Empanada Kitchen

4.7 (514 reviews)

InexpensiveEmpanadas, Argentine, Breakfast & Brunch

Open • 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

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Empanada Kitchen - Breakfast one I brought home and reheated in the air fryer... good as new - Empanadas Near Me - San Diego, California

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EMPANADA KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

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Inside

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Quiet

Casual

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Dogs allowed

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Michael B.

It's most certainly a bright spot. The staff there this Sunday morning when I visited was cheerful. Lovely. And super warm. She / They made the visit pleasant. I thought the food was above average. I think it's great for a quick snack. I think it's great if you're just passing by. But I wouldn't go out my way. I got two this morning. One lamb. One mushroom and cheese. Torn on which one is better. I think without the chimichurri sauce, the lamb was better. It was savory and rich. It felt well put together. But I added the sauce and it switched the flavor profile of it a bit too much. The mushroom and cheese one was the opposite. It didn't need the sauce but the sauce enhanced it quite a bit. The sauce was okay. I got the spicy one and it was more mild. I can only imagine what the mild version tasted like. Plenty of seats. Can fit maybe 30ish people inside and outside. It's a warm atmosphere / ambiance with it being yellow and white.

Chicken, mushroom & goat cheese empanadas with salad.

Robert C.

The chicken and mushroom with goat cheese empanadas were light and great quality. The pastry wasn't too salty and had a soft crispy texture. The salad was good quality too and even its walnuts and cashews were roasted. The attendant was very friendly and the ambience was chilled and quiet.

Anna S.

An excellent lunch place. We stopped by this location for a late lunch while downtown and were not disappointed. I got their two empanadas + salad special and I was stuffed afterwards. You definitely get a lot of food for what you pay for (relative to SD prices, of course). The food is also prepared extremely quickly so it was perfect because we were very hungry.

Lilian Z.

Fast service and tasty food. Empanadas were solid -- nothing too special but definitely fulfilled the craving I had. Great place for lunch because the food is prepared so quickly. Prices are fair and the interior is clean!

Irene D.

Grab and go empanadas made with love and flavor. These bite sized delights are small but mighty! Cute ambiance on the corner when you enter the food hall and service was wonderful! Empanada Kitchen hand makes their empanadas and their own chimichurri sauce fresh using a traditional-gaucho homemade recipe. Featured: The Special of the day Argentina pork sausage,provolone, & chimichurri Mushroom & Goat Cheese Sautéed onions & mushrooms, goat cheese, mozzarella Caprese Basil, tomato, mozzarella Beef The most tradional filling- beef, onion, red bell pepper, green onion, olives Chicken Chicken with home made sofrito Ratatouille (vegan) Roasted veggies, onion, red bell pepper, eggplant, zucchini, tomato, garlic Alfajores cookies classic Argentinian cookie filled with dulce de leche Havanna chocolate cookies Two sweet cookies with creamy Dulce de Leche between the cookies, all covered in chocolate Come visit soon and grab a table outside and enjoy Italy vibes!

Kristelle B.

This place easily caught my eye when we passed by it once because of its yellow facade. Decided to finally try it out one and morning and it did not disappoint! They have a variety of rotating flavors of Argentine-style empanadas to choose from and we got the following: Spicy Italian sausage - arguably the best we got among the trio. The mushroom and goat cheese one would be the runner up. Our least favorite was the bacon and egg as it is pretty basic but overall, all three have really good outer dough and internal flavors. We will be returning customers from here on!

Zaid N.

Nice spot in downtown San Diego. Came here for lunch and picked up 3 empanadas. Empanadas were pretty good overall and I would come back.

Gamini G.

This is my second review. I usually don't give second reviews unless my opinion flips 180 degrees. I have always liked this place. They have had the best variety of empanadas and chimichurri. Unfortunately, the quality has gone down incredibly. I recently tried their corn and basil empanadas with both the regular and spicy chimichurri sauces and I was super disappointed. The empanadas were overcooked (almost burnt) and the filling was half as much as it used to be. The chimichurri was just watered down vinegar. The overall taste of the empanadas with the sauce was so bad. It was disappointing to see such a great place with amazing empanadas go down to this level. I have always introduced my friends to this place but unfortunately, going forward I won't be. It is not worth the money and the empanadas are not fresh and filled fully.

Annabelle R.

The empanadas here are pretty good, not the best I've had, but still satisfying. I got the Ham and Cheese, and Bacon and Egg. There were no other customers in sight, so I received instant service, and my order was ready as soon as I paid (pre-made, but kept warm with fresh-tasting ingredients). The empanada shells were buttery and flaky enough, though they don't compare with a lot of the empanada spots I frequent in the bay area where I'm from. The Bacon and Egg was bursting with fluffy creamy scrambled eggs, but was lacking in the bacon (maybe I saw/tasted 1-2 tiny pieces total, or maybe it was finely minced and sprinkled in there with the eggs, I'm not so sure). The Ham and Cheese was filled with ham and gooey melted cheese, but somehow it was a bit lacking in flavor. Not sure if they just had a bad day, or if this is how it always is, but for me, I wasn't too impressed. It was good, but I wouldn't feel I'd be missing out on anything if I didn't return. Good news is, they have delicious chimichurri sauce on the side, spiced well, with options for both spicy and non-spicy, and these made up for the shortcomings on flavor and ingredients in those empanadas. I took my order to-go, but saw that they had seating options both inside and outside, it's a pretty cute restaurant. However just 1-2 blocks away there are homeless encampments, unpleasant odors, and dirty streets, and that's probably the only area you'll find parking nearby too. I only came to this C Street location because the other location on El Cajon was not open before 11am on a Tuesday. But I don't know if the other location is any better anyway, since I'm not from around here. Even though my experience here wasn't perfect, it's still a decent empanada spot.

Alan S.

Definitely the best Argentine style empanadas I've had stateside. I had a Caprese and fugazetta special, and they both took me back to my favorite shop I used to stop at in Palermo on the walk from the Plaza Italia subte. Their chimichurri sauce was very nicely tart.

Kushal D.

Overall solid spot, got a chicken and a breakfast empanada. Flavors were good, the shell was buttery and flaky, the spicy chimi was ok but lacked spice. Overall solid, location felt a little sketchy walking from our hotel. But I'm not as familiar with the area

Ivy E.

I was looking for a bite to eat that was small and inexpensive since I had food at home and didn't want to overspend or overindulge. As I perused Google Maps to find out what was in the area, I came across Empanada Kitchen and after reviewing the menu and determining they were in budget, I walked around the corner to their downtown location on C Street. The place is hard to miss with bright yellow painting color blocked against a white wall with black lettering. The venue is very clean and the menu is simple and easy to navigate. This was my second time coming here and both times service was great. (Shoutout to Chris and Dan!) The second time around I ordered one instead of two empanadas and settled on the pollo (chicken) with the chimichurri. I LOVE that the empanadas are baked versus fried for those that care about how their food is prepared. It was flaky and not too crispy on the outside and then succulent on the inside. The chimichurri is heavily seasoned (which I like) so if too many flavors simultaneously in your mouth isn't your kind of party, don't ask for it! Will definitely make this a local go to spot. If you like supporting local and small businesses, put your money where your mouth is!

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Ian W.

8 years ago

Just stopped in to try it out since it just opened this week. Tried the mushroom and goat cheese empanada - super impressed. Service was great and I'll definitely be trying it out more since it's right next to my apartment! read more

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James H.

7 years ago

Food is excellent and reasonably priced. I would recommend ordering 3 at a minimum for a meal. Their breakfast empanadas are a good option for a quick bite in the morning. read more

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Anthony E.

354

7 years ago

So delicious!! I used to live in Argentina, and these are comparable to the best empanadas I would eat for lunch every day down there! The space is beautiful and the owner and staff are so friendly. Definitely need to try it you want the best empanadas without having to travel across the country to get them read more

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Phillip H.

110

114

7 years ago

Straight fire . We got the chicken, beef ,bacon and egg and the goat cheese and mushroom . We actually ended up going back and getting one more goat cheese/mushroom. Great service and food we were extremely impressed read more

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Jeremiah S.

7 years ago

Holy Handpies this place is AWESOME!!! Friendly staff, great colors, and delicuous empenadas! Try the rotating special! My favorite is the Corn and Basil! This is a hodden gem! read more

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Bailey S.

175

7 years ago

I tried the ham and cheese, beef, and the mushroom empanadas. The chimichurri sauce is excellent.

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Patrick F.

7 years ago

I found this place on Yelp and boy-howdy I'm sure glad I did. I worked up an appetite playing tourist at Balboa Park so I wasn't playing around. When we arrived I ordered a chicken empanada, a mushroom and goat cheese empanada and the ham and cheese. All three had very flavorful fillings. The chicken was really juicy and well seasoned. The ham and cheese was chock full of both ham and cheese which wasn't surprising but my absolute favorite was the mushroom and goat cheese. It was really flavorful and delicious. Very juicy, almost more like a gravy. My partner got a sweet corn & basil, a beef and a caprese. He loved all three as well. I tried the sweet corn and basil and it was creamy and sweet. The basil was perfect, not overwhelming but definitely present. The chimichurri was amazing. I'm not usually a big fan but this was different than any other I've had, almost like a spicy Greek dressing - I highly recommend it. The guy working the counter was helpful and friendly. It was so good we got some more empanadas to go. I wish we had one of these at home but for now I'll keep a place in my heart for the Empanada Kitchen. read more

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Nick R.

140

8 years ago

OMG!!! I'm not Argentinian, but love the cuisine & I must say that these empanadas are, by far, the BEST I've eaten!! I went in expecting just they had a few different choices to choose from, but the list was filled with so many delicious choices! It was so hard to choose, so I order many. I also love the fact that they're baked and not fried...gives me the excuse to order in multiples. I will be a loyal regular and strongly advise you do the same read more

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Judith V.

5 years ago

Best empanadas in San Diego! You must have the mushroom and goat cheese! We're meat eaters but this empanada ca convert me to be a vegetarian... almost read more

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Bryan B.

8 years ago

I walk past the Empanada kitchen every day, but ended up ordering delivery my first time (Monday) due to a late night empanada craving. I have stopped in on the way home every day since, and it's Thursday now. Have tried almost the entire menu, have not had a single bite that was less than 5 stars. read more

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John A.

8 years ago

Great empanadas! I've tried the beef, the ham and cheese, the lamb, and the chicken, over two visits. They're all really good, especially the beef. I'm ordering a half-dozen for take-out next time. read more

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Josh F.

174

8 years ago

The empanadas were delicious. Really enjoyed the Caprese and the mushroom and goat cheese!

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Emma L.

221

7 years ago

I recently discovered how amazing empanadas are, and this place has some really delicious options. I have tried a few but love the vegetarian ones, I think it was mushroom and cheese. Their chimichurri sauce was good as well. Great spot for lunch if you're in the downtown area! read more

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Tony S.

337

8 years ago

I love your empanadas!! I only wish you were open at 8 so I can grab some for breakfast, the caprese ones are perfect for that. But my favorite are the classic beef and the spinach one. I'm so glad you are here! read more

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Jose G.

8 years ago

Absolutely amazing, flavorful as all get out. Pastry to filling ratio is on point the staff is super friendly and inviting. I had the veggie and mushroom and goat cheese. read more

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R R.

8 years ago

I've walked by this restaurant on my back and forth to ComicCon from City College. This time I stopped in and boy was I glad I did! The girl there recommended the mushroom/goat cheese one Adkins the caprese one. Both were so delicious that I can't pick my favorite. I want to try them all. Their dough is amazing. read more

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Alyse F.

5 years ago

So excited I moved across the street, this place is amazing! I've tried a good majority and they don't miss. All delicious, people that work there are great too. read more

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Ruel N.

197

7 years ago

Best place in San Diego to grab decently sized empanadas! Grabbed a party platter for my folks on base and the quality is there. Thank you!

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Noemi S.

8 years ago

Amazing empanadas! Mushroom & goat cheese + the lamb one - so good! Fast delivery to downtown and that chimichurri sauce is awesome!!!!

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Ashley M.

8 years ago

The set up was very bright and aesthetically pleasing. I loved the colors. I tried the hot beef and chicken empanadas, both were insanely delicious. The cashier who helped us was also very polite and nice to chat with. 10/10 recommend read more

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Naomi W.

218

8 years ago

Oh my goodness, these empanadas are heaven. While I've walked by this shop on my way to work for a couple of months now, and always admired the sunny color, I didn't stop by until today. Definitely about to become a go-to spot :) My coworkers went here for lunch and brought me back a Caprese empanada to share. The crust was flaky, the filling delicious. So, sooo delicious I had to get more empanadas for dinner! Currently enjoying each and every single bit of a spinach, a ratatouille, and a sweet corn and basil (my favorite so far). The filling are flavorful, the crust is the perfect crispy flakiness, and every bite really is a little bit of heaven. read more

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Kayla G.

7 years ago

I would give this place a 3.5 but since thats not an option I rounded up. I ordered 3 Empanadas for delivery and received one ham and cheese empanada, one sweet corn and basil empanada and one beef empanada. The Sweet Corn and Basil Empanada was the best of the three and I enjoyed this one. The Beef empanada was okay, it had good flavor but was very greasy/heavy and was constantly dripping grease. The ham and cheese was my least favorite as it tasted too salty for me. Overall I would try this place again; but I would only get the sweet corn basil again but would be willing to try their other flavors. read more

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Lucy H.

6 years ago

Creative flavors, affordable (empanadas are larger than usual), delicious empanadas, and great service. My favorite is the mushroom goat cheese and spicy beef. Get the spicy chimichurri on the side :) read more

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Miah B.

6 years ago

These were great! Toddler and baby approved too! We had the beef and chicken empanadas. I'm just sad that we didn't order more!

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Caro E.

7 years ago

Delicious empanadas with various fillings and very friendly staff. Nice location, conveniently close to gas lamp quarter. Worth stopping by for a great empanada experience! read more

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Elsie P.

326

8 years ago

Absolutely delicious empanadas! I've been to Argentina many times and I'm glad I've got this spot in SD.

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Amy B.

113

7 years ago

Amazing chicken and beef empanadas! And I love the spicy chimi churri sauce! My boyfriend loved the lamb empanada!

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Melissa G.

7 years ago

Really tasty, tried the ham and cheese. But, they are a little bit expensive. But they are worth it. The staff is super friendly and quick. read more

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Kevin B.

170

8 years ago

This place was great and the owner was extremely nice!!! At least I think he was the owner - Matius is his name I believe. The empanadas are amazing. Fresh and flavorful. Super nice staff and seem to appreciate your business. An all around great experience!!! read more

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Britney I.

8 years ago

They seriously have such a good thing going on here! It's perfectly simple and all about the empanadas. They are so delicious!!! They are filling yet so light and you can tell they are made with love. Will definitely be coming back every time I'm in the area read more

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Lucien P.

209

8 years ago

I just ordered the beef and I love it. The sauce is good too. Nice to change from my usual taco diet.

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Justin S.

8 years ago

Great food! Just visiting San Diego, but the the food here was amazing. I'll come back here every time I visit.

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Vito R.

7 years ago

I went with the basic ones: one ground beef and one chicken. Both were excellent. They were brought out only a minute or two after I had ordered them, but were definitely very fresh. They tasted homemade, like something that would be served at a family dinner. The chimichurri sauce definitely takes the food to the next level, so don't forget to grab some (it's free). The empanadas aren't huge but are filling; two of them and a side salad was the perfect amount of food (and the salad was mostly just for flavor). I'll definitely be going back the next time I'm downtown. They have a bunch of other types of empanadas and I look forward to trying them. One small suggestion: Put out a recycling bin next to the trash can so customers can recycle their cans/bottles once they're done with their drinks. read more

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Jennifer Z.

8 years ago

Tasty, inexpensive, quick downtown eats. We will be back! Highly recommend the trio meal and spicy chimichurri sauce. read more

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Greg M.

7 years ago

Cute little shop in downtown with tasty empanadas. They have various flavors like beef, ham, chicken, and a lot more. They make a great snack or even a full meal. It's an Argentinian style treat that you will love. read more

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Trey G.

183

7 years ago

The staff was very friendly and, knowledgeable of the recipes. The food was amazing and, very cheap. If you are to go there to try it out I highly recommend the chicken Empanada! read more

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Norma A.

8 years ago

I've walked by this place before and could smell the amazing aroma coming from it so today I made a point to stop in and actually order some empanadas. I got a variety of flavors. This place is AMAZING!!! I'm definitely returning. The service was great and the place is clean and a friendly environment. So pleased I stopped in! read more

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Stephanie W.

118

7 years ago

My husband I ate here for lunch. The food was amazing. The staff was very nice. The service was great. The price was low. We will definitely be back. read more

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Brian S.

8 years ago

Really enjoyed all 3 of the empanadas, especially the mushroom and goat cheese!!!!!!! read more

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Michael W.

7 years ago

Dont get the chicken or beef emepenada it does not taste good. The fillings were weird, everything lacked flavor and the dough was very soft and wet. Im not coming back here becuase my gi has been terrible, ive been stuck on the toilet for 30 min at a time. read more

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Page 11 of 13

819 C St
San Diego, CA 92101
East Village
Directions
(619) 228-9419
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
http://empanada-kitchen.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Empanada Kitchen open?

Empanada Kitchen opens at 9:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

What time does Empanada Kitchen close?

Empanada Kitchen closes at 6:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Empanada Kitchen is closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 6:00 PMSat-Sun Closed

Payment methods

Does Empanada Kitchen take Bitcoin?

Yes, Empanada Kitchen takes Bitcoin.

Does Empanada Kitchen take credit cards?

Yes, Empanada Kitchen takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Empanada Kitchen have catering options?

Yes, Empanada Kitchen does have catering options.

Does Empanada Kitchen have a happy hour?

No, Empanada Kitchen does not have a happy hour.

Does Empanada Kitchen serve alcohol?

No, Empanada Kitchen does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Empanada Kitchen allow dogs?

Yes, Empanada Kitchen allows dogs.

Does Empanada Kitchen have TVs?

No, Empanada Kitchen does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Empanada Kitchen have bike parking?

Yes, Empanada Kitchen has bike parking.

Does Empanada Kitchen have outdoor seating?

Yes, Empanada Kitchen has outdoor seating options.

Does Empanada Kitchen have parking?

Yes, Empanada Kitchen has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Empanada Kitchen wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Empanada Kitchen is wheelchair accessible.

Does Empanada Kitchen have free WiFi?

Yes, Empanada Kitchen has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Serving up Argentine food culture in San Diego. Handmade, baked empanadas for a gourmet experience on the go.

History

Established in 2016.

Empanada Kitchen was born from the idea to bring a piece of the Argentine culinary culture to San Diego. Our empanadas are handmade and happily baked (never, ever fried) with special care to provide a tasty, high-quality experience. We also make our own chimichurri sauce fresh every day following the most traditional-gaucho approved homemade recipe: chopped parsley, oregano, garlic and chili flakes in a base of red wine vinegar, olive oil and water and salt (No, it is not spicy). You want to know more? An empanada is typically a savory pastry stuffed with different types of fillings. The name comes from the Spanish verb empanar, meaning "to wrap in bread" (we copied and pasted this from Wikipedia so we know is true). It is not clear where the empanada originated from but they became popular throughout South America, particularly in Argentina. Each region has a unique style and each family has their own recipes that have been passed down from one generation to the next.

Meet the Business Owner: Matias R.

I like Lady Gaga and empanadas.

More Info

Health Score

Empanada Kitchen Reviews in Other Languages

Spanish
1 Review

Ask the Community - Empanada Kitchen

Hello. Do you offer frozen empanadas to prepare at home?

Absolutely, we sell quite a few frozen empanadas at each restaurant everyday. You can place an order by phone, through our website, or in person. Thank you.

View question details

Are there vegetarian options?

Yes, we have quite a few vegetarian options that are on the regular menu as well as daily specials. For more information you can check out our menu empanada-kitchen.com/menu

View question details

Are u open for carryout and do you have fried empanadas?

We are open now for carryout, delivery, and dine-in. We only do baked empanadas. Thank you for your questions.

View question details

What are the gluten free options?

Our salads are gluten free.

View question details

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Chicken Empanada

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Fogo de Chão

4.1(5.4k reviews)

0.3 mi•Gaslamp

•$$$

The food here was impeccable! We were highly impressed with the service provided by our server…read moreLupe and his help Austin. We were celebrating a birthday and they made it such a fun experience. We were sat in the middle of the restaurant but it was still very quiet and private. We had a 10/10 experience and will definitely be coming back in the future!

our favorite of the brazilian steakhouses we've tried. service was fast, meat was well-seasoned &…read morewell-cooked. the cold food bar was surprisingly extensive; i'd totally come back for a lunch at just the bar. & even tho i'd usually never waste stomach space on bread at an ayce, their pão de queijo is so good! & their cinnamon grilled pineapple is a perfect last bite ['park it on market' across the street was $1/hr, but since we had dinner on a weekday it was a $5 flat fee after 6PM (more on weekends)]

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STK Steakhouse

4.5(5.1k reviews)

0.2 mi•Gaslamp, East Village

•$$$$

The most delicious Monday night meal. Raphael was the best server the ambience was amazing…read more Recommend to anyone

We had an amazing dinner here! My husband and I went here for a date night and we loved it. The…read morevibe was immaculate, the staff was so friendly, the drinks were great and the food was delicious. We ordered the jalapeño shrimp cocktail app and the lil brgs appetizers and then shared the 28oz porterhouse steak. Everything was cooked to perfection! We will definitely be back!

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Inside Restaurant

6oz Filet mashed potatoes and asparagus

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Watermelon jalapeño drink

Paraná Empanadas

4.0(473 reviews)

3.5 mi•Liberty Station, Loma Portal, Point Loma

•$

Clear 5 stars! I don't understand when people give only 4 stars but don't say anything about why…read morethey took off one star. Argentinian empanadas are my absolute favorite! I strongly prefer the baked method to other styles. This is a small spot at the UTC Westfield mall. It's best to order food and then go find a place in the plaza to sit and eat. We went on a Saturday afternoon and there was no wait. Empanadas are warm and ready instantly and they have complementary sauces. The three flavors I ordered were incredible--chicken, malbec beef, and spinach. Jackfruit, Beef, and Ham & Cheese were my husband's picks. Three empanadas are the perfect amount for a meal. This place definitely makes the list of spots I'll visit frequently.

Paraná Empanadas is one of the many vendors in Liberty Public Market and this food stand…read morespecializes in Argentinian empanadas. Currently they have a second location in Westfield UTC and plan to open a third location in Long Beach. [Parking]: Parking can be somewhat difficult during busy weekends, but there are designated parking lots throughout Liberty Station so it will require a bit of patience and driving around to find an available spot. [Menu]: Yelp's top recommended items include Chicken Chipotle Empanada (chipotle seasoned shredded chicken, cilantro, red bell pepper, sautéed onion), Malbec Beef Empanada (24-hour ground beef marinated in Argentinian wine, raisins, sautéed onion), and Beef Empanada (Traditionally seasoned ground beef, green olive, red bell pepper, sautéed onion). One empanada = $4 and three empanadas = $11.25. Each empanada comes with one complimentary sauce (chimichurri, chipotle chimichurri, or green olive). *** Chicken Chipotle, Malbec Beef and Beef (three for $11.25): Each empanada has a hot stamp so customers know which flavor is which. The Malbec beef was flavorful and was my favorite. Both Beef and Chicken Chipotle empanadas were alright. Personally I wasn't too crazy about any of the sauces I sampled. *** A decent spot for a quick bite, but this place is not something I would drive out of my way for.

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Great service!

Malbec Beef Empanada

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Alfa Bakery

4.8(16 reviews)

0.3 mi•East Village

Love this place! She goes to the Saturday Little Italy Farmer's market and love that basque…read morecheesecake, and the Alfajores (cookies). I tried to order online but seems the timing is never right or the order gets cancelled so I stuck with just going on Saturday's to pick up what she has in stock. For sure will be back.

I have to say, Valery the owner of this bakery has some unique talents. Not only does she make some…read morebeautiful Alfajores, ranging from the more traditional Alfajores de Maicena, to those rolled in coconut, brown butter walnut alfajores, to a vegan chocolate & sea salt alfajores; however, did your know that she also makes amazing cakes like a Basque Burnt Cheese Cake and Medovik or Russian Honey Cake? I do, because I have had both of them. Both cakes offered great flavor profiles and textures. I was truly impressed with both and look forward to trying more of her baked goods. You can find her at the La Jolla Open Aire Market on Sundays and on Saturdays at the Little Italy Mercado! You can also order from her website.

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Individual Alfajores

Basque Cheesecake Slice

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Alfajores de Maicena- citrus scented butter cookies, dulce de leche filling, coconut or plain

Origen Argentino

4.3(61 reviews)

16.2 mi•La Chapu (Chapultepec)

•$$$

Review is for the whiskey bar…read more The drinks are pretty tasty. We tried the Negroni and the mezcal Patagonia. The mezcal Patagonia is offered in a goblet size cup. They mix the drink right in front of you, and then pour it in front of you. The drink tasted yummy. It was not too sour. It was just right. The negroni was a stronger than the mezcal Patagonia. For me, the Negroni is more of a finishing drink. I would order both again. I preferred the mezcal Patagonia as it was more refreshing. The Negroni was on the sweet side. We ordered sparkling water and it was good. Service was excellent.

The food is amazing, and their service as well. Every dollar…read moreI spent it's worth it. Their service is excellent.

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Baked potato

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Tropical Star Restaurant & Specialty Market

4.0(408 reviews)

7.2 mi•Clairemont

•$$

We were on the hunt for Puerto Rican pasteles. We ordered 6 hot and 4 frozen (they ran out of the…read morehot). We also purchased goya chips, goya rice, and coco rico. The pasteles were deliciously meaty. Would've preferred more olives and sofrito. Half of the space is for dining the other half is a market. Ample customer parking. Friendly service, clean, and organized.

The worst service I have ever experienced in my life. The server could not have been ruder, more…read moreill-mannered, or more unprofessional. He was restocking the fridge and actually put one of the items in his mouth so he could free up his hands to put away the rest of the products--I found that absolutely disgusting and unhygienic, and that's where it all started. Afterward, he treated us poorly--lazily, without a smile, nothing. The food was cold and flavorless... I will NEVER return to this place!

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Drinks

Empanadas de queso

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Dining area

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22 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Gary M.

Elite 26

187

687

4 months ago

I recently stopped by Empanada Kitchen in San Diego, and it's a spot worth checking out if you're craving authentic Argentine-style empanadas! The location is bright and easy to spot once you're in the area, but heads up--the space is quite small, and parking can be pretty tricky depending on which spot you visit (street parking or limited options around downtown/North Park areas). Navigating the surrounding neighborhood sometimes means dealing with the local homeless population and areas that aren't super well-maintained, but once you're inside, it's a different story. The interior is clean, well-kept, with comfortable furniture and a straightforward menu that's easy to read. Staff might seem a bit scarce, but they get your order taken efficiently without much wait. The empanadas themselves are the star--handmade and baked (not fried), with spot-on seasoning and really flavorful meats and fillings that deliver great taste. The breading/empanada dough could use a little improvement though; it's on the thin and brittle side and lacks a distinctive flavor of its own. Still, overall, the food is very good and satisfying. Despite the minor drawbacks with parking, exterior upkeep, and the dough texture, the empanadas pack solid flavor and make this place feel comfortable and welcoming inside. It's definitely worth a try--especially if you're a fan of authentic empanadas. I'll be back to sample more varieties! Hope you enjoy it too. read more

Kyle I.

Elite 26

2 years ago

Empanada Kitchen is easily my favorite spot for empanadas in San Diego. The flavors are awesome, and they've got a great variety to choose from, but the best part for me is the crust. It's so perfectly flaky crispy! They also have some really good dipping sauces. Whether you like something a little tangy or a bit spicy, there's a sauce for you that takes the flavors up a notch. The downtown location is super convenient, and the staff is always really friendly and welcoming. This place has a lot of meaning for me too. My wife and I used to come here on dates when we were first getting to know each other, so every time I bite into an empanada, it brings back great memories. If you're in San Diego, this spot is a must-try! read more

Nathaniel G.

3 years ago

This is the kind of place where you know what you are going to get. No it's not going to change your life but then again I suppose no restaurant is... except for maybe that restaurant in the movie The Menu... but it is consistent, fast, fresh and the people who work here seem happy. It's always clean/ organized inside, an escape from the madness around it. My one complaint would be the parking situation, which is actually no fault of the restaurants, but I have learned if you call in your order before you get there you can usually just park on the corner on either 8th or 9th and run in and out. A little tidbit for you. read more

Rachel G.

Elite 24

229

690

3 years ago

Discover genuine empanadas hidden in the heart of downtown San Diego. Greeted swiftly and served us exquisite delicacies--a delightful blend of flaky crust filled with ham and cheese, perfectly executed Italian sausage, and a mouthwatering apple pie. Intrigued by their daily specials, we decided to try one of each, and we were not disappointed. The open-face apple pie showcased beautifully seasoned apples atop a flaky crust, while the Italian sausage boasted a tantalizing spice, all encased in a stunning crust. I wholeheartedly recommend this culinary experience. read more

Cedrick N.

4 years ago

Service is quick, and the baked empanadas are tasty. They also have different deals. Chimichurri sauce can be served with spicy or plain empanadas. I tried the special spicy shrimp, which was delicious, full of flavor and sauce, and not too spicy. Even though there wasn't a lot of basil in the corn and basil empanada, it was still very tasty. read more

Martè T.

Elite 25

2 years ago

If you're craving the authentic flavors of Argentina, look no further than Empanada Kitchen. Their empanadas are a culinary delight, delivering a taste of tradition with every bite. The flaky pastry envelopes a generous filling of savory meats, cheeses, and vegetables, all expertly seasoned to perfection. read more

Peter Y.

4 years ago

Best Empanada I've ever had! This restaurant has a cool ambiance and eye catching to the people passing by. What a great concept! Food was delicious and you can't get dissappointment to the staff. They are very pleasant to talk to and you can feel their friendliness. Will definitely come back again here. read more

Justin F.

368

6 years ago

Living with some Argentinians for years I really learned about Empanadas. For years I always thought restaurant empanadas aren't as good as home made empanadas. But now I learned that most places suck, but not this place. It's so good! read more

Ray M.

7 years ago

Great empanadas, they have a good variety but I kind of wish they had more! Drove down an hour for these empanadas and definitely had to take some back. read more