Welcome to Ave Maria Restaurant

Ave María Restaurant was born from the heart of Catherine Garcés, who grew up between New York and Ecuador, surrounded by the warmth, laughter, and love of her grandmother, Doña América, and her mother. Their kitchen was always alive — a place where recipes were never written down, only passed along by memory, taste, and heart. Every dish today carries their spirit — the kind of home-cooked food that fills both your stomach and your soul.
In Ecuador, people often say “¡Ave María!” — an expression of surprise, joy, or admiration. It’s like saying, “Oh my goodness, that’s amazing!” For Catherine, it perfectly captures the moment when a familiar flavor brings you back home — that feeling of comfort, love, and belonging that only a grandmother’s cooking can create.
As a women-owned restaurant and a single mother, Catherine has built Ave María with resilience and devotion, supported by her children, who help bring her vision to life every day. Together, they share the flavors and stories of their family with every guest who walks through the door.
At Ave María Restaurant, every meal feels like a Sunday at grandma’s table.
Ave María — that’s the taste of home.