I was in the mall and wanted a quick snack. On the way back to my car I noticed Parana. I had been to both locations (utc & liberty station) in the past so I knew what to expect. Having spent time in Uruguay & Argentina, I ate a lot of empanadas so when I see them it makes me crave them. This hits the spot even though they are different to what I ate there. My favorite is the spinach even though it's a bit bland on its own, it's much more authentic with the chimichurri sauce. I also like the chipotle chicken. It's a quick easy snack when you're in a hurry! Plus, the alfajores are pretty authentic. It definitely reminds me of the few months I spent in South America, which was fantastic! I got mine to go but there are a few tables and chairs just outside that you can dine at. I will keep coming back if not for the nostalgia alone. read more

Parana Empanadas Argentinas - Argentine Near Me - San Diego, California

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Located in the UTC mall. In a little shop. Not a restaurant, no chairs and tables. At least the Staff was nice, friendly, and offered suggestions. The Empanadas are almost $4 each but taste like reheated school lunch empanadas. They were not warm, a little cardboard like, flavor was meh . I tried the corn and the spinach and was very disappointed. I would it try again. read more

Parana Empanadas Argentinas - Argentine Near Me - San Diego, California

I was impressed for the quality of empenadas I had at a kiosk. Cuz to me kiosk has been a place where I reach out to because I have no other choice, and kiosk usually delivers something that is acceptable or not. But this place, I would not mind traveling here to get my hands on these empenadas I tried the melbec beef, chipotle chicken, and mushrooms. The fillings were spot on. It tasted good. And the sauces I got with the empenadas really enhanced the experience. 5 stars for sure. read more

I used to go to an Argentinian restaurant growing up for the empanadas, and this really took me back to fond memories of high school! The staff recommended the Malbec Beef Empanada and it was phenomenal! Especially paired with the chimichurri sauce. I can't wait to visit La Jolla again to try other empanada flavors! There's decent seating inside and directly outside of the shop, and it's very easy to find in the beautiful Westfield mall read more

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Was picking up my laptop from apple and was craving an empanada! This is a little stand with plenty of outdoor seating around it. I got the 3 for 10.95 + a yerba latte. My total was $17 which looking back, I feel like I never received my deal for getting 3 so make sure to double check with the cashier. Yerba Latte 1/5: I love yerba mate so I thought this would be a good choice. The initial taste is good but the after taste is awful. I like bitter things but this just tasted kind of rotten. I'm no waster but I had to throw this away after finishing half of it. Empanadas 3/5: I got the chicken chipotle, corn, and mushroom. The mushroom was my favorite. Corn was pretty underwhelming (after having the one from Jaunt I can never go back) Chipotle chicken was just okay. Felt like these needed be served warmer. The only thing I would most definitely come back for is that chimichurri sauce. They sell it by the jar and oh boy I understand why now. read more

Parana Empanadas Argentinas - Mushrooms Empanada - Argentine Near Me - San Diego, California

Purchase 6 and get one free during Happy Hour! So of course I purchased 12! Tried various flavors...Malbec Beef was my favorite, next Chipotle Chicken, then the NEW Mortadella, and finally the Mushroom. Margherita was okay & basic chicken lacked flavor. All in all, I'm definitely go back. The crust was made to perfection! Why did I leave off a star? Not enough dip provided for so many empanadas. Ran out, and they're really not as good without the Chimichurri dip. Location is a stand outside of Eureka, with minimal bar seating inside and a few tables outside. Everything was clean and organized. Service was acceptable, not friendly but answered questions and quickly boxed everything I ordered with any mistakes. read more

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Unfortunately, I didn't like the taste of the crust. It was too thin, hard, and salty. The filling was good, though. I ordered the Vegan Jackfruit. Service was great, and the shop was cute. read more

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Parana empanadas have a nice consistency, their pumpkin flavor is surprising, with consistent filling and stuffed to the brim. Order a box for a large party and enjoy! read more

Parana Empanadas Argentinas - Argentine Near Me - San Diego, California

They have great empanadas And the service is wonderful. We had them for lunch and brought some home to heat up for dinner and they gave us great instructions and how to heat them up. I love the Malbec empanadas. read more

Great option when you need a quick snack or meal that's served hot and ready to eat. Service has always been friendly and quick, and there have been times when I was able to take my order home frozen to heat later. I've had small orders for myself and large orders to share and they are great all the same. My top favorites are beef, chicken, and mushroom. I have tried all of their regularly-served flavors since they opened some years ago. I like all the sauces, though creamy olive is my favorite. Outside their kiosk, they have a couple of tables with shade if you want to enjoy the open view facing Macy's. Pleasant for a weekday afternoon. read more

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This is a fantastic mall snack -- quick, warm, flavorful, surprisingly filling! I always see this kiosk at UTC, and once I finally tried it, I've become a fan! They have a variety of flavors, and free sauce on the side! Each empanada is $4, but they have slight discounts for ordering multiple ($11.50 for 3, $39 for 12!). I only ordered 2 as I wasn't super hungry and wanted it as a snack. BUT 3 empanadas could definitely be a meal. food ordered - Malbec Beef (ground beef marinated in wine with raisins and sautéed onion): you can taste the wine flavor but it's not overpowering! a more unique flavor profile than regular ground beef - Chicken Chipotle (sautéed chipotle chicken, cilantro, roasted red bell pepper, cilantro, green onion, sautéed onion): I LOVEEE chipotle flavored things, and this was so delish and quite flavorful. my favorite of the two. - Green Olive sauce: a creamy olive oil sauce, surprisingly liked it a lot and complimented the flavorful empanadas - Chimichurri sauce: classic chimichurri, oily and slightly tangy read more

Parana Empanadas Argentinas - Argentine Near Me - San Diego, California

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Parana Empanadas is a little gem, sitting between Cotton on & Wushiland boba at UTC. The cashier was so nice, she explained each option to me & recommended the Malbec empanada -- which i'm VERY glad she did. I ended up trying their 3x$12 deal, 2 Malbec beef and 1 chipotle chicken--- and omg, they were so delicious. You can actually taste the hints of wine in the Malbec empanada. Dont forget to grab a chimichurri, I'd recommend the chipotle one. Definitely a good place to grab a quick bite if you're shopping. read more

It's a given that I will drop by for empanadas when I'm at UTC. I've tried all thirteen flavors, but the following three stand out. 1. Chicken chipotle: not spicy, but well-seasoned shredded chicken and onions with a hint of cliantro, 4/5 stars. 2. Spinach: surprisingly more satisfying then the beef empanadas because the spinach and sautéed onions are complimented with the mozzarella and feta cheese, 4/5 stars. 3. Five cheese: the layers of cheese add depth of flavors. This reminds me of a mini cheese calzone, minus the tomato sauce. 4/5 stars. One of these days, I will have to finally test the alfaiores (short bread cookies) filled with dulce de leche. read more

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Not sure where my last two reviews disappeared to... Since I couldn't reference my last review (to see which empanada I enjoyed), I ordered one CHICKEN and one BEEF with the SWEET OLIVE sauce. It was under $9 for two! The beef is kind of salty and the mixings get lost in the beef. I wouldn't order this one again. I really enjoyed the chicken empanada as it wasn't overly salty and the flavors blended well together. read more

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Great little spot for a quick snack while walking around the mall. We tried two empanadas, beef and spicy beef and both were warm and packed with filling. The spicy beef had a nice kick and was especially good with the chimichurri sauce they give you on the side. Easy, tasty option if you're craving something savory. read more

Rude service today. I've been here many times and have enjoyed the empanadas and sauces. If extra sauces cost more then just say that with a smile. They barely give u a serving anyway but I will gladly pay if you're nice about it. Don't be hateful by throwing sauces in the bag and rude about your sauce policy of one per empanada. read more

Cute little shop! Empanadas are nice size. Sauces served are nice.... Im not an olive person but it was good. read more

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Tried the beef empanada here -- one piece came out to about $4.13 with tax, and I added chimichurri sauce on the side. Unfortunately, it didn't hit the mark for me. The dough had an overwhelming flour taste, and once I got to the filling, the beef was coated in a very bland sauce with a lot more sauce than actual meat. The overall bite felt doughy and unbalanced. For the price, I personally wouldn't recommend it. This is a small pop-up stand located among the shops, so I was hoping for something a bit fresher and more flavorful. read more

Their empanadas are always amazing! My favorite flavors are spicy beef, spinach, and chipotle chicken. Highly recommend! Also their chipotle chimichurri sauce goes so well with the empanadas. read more

I absolutely love empanadas. My favorite of the three I got was the corn empanada. I got the spicy beef, chipotle chicken and corn. Love the variety of choices and complimentary sauces. The sauces made the difference. read more

Parana Empanadas Argentinas - Corn Empanada Spicy Beef Chicken Chipotle Empanada - Argentine Near Me - San Diego, California

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Fast moving lines and the empanadas are fairly priced. Customer service was great, but the taste of the empanadas is decent, I got the Margherita and spicy beef. Both the insides were like mush and not much taste to each one. read more

So far. This is the best empanadas place I tried. Malbec beef and chicken are some of my top picks but five cheese and corn contenders as well. If you into spicy thing. Try the spicy beef. Apparently it's HOT. read more

Pretty good empanadas. The corn one was very good. The staff was pretty friendly and service is quick. It's a stand in the walkway of the mall but they still have seating. read more

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Obsessed with these empanadas. The workers are also always so kind! Would highly recommend.

Small little shop of empanadas at UTC, in front of Wushiland. Totally recommend if you're in need of a light and quick snack while shopping! Great service and the empanadas are delicious! Their chinichurri sauce is good too! read more

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All super juicy: Beef 5 flavorful Malbec Beef 5 slight wine taste Spicy Beef 3 not flavorful other than spicy Chicken Chipotle 4 5 Cheese 3 Margherita Spinach Corn 3 cheesy Sauce: Chimichurri 5 green, semi-transparent Chimichurri Chipotle 5 red, semi-transparent, slight kick Green Olive 5 white, creamy, strong olive flavor read more

This is a small and empanada stand located at UTC mall by Wushiland. I like to stop by to grab a few empanadas when I'm walking around to munch on as a small snack. Prices are reasonable for what you get, and they always taste very fresh. I highly recommend the chipotle chicken or beef flavors, and the chimichurri sauce is a must-try! read more

This is my favorite snack to grab whenever I'm in UTC. The empanadas here are fresh, tasty, and pretty cheap, too. I will warn that towards the end of the day, they actually run out of most of their flavors besides like Mushroom and 5 Cheese. If you do order multiple flavors, the crust of the empanada has the initials of each flavor pressed. into them, which is adorable and effective! Logistically, they sometimes get a bit of a line and the store is simply a small ordering area with like 5-ish counter seats. Typically, I just grab mine to go and there are more picnic tables outside or walk around as I eat. Malbec Beef is the best flavor here by far. The filling has a perfect balance of savoriness from the beef and slight sweetness from the raisins. Be warned that this can be a little juicy when you bite in and the inside is always piping hot. Additionally, their chimichurri sauce is to die for; super fresh, vibrant and tangy. Definitely worth a stop any time you're in the area to shop! read more

Parana Empanadas Argentinas - Malbed Beef Empanada - Argentine Near Me - San Diego, California

I don't know who these positive reviews are from but from someone who is actually Argentine and also a chef, these ARE NOT ARGENTINE EMPANADAS!! I couldn't eat more than two bites, the first was to taste the dry & stale dough, the second was to see if the filing would be any better. It wasn't! I tried the Rajas & the Beef, both tasted like flavorless mush. I was actually very hungry when I tried these but couldn't take more than two bites. They went in the trash faster than it took to order these :( read more

Stopped by to try out some empanadas. We chose three Spinach, Beef and 5 cheese. I felt they were okay. The dough seemed to be missing flavor and wasn't flaky. I missed the homemade feel. It's still good for a to go treat and a quick in between meal. read more

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I ordered 3 empanadas and chipotle chimichurri sauces. I liked the Malbec Beef and Cheeseburger a lot but did not care too much for the Jackfruit one. The former two were well-seasoned and delicious, especially when eaten with the sauce, which was herby and filled with spices. The Jackfruit was a bit dry for me and lacked in flavor compared to the other two. The empanadas could be stuffed better with fillings--I saw big gaps between the dough and filling when broken in half. I could be wrong about this, but from my past experiences with empanadas, they are baked until they are more golden brown; these were a bit softer and more underdone than what I am used to. Overall was still very yummy though and the staff were very nice, friendly, and welcoming. read more

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01/27/2023: They brought back the corn! Well, it has been back for awhile now, lol. Just wanted to share this fantastic news :'D read more

Cute stand. 3 is enough for lunch. Good portioned empanadas. Each empanada is marked at the top with initials of the type: ex. CK=chicken. The jackfruit empanada was surprisingly good. They gave 3 sauces; pretty tasty. We ordered lemonade. However, either the cashier guy gave us tea or their lemonade tastes like tea. Two tables right outside to quickly devour your food. It might be nice to add a couple more tables. We didn't get to try their desserts. read more

This place is such a gem! Also this review is Part 2 of my experience in the restaurant Eureka that is right next door. To sum things up I regret going to Eureka and not just coming here and ordering a box of all their empanadas, sitting by a fire on the patio and enjoying time with my family. Well next time that will be the plan. After being sent off for a supposedly 45 min wait for the other restaurant we had to have something to eat so decided to do empanadas as an appetizer and boy were we right! We had great service and of course food was hot and ready to be served. We tried their sauces which should be sold in bottles because damn where they good! It was authentic flavors and they also offer a verity of fillings so if you want something less spicy their is something for you. It's a small place where you walk in and order and their is a bar area to stand and eat or sit. They also have 2 picnic tables outside. Thank you for great food and service ! You made our San Diego trip special! read more

Parana Empanadas Argentinas - Empanada - Argentine Near Me - San Diego, California

Came here to try their empanadas and they're absolutely scrumptious! They're HUGE and reasonably priced. You can taste the freshness and quality of ingredients. I tried the chicken and beef and just those two pieces alone filled me up! My tummy was very happy. Like other folks on Yelp, I was also very impressed at how they label their empanadas with the initials engraved outside to let you know what it is. Very creative! read more

Parana Empanadas Argentinas - Argentine Near Me - San Diego, California

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Parana Empanadas Argentinas has become a good, quick food option at the Westfield UTC Mall. They were my pit stop for a snack before heading to the gym. I've eaten their empanadas at Liberty Public Station before so I expected the same quality products here. The kiosk was located close to Macy's and across from Eureka! I chose the beef, chicken chipotle and mushroom flavors for my order. I also sampled each of the three sauces... chimichurri, chipotle chimichurri, and green olive. My favorite empanada was the chicken chipotle as the filling had the most seasoning and flavor. The best sauce was the regular chimichurri as the original still can't be beat. In hindsight, I probably should have indulged in the happy hour deal which at the time was buy six, get one free. It would have allowed me to try another four of the ten empanada varieties that were on the menu. read more

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I've tasted their empanadas from Liberty Station food court and when I found them there couldn't resist a quick snack. The flavors were just as I remembered, each distinctly different- I tried the chipotle chicken and spicy beef here, both delicious on its own but amazing with the complimentary green olive dip, chimichurri and chipotle chimichurri. The empanadas had a perfectly buttery flaky shell, stamped with initials of the chosen flavor, and the various fillings were on point in terms of flavor. Highly recommend trying this cute little kiosk. read more

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Fun Fact: Panara is named after a city in Argentina! This location is in a little covered kiosk , near Macy's. - BAKED empanadas that taste absolutely consistently delicious? Score! Usually empanadas are deep fried, fried, etc.. oily.. but these are baked and are top-notch. Empanada MENU: beef, chicken, chicken chipotle, spicy beef , jackfruit, mushroom, bbq chicken, corn , spinach, 5 cheese, rajas (roasted chilis) , margherita Sauces: 1 CHIMICHURRI 2 CHIPOTLE CHIMICHURRI (my favorite) 3 GREEN OLIVE I have tried just about everyone and my favorites are the 5 cheese, mushroom, spicy beef, and jackfruit. They are all so flavorful and go well with the sauces. The sauces are so popular, you can buy them in jars. I also love how you can easily reheat these, just pop them in the oven at 325 for 5-10 min. If using a toaster oven, I microwave for about 20 seconds and then pop in toaster oven for a bit until crunchy. Have 1 and its a great in-between meal snack or to try, have 2 and you will be slightly filled for a few hours and have 3 and you can just about call it a meal. So delish, crunchy, soft and buttery all at the same time. read more

Parana Empanadas Argentinas - One empanada to go, with Chimichurri Sauce ! - Argentine Near Me - San Diego, California

While strolling through the mall, we noticed a steady stream of people coming in and out of this stall, so our curiosity got the best of us. My family and I decided to check it out and were pleasantly surprised to find they were selling empanadas--a snack that's close to our hearts and culture. We decided to try the Argentinian empanadas, and they did not disappoint! The variety was impressive, and we indulged in so many delicious flavors. Each one was fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. This place is a hidden gem, and we'll definitely be back for more! read more

Honestly such an amazing experience so far! Why hasn't this place blown up on Yelp yet!? My hubby stopped by for two fresh empanadas about a couple months ago for a snack. DEEELICIOUS I TELL YA. So delicious, I just went back a couple of days ago and got their 12 for $25 special (FROZEN) they let you pick whatever combo of flavors you want which is so nice, and I got Beef, Malbec Beef, Chicken, Chicken Chipotle, spicy beef, mushroom. You get complimentary sauces but like you don't even need them bc they are so flavorful already! Aching to try other flavors once were done with these! Great for a quick snack or meal. We've tried air frying v convention oven, and the latter won! read more

Parana Empanadas Argentinas - Super neat feature is that the initials of the flavor are molded into the empanada!! Small things but cool!!! - Argentine Near Me - San Diego, California

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