Elvin Lainez and his family own and operate El Aguila Honduran Kitchen. They pride themselves on producing authentic Honduran cuisine that delights guests to their restaurant. The brand of service at El Aguila Honduran Kitchen reflects the sense of family that the restaurant has been built upon.
Cooking in restaurants around the Asheville area after moving here from Honduras helped Elvin to hone his chef skills and management skills in preparation for opening the Honduran kitchen.
The Lainez family’s mission is to provide an authentic Honduran food experience for their community. Many of their friends from Honduras that are here now enjoy the experience because it reminds them of their home. Americans love the food because it is delicious!
Welcome to El Aguila Honduran Kitchen, a family-owned restaurant nestled in the heart of Asheville, NC. Here, the rich, authentic flavors of Honduras are celebrated, blending tradition and passion with the warm embrace of our local community.
Our journey begins with Chef and Owner Elvin Lainez, a proud native of Sabá, a rural community in the department of Colón, Honduras. Growing up in a close-knit environment surrounded by the lush landscapes of his homeland, Elvin developed a deep connection to the bold and comforting flavors of Honduran cuisine. However, life in Honduras was not without its challenges. Political and social unrest following a coup d’état created an environment of uncertainty and hardship for many families. Driven by the dream of a better life, Elvin and his family made the courageous decision to leave their beloved home and build a new future in the United States.
Once in the U.S., Elvin’s passion for cooking became his guiding light. He spent seven years working in prominent American and Asian kitchens across the region, gaining invaluable experience and refining his culinary skills. Despite his success, his heart remained tied to the flavors of his heritage. The idea of sharing the vibrant and unique cuisine of Honduras with his new community began to grow, and Elvin knew it was time to follow his calling.
In November 2019, this vision became a reality at the Arrow Flea Market in Fletcher, NC. With the support of his family, Elvin introduced traditional Honduran dishes to the community, bringing people together over freshly made baleadas, hearty soups, and other authentic specialties. The overwhelmingly positive response reinforced the belief that food is not just about sustenance—it’s about connection, culture, and storytelling.
Today, El Aguila Honduran Kitchen continues to honor that vision, offering a menu that is a true reflection of Elvin’s roots and culinary journey. Each dish we prepare is crafted with care, using recipes passed down through generations, combined with Elvin’s expertise and passion for innovation. From the first bite, you’ll taste the love and dedication that define our cuisine.
But our story isn’t just about food—it’s about creating a space where everyone feels like family. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Honduran flavors or discovering them for the first time, we invite you to join us for a dining experience that celebrates culture, community, and the beauty of sharing a meal together.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Bienvenidos a nuestra familia—we can’t wait to serve you!
