I have a new ideal for comfort food. It's the Arroz con Pollo lunch special from La Empanada Llama in Albany. I wasn't having a bad day and I wasn't looking for comfort --but one bite of that Arroz con Pollo--and my day got even better. It's all in the seasonings which at times seem magical. The restaurant serves up Peruvian cuisine. I placed the takeout order by phone. The woman who answered was very nice. Of course, I had to try the empanadas, too. They were plump, hot and crispy. I ordered one beef empanada, which came with delicious light green cilantro sauce. I also ordered the Dulce de Leche empanada which was filled deliciously sweet gooey goodness. I also had a purple corn beverage called Chicha Morada. It was very tasty. The staff is efficient. My order was ready in 20 minutes. The restaurant is small, but you'll find there's seating for casual dining. There are two large toy llamas on display to "greet" you as soon as you open the front door. What an enjoyable lunch. I can't wait to visit again and work my way through the rest of the menu. read more

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Food was alright! Took about 15-20 mins to get food after ordering. Parking is difficult. We ordered a few different empanadas and unfortunately they mislabeled or the lid moved idk but their system of labeling on the lid didn't work for us. I'd like to suggest wrapping each in a labeled parchment or something to prevent this from happening again. Try the yucca fries and another suggestion to the restaurant or those ordering this is to offer pink sauce for these fries :) (mayo catchup and small splash of vinegar) read more

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We have ordered here twice and everything has always been better than expected! We live out of state, or we would eat here more often. The chicken and cheese, vegetable, and beef and cheese empanadas were lovely, and the kids enjoyed everything as well! I highly recommend this spot for a quick lunch or easy family meal! We haven't eaten there, but the service is prompt and they always include sauces and everything you order (which seems rare these days with takeout!) read more

We love their food! The empanadas are delicious and the service is superb. We're so fortunate to have an excellent Peruvian restaurant in our neighborhood. read more

The empanadas are amazing, especially their green sauce (salsa verde). It's a cute small place and I love the life size llama statue they have there, I believe they mostly work as a takeout place as most empanad places operate. The portions in the discs are fair, I don't feel like I'm eating air with dough and it's so flavorful. The time estimate was on point as well. (I got my order within the expected wait time). And the staff are friendly. Definitely going again! read more

La Empanada Llama - Empanadas and their salsa verde - Peruvian Near Me - Albany, New York

I have only gotten delivery so I can't speak to the atmosphere, cleanliness or staff but the food!!!!!!!!!!!! I ordered it for lunch yesterday and dinner today. That's a good review right there. I had the arroz con pollo with a side of fried plantains. The rice and beans were so well seasoned and not dry like some other reviewers have found. I've now tried 5 of the savory and 3 of the sweet empanadas. I think my favorite so far is the cabbage and chorizo. I would drink the green side sauce with a straw! Also, I have found it be reasonably priced. Tonight we got the family dinner which came with plentiful arroz con polo and your choice of 4 empanadas for only $28. Highly recommend this establishment! read more

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Made a large group order of empanadas after a day of hiking, and they got them ready within the specified time. We picked them up and they were labeled on the clear tops as they always are. The inside of the shop is small and decorated with some life size llamas and some not. I honestly loved all of the flavors I tried: arroz con pollo, Mexican (creamy beef mixed with guac--no extra charge for guac!), and cau cau (potatoes, mushrooms. Can't really decide on a favorite but it might be arroz con pollo for now. The empanadas went so well with the salsa verde and were fresh and crispy. We each easily inhaled three because we were starving! Two of them may have been mislabeled, but it may have been our mistake... I would definitely order again and am curious to try the tacu tacu and the cabbage and chorizo next time and maybe a smoothie. P.S.-tried the tres leches cake a few days later and it is absolutely delicious! I would come here just for that if I wasn't in the mood for empanadas. It's not too sweet and has the perfect amount of sweet milkiness soaked into the cake. read more

La Empanada Llama - Peruvian Near Me - Albany, New York

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I got this at the farmers market so maybe it wasn't as fresh as it could be. It was slightly greasy, but had already sat for probably an hour by the time I got my food. The chicken empanada was very good and I enjoyed that along with my plantains. The beef empanada, however, was flavorless. I was looking forward to the sweet/savory with beef and raisins and I just got bland. I don't think I'd try them at the market again. read more

La Empanada Llama - Beef Empanada Chicken Empanada Fried Plantains - Peruvian Near Me - Albany, New York

Peru has some of the best cuisine in the world. Sadly this place doesn't nearly live up to that standard. I came to this place years ago when it was in Crestwood Plaza (something like 10 years ago) and it was very good, very fresh and fairly healthy, so I'm unsure why there was a decline in quality. Although the dishes here are very much Peruvian, they seemed tuned to milder Ecuadorian palates. The empanadas I've had have been fairly greasy, lacking in flavor, and not very fresh. Absolutely nothing close to the amazing empanadas I've had in Lima or Peruvian restaurants in NYC. Ají de gallina is one of the signature Peruvian comfort foods, but theirs was fairly bland. The arroz con pollo was very plain and oily. At least their green sauce is good. The place itself has sadly not been kept well - it was a little grungy inside, nothing like the clean space I remember from their old location. The people running the place are nice, even if they seemed a bit aloof. I'm always a little sad when I go by this place. I love Peruvian food, but this place has nothing for me. read more

My first experience with an empanada was a few years ago while traveling. I was told not to expect the same experience from every empanada. So, good friend and I have been going out trying different more diverse eateries. This was my pick of the week. I read online that they had goat. Oh boy! So, friend chose both a beef and a chicken empanada. I decided on lunch - cabrio. This dish begins with a small salad followed by lunch being served in a small metal container with white rice and black beans with a plentiful amount of stewed goat in a very tasty sauce. Also ordered a chicken empanada because when in Peru, order empanadas. Also part of lunch was a handful of roasted/fried plaintains. Wow. After eating empanada - did dip in the tangy green sauce - ate a portion of rice/goat and took the rest for another day. Desserts were available but tres leeches cake wasn't ready yet. Next visit I must try the sweet empanada. Yes, I will need to keep this in my repertoire of food establishments. There is no private parking lot (on street) and is a small place (4 tables). But staff are lovely. Fun place to try new food. read more

La Empanada Llama - Cabrito with rice and beans and plantains. - Peruvian Near Me - Albany, New York

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Fast, filling and flavorful. This takeout hit all the sweet spots. We ordered the family Arroz con Pollo for 4. It came with 4 empanadas. We chose the Peruanita, the chicken, the Mexican and one with chorizo and cabbage. We added a Mac and Cheese one as well. All were very good if not remarkably different from each other in my opinion. The empanadas were not greasy, a bonus. I did love the tangy cilantro dipping sauce that accompanied them. The chicken and rice dish was also good with tender chicken on the bone and tasty rice with small diced vegetables. Again, warm and tasty and hit the spot. My son gobbled up his Mac and cheese empanada. Comfort food supreme. This was a good value for a family meal. I'd like to try a dessert empanada next. read more

La Empanada Llama - La Peruanita Empanada - Peruvian Near Me - Albany, New York

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I am so sad to give this place only two stars as the food is good, but I had the most unpleasant interaction with management. I've ordered from here in the past and it's always been quite delicious, so I was excited to get a $40 Groupon for dinner. The day came and my boyfriend and I were excited to pig out on some empanadas,so I called them up and ordered just about two of every empanada. This totally innocent order really really angered the manager who essentially yelled at me through the phone That empanadas are not dinner and that the Groupon clearly states it is for dinner use. Totally taken back by how angry she was at me, I quickly checked the fine print of the Groupon which said nothing. I then Told her I had no idea that that was a stipulation as it wasn't in the Groupon, and asked what the parameters for the order where. This seemed to make her even more upset and she kept angrily scolding me when all I was trying to do is order what I thought was a (not well rounded but legitimate) dinner. Maybe it is obvious to most that empanadas are not a dinner, but to be greeted with such anger over an innocent mistake has left me feeling pretty bad this last hour and doesn't make me want to go back there anytime soon. Go check the place out because it's good, but just make sure you know empanadas are NOT dinner! read more

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I'n short, I have had better and tastier food in prison. Seriously, the chili with rice at Green Haven isn't 1/2 bad but this place redefines the word bland. My wife and I stopped m today for some take out and my 1st experience with empanadas was almost as much of a disappointment as my wedding night. We both went with the beef option whose taste was helped ever so slightly by the accompanying green (?) sauce it comes with. Approx $9. Unlike General MacArthur, I will NOT return. read more

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Was looking for lunch passing through on business and found this place. Very limited seating capacity inside, but the food and service was excellent. I would definitely eat here regularly were I a local and will be back next time in time. read more

Not sure how this place is still in business?? Let's start with the health code violations-- small, ridiculously dirty building with one, maybe two, people sitting behind a makeshift plastic barrier, without masks or gloves, usually watching tv. Who knows where they actually make or prepare the food but it certainly isn't visible to the customers. Next, the service -- if you can actually get the attention of the unmasked, angry, disrespectful lady that's watching tv, she will reluctantly roll her eyes at the fact that she has to stand up and take your order. Also, don't expect to receive what you ordered as they generally put whatever they want into a brown paper bag and then proceed to guilt you into a tip. I understand times are hard but there is no way that they expect to have any rational human return to their "restaurant" (it's more like the kitchen of a downstairs apartment) when they make it obvious how little they care about quality, service, or price -- oh yeah -- their prices are ridiculous ... $4 for a small empanada filled with mystery meat??? Do yourself and your family a favor and avoid this grimy kitchen. read more

Restaurants like this deserve to be eaten at. I notice that a bunch of the low reviews are from delivery or through GrubHub, not from coming in and sitting at a table. Ordered a little of everything off of the dinner menu (which begins at 2pm or so). The cabrito (goat) was tender and the sauce went well with the rice and beans, which are plain but pretty traditional. The plantains were awesome! Just lightly fried, nothing too crazy, but some of the best freshly made plantains I've had in a while. The empanada menu has so many types to try. Really enjoyed the chorizo empanada and the vegetable one, and there was a specialty one with some odd fillings that still tasted great. Service was fast, bathroom was clean, and a glimpse at the kitchen shows that pretty much everything is made fresh in a regulated kitchen! Loved the green sauce on the side with everything! read more

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Holy gucamole this place is BUSSIN deadass if I was a millionaire Id buy my own private jet just to fly to albany and eat here. The spinach feta and chicken cheese were gods gift to this earth read more

I love hot pockets, calzones, patties, and turnovers, so Empanadas were definitely something I wanted to explore more. And, out of all the places in Albany only one had them in their name. But, they are a small store and are closed on Mondays and with short hours, so getting here has always been tough. But, I was out on errands and thought that popping in for a sweet empanada would be both tasty and an opportunity to explore the place. It is located in a tired part of town, but street parking was located and in we went. It is a small store, and immediately upon walking in I was hit with the "perfume" of frying onions. There were Peruvian nick nacks in the windows and on the walls, and various things for sale including clothing made with llama wool, small toys, and instruments. It was a cute place, but very run down looking. Out of the 8 tables inside, 4 had cooling food (chicken) on them which didn't strike me as very sanitary. The two employees, including a very elderly woman, were busy and the later was especially frazzled. English was not her first language and communication wasn't easy which led to several issues. But, we managed to order two "Dulce de Leche Empanada" (which come with or without coconut). Since our conversation was so broken, I don't know if we ordered them with the coconut or not but they didn't have it. I also tried to order an apple pie empanada but was told they didn't have them. My wife interpreted her to mean that they did, so who knows? Food came out relatively quick and we ate in (again, because of a communication issue). They warned us that one of the empanadas was nearly empty of filling and indeed it was. I took that one, and gave my wife the other. They were tender and flaky, with a smooth and very hot filling. They weren't too greasy, and a pitcher of water on a side table helped for those who were foolish enough to bite in without letting them cool. A couple of minutes later, a third empanada was unexpectedly brought out to us and it was full of filling. The gesture was very much appreciated. But, had we ordered take out my review would have been a bit less generous. Other things were odd about our visit. A gentleman waited with us for about 10 minutes in the store for his food, and finally they gave it to him. It had been sitting in their warming oven in full sight the entire time, so why didn't they gave it to him earlier? He was very surprised about that. Also, their credit card machine didn't seem to be working but thankfully my wife had exact cash. They had a full size llama in the store that was fun to take pictures with. It made googly eyes at my wife, so I kept an eye on him the rest of the time. We were in and out in probably 15 minutes. We had the foresight to ask how many of their [savory] empanadas have onions in them and the answer was "all of them... except the spinach and cheese." Since I don't like onions I doubt I will be back for anything but their desserts. And, all of the hassle trying to order and then pay really isn't worth it. But, I am glad I gave them a shot. read more

Let me be clear: I love the food here and that's why I can't leave it at one stars. But this place has no respect for their customers and I cannot keep letting that slide because I love the food. I have been a customer for years and tolerated sub-par customer service (they're rather brusque and can come across as rude). But recently they changed the terms of their Groupon and Living Social deals, and the way they've handled this situation is with absolute incompetence. They offer takeout for about 50% off and it's a fantastic deal, and me and my husband have bought this deal probably 10 times over the past 4 years. But they decided this time that, without changing the name of the deal or the instructions, they would make the discount exclusive to about 7 items listed as "dinners." Restaurants absolutely have the right to do this, even though it sucks. But all exclusions need to be EXPLICIT, whereas they said nothing. This change has also apparently frustrated many other customers, so much so that they've ordered food and then left their orders when picking up. And for us, this meant that I had to call 3 times to convince them to place my order regardless of if the voucher failed, because as soon as I said, as usual, that I was using a voucher, she wouldn't put it in! They know there's a problem. The solution is to a) stop using Groupon/Living Social or b) make their exclusions crystal clear, but instead, they're just flummoxing customers and behaving rudely. They're so inept that rather than just denying my husband's voucher, they had him try to use it, knowing it wouldn't work... And making his refund process that much harder since now it looks like he used the voucher. Ridiculous. Their empanadas are good but it doesn't cancel out the fact that they're badly run and don't care about their customers. read more

I'm happy to see more and more Peruvian restaurants opening up in the region. Lots of dough, rice, beans, potatoes, and other veggies make for great cold day meals. We tried most items on the menu, and were most impressed with the loaded nachos and dulche de leche empanada. Everything else we had was delicious, and I recommend trying all of the empanadas, as well as everything else on the menu! They take Android/Apple pay with the NFC reader for square, as well as most major credit cards. Ample street parking on Ten Eyck Ave. read more

La Empanada Llama - Peruvian Near Me - Albany, New York

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This is my first time here. It was very homey and there seemed to be only a lady cooking in the back and a man ringing people up. I ordered the nacho and guac, the guac was definitely homemade. Super fresh. The only downside was the ratio between chip and guac. I would have liked a little more guac. The arroz con pollo was super delicious. The chicken was bone in, very tender and juicy and paired well with the plantains. I had the spinach and cheese empanada. The dough was cooked perfectly. A bit of a crunch and soft on the inside. Generous amount of spinach and cheese inside. A great option for vegetarians! Will definitely come back. read more

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Empanadas first. For vegans, get the bean. Doesn't sound exciting but the creamy and well flavored filling totally works. More than works. I wanted another. The crispy golden wrapper was first rate, too. They know their way around their signature dish. Add a green tamale if you need more. Very flavorful. The bean tamale works for vegans, too, but you'll be losing the variety war since it contains the same beans that are in your empanada. Round out your meal with salads (term is used broadly here--think sides). When eaten as sides, two people could split a small and four can eat a large. You could order a small salad as a light entree. The quinoa salad with mango was great but the chickpeas and greens were a real standout. The black bean salad is also vegan, so we'll have to try that next time. Don't forget the stuffed pepper entree! They said no problem to leave off the cheese so add that to your list. It's on mine. The counter helpers (owners?) were really hip to the vegan thing and very helpful. Happy to show you around the menu and there are lots of choices. When we asked for hot sauce, they brought out the food service package to check ingredients with us. We didn't ask for that--they just did it. All good. They really care. Prices are very fair, too. If I'm not mistaken, they'll give you an empanada, beans and rice for $5.50. We paid more going the pick and choose route, but we could have brought our tiffin and carried home enough to eat a second full meal (I ordered two large salads). Thanks for a wonderful meal, friends! read more

La Empanada Llama - Stuffed pepper vegan style! So good! - Peruvian Near Me - Albany, New York

I'd been looking forward to trying out the Llama for long time, and we finally stopped here before a movie at the Spectrum. And speaking of spectrums, we tried nearly their entire spectrum of empanadas. We were short on time, so didn't try any of the entrees, and opted for the empanadas which came out of the kicken quickly. First thing, these things are beautiful. They are expertly rolled and crimped, perfectly fried, and just begging for you to dig in when they arrive. We had beef, chicken, cabbage and chorizo, Mexican (beef, guacamole and beans), spinach and cheese, and a dulce de leche for dessert. These savory pockets were delectable. The flavors are big and bold, and each is served with a little shot of "green sauce" you can add. Not sure what's in the green sauce, but cilantro, hot peppers, and garlic is a safe bet. Really, mouthwatering stuff. If you have some of the chewy crust left, you can dip it in the sauce. My wife and I debated which of the savory flavors was the best, and we couldn't decide, since they all shine. My only problem was the dulce de leche, and it may be just be my problem. I love caramel and all, but the dulce de leche was a case of too much of a good thing. I could do a bite or two, but no more. Probably a good idea to split that one. I look forward to trying their entrees another time. read more

La Empanada Llama - Beef, chicken, chorizo and cabbage, and dulce de leche. - Peruvian Near Me - Albany, New York

I love empanadas. I think llamas are adorable. A llama who could help meet my empanada needs? I was pretty certain I had found my new favorite place in Albany. My first empanada llama experience was at their old location near St. Peter's Hospital. I ordered the chicken and beef empanadas ($3/each). I found the pastry/crust on both empanadas to be too tough -- it reminded me of a pie crust. As for the filling, I thought the shredded chicken had good flavor and was tender, but no had detectable spice. As for the beef, I liked the addition of olives, which added a nice saltiness, but found no spice or heat. I did not yet know about the mystique and allure of the "green sauce," (mentioned as such in other reviews) so I was without, and overall found the empanadas to be dry. My side of white rice was very, very over salted. My second and third tries were at their farmers market stand several months later. On my first farm stand visit, I waited in a substantial line and tried a chicken empanada again. Much like I remembered, the crust came across to me as tough, rather than flaky. The crust had a taste that immediately reminded me of the fried noodles that come with chinese food take out. I am not sure if that has to do with the kind of oil used to fry them, or the oil needed to be changed. It wasn't unpleasant, per se, but just tasted very "fried." The chicken was similar to how I remembered it on my first try, a mild, but good flavor, almost sweet, but with no heat. I did not see the green sauce as an option, so I went without again. Perhaps this is a in-store option only? On my final visit, I opted for the spinach and cheese. I had the same crust experience again, but found the filling to taste bright and fresh. However, it was fairly monotonous. Again, no green sauce with this one, but I had given up hope at getting any by this point. As much as I love empanadas, the style offered by La Empanda Llama is just not the empanda for me. Their empanadas may be just right for some, and I wish them well. Should I make another visit here, I may go for one of their entrees. And I may visit again as I still really need to try this green sauce! However, I suppose I will have to find a different pack animal to make me my perfect empanada. La Empanada Camel, anyone? read more

The empanadas here are very tasty! Try a few different kinds. They're deep-fried with a good crust - excellent with their green hot sauce. When I first ordered here, they had a goat dish which was phenomenal. I was very disappointed to find out they no longer offered that item on the menu. My fiancé and I both love this place and it's near my house, so he got me Groupons. They honored them, but unfortunately, I let a few expire. Luckily, they still put the purchase value of the Groupon towards my order. read more

Nothing like a Peruvian grandma's kitchen, food did not have any flavor and the place was not clean by any means. Tables were super dusty and full of food crumbs. Will not be going back. read more

Empanadas just like I have at my Abuelita's house. We stopped here on a whim when we needed a quick bite to eat-- I am surprised it has taken me so long for me to get here. We had the empanadas de pollo and carne (chicken and beef, respectively), and they were incredible. This place is unassuming, but what it lacks in frills it makes up 300 fold in deliciousness. Flaky crust, savory fillings, and you can tell these empanadas are made with love. I can't wait to go back. read more

if you haven't been to La Empanada Llama yet, get on it! I was very happy to see a nice lunch crowd, which kept the empanada incubator up front constantly rotating. Somehow magically the empanadas are not greasy at all. Wish I could say the same thing about our first order of tortilla chips, which they were happy to replace when we brought the issue to their attention. The empanadas are also huge! Lots of vegetarian and vegan options (bean, cau cau, spinach and cheese, and all of the sweet varieties) as well as specials for the adventurous. The cau cau empanada filling is reminiscent of a Peruvian samosa. Make it a real belly buster by adding rice with chorizo or beans or chickpeas and greens. My only complaint is the chips and guacamole, which costs $4 for a little 2oz container of guacamole. I know avocados are expensive and the crappy portion:price ratio is pretty standard nowadays, but as a self-proclaimed guacamole aficionado, it just wasn't special. We ended up dipping the rest of our chips in that delicious, garlicky green sauce that comes with the empanadas. It's a little too watery for a dip, but it's so good. Interestingly, even though I'm sure it has cilantro in it, my cilantro-despising partner even loves it. read more

I was in Albany for work and didn't feel great about the room service options at the Hilton. Did some yelping and ordered delivery from grubhub. Delivery took over an hour - but it was delicious. Pros: I ordered the grilled chicken breast (flavorful) with rice and beans and plantains - all delicious!! The chicken empanada was moist and flavorful in the middle, but maybe its because it was delivery, but the friedness made it a little bit greasy. Finally - the guac and chips were just okay, the guac didnt seem that fresh and the chips needed salt. Cons: The order didn't come with any utensils or napkins and I had to order $20 worth because of the delivery minimum. Give this play a try if you want latin food and empanadas! read more

La Empanada Llama - Plantains, rice and beans - Peruvian Near Me - Albany, New York

Tried this place for the first time today and will definitely be back! My mom and I ordered a variety of sweet and savory empanadas, plantains, quinoa salad and black bean salad. Everything was delicious and fresh. read more

La Empanada Llama - Peruvian Near Me - Albany, New York

This was my first time eating here. The restaurant is very homey looking and cozy. Kinda like a Peruvian grandma's kitchen. They had a little display of figurines on the window and lots of little homemade knick knacks some of which are for sale. The woman running the restaurant was friendly and the service was fast. I dined in but most people seem to do take out. I ordered the Aji de Gallina and a cabbage and chorizo empanada. My main dish was shredded chicken with Peruvian seasonings with rice and beans and plantines. They did not fail to deliver an excellent meal. The empanada was delicious too as I expected. I had a Chica soda which the woman at the counter explained to me it was made of blue corn. I can safely say that I will definitely return here. read more

La Empanada Llama - Peruvian food - Peruvian Near Me - Albany, New York

Pros: tasty food for an incredibly reasonable price, and the woman (the owner?) who took our order was very kind and friendly. The stuffed pepper, chickpea side and fried plantains were all great; this would be a good place to feed a vegetarian. Con: despite the fact that it was a breezy October day out, on the day we visited the dining area was hotter than the devil's armpit. Conclusion: I'd absolutely order takeout from here in the future, but dining in is probably best suited for that one woman in your office who's always wearing giant scarves and complaining about how cold it is. read more

Great sampler of empanadas with chicken and rice. Easy to pick up and run home on the weekend, and plenty of food for two of us for two days. read more

A cute little shop in Albany that serves an assortment of South American dishes including empanadas. There are several different flavors, but my favorite is the nutella/banana dessert kind. I would rate the food a 4.5 stars based on my past two experiences... great work bringing in Peruvian cuisine into the capital region. I would rate the service as 2 stars... this place is just too busy to have only two staff members working. You could tell they were stressed out with the phone calls and in-person orders. Unfortunately some of the items ordered we paid for were not included. read more

I love this place !!!! It is very hard to find peruvian places nearby the Capital City, this little restaurant and their food make me feel like home =) read more

Always quick. Good, consistent, comfort food. Plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.

I was astonished by how much I enjoyed the cuisine of the Empanada Llama and not because I had low expectations. It's just that I never really considered the empanada to be dinner-worthy. I've always looked at the empanada as a snack, a really decadent snack, but a snack no less. So when Valentine's Day rolled around, I was skeptical about making this our dining destination. The first thing I picked up on when visiting the Empanada Llama was the warmth of the staff. A pair of super friendly employees were at the counter ready to take our order. And because this was our first visit, they took the time to walk us through their menu, making a number of recommendations along the way. Ultimately, we settled on sampling a few empanadas and sides. Specifically, we ordered the chorizo and cabbage empanada, a couple of chickens, and a spinach and cheese. You can have your empanadas as part of a dinner, which will come with rice and beans (or in my case, rice and chorizo). The empanadas were delicious. After my first bite, any apprehensions I had were washed away. The empanadas were not heavily fried or greasy, a major concern of mine walking in the door. In their own way, the empanadas were light and, flavor-wise, not at all over powering. We rounded out our dinner with an order of yucca fries and they too were delicious. All of these items came with a wonderful green sauce made with cilantro and white onion among other things. The dessert at the EL should not be passed up. Given the special day that it was, we ordered a couple of sweets. Both the dulce de leche cookie and tres leches cake were beyond divine. Truly some of the best desserts that this area has to offer. Indulge yourself. While we didn't dine in, the restaurant itself has a half dozen tables that could accommodate about 20 people. The price point is more than reasonable, as our entire bill came out to under $30. I will absolutely return to the Empanada Llama and suggest you visit soon. read more

Wow, this place does not disappoint! We stopped in on a road trip through upstate NY and for about the price of what we would have paid for fast food at a rest stop, we got an delicious meal. It's not a fancy place, but they were very nice and we felt super welcomed. We had cau cau and bean empanadas, along with rice and beans and plantains. Delicious! Even the rice and beans had a wonderful flavor to it. Empanadas were perfectly cooked and just amazing. The sauce they serve them with is also really good. Would highly recommend! read more

Ordered 4 empanadas none came with rice and beans as advertised. The description said that rice and beans accompany every empanada. But I didn't get it. Also the sauces are small meager servings as is the guacamole. Small guacamole/large chips, that is totally unacceptable read more

WARNING: No AC in the restaurant, order to go unless you want to feel like your really in Peru. My first experience with Peruvian cuisine was full of mixed emotions. After experiencing Argentinian empanadas I was excited to see how Peru's version stacked up. I ordered the shredded chicken and beef empanadas. I must state that they looked like they were going to be hard and dry but the dough is very tender and tasty, and do not skip out on whatever dipping sauce they give, it the amazing! I also ordered the Aji de Gallina, which I was less impressed with. It reminded me of a middle class casserole dish. Not bad, just not my favorite. If you happen to stop in, load up on the empanadas and you cant go wrong. read more