Empanada Kitchen

4.7 (515 reviews)

InexpensiveEmpanadas, Argentine, Breakfast & Brunch

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Empanada Kitchen - Beef empanada $2.95 - Empanadas Near Me - San Diego, California

Empanada Kitchen - Beef - Empanadas Near Me - San Diego, California

Empanada Kitchen - Chimichurri sauce - Empanadas Near Me - San Diego, California

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Empanada Kitchen - Empanada Kitchen @ La Jolla Open Aire Market - Empanadas Near Me - San Diego, California

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EMPANADA KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

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Quiet

Casual

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Dogs allowed

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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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Gina G.

5 years ago

These empanadas are the BEST ! My husband and I went to buy some yesterday and we love them !

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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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Cheeki G.

123

8 years ago

I had the mushroom and goat cheese empanada. It tasted very good. Seasoned well. I took a bite of the Ham and swiss cheese and it had good flavor. Im glad it was kept simple. I have the beef which I'll try later because I am full. I'll update later. I love dumplings and empanadas. Overall, I think there was a good assortment of flavors but they are missing chicken or beef curry. This one addition will make them well-rounded. Great and unique business venture 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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Bailey S.

175

8 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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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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Karina A.

8 years ago

Delicious, hot, and fresh - what more could you ask for? I tried the beef, ham and cheese, and mushroom and goat cheese empanadas. All were exceptional (and I've had a lot of empanadas in my life...my family is from Argentina). The ham and cheese is by far the BEST ham and cheese empanada I've ever tasted! Mushroom and goat cheese was also out of this world. Very friendly staff/great service. read more

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Judith V.

6 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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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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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

Empanada Kitchen - Empanadas Near Me - San Diego, California

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Brian S.

8 years ago

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

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Greg M.

8 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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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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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.

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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.

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What are the gluten free options?

Our salads are gluten free.

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Stopped in at 4pm on a Tuesday and asked about happy hour. The bartender told me I was early, but…read moreit would be ok. I was fun either way. I got a dealer's choice empanada and a glass of white. Atmosphere was calm, bartender was great, and the ham and cheese empanada was fucking fantastic. Thanks!

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The meats are cooked to perfection and the salad was so fresh, dressing was amazing. Service is…read moresecond to none. We've come here several times and will definitely visit many more times. From the minute you walk in you feel the vibes. Can be romantic or great for family gatherings

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Empanada Kitchen

It's been awhile since we've been here - and the empanadas more shaped like the traditionally…read morehalf-moon made - - with the same awesome fillings. I kinda missed the old days when you got a treasure map of each filling within every empanada (see previous pict). The Caprese is full of fresh tomatoes and gooey cheese. Beef is not greasy - love the green olives. The lamb is a must-have. Especially if you don't like lamb. Seasoned and flaky - not gamey at all. And another big star for being the healthy empanada place - they are all baked. Excellent service as well - you'll be in and out in under 5 minutes during a rush. That is unless the one moron in line was staring at their screen when they should be looking at the menu!!

They make really good empanadas. This visit I got beef and mushroom/cheese empanadas. They were…read morevery tasty and had a good amount of "stuffing", but I couldn't tell which was which and had to break them apart before eating. I asked the young woman at the register to be sure to give me enough chimichurri for 3 empanadas. She gave me one small portion--not enough. So 5 stars for taste and cleanliness but -1 for no labeling, chintzy on the chimichurri, oh, and expensive for empanadas. Parking is a pain. I find the street parking is easier, if you can find any.

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The food was great Server Mayra took great care of me! She…read morewas extremely attentive, friendly, professional, and very quick with all the orders. She made the whole experience even better with her positive attitude and excellent customer service. She also recommended a wine that was absolutely amazing. I loved the experience

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Watermelon jalapeño drink

Paraná Empanadas

I love empanadas and have had these empanadas before when at Pacific Beach open market…read more I kind of stumbled on this place and immediately I knew I wanted some empanadas! Empanadas are stuffed turnovers, originally from Spain and Portugal, and eaten widely across South America, including Argentina, Paraguay and also eaten in Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Phillipines too. They are a delight and delicious! This spot is an Argentinian place and I got 3 empanadas. They have many different stuffed options and I chose a beef, mushroom and spinach as my three. I asked how spicy the spicy beef one is and the very nice lady working said it was about 5/10, so I passed. She said it wad spicy, unfortunately, I cannot handle too spicy. So far, I have eaten the beef and spinach one and like them both. I was given chimichurri sauce, but I dont think I like this version, its a little too lemony for me. I like a more parsley forward chimichurri and this one too sour for me. For 3 empanadas, it was about $11, which isnt too bad! The empanadas are delicious and I will def be back again and again!!

I really like the empanadas here. I do not like fried empanadas so to me these are close to…read moreperfect. I like the texture of the baked dough and usually these are filled pretty full. I prefer the spinach, mushroom and beef empanadas. I tried the Malbec beef but it was too mushy and sweet for me. I'll stick with the traditional one, with olives. I lived in S. FL and baked empanadas are everywhere and usually were $1.50 each (now maybe $2.00-$2.50) so it does bug me to pay $4.00 for an empanada. On the other hand, they make a great snack or meal, depending on how many you get. And they are not as easy to find here, especially baked, so I'll keep coming to Parana.

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Great service!

Malbec Beef Empanada

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Alfa Bakery

4.8

(16 reviews)

0.3 mi

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

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Peach Sponge Cake Slice

Origen Argentino

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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Tropical Star Restaurant & Specialty Market

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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Malibu Farm

4.5

(2.2k reviews)

0.9 mi

Food was amazing, great views and the service was top notch! Ask for Taylor, incredible server!!read more

Leo was a phenomenal server. We are in town from Cincinnati and he made us feel at home in San…read moreDiego. Thanks for the great service, Leo!

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SPACIOUS and CLEAN !

Lobster sliders

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Strawberry Matcha Latte

Born & Raised

we came here for my friends 30th birthday and hour server honestly made our experience! the vibes…read moreand atmosphere are 10/10 but Marie went above and beyond to make my friend feel special and we couldn't stop laughing and enjoying her company! The service was 1000/10 and we can't wait to come back

Food was out standing, had a beef Wellington and the portion was more than enough. The service was…read moreover the top. We had a really good waitress, Maria was her name. She was very kind and respectful...she needs a raise for sure. The ambiance was very picture perfect I would come here again

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View from our table

Dirty hash browns with trout roe, chives and crème fraiche

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BURGUNDY SNAILS BONE MARROW & TOAST

Izola

Family-owned & operated

LGBTQ friendly

Food was fantastic, the Gruyère sourdough was . Angels service was great, he was kind and attentiveread more

Wow! A truly amazing bakery. The croissant is buttery and flakey. Easily one of the best croissants…read moreI've ever had. The quality of the pastries and welcoming atmosphere make this place worth visiting over and over, if only I live in San Diego Thank you, Bess, for your kind help. You're awesome!

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Iced Coconut Cream Latte: espresso with condensed coconut milk and topped with the most luxurious version of coconut cold foam. Luxurious!

IZOLA Carnitas Croissant: A tribute to the flavors of Mexico and a warm thank-you to the flavors that inspire us from across the border.

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IZOLA croissant. Crispy exterior, pillowy inside. 3 day process. Hand-made with organic flour, grass-fed milk, butter from Normandy.

Hinar Dessert Bar & Cafe

Went to Hinar to catch up with a friend! The line was long as usual, but it moved really fast…read more Shout out to Roseanne for being the sweetest and kindest worker! We ordered the Earl Grey matcha and Biscoff matcha, and both were super delicious. The service was great, and even though it was busy, there were still plenty of tables available. Great location, and I'll definitely be back!

I had an incredibly rough day and was looking forward to treating myself to my favorite dessert…read morefrom Hinar--the Biscoff cheesecake. Before driving over, I even called the store to make sure they had it. To my surprise, someone actually answered, confirmed they had one slice left, and even offered to hold it for me. My mood instantly changed. After the day I'd had, I was genuinely excited and headed there immediately. I arrived less than 10 minutes later, only to be told they didn't have it after all. To make matters worse, they claimed they don't even hold desserts for customers. It wasn't just disappointing--it was incredibly frustrating. If they couldn't hold it, I would have understood. But giving me false hope and having me rush over for nothing completely ruined the experience. What was supposed to be a small bright spot in my day turned into an even bigger disappointment. Unfortunately, this experience has left such a bad impression that I won't be returning. There are plenty of other bakeries in the area, and I'll be looking forward to trying those instead.

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Inside

White Chocolate Raspberry Cake

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White Chocolate Raspberry Cake

Labora - Kearny Mesa

I went here yesterday and not sure who it was didn't get his name but he was super nice and told us…read moreto leave a review~ I told him I had heard this was the best place in town and was excited to try it as a first timer....safe to say it was worth it ! Definitely recommend coming here. :)

The matcha was amazing and the staff were very friendly! The sweetness on the matcha was perfect…read moreand the environment was very clean.

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Scarlet 3

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Between Us

I've had Between Us on bookmarked ever since it opened! This brunch spot in North Park serves up a…read moremenu of fusion brunch options with Japanese and Filipino influences. I was nervous about coming without a reservation, but my husband and I arrived early and were able to grab a spot at the bar no problem. We started with the beignets that can either be served sweet or savory. We opted for the sweet which came with a sesame and matcha dipping paste. They were fresh and clearly made to order! They were a great start! For entrees, I got the Japanese curry and my husband got the duck and waffle. The curry was so good! I loved the whipped egg on top. It was so light and fluffy. The portion was huge and I was able to take about half of it home for a second meal. I was full from the delicious brunch, but still ordered a matcha to go. It was the only thing that I thought wasn't so great. I didn't love the matcha and the strawberry puree was a little too chunky for my liking. Everything else was great though! Prices here are pretty steep, but the food does taste good!

The beignets came out piping hot and fresh! The dips were…read moregood. The black sesame flavor was much more pronounced than the matcha. I honestly couldn't really taste the matcha much. I kept thinking a lemon or strawberry element would brighten it up nicely, and even a little salt could have made the flavors pop more. I feel like the texture of the dip should have leaned a bit more foamy for easier dipping. Duck Confit The duck was incredibly tender with crispy skin. I also loved the chili oil and felt it added such a nice kick. The passion fruit sauce was interesting and creative, but a bit too strong for my taste and overpowered the dish a little. I actually think a simple maple syrup would've worked better here. The waffle itself was decent, though I wish it had been crispier and had a bit more flavor on its own. Curry Hamburger The egg was light and nicely cooked. The curry leaned pretty salty, but it was smooth and flavorful. I really enjoyed the rice - it had a smoky, earthy flavor from the mushrooms that added a lot of depth. The hamburger patty helped balance out the saltiness well

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Matcha Latte Tiramisu, love it

Mushroom Toast was amazing

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Mushroom Toast added poached egg

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22 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Gary M.

Elite 26

187

687

5 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