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El Porteño Empanadas

4.1 (1.2k reviews)
ModerateArgentine, Empanadas
Closed • 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Updated 3 months ago

Order El Porteño Empanadas Takeout or Delivery

El Porteño Empanadas Photos

EL PORTEÑO EMPANADAS ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Classy
Casual
Moderate noise
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - El Porteño Empanadas

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Alyssa A.

Whenever I come to San Francisco, I have to make a stop at the Ferry Building to grab some of their empanadas - they are one of my favorites. Have not found an empanada here that I don't like. Love their carne and pollo - can never go wrong with the basics. But their champinones is FIRE. I love mushrooms, and they do everything right with this empanada. So flavorful with just the right amount of mushrooms. Enjoy grabbing my empanadas and then sitting outside to look at the bay. Great time, great food. Highly recommend.

Omg this beef Empanada is so good
Lou C.

Oh My Gawd. This empanada is so delicious. I'm so glad to try El Porteño Argentina Empanada. I was walking into the Embarcadero Building and my nose noticed this restaurant before my eyes. Definitely coming back.

Pollo
Alexander W.

Very efficient service, which is important because there's often a line. The display is helpful for seeing all the options. There's not too much seating around but it's great for grab and go. The empanadas are great: crispy, buttery, and tasty fillings. I did feel for some there was a bit more dough compared to filling than I'd prefer ideally.

Perry B.

Flavorful empanadas. Quick service in a fast paced environment. This spot is located in the ferry building. We opted for the lamb and beef empanadas. I love that they are labeled to easily differentiate our items when on the go. If you'd like to enjoy them later there's also a freezer section to take and make at home.

Kate A.

These empanadas ended up being one of the gems of the trip me and my friends took to San Francisco. We came here multiple times because the empanadas were just so delicious. I had the carne and I also tried the mushroom. The empanadas have a wonderful crusty buttery flaky crust that holds the feeling well. The filling itself is absolutely delicious too. Both times we went. There was a little line because people know that these are really good. One of my friends on the trip made us stop to get some before. Heading to the airport. Definitely a good treat if you're in the area. The lamb is also very tasty.

Johnathan Y.

So grateful they were open on Christmas Eve, when basically everyone else in the Ferry Building was closed. The manzana (apple) empanada is always good, but oh my, the banana dulce de leche empanada was CRAZY delicious - so incredibly densely powerful in flavor, and the dulce de leche really coats your mouth. Give their sweet empanadas a try!

Sohrob H.

Food Quality: *** Service: *** Ambiance: *** Value: *** The empanadas are okay imo. I know it is a popular spot with a lot of people seeming to love them and line up patiently. They're not bad, just not memorable enough to make want to return.

Caili C.

We were checking out the Ferry Building Farmer's Market and stopped by to grab a savory treat. It was difficult to choose between the yummy looking empanadas but settled on the Cordero which is filled with lamb braised in malbec. The lamb was absolutely amazing! Super tender pulled lamb in a flavorful red wine onion sauce. It really exceeded my expectations going in and made me almost grab another one right them and there. I loved how buttery and flaky the crust is! It reminded me of a scrumptious pie dough top and really added so much delicious richness to compliment the filling. This was definitely one of if not the best empanada I've had, I'll definitely be back to try the other fillings!

Cordero
Jacob M.

I first had the pleasure of trying El Porteño a few years ago, actually just days before Argentina won the World Cup. Back then they were in a different stall inside the Ferry Building if I'm remembering correctly, but I clearly remember all the World Cup decor and loving the whole vibe since these are Argentine empanadas. I loved their empanadas then and I love them now. They are in a new spot these days, I believe, but they are just as delicious. They run a well-oiled machine. You order at the counter and within moments you have a hot empanada in an aesthetically pleasing branded bag. The first time I ever tried them I got the cordero (lamb), and this time around I had to run it back because it was that good. And my memory did not fail me, it was still unbelievable. The lamb mince inside is hot, rich with spices, insanely juicy, and packed with flavor. It is genuinely some of the best lamb I have ever had in any form. I've made herb-crusted rack of lamb, I've had $100+ lamb dishes at steakhouses, and honestly this lamb empanada takes the cake. The pastry dough itself is flaky, buttery, and not dry or hard at all. It is literally perfect. I could easily eat several of these, but I forced myself to stop at one so I could try a few more places around the Ferry Building. I love this place so much. Please expand to Sacramento or at least stop by for a farmers market pop-up one day. We need you out here, the city would love you!

Camaron
Louise F.

This just wasn't it for me. The empanadas were really pricy for one, and not that big. The one i got was also really full of air with not too much filling. The pastry was doughy, and the shrimp and cheese tasted like exactly that: shrimp and cheese put together and cooked. I just wanted a quick small savory bite in the ferry building when most businesses had already clossd for the evening so this did satisfy that need.

Champinones empanada
Sydney J.

I decided to check them out after catching the delicious smell while walking around the Ferry Building. I got the champinones empanada, which contains mushrooms, is very cheesy, salty, and strongly mushroom-flavored. I thought this was one of the better empanadas I've had, would highly recommend checking them out. There's often a line, but it moves pretty fast.

David L.

Spending Valentines Day up in San Francisco with my wife. Our boys met us in Vellejo and we took the ferry into the Bay. Had dinner at Gotts but saw this small empanada place with line going out the door. Got the banana, apple, and cherry and hands down one of the best empanadas we ever had. A must try if your make it up here and near the SF Port!

Jamon Y Queso
Gerard Y.

A nice and quick snack to grab while I was walking around the Ferry Building. The cheese was melted nicely with the ham and the bread was warm and slightly buttery and crispy.

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El Porteño Empanadas Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - El Porteño Empanadas

Are these baked or fried?

Baked

Do they use animal fat for their crust?

Do they have vegan options?

Although they have vegetarian empanadas, I believe the crust uses eggs.

Ay parking ahí?

Difficult parking. Mostly lots that charge a lot

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Venga Empanadas - Empanada Ají de gallina

Venga Empanadas

3.8(525 reviews)
2.6 mi•Mission
•$

Oh my goodness! This was my first time here and also my first time trying this Argentinian staple!…read moreI came alone on a quiet Saturday night, and the moment I walked in, the lady in the back immediately welcomed and helped me. I ordered the spicy beef empanada, and OMG it was SO good. It was packed with flavor and perfectly crispy. I loved it so much that I ended up getting a second one, the chorizo and that one was amazing too. The chipotle spicy sauce and chimichurri complemented the empanadas perfectly. One detail I thought was really cool was how they stamped the restaurant's name, "VENGA," around the border of the empanadas. Such a small touch, but it made the experience feel even more unique and authentic. The food, hospitality, and cozy atmosphere made this such a memorable experience. Definitely would come back here again!

I came in on Friday may 15 at around 5:45PM or 6PM, really happy to get some empanadas. I haven't…read morecame here in a while and love all their items, so I was browsing the options while my nephew used the bathroom. I walk up to the cashier with stretched ears and tattoos and he immediately says, "Hurry up sweetie because I got shit to do." Um? That was really uncalled for and so mean. I don't know what type of day he was having, but it's no reason to treat somebody that way. Also dude... umm, you're working in customer service of course you have shit to do. That's part of having a job. I'm truly surprised that this establishment, where I've had excellent experiences before, hired somebody with such a horrible attitude and way of treating people. And to say that in front of my little nephew was wtf, man. Truly a horrible experience. This review is on my experience and the way I was treated and spoken to, not the empanadas those are great.

Photos
Venga Empanadas - Bakery display filled with yummy empanadas

Bakery display filled with yummy empanadas

Venga Empanadas - Large Alfajor

Large Alfajor

Venga Empanadas - Front door

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Front door

Cafe Buenos Aires - San Francisco - Chorizo Empanada

Cafe Buenos Aires - San Francisco

4.7(66 reviews)
1.1 mi•Mission Bay

Solid! I had the…read moreBeef, Chorizo, Mushroom, Chicken and the Carne Picada. All were good and I really light dough. Solid breakfast, Lunch or Dinner option.

Hello Yelpers,…read more Wanted to share with everyone a phenomenal Empanada Joint located on Polk Street I the city. Wife and I had the unfortunate experience of having to get our passports expedited and had to return to the Federal Building on Turk. To make the best of a bad situation we ducked into a small establishment called Cafe Buenos Aires. Let me begin with saying this little gem of an empanada establishment has me yearning to return to San Francisco. I am not a city boy by any means and avoid the city like a bad rash. Wife and I ordered 4 empanada's and a special protein and collagen latte. Everything has me saying Obrigado! (Thank you). We had the Carne Picada (Choped Sirloin) was beyond good. I have had empanadas all my life and can simply say this one has blown my mind. Spice and seasoned to perfection with potatoes and quality chopped top sirloin cuts. Chicken (Pollo) same thing with quality ingredients. Beef (Ground Beef) also excellent not my first choice but why not. I'm already here. Service was friendly and the lady working today was awesome. Not much seating inside more of a to go spot but fit the bill. Finally the Protein Cafe Latte with collagen had the wife raving about how good it was. Trust me when she says we may have to go back is a rarity for her especially in SF. Can't wait to swing by when in the area. Don't miss this place it's worth a visit and revisit in my opinion.

Photos
Cafe Buenos Aires - San Francisco - Cute little spot to grab a quick bite.

Cute little spot to grab a quick bite.

Cafe Buenos Aires - San Francisco - Chorizo with potatoes

Chorizo with potatoes

Cafe Buenos Aires - San Francisco - Carne Picada Empanada

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Carne Picada Empanada

Cocina Milonga - Apple Almond

Cocina Milonga

4.8(155 reviews)
10.7 mi
•$

Why 5 stars? Because despite a few non-ideal circumstances, it was very worth the visit…read more --- --- --- After eating lunch nearby, I had one final stop to make here for coffee and dessert, before I headed to SFO. The issue is that I was definitely pushing it on time if I planned on making my flight. As I was driving here, I had the thought that if there was an annoying parking situation or a line, I would just have to pivot and forego patronizing. But as it turns out, there was one spot available right next to the front door and no one inside. But then when I requested a nitro, the owner (I assume?) was extremely apologetic that their coffee machine broke. I asked for a few alternate types of coffee, but it turned out said machine controlled it all. So we shifted to the pastries. I read on the website that they had something with guava, so I asked for two of those: one for me, one for the wife. He even offered to heat mine up, which I will say yes to 100% of the time. I then jumped back in the car and was back into "don't' miss your flight mode." Of course, when you're in a hurry, you manage to hit every red light along the way, so I was doing a lot of yelling at electricity and God. But then I figured I might as well take the time to try the pastry that I'd originally planned on eating on the plane. As it turns out, it brought me into a nearly immersive experience of zen. The only bad thing is that I devoured it within seconds and then it was merely a thing of the past. My wife is fortunate that I have the amount of integrity that I do because I am sitting on the plane as I write this and I could easily inhale that 2nd pastry with her being none the wiser. If you're reading this, wife, remember that you hit the spousal lottery.

Great empanadas! They toast them up to a temp that results in a perfectly hot n toasted, fresh…read moretasting empanada! I tried their beef as well as mushroom. Both are repeats for me! Don't forget to ask for their chimichurri sauce. I also love the vibes of the spot. Felt like I traveled to Argentina for a brief moment.

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Cocina Milonga - Decor & merch

Decor & merch

Cocina Milonga - Empanada

Empanada

Cocina Milonga - Counter & menu

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Counter & menu

Chile Lindo Empanadas - Inside Jamón y Queso

Chile Lindo Empanadas

3.9(242 reviews)
2.5 mi•Mission
•$

Adorable little deli spot! Great assortment of drinks and…read moresnacks. This is a real community and cultural spot, nothing like what I expected. Francisco was super nice and helped me practice my spanish. The vibes here are just great and the food was tasty, too! only 1 star off because the prices were a bit high but not terrible. Radio Habana has cheaper empanadas and an indoor seating area not far away. But yknow what they say - location, location, location! Only half a block from the 16th BART and it's real quality food made quick, with quality empanadas, cakes, drinks and more! I attached some pics of the menu to help people pick their order out before strolling over :)

Chile Lindo is the original Mission empanadas spot, and the perfect place to grab an affordable…read morehandheld meal. It is a cute little storefront near 16th and Mission Bart station with a small outdoor counter you can eat at. I really like their vegan option which is traditional with faux groud beef, olives and raisins. I haven't tried any of their other vegetarian flavors but they have a cheese one too. Nice crust, less greasy than other empanadas I've had in the Sco, good ingredients, love Chile Lindo.

Photos
Chile Lindo Empanadas - Get the Empanada de Pino, it's a classic. Although it's says Chile the empanada don't have chile inside but from Chile

Get the Empanada de Pino, it's a classic. Although it's says Chile the empanada don't have chile inside but from Chile

Chile Lindo Empanadas - I purchased a dozen empanadas and shared them with my friends! Here is our breakfast!

I purchased a dozen empanadas and shared them with my friends! Here is our breakfast!

Chile Lindo Empanadas - Inside: classic pino

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Inside: classic pino

Universal Bakery - Pollo en Crema y Loroco: Chicken in cream sauce, herbs, vegetables, rice, choice of tortillas or pan francés | $16.95

Universal Bakery

4.4(144 reviews)
4.1 mi•Bernal Heights, Mission
•$

Great place to come for breakfast, tamales, pastries and especially the bread rolls. Prices are…read morevery reasonable, food comes out quick and it's usually packed with people eating breakfast and other things. I am a big fan of the breakfast sandwich with plaintains, eggs, beans, cheese and crema and usually get some bread rolls to take home to make my own sandwiches. Parking can be a bit tricky in the area but I have found that it is usually fairly easy to find a spot on one or the side roads as opposed to on mission itself. Staff seem friendly. Majority of customers seem to be Latin which is always a good sign for a place like this.

Just happened to stumble in on my way to work and found this hidden gem. This cafeteria style…read moreGuatemalan bakery serves a hardy breakfast and other unique drinks that looks freshly made every morning. The ladies are extremely friendly and had no issues ordering what I wanted. Once I paid in front, the food came out immediately, very efficient! My plate comes with my choice of scrambled eggs ( a few styles that I can choose from), a slice of cojita? cheese?, and a hearty serving of beans. I also ordered a rice drink thats not too sweet. Perfect The meal came with a bread roll that by far is my favorite. It brought the whole breakfast together. The bread had a nice crust and pillowy soft inside. It's a bakery after all the serves breakfast and other meals. Would definitely come back again :)

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Universal Bakery
Universal Bakery - Doblada: Shredded beef, cabbage, grilled onions,  salsa, handmade tortilla | $7.75

Doblada: Shredded beef, cabbage, grilled onions, salsa, handmade tortilla | $7.75

Universal Bakery - Pan con Todo y Platano

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Pan con Todo y Platano

Tanguito Argentinean Grill - Milanesa classic and fries with garlic

Tanguito Argentinean Grill

4.3(709 reviews)
1.5 mi•Fisherman's Wharf, North Beach/Telegraph Hill
•$$

Gaucho Parrilla Argentina is decent, but it didn't totally live up to the hype for me. The meat is…read moregood and clearly high quality, but for the price, I expected it to be a bit more impressive. Everything tasted fine, just nothing that really wowed me. It was super busy when I went, which made the place loud and kind of stressful. Service was friendly but rushed, and we waited longer than expected for our food. Overall, it's not bad and I don't regret going, but I'm not in a rush to go back. Good food, just not as amazing as people make it sound.

If you know about eating food from around the world then you know some countries do certain food…read moredifferently and better. I am fortunate to live in San Francisco where you will find international foods from all around world. There is one region in the world which are known for their empanadas also their meats. It seems the focus recently has been in the region of South America in 2026. The country of Argentina is famous for winning the World Cup in 2022 and is favored in the 2026 to repeat as World Cup Champions. Argentina is also has a region named Patagonia which is the rival jacket to California's own North Face jacket when it comes to jackets among the tech workers in San Francisco. There is a place in San Francisco which serves meat dishes which are served from a food truck in the city Tourist Trap. On a 2026 Fisherman Wharf stroll I went to Tanguito. This place has lots of beef dishes like the steak sandwich with cheese along with the cheeseburger. I wanted to try their empanadas. I got the ham and cheese empanada. It's was delicious and had it was pretty cheesy and it was a little flakey like some in SF. The ham was savory and tasty. I will come here again and try their different meat dishes. Come to Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco and try some "Argentine" meat "cuisine" and get the Argentina chimichurri which is a sauce that's "green "and Tanguito is a great addition to the San Francisco food "scene" South America is known in the soccer and now the political "arena "but you can come to a place in Fisherman's Wharf that serves food from "Argentina" just less than a mile from the "Marina "and a block away from the new "Taco Bell Cantina"

Photos
Tanguito Argentinean Grill - It so electric

It so electric

Tanguito Argentinean Grill
Tanguito Argentinean Grill - Tanguito Argentinean Grill. My personal favorite ... outstanding.

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Tanguito Argentinean Grill. My personal favorite ... outstanding.

El Porteño Empanadas - argentine - Updated May 2026

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