm all in.

Love this place! Authentic Spanish food! I'd recommend the bandeja paisa !!!!!!!!!!!!

Been looking for good Puerto Rican food and this place is it. They have the best crispy plantains I have found in greater Charleston. Don't believe show me one better?

Newly expanded and remodeled, same great and authentic Southamerican food. The place was very small and always packed. They've now closed the store and doubled the size of the restaurant. There is plenty of sitting space, less wait, and more good eating! The only mystery here is that they stopped serving COFFEE. WHY????? A good breakfast is not complete without coffee. Come on, guys, what's the deal? They even used to serve hot milk for your coffee and regular cold milk for the kids... as of today, it's gone. When and if you bring coffee and milk back, I will change my rating to 5 stars... until then, you get 4 because coffee or not, the food is still great.

I loved the variety of cultural foods and I am learning español so it is good to go there as only one server spoke English. She was so nice and explained so much. We also bought some tea at the grocery in the front.

Tucked away in a shopping mall in back of a tiny groceria, (we were initially not sure they were even open!) it is worth wandering back to the tables for a bit of an culinary adventure. This is not run of the mill Tex-Mex. We started by sharing two Papusas as an appetizer served with a bit of slaw, and green and red sauces. Delicious! This was followed by the fried tomales. Do not expect any meat in these, they are thick cornmeal with a touch of sweetness. We also shared the Bistec con Gallo Pinto, thinly sliced beef with fried plantains and a black bean and rice combo. Authentic and genuine. Friendly and helpful service with excellent advice if you are unfamiliar with Spanish or with the menu items. There is a disclaimer posted about "not being a fast food restaurant" but we agreed the service was just fine and our food came out promptly, though it was a week night and only about half the tables were occupied. Definitely worth a trip back.

Loved everything we received. As authentic as it gets. Service was friendly, food was excellent. We will be back.

Very, very clean, and where i sat i could see in the kitchen, Very clean well organised and professional,How hard is that for some of these restaurants to pull off ? You walk into this little market that's up front and you go to the back, And that is where the magic is done. Have you ever said to yourself I want something different I'm tired of the same old thing well here's your chance, If good authentic food very clean almost clinical Is high on your list you need to go in and give it a try. And if you're trying to figure out what countries are Central America look on the wall they have a picture that shows you each of the countries. Now when my wife says you go there a lot I can say I'm in training for our next vacation

I enjoyed my meal here thoroughly! I ordered a cheese pupusas (corn patty stuffed with cheese, maduro (sweet plantains), along with the grilled fish dinner plate. The pupusa was sooo perfectly cooked and cheesy. The sweet plantains were almost dessert like and were the perfect compliment to my savory fish dish. My fish dish came with a large piece of fish that was seasoned better than any grilled fish I've ever eaten here in Charleston. So awesomely delicious! My sides were traditional rice and beans along with a side salad. Lots of food for me to enjoy and I sure did enjoy! By the way, the beans were also well seasoned and delicious. I wish I took pictures but I was so hungry I forgot. This meal definitely hit the spot. Best Latino food in Charleston! My husband and daughter ordered the Bandeja Paisa it's a plate filled with food: steak, sausage, sweet plantain, rice, beans, an egg, chiccarrón (pork rind), arepa (corn patty) and a slice of avocado. Neither of them could finish their meal & both of them were quiet while eating. They said their food was just too good to not try and eat it all. My husband said it was the best meal since his last visit to a Colombian restaurant. All he kept saying once he was stuffed with pure happiness was we will definitely be returning to eat here. Both my daughter and I agree!