Looking for a better life and new opportunities, Gloria and Jose Fuentes immigrated from El Salvador to the U.S. over 40 years ago. Gloria Fuentes said her sister had a small restaurant in Dallas at the time, but an opportunity to take ownership came up.

After rebranding the business to Gloria’s Latin Cuisine, the Fuenteses incorporated their family recipes and expanded from Dallas to Austin, Houston and San Antonio, and they opened a location in The Woodlands area in May 2024.

What's special about it

Gloria's Latin Cuisine focuses on providing customers with a Latin experience featuring Latin cuisine made with fresh ingredients, creative recipes and an ongoing commitment to guests, the Fuenteses said.

With 23 locations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin and San Antonio areas, Houston area locations include The Woodlands area, Midtown Houston, Katy and Friendswood.
Gloria Fuentes said at Gloria’s Latin Cuisine she serves the food she grew up with. (Courtesy Gloria’s Latin Cuisine)​
Gloria Fuentes said at Gloria’s Latin Cuisine she serves the food she grew up with. (Courtesy Gloria’s Latin Cuisine)
"Salvadoran food is comforting, flavorful and deeply tied to tradition. We like to say that food is our love language," Gloria Fuentes said. "It’s not overly spicy like some might expect from Latin American food, but instead leans on hearty ingredients, fresh herbs, and balanced flavors."


The family-oriented restaurant boasts a modern atmosphere with indoor and patio seating. To keep the Latin experience alive, Gloria’s holds several recurring events including live Latin music, dancing, DJ’s and VIP tables with bottle service on Saturday nights.
The platano frito ($12) includes ripe plantain, fried and is served with black beans and sour cream. (Courtesy Gloria’s Latin Cuisine)​
The platano frito ($12) includes ripe plantain, fried and is served with black beans and sour cream. (Courtesy Gloria’s Latin Cuisine)
On the menu

Gloria’s Latin Cuisine boasts Salvadoran cuisine with family recipes including pupusas, a traditional Salvadoran dish consisting of a thick handmade flatbread made from corn meal and rice flour. They are typically stuffed with various ingredients such as cheese, beans or meat.

Other menu items include the Salvadoran tamales, ceviche, a variety of seafood dishes and Tex-Mex favorites such as fajitas, enchiladas and tacos.

Gloria Fuentes said a few menu item staples include:
  • Gloria’s Super Special: Gloria’s signature features one Salvadoran tamale, one pupusa, yuca, fried plantain, sour cream, rice and black beans.
  • Salvadoran tamales: Unlike Mexican tamales, Gloria's tamales are wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. This dish includes three hand-made tamales spiced and stuffed with chicken and potatoes.
  • Carne asada: The skirt steak dish is marinated for 24 hours before being cooked. It comes with Spanish rice, black beans, fried plantain, yuca, and chimichurri sauce.
The house margarita ($12) is made with 100% Agave Monte Alban Reposado Tequila and Gran Gala Orange Liqueur and is served frozen or on the rocks. (Courtesy Gloria’s Latin Cuisine)​
The house margarita ($12) is made with 100% Agave Monte Alban Reposado Tequila and Gran Gala Orange Liqueur and is served frozen or on the rocks. (Courtesy Gloria’s Latin Cuisine)


Aside from its cuisine, the eatery boasts a full bar with classics, signature cocktails, a selection of wine and brunch drinks. Drink favorites include the house margarita, made with 100% Agave Monte Alban Reposado Tequila and Gran Gala Orange Liqueur, served frozen or on the rocks.

"Gloria’s Latin Cuisine was born from missing the flavors of El Salvador, so isn’t just a restaurant. It feels like home; where Salvadorans in Houston can come and feel connected to their roots," Gloria Fuentes said.