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The 13 Best Empanadas in San Francisco

For those craving the delicious flavors of empanadas in San Francisco, look no further! This savory South American pastry has made its mark on the culinary scene in the city, with numerous restaurants and bakeries offering their own unique twists on this beloved dish.

Whether you prefer traditional beef empanadas or innovative vegetarian options, San Francisco has something to satisfy every palate. With so many choices available, it can be overwhelming to decide where to find the best empanadas in the city. Luckily, this list of the best empanadas in San Francisco will help guide you to the perfect spot to get your fix.

Get ready to embark on a delicious empanada adventure in San Francisco!

How we chose and ordered them

To put together this guide to empanadas in San Francisco, we looked at what each business really focuses on, how its customers rate it over time and what it shows about its work on its own channels. The order is ours and we review it regularly.

Some businesses pay for a fuller profile or a featured position. It is only open to those that have already passed our selection, and it is always marked.

Top 3All optionsMapWhat to look for

Weigh 13 local options side by side

CHALOS, San Francisco#1
What it does well
  • The crust-to-filling ratio in the empanadas is perfection, enhancing the culinary experience.

  • The ambiance and service at CHALOS are top-notch, making customers feel welcomed and at ease.

  • Customers appreciate the wide selection of empanadas available, each bursting with unique and flavorful fillings.

  • The staff at CHALOS is warm and friendly, adding to the overall positive dining experience.

CHALOS

4.7341 reviews
2240 Taraval St, San Francisco, CA 94116, United States

CHALOS is a Latin American restaurant located in San Francisco, offering a variety of delicious empanadas and other dishes. With a 4.7 rating, based on 341 reviews, this restaurant has garnered a strong following.

Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a relaxing meal in a casual atmosphere, CHALOS is the perfect spot for Latin American cuisine enthusiasts. Visit their website for more information and menu options.

Venga Empanadas, San Francisco#2
What it does well
  • Empanadas are delicious and better than other places in the area.

  • The empanadas are tasty, fresh, and come in a wide variety of options.

  • The gluten-free options are a lifesaver with a friendly staff.

  • Great spot for a quick bite or meal with amazing flavors and affordable prices.

Venga Empanadas

4.841 reviews
50 Minna St, San Francisco, CA 94105, United States

Venga Empanadas is a popular restaurant in San Francisco known for its delightful empanadas. With a rating of 4.8, it's clear that customers love the food and ambiance this place offers. The restaurant provides a variety of service options such as outdoor seating, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. While popular for lunch and solo dining, it also accommodates customers with children.

Here are some key points from customer reviews:

Venga Empanadas, San Francisco#3
What it does well
  • Delicious authentic empanadas with a variety of flavors and excellent sauces.

  • Great pricing and friendly service, perfect for a quick bite.

  • Vegetarian options are plenty, with delicious fillings and fast service.

  • Excellent coffee options available, making it a great choice after-hours for coffee lovers.

Venga Empanadas

4.5451 reviews
443 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

Venga Empanadas is a must-visit Argentinian restaurant in San Francisco that offers a delicious array of authentic empanadas. Whether customers are looking for a quick takeaway option or prefer to dine-in and enjoy the outdoor seating, Venga Empanadas caters to all preferences. With a fast service and a cozy atmosphere, this spot is popular not only for lunch but also for a satisfying dinner. The menu includes a variety of options, from traditional comfort food to vegan and vegetarian choices, ensuring there's something for everyone.

The overall rating of 4.5 stars is a testament to the excellent quality of food and service at Venga Empanadas, as reflected in the 451 reviews. Customers rave about the delicious empanadas and the flavorful chimichurri sauce. Some key points from the reviews include:

If you're a fan of Latin cuisine, Venga Empanadas is a place you definitely need to try!

Chao Pescao, San Francisco#4
What it does well
  • Fresh, delicious food with vegan options

  • Wonderful ambiance and friendly service

  • Great cocktails

  • Hidden gem with amazing classic latin food and modern twists

Chao Pescao

4.7938 reviews
272 McAllister St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States

Chao Pescao is a popular restaurant in San Francisco known for its delicious latin food and great cocktails. The restaurant offers no-contact delivery, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options, making it convenient for customers.

Some of the highlights of Chao Pescao include fast service and great cocktails. It is a popular spot for lunch, dinner, and solo dining with a casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere. The restaurant is also known for being family-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly, and welcoming towards tourists and groups.

Customers have left positive reviews for Chao Pescao. Some key points from these reviews include:

Overall, Chao Pescao is a must-visit for those looking for an authentic latin dining experience in San Francisco.

Empanadas Argentinas deli, San Francisco#5
What it does well
  • Great selection of empanadas, all delicious

  • Best empanadas tried so far, all flavors were amazing

  • Impeccable service and delicious empanadas, classic beef a favorite

  • Delicious empanadas, served warm and flavorful

Empanadas Argentinas deli

5.012 reviews
435 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

Empanadas Argentinas deli is a beloved Restaurant located at 435 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA. This cozy eatery is known for its delicious empanadas that keep customers coming back for more. The dine-in and takeaway options make it convenient for any occasion, whether you're grabbing a quick lunch or enjoying a leisurely dinner.

Customers rave about the wide variety of empanadas available, each bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection.

With a perfect rating of 5.0, Empanadas Argentinas deli is clearly a favorite among locals and visitors alike. If you're in the area, be sure to stop by and experience the mouthwatering empanadas for yourself!

Tanguito, San Francisco#6
What it does well
  • Customers rave about the flavorful Tanguito burger, highlighting the juicy beef patty and fresh toppings.

  • The hand-chopped potatoes and homemade garlic sauce add a unique touch to the dining experience.

  • Visitors highly recommend the milanesa napolitana, a must-try dish for those craving authentic Argentinian flavors.

  • The affordable prices make Tanguito a standout choice in the Fisherman's Wharf area, offering a delicious alternative to popular fast-food chains.

Tanguito

4.7550 reviews
2850 Jones St, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

Tanguito is a vibrant Argentinian restaurant located in San Francisco, known for its delicious offerings and welcoming atmosphere. Customers praise the outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying a meal al fresco. The menu boasts a variety of options, from comforting small plates to quick bites, appealing to different preferences.

With a solid rating of 4.7 stars and over 550 reviews, Tanguito continues to impress patrons with its delectable cuisine and friendly service. Whether you're a local looking for a new dining spot or a tourist seeking an authentic taste of Argentina, Tanguito is sure to satisfy your cravings. Come and experience the flavors of Argentina right in the heart of San Francisco!

Parada 22, San Francisco#7
What it does well
  • Ordered Pernil Asado which was perfect, with juicy slow-cooked pork and flavorful sides. Highly recommend asking for the homemade hot sauce.

  • Great ambiance on Haight St. Pastelon dish and Sangria were delicious. Portions are hearty and satisfying. Strongly recommended for any occasion.

  • Friendly and accommodating staff, delicious dishes such as pernil, plantains, tostones, and Cuban sandwich. Everyone left happy and satisfied with the experience.

  • Although the food was okay with normal portions, the pricing was deemed high. Slow service reported, making every request time-consuming. Not a place to revisit.

Parada 22

4.61,136 reviews
1805 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117, United States

Parada 22 is a beloved Puerto Rican restaurant situated in the heart of San Francisco. Known for its fast service, this eatery is popular for serving delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner options in a casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere. Customers can enjoy their meals through delivery, takeaway, or dine-in options.

The restaurant offers a variety of tempting dishes, such as Pernil Asado, plantains, tostones, Cuban sandwiches, and more. The menu features comfort food, small plates, beer, wine, coffee, and happy-hour drinks to cater to different preferences.

With a rating of 4.6 stars based on 1136 reviews, Parada 22 has garnered positive feedback from its patrons. Here are the summarized points from some customer reviews:

El Porteño Empanadas, San Francisco#8
What it does well
  • If you are nearby and want a snack empanada, El Porteño Empanadas has a great variety of options to choose from. The empanadas are warm, flaky, and flavorful.

  • First-time visitors have enjoyed the recommendations from the staff, with one customer praising the espinacas empanada for its delicious taste and quick service.

  • Customers have highlighted the great atmosphere and diverse veggie options, with the mushroom empanada standing out as a top choice.

  • One reviewer recommends coming with a group to share the empanadas and try out the different flavors, emphasizing the decent pricing.

El Porteño Empanadas

4.3482 reviews
Ferry Building Marketplace 1 Ferry Building 53, San Francisco, CA 94111, United States

El Porteño Empanadas is a renowned Argentinian restaurant located in Ferry Building Marketplace in San Francisco, CA. The restaurant offers a variety of services such as Outdoor seating, Delivery, Takeaway, and Dine-in, making it a convenient choice for customers.

Customers have praised the restaurant for its delicious and flavorful empanadas. Some key points from customer reviews include:

Overall, customers have had a positive experience at El Porteño Empanadas, with many praising the quality of the food and the welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant. Embrace the taste of Argentina at El Porteño Empanadas and indulge in these delightful savory and sweet treats!

Chile Lindo Empanadas, San Francisco#9
What it does well
  • Authentic homemade food, live music, and a fun atmosphere

  • Delicious food, nice wine, and a charming dining room

  • Legitimate Chilean empanadas made with quality ingredients

  • Best empanadas in town, all varieties are worth trying

Chile Lindo Empanadas

4.2141 reviews
2944 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

Chile Lindo Empanadas is a popular Chilean restaurant located in San Francisco, CA. This restaurant offers a variety of service options such as outdoor seating, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. Customers can enjoy fast service and live music in a casual atmosphere that is LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space. Chile Lindo Empanadas is known for their delicious empanadas and other Chilean specialties.

Here are some key points from customer reviews:

El Nuevo Frutilandia, San Francisco#10
What it does well
  • Delicious food with a strong Latin American flavor influence

  • Great service with friendly and knowledgeable staff

  • Authentic ambiance that transports diners to the heart of the Caribbean

El Nuevo Frutilandia

4.580 reviews
3077 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States

El Nuevo Frutilandia is a vibrant Latin American restaurant in San Francisco, offering a delightful culinary experience filled with flavorful dishes and warm hospitality. The restaurant is known for its fast service and a menu that includes a variety of authentic dishes like empanadas, mofongo, and ropa vieja.

Customers have raved about their experience at El Nuevo Frutilandia, highlighting a few key points:

Whether you are looking for a quick takeaway meal or a cozy dine-in experience, El Nuevo Frutilandia offers a taste of the Caribbean that will leave you craving more.

Arepas Latin Cuisine, San Francisco#11
What it does well
  • The flavorful sauces elevate every dish to new levels of deliciousness.

  • The Arepitas Sliders are a delightful and perfectly crafted favorite.

  • The Picada Colombiana Chopped is a richly seasoned and expertly prepared must-try.

  • The Passion Fruit Cheesecake is a unique and tangy dessert that you won't want to miss.

Arepas Latin Cuisine

4.4250 reviews
3198 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

Arepas Latin Cuisine is a vibrant Latin American restaurant in the heart of San Francisco. Known for its flavorful cuisine, friendly service, and lively atmosphere, this restaurant is a popular choice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Customers rave about their experience, making it a highly rated spot with a score of 4.4 out of 5 based on 250 reviews.

Whether you are looking for a quick bite, an indulgent meal, or a cozy spot to enjoy Latin American flavors, Arepas Latin Cuisine is a top choice. Visit them today to experience the best of Latin cuisine in San Francisco!

Pica Pica Arepa Kitchen, San Francisco#12
What it does well
  • Came here for a quick snack and ended up having a delightful dinner. The arepa and cachapa are a must-try!

  • Fresh ingredients and great flavors, especially loved the Beef Pabellón arepa trio.

  • Solid and delicious food, highly recommend the spicy chicken and shredded beef arepas.

  • The traditional arepa with pulled pork filling was exceptional, even after sitting in a take-out box for a while.

Pica Pica Arepa Kitchen

4.31,407 reviews
401 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

Pica Pica Arepa Kitchen is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Venezuelan cuisine. This cozy spot on Valencia St offers a variety of service options including delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. Customers rave about the fast service and the delicious arepas, cachapas, and yucca fries.

Don't miss out on the chance to indulge in comfort food like pulled pork cachapas and sweet plantains. Whether you're dining in or grabbing a quick bite to go, Pica Pica Arepa Kitchen promises to satisfy your cravings with its flavorful offerings.

NLocal choice
#13
What it does well
  • Customers praise the quality of the empanadas and the variety of flavors available.

  • Many appreciate the generous portions and delicious fillings in each empanada.

  • Some customers have mentioned the friendly customer service and the attention to detail in addressing any issues with their orders.

Nucha Empanadas

3.615 reviews
601 Mission Bay Boulevard North, San Francisco, CA 94158, United States

Nucha Empanadas is a beloved Argentinian restaurant located in San Francisco. They offer a variety of services like Delivery, Takeaway, and Dine-in, making it convenient for all types of customers. Known for being popular for both Lunch and Dinner, Nucha Empanadas is a go-to spot for those craving Comfort food. Customers rave about the flavorful empanadas, with some highlighting the generous fillings and the diverse flavors available, such as spicy chicken and spicy smoked pork.

A quick comparison of the options

#BusinessRatingReviews
#1CHALOS 4.7341
#2Venga Empanadas 4.841
#3Venga Empanadas 4.5451
#4Chao Pescao 4.7938
#5Empanadas Argentinas deli 5.012
#6Tanguito 4.7550
#7Parada 22 4.61,136
#8El Porteño Empanadas 4.3482
#9Chile Lindo Empanadas 4.2141
#10El Nuevo Frutilandia 4.580
#11Arepas Latin Cuisine 4.4250
#12Pica Pica Arepa Kitchen 4.31,407
#13Nucha Empanadas 3.615

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Map of Empanadas in San Francisco

San Francisco is a melting pot of cultures, and one of the best ways to experience this diversity is through its empanadas. From traditional Argentinean flavors to creative fusion fillings, the city is filled with delicious options waiting to be discovered. Use this map to navigate your way through the variety of empanada spots in San Francisco.

How to pick Empanadas in San Francisco

  1. Empanadas with a flaky crust and flavorful filling.
  2. Variety of meat and vegetarian options.
  3. Convenient locations throughout the city.
  4. Options for dine-in, takeout, and delivery.

Common questions

Where can I find the best empanadas in San Francisco?

If you're looking for delicious empanadas in San Francisco, you're in luck. Some popular spots to try include El Porteño, Arguello Market, and Venga Empanadas. These establishments offer a variety of empanadas ranging from traditional to modern flavors, so there's something for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to check out reviews online or ask locals for recommendations to find the empanada spot that suits your taste buds best.

What are the most popular empanada fillings in San Francisco?

In San Francisco, you'll find a wide range of empanada fillings that cater to different preferences. Some popular choices include: These empanada fillings are loved by many and can be found at various eateries throughout the city. Beef and onion. Chicken and cheese. Spinach and feta. Vegetarian options like mushroom and cheese. Seafood fillings like shrimp and crab.

Are there any gluten-free empanada options in San Francisco?

Yes, there are several places in San Francisco that offer gluten-free empanada options for those with dietary restrictions. Some establishments use alternative ingredients like corn or rice flour for the dough, making it suitable for gluten-free diners. Be sure to inquire about gluten-free options when ordering your empanadas and enjoy a delicious meal without worry.

Can I order empanadas for catering or events in San Francisco?

Yes, many empanada vendors in San Francisco offer catering services for events, parties, or gatherings. Whether you're hosting a small get-together or a large event, you can usually place an order in advance for a variety of empanada flavors to please your guests. Contact local empanada shops or food trucks to inquire about their catering options and menu selections for your next event.

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