It's a small place with limited seating, a light atmosphere, self service, and enjoyable food. It was fairly empty on a late Sunday afternoon. We placed our order at the counter and got our food almost immediately since most of it is pre-prepared but still quite fresh. The lamb empanada and mushroom and goat cheese empanada were the best. Caprese was also good. The others were enjoyable but I wouldn't go back for them. It was a quick meal. Nice, but nothing to write home about.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Spicy Beef Empanada, Mushroom and Goat Cheese Empanadas, Spicy Beef
Vegetarian options
There are a decent number of vegetarian options. There are at least 3-4 different vegetarian empanadas on their short menu of 10-12 items.

After a long day at the Baloboa Park we wandered past the San Diego High School and City college down Park Street and decided to walk towards the downtown on C Street. We saw this beautifully painted bright yellow store front and decided to give it a shot. From the outside walking in, the mouth-watering smell of the kitchen smells lured us in this lambently lit area. There's a couple of see-thru display showcasing the empanadas so you can pick exactly which one you want. The excellent options of flavors is very broad. They offer vegetarian, beef, chicken, mushroom, lamb and more! We tried the chicken, ratatouille veggie and beef empanadas. They are the best empanadas I've had! The chimichurri sauce both spicy and regular are very delightful! The spicy is perfect. I recommend everyone to go here and try this out.

We took the trolley here from the convention center on a Friday bout noon. Neighborhood was a little sketchy with several drug aditics, but nobody bothered us. Guy behind the register was super nice & helped us figure out which ones we want. Took 3 to go & LOVE they don't fry em AND stamp in the corner of the dough what each one is. We took to them to a brewpub in another sketchy part of town 4A picnic lunch. The Empenadas were AWESOME! Love the creative flavors, perfectly cooked dough, and overall presentation of the shop & Empenadas. Wife from Chile doesn't agree but this Gringo thought they were GREAT!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3
Recommended dishes
Ham and Cheese Empanada, Empanada

Absolutely great little place serving delicious meat pockets. I've had to go here a couple times before I could try their lamb empanadas, they sold out on previous days before noon. I would definitely recommend getting their house made chimichurri sauce to go with your pockets. I also love how each empanada is crimped uniquely so that you can tell which one from your plate full you are eating. This is a new favorite on my list of hot spots
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Lamb Cordero Empanada, Spicy Beef Empanada, Spicy Beef
Vegetarian options
They have a few vegetarian options although I have not tried them

I had an amazing time getting lunch here!! The atmosphere was warm and inviting, I love their color scheme, and the cashier was very knowledgeable about their items and friendly. He gave great recommendations, and I personally loved the beef empanada the best. Dip it in their regular chimichurri and it will be one of the best empanadas you have. I also love that they have a vegan option!! Definitely will be coming here again to try their apple pie and more. :)
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Ham and Cheese Empanada, Empanada
Vegetarian options
They have one vegan option that is veggies.

Food: 2 empanadas is enough for me, but there’s a 3 empanada special. You can get one for less than $5 to take the edge off your hunger. Empanadas are kept on a warmer, so you get them right after you order. Super convenient to trolley and many buses, super inconvenient right now if parking. Empanadas are hearty and both regular and spicy chimichurri is good. You can eat outside, but it’s a little noisy outside from the surrounding businesses. I prefer to eat inside. The bathroom is very much a “this is a hole-in-the-wall restaurant” type situation.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

This is a very good option for a quick bite. The prices are good, service was friendly and helpful, and the food was filling. The dough was good and the empanada did not feel oily. The one thing that makes me not give five stars was that the flavors were a bit bland, even after ordering a variety of different types of empanadas. There was a bit of sameness trying different types, which was a bit unexpected. Still, a good option for those in the area.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$1–10

Used to love this place for 3 years until... today. It seems they changed the chef or recipe. Filling is only half of what's used to be, over-baked and shell's really hard.. It's just not it. So sad.. I lost one of my favorite lunch spots.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 2
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Caprese, Mushroom and Goat Cheese Empanadas
Parking space
Difficult to find parking
Parking options
Paid street parking

It was super fast, no line, it was good! The spicy sauce is yummy and more flavorful than the other sauce they have. The chicken and beef and caprese are good! The vegetarian ratatouille has way too much liquid and became soggy and fell apart, it was hard to eat and disappointing . Overall it was a good experience. Besides the fact the bathroom had 30 or so flies on my second visit. 2 of them is a filling snack/small breakfast!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10

Tasty empanada spot serving up classic and unique takes on this traditional Argentinian-style dish. Conveniently located downtown, so it’s the perfect place to stop by on your lunch break or on the way home from work. The caprese is my personal favorite, but at this point I’ve tried almost everything on the menu and it’s all good. Don’t forget to ask for a side of spicy or regular chimichurri, to make the empanadas extra savory!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$1–10

Genuine empanadas with classic Argentine fillings. I only wish they had empanadas de atun, but all the other flavors they have are delicious and filling at fair prices! Bonus points for chimichurri and alfajores
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Caprese
Vegetarian options
They always have at least one vegan option and generally have caprese and sweet corn for vegetarians.

Nice little restaurant in the heart of downtown San Diego. If you are looking for something different definitely try this place. Indoor and outside seating. Prompt service. Ordered the chicken, sweet corn and basil and the apple for dessert. Only complaint is the empanadas could have been hotter and chimichurri needs more herbs.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Went to Empanada Kitchen for some Chicken Empanadas and was surprised, met with great customer service and hot fresh treats. Nice selections on the menu board. Great flavor with fresh ingredients and very tasty crusts. Gave 4 stars due to location.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Yes
Delivery: Not sure
Curbside pickup: Yes

Staying an afternoon in the area and looking for a quick bite, spotted the Empanada Kitchen on Google Maps. Great reviews and a short walk from the hotel - sounded great! Had a Ham and Cheese, Cilantro and Corn, and Beef empanada with Spicy Chimichurri. Delicious! Will definitely be back if I'm in the area and would love it if they'd open in LA!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

I ordered the mushroom and cheese along with the ratatouille empanadas. Both were delicious especially with the spicy sauce that they gave. Reasonable price of 13 dollars for 2 empanadas and a salad. The vegetarian options include the mushroom and cheese, ratatouille, and caprese empanadas.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

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.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

This place was dope and they were hella nice! Chilled here for about a half an hour just chilling and chopping it up with the workers and my friends! Plus the empanadas were really good! The apple pie was delicious! I'd bring a scoop of vanilla ice cream next time to put on top!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Quick service and yummy baked empanadas. They have different specials, too. Empanadas can come with spicy or regular chimichurri. I tried the special spicy shrimp which was excellent - full of flavor and sauce and not too spicy. The corn & basil empanada was also very good though not a ton of basil in it - but still very enjoyable.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

Got the spicy beef, mushroom cheese, and a small salad. The empanadas were great, the chimichurri was a bit small and the salad was too sour for my taste, but overall pretty good
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Spicy Beef Empanada, Mushroom and Goat Cheese Empanadas

absolutely amazing. so juicy and flavourful. be careful of the hot juices! lamb and chicken were both amazing. chimichurri is free and delicious. service was friendly. affordable price. (FYI be aware that the streets in the area are particularly dirty and there are always some homeless people camping around.)
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10

I saved this place after watching a show. Looked and sounded like a great place. It totally lived up to the hype. I got the lamb, a chicken, and an Italian sausage (3 empanada special) with a bottled water. Friendly staff. This food was life. The meat was tender. The spices... yum. The dipping sauce. Yum. I highly recommend this place and will make a return visit next time I’m in town.

This place has the BEST empanadas in San Diego!!! I got the beef and the sweet corn and basil. They were both great! The chimi churri is made fresh each day and is almost better then the empanadas but fact that these were handmade really stole the show and you could taste the love that has passed through from the kitchen to the food and to then to us. Do you self a favor and stop by.

Outstanding empanadas from Empanada Kitchen!! We tried the beef, ham & cheese and bacon & egg . Best empanadas I've ever had! The only complaint I have is that I wish they were bigger! Lol I love everything about them. Quick and kind staff as well. You need to give this place a try, you won't regret it.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$1–10

Hearty and nutritious empanadas for a reasonable price. Plenty of different options, so always one you like. Decoration could be better, but the friendly service makes up for it. Definitely would recommend this place for a proper snack.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Yummy. The LAMB empanadas were by far the best (10/10!!), followed by the sweet corn + basil (8.5/10). The beef was solid (7/10). We would not get the others (ham + cheese, chicken) again. The chimichurri sauce was PHENOMENAL!!! Get like…three of them.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Recommended dishes
Sweet Corn

I had empanadas before but omg these are the best! Especial the lamb empanada with their sauce (not sure name but it’s the mild not the hot sauce ) but it’s awesome!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chicken Empanada, Empanada

We go to empanada kitchen all the time. They have great empanadas probably the best in the city. They have a location in North Park as well that we frequent. All of their empanadas are so tasty. I personally get the mushroom one and the corn one and my wife really likes the lamb.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3

Delicious!!! Did not disappoint. They were out of lamb, so we hope to go back before we leave San Diego. The beef, mushroom and goat cheese, and especially the chicken (according to my husband and mom) was on point. Highly recommend. -MM
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20

Delicious empanadas! Love grabbing some if I’m in downtown. Tried their special apple pie one that was really good!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$1–10
Recommended dishes
Mushroom and Goat Cheese Empanadas, Variety of Empanadas- Just Try Them All, Empanada

What a find! Excellent empanadas in the East Village! Spanking shiny clean with friendly staff. Empanadas are BAKED (not fried) and just delicious. I had breakfast - bacon and egg - will fluffy egg, flaky pastry and piping hot. Can’t wait to try my second choice - mushroom and goat cheese - next time.

I’ve never had an empanada before… they are now my favorite food. The chicken as well as the beef empanadas were perfectly cooked and I couldn’t get enough. Can’t wait to go back!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$1–10
Recommended dishes
Empanada

The best empanada in town and finally some good chimichurri sauce!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Caprese, Mushroom and Goat Cheese Empanadas, Spicy Beef, Empanada

Empanadas were good, nothing extraordinary. I'm from Miami, though, so I ery have high standards. But the staff there was very friendly and the atmosphere was fun. I would still highly recommend as an excellent and affordable snack.
Food: 3
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Tried this place for the first time today and decided on the mushroom & goat cheese empanada and the beef empanada. They are delicious especially accompanied by the spicy chimichurri sauce. I definitely will go back to try the corn & basil and the chicken empanada. So delicious!

Love this place!! Well deserved 4.8 star rating!!
Service
Delivery
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Mushroom and Goat Cheese Empanadas, Ham and Cheese Empanada, Empanada

Great tasting empanadas! There hand made daily and served warm ready to eat. There are a variety of flavors to choose from. The beef empanadas were my favorite . The staff are friendly and attentive at the downtown location. They have good specials and affordable prices. …

Great selection of empanadas for both vegetarians and meat eaters! The dipping sauce is delicious so definitely don’t skip it! You can eat outside or take them to go. They even sell frozen ones in case you want to eat at home much later. Grab 2 for lunch next time you pass by!

Delicious empanadas. I am from Uruguay, so I can really appreciate good quality empanadas. I ordered one beef, and one corn, and both were tasty and had a perfect dough. It's important to note that these are oven baked, not fried, and that's exactly like they should be IMO.

Please do yourself a favor and come eat here. I'm blown away by the unique and intense flavors in the spicy beef and the chicken empanadas when paired with the chimichurri sauce. For the price, I think what you get is very generous. They've also got some tables outside.

Really great empanadas. Got 5 different kinds and each was amazing. My favorite was the spicy beef.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Empanada

Underwhelming empanadas! Heard the lamb was the best, but it was sold out when we went. We had six different varieties, and the issue was the food was under seasoned and underwhelming. Nothing to write home about. I won’t be back.
Food: 2
Service: 5

Great place to stop for a snack during a pub crawl (that's we did last week!). Super delicious empanadas! So wish I would have tried one of the sweet ones, but the ham and cheeee one I tried was so yummy. Definitely want to try them all! Very cute place!

Really tasty! We tried a variety of flavors, and I can't say that I have a favorite. And on top of the tasty empanadas, the cashier was so friendly, we talked a little about how both of our newborn daughters. I will be back and would recommend to others.

Very cute and eye catching restaurant that offers the best empanadas I’ve ever had. Caprese and lamb are highly recommended. Hopefully they’ll use non-disposable utensils for dine-in guests though.
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$1–10

I ordered the ratatouille, sweet corn & basil, and caprese. They were all great, with the sweet corn & basil being my favorite. My girlfriend didn't like the mushroom & goat cheese, which is unusual for her tastes. The salad was good as well.

Our office ordered a party tray of 24 + 1 empanadas this week. Called ahead with our order and they were ready within 30 minutes. They were absolutely delicious! Favorites were the mushroom and the chicken. We all can’t stop talking about

Our first time trying empanadas, and what a place to start. The 5-star yelp reviews don't lie, these are SO good!! Our recommendations, try the sweet corn and caprese! Thank you @empanadakitchensd! Please open a location in Vancouver!

HOLY F@!* THIS IS SO DELICIOUS I CANNT EVEN COMPUTE. I had the Mushroom and Goat Cheese, Choripana, and the Caprese with a San Pellegrino. My fav empanada was the Mushroom and Goat Cheese. AMAZING AMAZING.
Service
Dine in

Holy moly best empanadas I've ever had in my life! What a great little place. Dan the owner is such a great guy providing little pockets of pastry wrapped meaty (& veggie) love to the community. Thanks Dan for what you do! More

The empanadas here are absolutely amazing! I tried a few of them beef, ratatouille, mushroom/cheese and lamb. All were fantastic. Don't forget the chimi sauce! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I happened upon this place and was so pleasantly surprised. By far the best empenadas I have had. Tasty, satisfying, and worth the money. They are filled with good stuff, not just dough. I'll be back to try them all …

Lots of different texture and flavor combinations in each empanada. I'd recommend getting a combination to get a taste of everything.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30

Everytime I visit San Diego, I come here. So delicious, great prices and the friendliest staff!
Service
Take out
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great food and service the empanadas and the pie looks good!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Empanada

Delicious empanadas! Reasonably priced and they look small but were very filling. Great meal of 2 empanadas with a nice side salad for $12!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Great food and prices! Salads are only made in the morning, so they and other food items can run out because everything is made fresh.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

We always visit this restaurant when we come to San Diego. Crispy crust and unique, delicious filings! They have a map so yoy can easily tell which flavors are which. Highly recommend!

Great place for a quick bite as these are in warm ovens and ready to eat - many different flavors and combo choices (with nice salad) at a reasonable price. Love the chimichiri sauce.

This is the best food i found in San Diego. Simple but supremely well done. Beautiful Lil empanadas, and the chimichurri is stellar, perfectly balanced. And it's not expensive!

Freshly baked and delicious variety of empanadas. The lamb is my favorite but they are all good. I would go here every week if I could make it a part of my diet. Haha!

Gah love the vibe and the color of this place. Really adorable☺️. The empanadas are great. They’re amazing. Good sizes.unique flavors. Pretty decent price. Yum.

Best empanadas I’ve had. Larger than typical (3 is plenty) with great breading. Beef - 9/10. Almost didn’t order this one since i thought it was basic, but it

Great spot for a quick lunch. We ate 6 empanadas and we loved them all. Great variety and friendly staff! The alfajores cookies were so delicious too!!

Delicious variety of empanadas , I just end up trying every single one .
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20

Little place on trolley tracks. 3 empenadas for $12. Many flavor choices. Beef, chicken, lamb, vegetarian and on and on. Very good. More

Their empanadas are really yummy, good size and priced accordingly. Convenient location, I’ll definitely be back in my next visit.

Very crisp yet chewy in the middle. I tried beef and mushroom & cheese, and both are good. The price is reasonable (3.50 each).

Friendly, Flaky, Delicious. Filling, Staff, Pastry. Go for yourself and match the nouns and adjectives! I’m heading back today.

Great value and delicious food. Sweet corn was my favorite. The bright yellow aesthetic really adds to the charm of the place.

It is my first time to have empanadas. They are pretty good. A lot of meat. I had the buffalo chicken, beef and lamb. More

Very friendly employees and they have awesome baked chicken empanadas
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Delicious empanadas, especially the ham and cheese. Service was fast and friendly. Will be returning. More

Great place for a quick snack, clean and empanada are fresh and hot. Worker are attentive and nice.

These people put love into these. Try the specials. My goto is the beef
Service…
More

So tasty I had sweet corn and basil. My husband really liked the mushroom and goat cheese.

Tasty Argentinian empanadas, I highly recommend it …
Service
Take out…
More

Delicious empanadas! Customer service and restaurant are impeccable. Highly recommend.

Hands down the best empanadas. Must try!
Service
Take out…
More

The best option in downtown for a tasty, affordable meal.

Wonderful empenadas! Quick and friendly service.