EK Valley

Really great mole dishes and nice atmosphere! We were also able to take our dog as they have a nice patio up front! Definitely enjoyed our time here and had some good food!

A Hidden Gem in Culver City! This place is a hidden gem in Culver City—hands down the best authentic Mexican food around! I always recommend it to everyone I know, and I fully support this small business. The staff is consistently friendly and attentive. The food is always on point—consistently amazing and a solid 10/10 every time. If you're in the area, you’ve got to check it out!

Ate outside under an older al fresco dining area built out into the street. A lot of cars flying by, noisy, fumes. We were told there was no wine, but saw other tables with full bottles. BYOB? Food was good, but pricey for the entire experience.

Highly recommended little spot in Arts District. Fantastic food and a great spot for a late meal. I’ll be coming back to try the rest of the menu.

Best Mexican food in Culver City, probably Los Angeles. Award winning chef. The sauces are incredible. The mole is amazing. The shrimp scampi sauce is out of this world delicious. This is a must visit spot in Los Angeles.

Family owned/ran. Look, the portions are small. Service was great. Atmosphere; cool. When I said, “This is not enough” she brought more food. They conserve because they dont want to be wasteful. Dad is chef, Daughter is waitress; they donate the left over authentic homemade Mexican food, to the homeless.

Some of the best shrimp tacos in LA!! I usually order those and a Clayuda (absolutely delicious also) but they were out so the so the server suggested the Chile relleno and it was fantastic! The sauce is so flavorful and fresh!! I’ll be back for that very soon!

Holy mole, this place was great. Cool neighbourhood Mexican with a great family vibe. The food is full of flavour and the perfect amount of spice.

There are few meals I think i'll have in my life that top this dish right here at EK Valley. The Chile Relleno here is literally one of my favorite dishes ever. I come to EK in hopes that they will still have one here for me to eat since it is so popular it does occasionally run out. But if they do, I know I have other delicious options like the Salmon, and the tacos de barbacoa as other close favorite. As someone who is lactose intolerant, I can't imagine eating a traditional chile relleno with cheese, so the shredded chicken and vegetable medley they fill the chile with is heavenly. The red salsa is perfect and the pomegranate seeds are a great garnish to top the dish with. The rice is also delicious and I can never choose between the side options which is why I also always get the grilled vegetables. They also have a green salad I forgot existed but I also love that salad too. I opted for the Strawberry lemonade instead of the cucumber lemonade i normally get, and it was perfect. Toby and Epy are extremely kind and friendly and i love their family run business. Seeing how they greet long time returning customers with hugs, you know just how important this business and their family is to those who are lucky enough to frequent it-- and just how attentive and caring Toby and Epy are towards their clientele. It is also beautiful decorated and I love the outdoor seating, which is what I opt for when going out to eat. They have heaters for warmth and play music for you to enjoy while you're eating. 10/10 would recommend to anyone. Like look at this dish... it could be yours too!

4++ this place has neighborhood gem written all over it. Small little restaurant along Washington Boulevard and Culver City.. I've been meaning to come here for a little while. I walked in and was seated right away by a friendly person who took my order, not long after that. I came here for the Burrito Mojado Ranchero. It's delicious sizable burrito with Carne Asada smothered with their red ranchero sauce. The burrito alone is quite the meal. I also ordered the tamarind aqua fresca to wash it down. Very refreshing. Overall, I'm a big fan of this place. I'm a big fan of the small family run neighborhood type restaurants in this place is a prime example. I found metered parking easily nearby on a weekday night.

So hit/miss! One day you get really great guacamole, chips, mole, chicken, fish, rice, and assorted tacos... the next day you get oily chips, dried out chicken and salty guacamole. The patio area is good, the inside is tiny but shabby chic and the service is spotty most of the time. You can only get beer here - no full bar, but that's fine with us. If they work on their "consistency" in the kitchen the place has potential.

Amazing red mole at Ek Valley! Our party of 5 was quickly seated on a Monday afternoon. The outdoor seating was very spacious and very aesthetically pleasing, with all the colors. The extensive set of umbrellas and shades also kept us in the shade. Since they were closed for 12 days prior to our visit, they didn't have some menu items such as the mole negro and the chile relleno. However, the waitress was awesome and gave us excellent recommendations for alternatives. I got the tamarind agua fresca and the red mole with chicken thigh. The tamarind agua fresca was refreshing and just the right amount of sweet. The red mole is so flavorful, and chicken thigh very tender. I couldn't get enough of the mole on my plate. I also tried the grilled veggie quesadilla, which had a unique smoky flavor. I was very impressed by it. Overall, 5/5, will be back if I'm in LA!

Just finished our first meal here. It was delicious! Ordered the guacamole and carnitas taquitos - crispy and flavorful. Loved the pomegranate seeds on top. We also got the Ranchero Molcajete - also very tasty. Each meat was perfectly cooked and flavorful. Couldn't get enough of the salsa and cheese either. We were given the option to sit inside or outside - seated immediately. Service was amazing. They answered all of our questions with good recommendations, checked in just the right amount, and turned on the heater when we asked. Will be back!

Great Mole enchiladas with good chips and salsa. A fine neighborhood spot worth going to!

Came across this absolute gem of a restaurant while partaking in the Great Los Angeles Walk today. The restaurant is so pretty, lovely outdoor seating, our server was very nice and attentive and the food was the BEST Mexican food I have ever had. I had the shrimp fajitas and it was perfection! The homemade tortillas were delicious. Everything was presented beautifully and was so fresh!

Been coming here for ages. BEST SALMON TACOS IN LA. BEST SHRIMP TACOS IN LA. I've travelled the world including much of central and South America and I do not hesitate to say these are the BEST FISH TACOS in the world. Owner and family put so much g pride into the food. Everything is fresh and marinated for hours before service and you can truly taste the difference. SUPPORT AND BOOST EK VALLEY!! They are overdue for a Keith Lee or Rick lox review.

This place a pretty cool. The food looks amazing and it has good flavor. But it is a bit too expensive for mole. I don't think I'll be coming back. Service was good. They were friends and brought the food quickly. I had the wet burrito de asada. It was tasty. The enchiladas verdes were ok. Nothing stood out. It might be that I am not a big fan of mole but I brought my mom and aunt and they were not impressed.

Stopped by because we were looking for a well-regarded Mexican restaurant on the way home to OC from Los Angeles. I can honestly say that EK Valley lives up to its positive reviews and more! The salsa was wonderful blend of spices and vegetables , beautifully complementing the fresh, warm "and crisp chips. I ordered an ensalada de nnipáles ( cactus ) that was as good as, if not better, than the homemade ones I ate when I taught in a predominantly Latinx neighborhood. The steak/ shrimp combination quesadilla was done just right, not overwhelmingly heavy at all. My wife also enjoyed the carne asada platter, also done just right. We'll definitely stop there again next time we're on the West Side of LA. Easy five stars here re food, service, and atmosphere( small and intimate).

Chef, and owner are authentic and food is beyond excellent! They recommended a shrimp enchilada. Outstanding. Homemade horchata is to die for. Even the basic black beans are special . . .

Not your regular "Latin restaurant " E K Valley uses long cooking techniques, expert flavored seasonings and presents it in a familiar way, so if you see a taco, realize that your eyes are saying one thing when your taste buds will lick it off all your fingers and want more. Please give your assumptions a rest and your taste buds will choose to return for. Eppy has catered events for me and stunned most Latinos to want more. A truly memorable meal is in your future.

the food is SOOOOO fire! very fresh, and flavorful it tastes homemade. i got 3 tacos and they were all delicious, my bf got the enchiladas, they were seasoned to perfection, not dry at all. 10/10! even the jamaica i got was the perfect sweetness :) this is one of those places where everything is good. also they serve everything on aesthetic places if you want good photos lol

I cannot say enough positive things about this restaurant. The owners are so kind and friendly. The food s fresh, well seasoned and always arrives hot to the table. Tacos Al Pastor Taco Mole Delicious Jamaica - not too sweet Great Horchata Barbacoa And if they ever have soup, you must have it. You will immediately feel healthier and protected from all manner of things after ypu eat it.

Came here for a late lunch and it was great. I loved the colorful decor! We got salmon tacos and a salmon salad. Both were very delicious. I ordered my husband a steak burrito to go and he really loved it! I am so happy to have a great restaurant in Culver! Came back again tonight, a Friday night, with my husband and dog and it's so delicious! I'm sad there aren't more people here?!? Please come support this small business owner and amazing food!

Excellent Mexican food! Stopped by for lunch on a Friday and chose to dine outside. Their patio is shaded and the decor is cute, and despite it being built out onto a platform on the street I didn't feel intruded or unsafe by car traffic, as the street wasn't super busy this time of day. Gentle Mexican acoustic music in the background. My server was nice, a pretty young lady who checked in with me and gave great service. On to the food: I ordered chicken mole enchiladas and they were SCRUMPTIOUS. They came out immediately and I wish I took a photo because they were plated beautifully but it smelled so good I couldn't help but start eating right away. The phone did not eat first today! The mole sauce was fragrant, slightly sweet and complex: a perfect mole negro. Rice, beans, and chips/salsa were included. I also ordered a Jamaica (hibiscus iced tea) to drink and was glad it was not overly sweetened. I asked and it turns out they make it in house, which explains the perfect ratio of sweet to tart. The chips are great -- hot and fresh. The salsa today was a red salsa made in house, not too spicy, with fresh parsley chopped into it. Overall a wonderful meal. Price was reasonable given how food costs have increased dramatically due to inflation - $19 for the chicken mole enchiladas (including the sides of rice, beans, chips and salsa) and $5 for the Jamaica which I got refills on. I couldn't finish the meal and had to get a box, so this seems like a good value to me in light of the quality of the food. I'll be back!

I've become a regular at EK Valley after trying all their moles. I can't pick a favourite -- they are all complex, not overly sweet, and addicting! Their black beans, salad, and rice sides are also delicious. I cannot recommend EK Valley enough!

I was in the mood for Mexican and for trying something new and I've been wanting to try this place for a while now. I walked in and was greeted by a young guy, who I guess was a host, but he never really opened his mouth to speak. He just kind of looked at me and nodded. When I asked if I could sit down he asked in or out and that's it. He never brought me a menu or utensils, or anything. It was very odd. He just kind of stood around outside and inside, like he didn't know what to do with himself. Anyway, a really nice server came over to me and asked me if I was ready to order. I didn't notice that there was a QR code on the table so he very kindly got me a printed menu. I felt a bit hurried because he came back to the table a few times asking if I was ready to order and they were tables available so it wasn't like there were people waiting. So I ordered a Carnitas taco and the Molcajete burrito. The server asked me if I wanted any guacamole and chips and I said sure would have definitely turned them down if I'd known that a half a cup of guacamole and some overcooked chips were going to cost me $11. The Carnitas taco had good flavor, but the meat was a little too dry for my taste. The Molcajete burrito had a nice Ranchero sauce, but the inside had way too much beans and rice and very little meat. I didn't even finish all of it. If it weren't for my friendly server, I probably would've given them one star. After my table was cleared. the odd guy who was standing around, came over and put down the check. He came back and kinda mumbled something and took my card. He brought it back and never said thank you or any words at all. I really wanted to love this place but they were too many things that just made me take a pause. I won't be going back. Other people seemed to be enjoying it so maybe it was just an "off night".

Highly recommended, who doesn't like chicken and dark mole, I'll be back for the hard to find chili Relleno

Love the food. One of the top spots in LA. If u haven't tried this place you are missing out. Trust me

I can't say enough good things about this place. I went there for the first time today and ordered the carnitas tacos. The red sauce that come with it is really excellent and complex: smokey and slightly sweet with a hint of citrus. The guac was wonderful with a peppering of pomegranates on top. Great cafe de olla coffee. The most outstanding Mexican food that I have had in years. You should go.

This is an excellent place if you want authentic! It's a bit pricey but the quality and taste is all there. The chips and salsa are fully homemade as is everything else and special. We felt like we were transported into a small village atmosphere which was laid back and charming. The outside setting is quaint and non assuming. The service is definitely slower than average but very friendly, and that's the way it usually is when traveling to small pueblitos so please don't go if you're in a rush. Recommend all the mole dishes, the carne asada, and the burritos!

I had the pleasure of having lunch today. The food, beverages & service were wonderful. Just enough spice & savory. Starting with the chips & salsa, we added the guacamole-everything was so fresh. The entree portions were generous & delicious. I had Chili Rellenos which was filled with tender chicken. The Agua Frescas selections are very refreshing. It was a treat to have a bass violin player serenading the outside tables. And the customer service was perfect & appreciated. I'm looking forward to returning & experiencing other menu items. Thank you

Had Mole chicken and asada fajita's. Fantastic! Quality of food is amazing. Mole was delicious with many complex Spices amend flavors. Sat outside and enjoyed comida fresco! Expect high prices to match quality of food.

Here's the thing... we wanted to go someplace else but they were closed and this place is complicated for me. We had to wait 40 minutes for our food. I am a hangry person and I was not going to like whatever was brought out.... That said, my boyfriend got the salmon plate and it was excellent! The salmon is tender and perfectly cooked and I would say the salmon is a 5 stars based on taste. I did ask and it is marinated with a lot of things including garlic but I can call the day before and ask them to marinate me a piece without if they have it. I got the mole burrito and it was okay, not great, like 3 stars. That said, whatever I ate that evening got me so sick to my stomach that I had to eat a bunch of antacids and I was still ill. Granted, I have food allergies but damn, I felt sick all weekend. If you are sensitive in the digestive tract then this place might not be for you as they use tons of spices in both of the dishes we had and it's too tough to discern but the flavor in that salmon is great for someone who has a tougher constitution as my boyfriend felt just fine.

Alright ya'll - if you're looking for delicious, authentic Oaxacan Mexican food in Culver City, look no further than EK Valley. Came here for the first time for lunch today and I loved everything about the restaurant. The hostess/waitress, Bella, was so sweet and was the cherry on top of our experience. We ordered the black mole enchiladas and the oxacas delicacy plate for our meal - both were fantastic. Super flavorful and fresh but not too heavy. We also got the cucumber lemon and tamarindo aguas frescas. Probably the best aguas frescas I've had in a while. It was obvious both were made fresh in house. The flavors popped but they weren't too sweet and still maintained the natural flavors of the fruits. The chips and salsa they brought at the beginning were also so yummy. I could tell they weren't using old oil for the chips and weren't using chips that had been sitting around. The salsa was fresh and flavorful like everything else. Definitely will be back.

This place is one of my absolute favorite spots in LA! I have been going to this restaurant since the family opened its doors and the high quality of the food has remained the same. Truly an LA gem. The ambiance is also great! It's a small restaurant with a very cozy vibe and lots of outdoor seating. Some of my fav dishes to order are the mole burrito mojado (pictured) and the tylayuda. Their beans are also some of the tastiest beans I've ever had. Their agua frescas are also great! My partner ordered the Oaxacan delight dish and loved it! He said that all of the meat was very juicy and tasty. Highly recommend this spot if you're looking for authentic, quality Oaxacan food.

Back again! Also got a horchata. I wish you all nothing but the best. The chicken of the mole negro was especially juicy and good. I enjoyed my asada torta!

I eat at this wonderful little place a couple times a week. The food and staff are both tremendous!! A little hidden gem!

Some of the best fajitas I've ever had in Los Angeles. The meat was cooked perfectly. Made All Gone!

What a hidden gem in the Arts district of Culver City on Washington. Arrived before they officially opened for lunch, but the staff accommodated us on the open patio outdoors. Food was still being unpacked and prepared for the day. Was wonderful to see fresh ingredients from the owners(?) being delivered and hand brought in. It's clear the food is a labor a love for this restaurant, and the authenticity and flavor came through beautifully.

Some of the best shrimp tacos in LA!! I usually order those and a Clayuda (absolutely delicious also) but they were out so the so the server suggested the Chile relleno and it was fantastic! The sauce is so flavorful and fresh!! I'll be back for that very soon!

The best back up choice...ever. We originally meant to go to Pop's Bagels at the Platform and realized they moved! We passed this spot on the way and we decided to give it a shot. Our waitress, Toby, was so attentive and answered all of my questions about the food! We were blown away! The prices were reasonable. I've seen some reviews that mention the prices are "fine dining" or "a bit high" - this is QUALITY and the prices reflect that. Mexican food is traditionally known to be "cheap," but Mexican food shouldn't have to be cheap for you to enjoy it. The food was soo fresh - even the chips tasted freshly made. We ordered the green enchiladas with shrimp, mole burrito with chicken, and barbacoa taco. The depth of flavor in the mole was amazing. Definitely a spot to come with friends or a date night!

Parking is metered street parking, which was not bad at 2pm on a Tuesday. I decided to sneak away from work and got takeout from here for a late lunch. The wait was about 25 minutes for the takeout to be finished, but there were about three families dining outside at the time so perhaps that increased the wait time. The service was friendly. I ordered the veggie burrito and thought it was delicious! The tortilla was thin, and the burrito was huge and filled with flavorful sauces. I'll definitely be coming back to try some other dishes!

10/10 , 5/5 , 100% , A+ , valid Victorian .... Like really though . The waitress and staff were so kind and made the experience feel like you were having lunch at a friends' house . Everything was so tasty and fresh . Salmon in the fish tacos was delicious as were the black mole cheese enchiladas . The portions were not overdone , leaving you feeling uncomfortably full . I appreciate that. Don't skip on the chips and salsa , the salsa is Smokey and full of flavor and the perfect spice level . The atmosphere is comfortable and fun and transports you to feeling like you are in a little cute Oaxaca town . I hope they continue to do well and their business is here for year and years to come .

This is the best place in Los Angeles to eat Oaxacan food hands down. There's dining inside and out; you can enjoy the lovely decorations inside or enjoy the shaded outside (at night there are lights lit up from above and heaters). It's a family owned business ran by some kind hearted people. But what you come here for is food and food is something they really do. All of it is amazing but I will never turn down an opportunity to enjoy one of their delicious burritos with their mole and in house salsa. I recommend anyone who loves to eat to try this place out cause you won't regret it. Worth every penny.

I got the wet mole Burrito definitely an excellent choice, the Oaxaca taste is felt through any plate you get here,You won't be disappointed.

The Mexican food here is really delicious! I had carnitas tacos one day and pastor tacos another day. The carnitas were very tender and the chips and salsa roja are delicious. They also have vegan offerings which is good for my daughter.

First time trying this place randomly driving by tonight. I'm blown away. Their sauces are super gourmet on par with the most famous Mexican restaurant in LA. Not an advertisement, this place is truly better than all but one restaurant in LA county. The plating alone you can tell everything is fresh, from your entree to rice and beans. I normally don't eat the rice and beans at Mexican restaurants in LA because it's slopped out from a bucket but this place is fresh! I am very picky about Mexican food, I can't encourage people enough to go here, I had to fish tacos, my friend had the garlic shrimp plate. You will love the food here.

The tacos are excellent. Shrimp taco is great, char grilled flavor. Fish taco was good, carne asada was excellent. Definitely coming back.

I just had to come and update my review. This place is unreasonably good I would come here every single day if I could. Today I tried the chicken taquitos and it was genuinely one of the best things I have ever had.

Love the mojado burritos! One of the best wet burrito I've ever had! I highly recommend!

¡Que rico! May have just had one of the best mole experiences of my life and it was takeout! Mole was rich, complex, and just delicious! A touch of smoke, great depth of flavor, with a little kick. Try for yourself! Staff was friendly and helpful. I'll be ordering again in the future.

One of the best Al pastor burritos I've ever had! Yummy! Also wet sauce was delicious!

I tried the mole burrito. It was good but nothing terribly special, especially given the price.

I'm visiting from the High Desert today and my daughter lives around the corner. This had to be the best Mexican food I've ever eaten. Hands down fantastic. Fresh, beautifully cooked and delicious. There aren't enough words to describe how amazing it is. If you're looking for authentic flavors, please don't hesitate.

We have been visiting this family owned restaurant for years, and the food and service remains stellar (especially during COVID-19). The food is deliciously flavorful and fresh. You can taste the time and love put into their food. Highly recommend the chicken taquitos, chicken mole enchiladas, and guacamole. In addition to the incredibly delectable dishes they make, the service and cleanliness of the establishment have been top-notch. I was mindful of these before, but since the pandemic, they have been even more important to me. This place is incredible in both areas! Overall, love this place and greatly appreciate the quality and taste of their food as well as the importance they place to ensure the safety of their customers and staff during this time.

Beautiful place and the chef Epifanio is a great person with his wife the service is a 5 star.

Service was great and food was even better! Hot chocolate was delicious and strawberry lemonade was super refreshing. Loved the shrimp burrito with mole as well, this was such a cute spot will definitely be returning soon!!