Laura and Carlos left their hometown of Portovelo in Ecuador's El Oro province with a suitcase full of family recipes and a dream of sharing their culinary heritage with Toronto. Since opening their eponymous café in September 2023, that dream has blossomed into one of the city's most authentic Latin American dining experiences.
The café, named after one of Ecuador's most prominent mining centres, relocated to a larger space on St. Clair Avenue West in February 2025 — a move that has transformed the business. The new location along a major thoroughfare has allowed more customers to discover Laura and Carlos's scratch-made Ecuadorian specialties.
A particular highlight came during the Canada vs. Ecuador soccer match in November 2025, which drew crowds of passionate fans to the café. A banner commemorating the match now hangs proudly on the wall alongside South American souvenirs, testament to the community Portovelo has built.
Every meal begins with complimentary plantain chips served with house-made cilantro mayo and salsa — a generous welcome that sets the tone for the warmth to follow. The signature fried cheese empanadas, crispy on the outside with hot, gooey cheese within, have earned devoted fans across the city.
For something more substantial, the ceviche de camaron showcases fresh shrimp with onions, tomatoes, sweet green peppers, and the signature tanginess of lime juice. The cazuela, a thick, creamy soup made with peanut butter and ground plantains topped with fish or shrimp, arrives steaming in traditional earthenware.
Perhaps most comforting is the morocho, a hot spiced drink made with sweet corn and cinnamon. With its thick, pudding-like consistency that warms you from the inside out, it's the perfect companion on a cold Toronto morning — a taste of Ecuador's warmth no matter the weather outside.
At Portovelo Cafe, Laura and Carlos have created more than a restaurant; they've built a bridge between two worlds, inviting Torontonians to experience the flavors and hospitality of their homeland one empanada at a time.