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Local picks in Arizona

Authentic empanada spots

An empanada is only as good as the dough and the filling ratio, and you have no patience for anything less than the real thing.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
El New Yorican - Puerto Rican Food Truck image 1
El New Yorican - Puerto Rican Food Truck image 2
El New Yorican - Puerto Rican Food Truck image 3
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Puerto Rican food truck offers authentic Puerto Rican dishes with large portions and consistent quality. Open space with chill atmosphere and tables for seating creates a welcoming, family-like vibe. Music adds to the relaxed, fun energy during food truck events.

Puerto Rican dishes here deliver authentic flavor with ingredients that taste like home cooking. Large portions include pernil with home-cooked taste and rich pasteles made with care.

Empanadas come crispy and packed with cheese. They taste delicious and hold up well.

People are saying

"I found the Puerto Rican food here to be authentic and delicious."

"I found the most delicious, authentic Puerto Rican food here."

"I found the Puerto Rican empanadas here to be very good."

Good to know

1

El New Yorican is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 7 pm.

2

They offer catering services for events.

3

The food truck serves generous portions at reasonable prices.

02
The Cuban Corner By Ta-Pas image 1

Cuban restaurant with an open, colorful decor and a bright, fresh atmosphere that feels inviting and relaxed. Live Latin jazz music often plays, adding to the fun, vibrant vibe. The place offers a simple, intimate setting reminiscent of Miami's Cuban culture.

Hearty dishes showcase authentic Cuban-style homemade flavor with fresh ingredients. The Cuban sandwich features authentic bread and the menu blends traditional recipes with modern fusion.

Beef and Cubano empanadas stand out with rich fillings and a flavor profile similar to those in Little Havana, Miami. They come alongside other Cuban tapas like croquetas and papa rellena, offering a classic Cuban taste.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and authentic."

"I found the food here to be authentic and delicious."

"The Cubano and beef empanadas are outstanding."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor dining options.

2

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

3

The restaurant does not have a liquor license, so no alcohol is served.

03
Cubanitas Kitchen image 1
Cuban restaurant

Cozy Cuban restaurant with live Cuban music and a lively grill atmosphere. Clean, beautiful space featuring an outdoor patio and street views that create a welcoming vibe. Tables shift to a dance floor on weekends, blending dining with vibrant social energy.

Juicy, perfectly seasoned meat and rice with authentic Cuban flavor stand out here. Plantains come cooked to perfection, delivering a true taste of Caribbean cuisine.

Stuffed potatoes and guava empanadas stand out with rich fillings. Empanadas pair well with moros y cristianos beans and rice for a full meal.

People are saying

"The Cuban food here is authentic and absolutely delicious."

"I found the Cuban food here to be delicious and authentic."

"I found the empanadas to be authentic and traditional."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 2 to 6 PM.

2

The restaurant has a bar area for drinks and socializing.

3

Expect a casual atmosphere; no formal dress code required.

04
El Chullo Peruvian Restaurant image 1

Peruvian restaurant offers a cozy, colorful design with authentic art and an expansive open layout including outdoor seating. Atmosphere stays welcoming and mellow, with background music and occasional live singing creating a relaxed vibe. A grocery market inside and interactive elements like a Cajon drum add a sense of community and fun.

Peruvian dishes here are consistently authentic and delicious. Every plate feels fresh and brings a homie vibe.

Beef empanadas come with a aji verde salsa that adds a bright, spicy kick. These empanadas stand out for their delicious flavor and pair well with other dishes like octopus appetizers and ceviche.

People are saying

"The Peruvian food here is so authentic and delicious."

"The Peruvian food here is so authentic and delicious."

"You have to try the empanadas, especially with the green salsa."

Good to know

1

During happy hour, cocktails are $2 off.

2

Reservations are recommended on busy nights to avoid long waits.

3

Parking is easy to find at the 7th Avenue location.

05
Casa de Mambo image 1
Dominican restaurant

Bright Caribbean art and lively salsa music create a fun, welcoming atmosphere with a Dominican-American baseball exhibit adding unique character. The space stays very clean and feels like a little bit of home for those familiar with the culture. Guests enjoy authentic Dominican cuisine served without rush in a cozy setting.

Dominican cuisine here stays true to its roots with authentic flavors and delicious dishes. The food offers a genuine taste of the Dominican Republic without stretching your budget.

Beef empanadas stand out for their amazing flavor and great cost. Options include varieties like guava and cheese, all delivering solid Dominican taste.

People are saying

"I thought the Dominican food here was awesome."

"I thought the beef empanadas were amazing."

"I found the Dominican food here to be delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

The food is moderately priced, with generous portions.

2

Expect a wait during peak hours, especially for lunch.

3

The restaurant is known for its cleanliness and inviting atmosphere.

06
Liz Modern Asian image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, unassuming restaurant with modern furnishings and a clean, inviting atmosphere feels like dining in a friend's home. Calm and family-run vibe offers a quiet refuge with tasteful decor and a pleasant outdoor patio along a busy street.

Dishes show authentic Hong Kong barbecue flavors and freshly made quality. Green tea ice cream uses authentic matcha for a true taste.

Empanadas come with a flaky and light crust that stands out. Options include brisket and banana fillings, both offering unique flavors.

People are saying

"The bao buns are delicious clouds of perfection."

"The food here is authentic, like a true home-cooked meal."

"The empanadas were surprisingly good, especially the brisket ones."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a prix fixe menu during Arizona Restaurant Week.

2

Prices are reasonable, comparable to average Chinese restaurants.

3

The kitchen can only prepare one dish at a time, so expect longer wait times.

07
Mambo's Dominican Kitchen image 1
Dominican restaurant

Dominican restaurant with bright decor and four large screen TVs at the bar creates a lively setting. Music ranges from background tunes to a DJ on Friday nights, enhancing a festive atmosphere. Patrons enjoy authentic Dominican cuisine paired with drinks like Presidente beer and Mama Juana in a welcoming, family-friendly environment.

Authentic Dominican cuisine shines here with flavorful Caribbean spices and traditional dishes. The food stays true to its roots, offering a genuine taste of the Dominican Republic.

Guava and cheese empanadas stand out as a favorite. The shrimp, chicken, and beef options are fresh and delicious, consistently well made.

People are saying

"The Dominican food here is amazing and delicious."

"I found the food to be authentic Dominican cuisine."

"I found the empanadas here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Dancing happens on weekends at the restaurant.

2

The restaurant offers generous portion sizes for all dishes.

3

There is ample parking available around the building.

08
The Mexicano Chandler image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright, colorful space with dancing robots and a live DJ creates a lively, festive atmosphere. Outdoor patio offers a comfortable, inviting setting with vibrant dรฉcor. The place draws a crowd enjoying energetic music and interactive entertainment.

Chips and salsa arrive right away, a sign of authentic Mexican dining. The food bursts with bold Mexican spices and fresh flavors, delivering a truly authentic Mexican experience.

Pork empanadas stand out with a rich filling. Crispy shells hold savory meat, paired well with elote guacamole and churros.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and cooked to perfection."

"The dinner spots here are a total party with fire breathers and loud music."

"The food here is packed with authentic Mexican flavors."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 11 AM to 6 PM daily.

2

Taco Tuesdays offer $2.00 tacos, which can get crowded.

3

All-you-can-eat tacos cost $8.88 on Thursdays during the summer.

09
La Purisima Bakery 2 image 1

Neighborhood bakery in a stripped mall offers freshly made tortillas and soft Mexican bread with a variety of pastries. Atmosphere is clean and neat with affordable prices and a steady morning pace. Known for traditional recipes using lard, it stands out as a top choice for authentic Mexican baked goods.

Authentic Mexican bread and cookies come fresh daily. Mexican treats taste genuine and reflect traditional recipes.

Pumpkin and pineapple empanadas have a perfect golden crust and cook just right. The selection includes empanadas de calabaza alongside other baked goods like conchas and pan dulce.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic, freshly made Mexican pastries and sweet bread."

"I found the Mexican bread and treats to be so authentic and delicious."

"These empanadas taste homemade and are so delicious."

Good to know

1

Hot tamales cost about $3 each, and they also offer custom orders.

2

Prices are generally affordable, with tamales priced at $14 for 6.

3

The bakery offers a large variety of Mexican bread and pastries.

10
La Tiendita Colombian Restaurant image 1

Mid-sized space offers an authentic Colombian atmosphere with bright, energetic vibes and a family-oriented community feel. Colombian music plays on a big speaker, enhancing the cultural experience alongside a connected store selling imported treats. The place feels like a home away from home, blending relaxed comfort with lively energy.

Food shows authentic Colombian flavors with dishes cooked to perfection and presented well. Service reflects friendly, humble Colombian hospitality that complements the genuine cuisine.

Mini empanadas cost $2.50 and pack a lot of flavor despite their small size. They contain fresh ingredients and pair well with dishes like arroz con pollo and ajiaco soup.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"The empanadas here are delicious and yummy."

"The food here is so authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of around 2 hours for food during peak hours.

2

Prices can be high, with some dishes costing $18 for minimal portions.

3

The connected store sells Colombian snacks and drinks.

11
Toston & Melao image 1
Restaurant

Small restaurant in a strip mall offers authentic Venezuelan cuisine with fresh, handmade dishes. The atmosphere is wholesome and simple, with spaced tables creating a cozy vibe. It attracts those seeking genuine flavors and large, filling portions.

Food shows authentic Venezuelan flavors with dishes made from traditional recipes. Cooking reflects heartfelt preparation and delivers genuine Venezuelan soul food.

Empanadas come huge and crispy with fillings like shredded beef and ground beef with rice. Options include shrimp with cream cheese and ham with cheese, all packed with rich flavors.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and reminded me of home."

"These empanadas taste like home-cooked meals from old school moms."

"I loved the authentic Venezuelan soul food."

Good to know

1

The menu is primarily in Spanish, which may pose a challenge for non-Spanish speakers.

2

Appetizers are large and filling, so consider sharing them.

3

Parking can be tight due to the restaurant's location in a strip mall.

12
La Purisima Bakery image 1

Authentic Mexican bakery with fresh bread and traditional pastries fills the air with a delicious aroma that evokes memories of Mexico. Cozy, inviting space features colorful displays and cultural decorations creating a warm atmosphere. Busy at times, it draws those seeking high-quality pan dulce and classic baked goods.

Baked goods come from scratch with authentic Mexican flavors and Pan Dulce that taste like homemade treats. The environment feels genuine, like someone's abuelita is making everything fresh.

Empanadas feature buttery flaky bread and real fruit fillings like piรฑa, guava, and pumpkin. A wide variety exists with fillings that are fully stuffed, not just smeared.

People are saying

"I found the bread here to be delicious and awesome."

"I loved their pumpkin empanadas, they were filled not smeared."

"I loved the authentic food that tasted like someone's abuelita made it just for me."

Good to know

1

La Purisima Bakery does not offer dine-in service.

2

The bakery gets really packed on the weekend.

3

The parking lot at La Purisima Bakery is small.

13
El rinconcito venezolano image 1
Venezuelan restaurant

Small, modest space offers authentic Venezuelan cuisine with a family-friendly, cozy atmosphere that feels like stepping back to Venezuela. The dining room stays warm and full, creating a steady flow of dine-in and takeout customers. Lack of music or entertainment keeps the focus on food and conversation.

Offers real authentic Venezuelan cuisine with excellent food that carries authentic Venezuelan flavor.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be excellent and authentic."

"I was obsessed with the empanadas here."

"I loved the authentic Venezuelan flavor; it was excellent."

Good to know

1

They now accept card payments, which is an excellent improvement.

2

The restaurant offers authentic Venezuelan cuisine with a unique flavor.

3

Prices at the restaurant are very good for the quality offered.

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