ilobasco Restaurante & Pupuseria
If you're craving a taste of authentic Salvadoran cuisine, look no further than Ilobasco Restaurante & Pupuseria in Greensboro, NC. This hidden gem, located at 3008 W Gate City Blvd Ste A, offers a warm, inviting atmosphere and a menu full of delicious, traditional dishes that will transport your taste buds straight to El Salvador. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Salvadoran flavors or trying them for the first time, Ilobasco promises a memorable dining experience that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Central America.
Why Ilobasco Restaurante & Pupuseria Stands Out
Ilobasco Restaurante & Pupuseria is more than just a place to eat; it's a celebration of Salvadoran culture through food. One of the most notable features of this restaurant is its focus on pupusas, a traditional Salvadoran dish made from corn dough and filled with a variety of ingredients like cheese, beans, pork, and more. The pupusas at Ilobasco are made fresh to order, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor and authenticity. If you've never tried a pupusa before, this is the perfect spot to experience it for the first time!
A Rich Menu of Salvadoran Delights
While pupusas are a standout, Ilobasco Restaurante & Pupuseria offers a variety of other traditional Salvadoran dishes that will satisfy any craving. Here are just a few highlights from their menu:
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Yuca con Chicharrón: This dish features yuca (cassava) served with crispy pork, a dish that is a staple in Salvadoran homes. It’s a perfect combination of crispy, tender, and flavorful.
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Tamales: Soft, steamed corn dough filled with meat or vegetables and wrapped in banana leaves, tamales are another essential Salvadoran dish you’ll find at Ilobasco. They’re often served with a side of tomato sauce or salsa to enhance their flavor.
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Sopa de Res: For those looking for a hearty meal, this traditional beef soup is made with tender chunks of beef, vegetables, and seasonings that create a comforting, flavorful broth.
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Baleadas: A simple yet satisfying dish, baleadas are flour tortillas filled with beans, cheese, and sour cream, offering a quick and delicious bite.
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Seafood Specials: Ilobasco also offers a selection of fresh seafood dishes, such as Pescado Frito (fried fish), which is a popular choice for those craving something light and flavorful.
The menu is expansive, and no matter what you choose, you can expect fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel right at home.
A Family-Friendly Atmosphere
One of the things that sets Ilobasco Restaurante & Pupuseria apart from other restaurants is its inviting, family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you're coming in for a casual meal with friends or a family celebration, you’ll find a comfortable setting where everyone can enjoy good food and good company. The restaurant’s cozy interior and attentive staff make for a welcoming dining experience that feels both special and familiar.
Locally Loved and Trusted
As a favorite among locals, Ilobasco Restaurante & Pupuseria has earned a strong reputation for its authentic Salvadoran cuisine and exceptional service. With a focus on fresh, quality ingredients and traditional recipes passed down through generations, this restaurant is trusted by those who want an authentic taste of El Salvador right in Greensboro. The owners and staff take pride in their food and are always ready to make your dining experience memorable.
What Sets Ilobasco Apart from Other Mexican Restaurants?
While many people associate pupusas and other Salvadoran dishes with Mexican cuisine, Ilobasco Restaurante & Pupuseria offers a unique taste of Central America that sets it apart from other Mexican restaurants. Salvadoran cuisine is known for its use of simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create bold and hearty flavors. The focus on corn-based dishes like pupusas and tamales, along with fresh meats and vegetables, gives Salvadoran food a distinct taste that is different from Mexican fare. If you’re looking for something new and exciting, Ilobasco is the perfect place to explore the flavors of El Salvador.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re in the mood for a casual lunch, a cozy dinner with family, or even catering for a special event, Ilobasco Restaurante & Pupuseria has something for everyone. The menu is diverse enough to accommodate all tastes, and the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere makes it a great choice for any occasion.
Reviews
This place is very small. Getting in and parking can be hectic. But the food is amazing. I went on a Sunday, and loud music was playing! I don't mind because they were playing some of my favorites! Hahaha, but I highly recommend take out. It did take a bit to get my food, but employees were really nice and food came out perfect! If you've never had pupusas, you must come here! They were so warm and cheesy, it was so good. And the tacos with handmade tortillas! They are a must! The plantains might not be everyone's favorite, but I really enjoy them. And in the mornings, on the weekend they have caldo de res, and other delicious soups. Muy buena comida! Especialmente los tacos! 9/10!
We were in town for a soccer tournament and saw this restaurant right across from our Holiday Inn. It got great reviews on yelp so we walked across the street and were greeted with a smile and an opened door. At three in the afternoon the restaurant was packed. It was clean and bright inside, and the waitress was very friendly. We ordered Garnachas (both chicken and steak), Horchata and plantains. The food was delicious, and the environment was authentic. It's a hidden gem.
Holy garnachas! What a find thanks to Yelp. I would probably never know about the numerous hidden gems in the triad without my trusted Yelp friends. I was on the other side of town today to run an errand and Ilobasco had been bookmarked for quite some time so stopped in for lunch. It's one of those places that you hesitate entering when you pull in to the parking lot. A small run down strip mall can often provide an amazing food experience, you just have to take the leap. I'm so glad I did today! The inside is smallish and nothing to look at but clean and inviting. I thought it was counter service but the lovely woman at said counter told me to take a seat and brought me a menu. I decided on the carne asada garnachas with a side of fried plantains. My food came to the table and I was instantly impressed. It smelled and looked delicious. I've never had garnachas before and was pleasantly surprised at how great they were. Mini flour tortillas (homemade) fried crisp with cabbage, diced steak and a bit of cotija. Served with a yummy, a bit sweet, crema. That sauce made the dish for me. Dipped my garnachas in it and enjoyed every bite, so so good. The plantains were soft and caramelized, exactly how I like them. I asked the woman who served me about some other menu items and she offered me a sample of the beef soup. It was great too so will probably order that next time, and there will be a next time very soon. A hidden gem I can't wait to revisit!
Wow, little place, big punch. I came here on a Saturday for a late lunch, somewhere between 1:30 or 2:00, and the tables were mostly full. Thankfully, I was getting takeout. When you park, you'll see two doors. The one on the left is for the market, and the one on the right is for the restaurant. I ordered at the cashier's counter next to the door and then sat at an empty table to wait. She estimated 20 minutes on the order, but I think it was more like 15. I ordered the camarones al ajillo, and the shrimp came with white rice, black beans, some fresh veggies (shredded lettuce and a few slices of tomato, cucumber, and radish), and a few thick, soft corn tortillas. The shrimp was flavorful but not spicy. The rice was unseasoned, and it soaked up the sauce from the shrimp easily. I devoured my lunch and barely came up for air. This restaurant is modest and unassuming, and if your usual jam is either chain eateries or upscale dining or both, then you probably won't give it a glance. But if you like Latin food and want to try something a little different from standard chips-and-salsa fare, then I would recommend moving out of your usual groove to give ilobasco a shot.
So amazing. Love this place. Best food and service!! Papusas of all varieties and all are excellent.