Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    La Empanada Llama

    3.8 (108 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Order La Empanada Llama Takeout or Delivery

    La Empanada Llama Photos

    Business Info

    LA EMPANADA LLAMA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - La Empanada Llama

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Empanadas and their salsa verde
    Santaliz G.

    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!

    Arroz Con Pollo Lunch Special
    Pauline L.

    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.

    Arroz con Pollo and 4 Empanadas- Dinner for 4
    Ashlee D.

    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!

    Helen Z.

    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.

    Beef Empanada Chicken Empanada Fried Plantains
    Jessica P.

    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.

    Cabrito with rice and beans and plantains.
    Loretta H.

    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.

    La Peruanita Empanada
    Juliet V.

    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.

    Large quinoa salad
    Kylie M.

    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!

    two llamas in a store
    David H.

    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.

    Gloria E.

    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!

    Leo Y.

    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.

    Arroz Con Pollo y Plataños

    See all

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 2

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of John C.
    158
    53
    20

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dan H.
    397
    7
    4

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Leo Y.
    181
    1023
    1465

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Grace Y.
    81
    68
    40

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Egahh B.
    10
    108
    33

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

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

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of James R.
    2
    117
    64

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - La Empanada Llama

    You might also consider

    Mi Bandera Peruvian Restaurant

    Mi Bandera Peruvian Restaurant

    4.4(9 reviews)
    12.9 mi

    Words that come to mind for me regarding Mi Bandera would be informal, friendly, authentic. I'm…read morepretty sure it's a family run restaurant, as I could hear children in the back of the building. The menu features all the different types of cuisine you would expect in a Peruvian restaurant: Peruvian/Hispanic, stir-fries, and pasta dishes. Fish also features very heavily on the menu, which of course means many ceviche options too. We started with roasted corn nuts brought to our table, followed by beverages of limeade and purple corn beverage which was mildly sweet with cinnamon added. Our entrees were fairly simple, a beef stir-fry with fried rice, and grilled chicken on french fries with rice and salad. These came out quickly. The portions were more than adequate, and my simple side salad was better than similar side salads I've gotten at fancier restaurants. Small bottles of yellow and red sauces are provided to spice up your meal: yellow for fairly spicy, and red for REALLY spicy. For me, the yellow sauce was perfect for my chicken and my rice. Meals here seem like dishes you would have visiting family and friends in Peru, and I would not be surprised if Mi Bandera already has a loyal set of customers they would consider family and friends.

    I finally found something that is so different, and I have always liked raw seafood which was hard…read moreto find except in Japanese restaurants but Peruvian raw seafood has much more flavor, and so delicious. It was amazing. The waitress seemed friendly, and cool. I told her I am deaf, and she was okay with that. We still communicated just fine. I want to come back there even I live one hour, and about 15 minutes from there! It would be a worthwhile trip!

    Photos
    Mi Bandera Peruvian Restaurant
    Mi Bandera Peruvian Restaurant - I believe it was CEVICHE DOS TIEMPOS!

    I believe it was CEVICHE DOS TIEMPOS!

    Mi Bandera Peruvian Restaurant - Leche de tigre -"Tiger's milk" - Peruvian ceviche

    See all

    Leche de tigre -"Tiger's milk" - Peruvian ceviche

    Moliendo cafe - Pescado Frito

    Moliendo cafe

    4.3(83 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$

    Absolutely Outstanding Colombian Food!…read more Hands down, some of the best Colombian food we've ever had! The restaurant is small but absolutely beautiful, with a warm, inviting atmosphere. And the music was amazing, it really added to the experience and made us feel like we were transported to Colombia. From the moment we arrived, John Eduard, the owner, and Valentina, our waitress, were absolutely fantastic, warm, attentive, and genuinely committed to making sure we had a great experience. I enjoyed the Bandeja Paisa and asked if they could substitute the flank steak for skirt steak. Even though it's not on the menu, they made it happen and it was absolutely delicious! My husband and son had the La Tabla Mixta for Two, and the meat was incredibly tender, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. And the desserts were to die for! Every bite was better than the last. The food, service, hospitality, atmosphere, and attention to detail were all exceptional. We will definitely be coming back every time we're in the area! Highly recommend this little gem to anyone looking for authentic, delicious Colombian food and a truly wonderful dining experience.

    A really nice little hole in the wall Colombian restaurant. Not the prettiest looking place, but…read morethe food, drinks, and service were all excellent. The kids got mac and cheese (looked like Kraft or some equivalent) and the kids chicken (which was SUPER well seasoned and somehow really moist and tender despite being almost as flat as a crepe). My wife got a couple (gluten free) chicken empanadas, which were quite tasty, we both got queso arepas with sausage (which we both thoroughly enjoyed), and I got the arrow con pollo (a touch on the dry side, but oh man was it really tasty). Not a place to go out of the way for, but a place I definitely wouldn't mind stopping at again if I find myself in town.

    Photos
    Moliendo cafe - Decorations

    Decorations

    Moliendo cafe - Bandeja Paisa

    Bandeja Paisa

    Moliendo cafe - Decorations

    See all

    Decorations

    Flores Family Restaurant - Grilled chicken, tostones, sweet plantains, and steamed beans.

    Flores Family Restaurant

    3.7(47 reviews)
    12.7 mi
    $

    Excellent Peruvian food here. It's VERY hard to find decent Peruvian food outside of large…read moremetropolitan areas in the US and even then it's hit or miss. I brought a half dozen guys here who had never had Peruvian or El Savadorian food before and they loved it! Excellent food at very affordable prices. I highly recommend!!

    The advertising sign at the front of the restaurant highlights pupuseria and Latino food. OK,…read morethat's what I ordered. Pupusa - El Salvadorian specialty - griddled corn masa cake. Other ingredients like cheese, beans, greens, and/or meats are mixed into the masa and cooked on a flattop until crisp on the outside. Since the "mixins" are varied, these are made to order. I had a Revuelta (queso, chicharron, beans) and a queso loroco (flower bud of a vine which grows in Central America). The tastiest portion for me were the almost burnt caramelized cheese bits on the outside of the pupusa. Honestly, the loroco was more of a textural component rather than a taste. It seemed mild. I'm sure they were canned. I don't think loroco grows around this area. The pupusas were served with a cabbage slaw (curtido) and a light tomato salsa. Pernil - a marinated pork shoulder, slow roasted until tender then usually blasted with high heat to render crispy skin (cuero). Slow roasted tender pork - yes. Rendered crispy skin - no. The generous portions of yellow rice and refried black beans rounded out the meal. One thing I noticed, the refried beans had a very slight sour note, vinegar or age, I don't know. I still ate them. No ill effects. Conclusion: I'd go again.

    Photos
    Flores Family Restaurant - Combo plate - Pernil, yellow rice and refried beans

    Combo plate - Pernil, yellow rice and refried beans

    Flores Family Restaurant - Pupusas

    Pupusas

    Flores Family Restaurant - Birria tacos

    See all

    Birria tacos

    Quechua Peruvian

    Quechua Peruvian

    4.7(46 reviews)
    7.1 mi

    Quite a gem! I agree with the other reviews- this place is very good. I was happy to see a simple…read moreand tasteful decor. The place is immaculate and the waiter at lunch was welcoming and attentive. I got the 1/4 Pollo lunch with a glass of Chicha Morada, a flavorful and refreshing cold drink of blue corn, pineapple, apple and a dash of cinnamon. The chicken was fresh and nicely cooked. I liked their steak-fries but would have preferred more traditional Yucca. The salad was great and the side sauce a nice addition. This place is great!

    I have been wanting to try this restaurant since it opened. We finally went last night and it was…read moreawesome!! We went at 5pm on a Wednesday. There were a couple of other parties. When we left around 6:30, more than half of the tables were filled. I imagine it is quite busy on weekends. The drinks were fantastic, especially the blackberry margarita. It tasted like freshly pureed fruit. The sangria also tasted like there was blackberry juice in it. Delicious! We started with a trio of seafood ceviche. It had fish, shrimp, and octopus. It was fun to compare the subtle differences between the sauces. We ordered it spicy, and it had a lovely, warm spice that stayed with you, but didn't overpower. So fresh and yummy. For mains, we had the tacu tacu with cilantro beef and the seafood risotto. Neither dish was spicy, but both were so flavorful. The beef fell off the bone and was perfectly cooked. The cilantro sauce was great (I wanted more) and the rice and vegetable part had a great combination of fried crustiness and softness. The risotto had plenty of seafood and the sauce was almost like a thick seafood bisque. I loved it. For dessert, we had churros filled with dulce de leche. They tasted like a cinnamon roll but less doughy. I want to eat them every day. We can't wait to go back and try other dishes. Dinner, dessert, and 4 drinks were not cheap, but the meal and experience was so worth it!

    Photos
    Quechua Peruvian - Dining room

    Dining room

    Quechua Peruvian - Leche de Tigre

    Leche de Tigre

    Quechua Peruvian - Back dining area

    See all

    Back dining area

    Greenbush Salsa Latina - On the border fajitas

    Greenbush Salsa Latina

    3.6(81 reviews)
    4.7 mi
    $$

    I visited for lunch on a weekend and they have a huge outdoor covered patio as well as air…read moreconditioned dining room. My finance and I were welcomed as soon as we walked in. Their regular menu is huge and they had a specials menu as well. I ordered the shrimp quesadilla with a side of guacamole and my fiance got the carne asada burrito from their specials menu. We were served complimentary chips and salsa, which were delicious. Both of our entrees were good as well. My fiance raved about his burrito too. We'll definitely be back to try more things!

    What a lovely place. I've driven by so many times and wondered about stopping in. Wonder no more. I…read morehad an awesome time at Salsa Latina in East Greenbush. For starters, I was impressed by the bright, cheerful decor. The painted furniture depicted charming village scenes of people, places and animals. There's a friendly hostess to greet guests by the door. Our server was nice and helpful, too. My friend ordered carne asada ( beef) tacos and I ordered chorizo (pork sausage) tacos. They are generous with portions. Our corn tortillas were stuffed with meat. Plenty of sauces, refried beans, chopped onions, cilantro and sliced limes came with each dish. The food was delicious and certainly authentic. I ordered a virgin pina colada since I was driving. It was wonderful. It tasted like dessert in a glass. I honestly don't know why this place didn't rate higher. Customers had nice things to say but were stingy when giving out stars. For my part, I think my Salsa Latina experience was worthy of 5 stars.

    Photos
    Greenbush Salsa Latina - More beautiful furniture

    More beautiful furniture

    Greenbush Salsa Latina
    Greenbush Salsa Latina - Dining room

    See all

    Dining room

    La Empanada Llama - peruvian - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...