Norwalk Spotlight: Loroco Bistro

As the smallest yet most densely populated country in Central America, El Salvador is a prime example of good things coming in small packages, and its food is no exception. With more than 2 million Salvadorans estimated to be living in the United States, the popular dishes and flavors of the regional cuisine are enjoyed by natives and locals alike. 

Fortunately, you don’t need to travel all the way to El Salvador to access its cuisine—not when it can be sampled at the newly-opened Loroco Bistro in Norwalk, California. Keep reading to learn why we can’t get enough of this local gem.

After working in his family’s restaurant for years, head chef and co-founder Tony Cruz emigrated to the United States from El Salvador at the age of 19 in pursuit of his dream of opening a restaurant of his own. In an effort to learn all he could about the business, Tony worked in restaurants featuring Asian, Italian, and Central American cuisine, learning different recipes and techniques along the way.

At the end of 2019, Tony, his wife, and his brother-in-law made the decision to open a restaurant of their own, specializing in Salvadoran gastronomy with a modern take. The trio opened Loroco Bistro in Norwalk, California, in early 2020, around the same time that the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered businesses across the country. In spite of this setback, Loroco Bistro has persevered, bringing authentic Salvadoran cuisine to its customers.

Everything on the menu at Loroco Bistro is made using authentic Salvadoran ingredients as a method of maintaining authenticity. Because so much of the country’s cuisine reflects its customs, this authenticity is important, enhancing flavors using spices and other ingredients to achieve gourmet fusion.

Loroco Bistro has both traditional and specialty options when it comes to breakfast and dinner items. Other regional fare includes seafood, salads, soups, and desserts. Authentic Salvadoran beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, can also be had to complete your meal. 

The menu also includes more than a dozen options of traditional pupusas: tortillas stuffed with a number of different ingredients such as meats, cheeses, beans, vegetables, or seafood. The popular, inexpensive meal happens to be the national dish of El Salvador and is even celebrated every second Sunday in November on “National Pupusa Day” in the country. 

If you’re looking for traditional Salvadoran cuisine made using authentic ingredients in Norwalk, California, pay a visit to Loroco Bistro. With a real bootstrap origin, traditional cuisine, and delicious pupusas, you’re sure to enjoy yourself. And if you’re looking to start your own traditions in the area, contact Porto Bella Apartments to learn more about our housing options or to take a tour!

Photo Courtesy: Loroco Bistro