Best Empanadas Near Me: What to Order and How to Find the Best in 2026
A great empanada has flaky, golden dough and a juicy, well-seasoned filling, baked or fried to order. Here is what to order and how to find the best empanadas near you.
The Essential Empanadas Orders
Beef Empanada (Carne)
Seasoned ground or cubed beef with onion, olives, and sometimes egg — the Argentine classic.
Chicken Empanada
Shredded chicken in a savory, lightly spiced filling.
Ham and Cheese
Simple and kid-friendly with a gooey center.
Spinach or Humita
Vegetarian options such as spinach and cheese or sweet corn filling.
Dessert Empanada
Sweet fillings like guava and cheese or dulce de leche.
Quality Signals at Empanadas Restaurants
- Flaky, not greasy crust — Baked or well-fried dough should be crisp and light.
- Juicy filling — Fillings should be moist and seasoned, not dry or pasty.
- Made fresh daily — Empanadas are best warm from the oven or fryer.
- Variety of fillings — A wide menu points to a specialist rather than a side item.
- Dipping sauces — Chimichurri or salsa criolla alongside is a good sign.
Find the Best Empanadas Near You
Use ChooseMy.Food to find top-rated empanadas spots near your location instantly. A 4.4+ star restaurant with hundreds of reviews is usually a safe bet.
Best Cities for Empanadas in America
- Miami, FL: Large Latin American communities with Argentine, Colombian, and Cuban empanadas.
- New York, NY: Empanada shops across Queens and Manhattan.
- Los Angeles, CA: Diverse Latin American restaurants.
- Houston, TX: Strong Latin American food scene.
- Chicago, IL: Argentine and Colombian bakeries and restaurants.