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Family Owned Empanadas in California

You prefer supporting family-owned businesses that take pride in their empanadas. You want to know the people behind the food you eat.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
¡Ave Maria Restaurant! image 1
¡Ave Maria Restaurant! image 2
¡Ave Maria Restaurant! image 3
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Small, cozy space offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like home. Patio invites guests to relax with their dogs, adding a dog-friendly touch. Cuisine blends South American fusion with dishes made from scratch, creating a family-style vibe.

Friendly and family owned, this place runs with efficiency and serves delicious food.

Golden, flaky pastry wraps around savory fillings like carne and queso. Empanadas have a good amount of meat, are well seasoned, and never dry.

People are saying

"The Ecuadorian food here tastes authentic, just like my mom makes it."

"I stumbled upon this little hidden gem and immediately wanted to come back."

"The empanadas are golden, flaky, and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a small parking lot and plenty of street parking available.

2

They are dog-friendly and even offer a complimentary steak taco for pets.

3

The menu features a diverse selection of Mexican and Ecuadorian dishes.

02
Mama G’s Kitchen & Sauces image 1
Peruvian restaurant

Small space with colorful Peruvian decor and a friendly, homey atmosphere. Patio seating and a bar with TVs playing Latin music create a relaxed vibe. Authentic flavors and signature sauces complement a menu that feels like traditional home cooking.

Family-owned and operated with a focus on serious business. The atmosphere feels like eating at someone's home, creating a warm and welcoming environment.

Chicken empanadas come incredibly seasoned and well-prepared. They pair well with varied sauces that enhance their flavor.

People are saying

"The ceviche here is outstanding and perfectly balanced."

"I loved eating on the cute patio with great ambiance."

"The empanadas here are flavorful and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

The restaurant currently doesn’t take reservations, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers, making it a great time to visit.

3

Expect longer wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

03
United Bread & Pastry image 1

Bakery offers authentic Filipino pastries with crispy turon and flaky hopia as standout items. Atmosphere feels family-run and welcoming, though parking is limited and access can be tricky. Prices remain low despite high quality, making it a hidden gem for Filipino baked goods.

An authentic family-owned business runs the bakery, keeping it personal and traditional. The family ownership shows in the consistent care and quality of their baked goods.

Filipino empanadas stand out with their rich flavor, especially the chicken empanadas that many find delicious. They arrive in large quantities on short notice and often steal the show at gatherings like Christmas Potlucks.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be 5-star and out of this world."

"The pandan hopia pastry is uniquely soft and gooey."

"These empanadas were a great hit at the potluck."

Good to know

1

The bakery closes at 7:30pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

Parking is very limited; street parking is recommended.

3

They accept both cash and card payments for purchases.

04
Coffee Bodega Farm-to-Table image 1

Tiny coffee shop with cozy seating and plant-filled decor creates a living room vibe. Atmosphere stays quiet and companionable, with soft classical music and a home-like feel. Dog park outside adds a unique touch for visitors with pets.

Family-owned coffee shop creates a warm, inviting ambiance. Multiple locations maintain this personal touch.

Empanadas feature a delicate, thin, crispy crust with fillings like Carne Asada, bolognese, ham and cheese, and BBQ pork. They bake fresh on site, offering savory flavor and perfect flakiness.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be the best I had in the city."

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

"I loved the ambiance of this family-owned coffee shop."

Good to know

1

No dogs are allowed inside; animals must wait outside for sanitation.

2

The coffee shop does not offer Wi-Fi, making it a quiet work environment.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is recommended for local vendors nearby.

05
Grub Garage image 1
Mexican restaurant

Eclectic space filled with vintage car parts and garage-themed decor creates a chill atmosphere. Family-owned spot draws people who appreciate freshly made Mexican food and a relaxed vibe. Seating can feel awkward, but the unique design and honest food stand out.

A family-owned spot with a personal touch. The place keeps things close-knit and authentic.

Empanadas come in chorizo and other flavorful fillings. They taste delicious but arrive unlabelled, which can be tricky for allergies. The portions leave you wanting more.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and amazing."

"This Family Owned spot's food is delicious and flavorful."

"The chorizo empanada was phenomenal."

Good to know

1

Sodas cost $3-5 each and are only available in bottles and cans.

2

Bottled water is available for purchase; tap water is not provided for free.

3

Empanadas arrive unlabelled, which is important for food allergy considerations.

06
Fuego Restaurant (Peruvian Fusion) image 1

Hole-in-the-wall fusion spot blends Peruvian and USA flavors with unique sauces and juicy, tender meats. Music plays a bit loud, creating a lively but sometimes challenging conversation atmosphere. Wings and lomo saltado stand out as signature dishes loved by many.

Family owned operation runs the restaurant, giving it a personal and welcoming feel. The owners are directly involved in daily service and management.

Beef and cheese empanadas offer great flavor and freshness. Cheese and Nutella empanadas stand out as delicious and flavorful options.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and well prepared."

"These empanadas are so delicious and flavorful."

"The food at this Family Owned spot is delicious."

Good to know

1

Phone ordering is recommended if you have a limited lunch.

2

There is a parking lot available for customers.

3

They accept card payments, making transactions easy.

07
Don Julio's image 1
Salvadoran restaurant

Small Salvadoran restaurant offers casual indoor and outdoor seating with a welcoming, family-friendly vibe. Bright, fun atmosphere features authentic pupusas and tropical flavors, alongside unique Salvadoran dishes and drinks like Micheladas and mimosas.

Small and family-owned, this place feels like a local treasure. It offers personalized service and a strong sense of community.

Salvadorian dessert empanadas offer a mouth-melting experience with the empanada de leche standing out. They come with delightful flavors that keep you eating even when full.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"The staff here are so friendly and welcoming, making it feel like a local treasure."

"These pupusas are amazing and filled with flavor."

Good to know

1

They offer a student discount.

2

Don Julio's has a variety of vegan options on the menu.

3

The quantity of food is incredible, with one burrito capable of feeding three people.

08
Oaxaca Village Restaurant & Cantina image 1

Vibrant Mexican-themed decor fills the space with colorful folk art and a lively bar area. Live music plays on weekends, creating an inviting and festive atmosphere. Authentic Oaxacan dishes and freshly made tortillas complement strong, flavorful drinks like mezcal margaritas and micheladas.

Authentic Oaxaca food comes from a family-owned kitchen that welcomes kids. The place feels personal and kid friendly.

Large empanadas come stuffed with Oaxacan spice, potatoes, and chorizo. Cheese empanadas arrive with mole and other sauces, making for huge shareable servings.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really good and flavorful."

"The churros at this Family Owned spot are better than Disneyland's."

"The empanadas are large and stuffed with Oaxacan spice, potatoes, and chorizo."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Live music is featured every Saturday night starting at 7pm.

3

Margarita Wednesdays offer half-priced margaritas all day.

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