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Ham and cheese empanada spots

A proper ham and cheese empanada is a specific standard that most places fail to meet.

Based on 776 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Mate Conmigo image 1
Mate Conmigo image 2
Mate Conmigo image 3
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Cozy cafe with adorable decor and comfortable couches creates a homey, welcoming atmosphere. Quiet energy suits working or relaxing, with extensive vegan options and standout empanadas. Friendly vibe invites study, socializing, or enjoying fresh mate.

Empanadas come hot and tasty, with ham and cheese as a standout option. The spinach and cheese variety also gets recommended often.

Beef empanadas stand out with rich flavor and flaky crust. Vegan options include potato and cauliflower as well as spinach empanadas. The Arabe empanada offers a unique twist worth trying.

People are saying

"I thought the empanadas here were great and hot."

"The Vegetarian food here is served by the sweetest, friendliest people."

"I loved the mango and passion fruit mate combo."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy in the lot.

2

The menu includes different types of empanadas, sandwiches, and pastries.

3

Vegan options are extensive.

02
Empanada Kitchen image 1
Argentinian restaurant

Bright and friendly space shares a corner with a burger joint and includes a cute backyard with tables. Atmosphere stays modern and relaxing, quiet enough for laid-back meals. Empanadas come with authentic Argentinian flavors and clear labels, served warm and full of flavor.

Ham and cheese fillings deliver a solid, classic taste. Empanadas with ham and cheese get a 12/10 rating for flavor and balance.

Empanadas come with a thin and delicious crust and are made fresh, served warm. They offer many flavors like beef and lamb, filled with saucy chicken and beef, all tasting authentic and made from scratch by Argentinians.

People are saying

"I found the empanadas here to be absolutely excellent."

"I tried the Chocolate Alfajore for dessert."

"The Ham And Cheese empanada is a 12/10."

Good to know

1

They offer a special deal every day for three empanadas.

2

Daily specials change frequently, so check the menu often.

3

Parking around Pearl Street can be tricky, but spots are available.

03
Pampas Cafe image 1

Cafe offers an open floor plan with high ceilings and ample indoor seating including comfy couches and high top tables. Atmosphere feels hip and arty with local artwork on rotating display and live piano music on Fridays. Community vibe is strong, supported by a free library and a piano available to play.

Empanadas feature Black Forest ham, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack cheese in the ham and cheese variety. These artisanal pastries combine savory fillings with a flaky crust.

Empanadas come with thin, crispy skins and juicy, flavorful fillings. Options include chicken with chimichurri, mushroom, beef, chorizo, breakfast, and apple, with some vegan choices available.

People are saying

"I found the empanadas here really tasty and delicious."

"You have to try the coffee; it's strong and amazing."

"The ham and cheese empanadas were artisanal with diverse fillings."

Good to know

1

Parking can be a challenge due to its location next to Trader Joe's.

2

The wait time can be about 35 minutes during peak hours.

3

They serve breakfast starting at 7am, but are closed on Mondays.

04
The Empanada Maker Mission Viejo image 1
South American restaurant

Bright interior with beautiful decoration and a strong aroma of fresh empanadas sets a welcoming tone. The atmosphere suits groups, with family packs and shared meals common. Prices lean high, but empanadas receive strong praise for flavor and freshness.

Ham and cheese empanadas feature a delicious filling and are consistently noted as great and to die for. They appear alongside other flavorful options like beef and chili verde empanadas.

Empanadas come fast and fresh with creative fillings like Beef, Ham & Cheese, Chili Verde, and a super creamy Spinach. Dessert empanadas add a sweet touch, all served with friendly service in a very clean spot.

People are saying

"I thought these empanadas were the best I ever had."

"I thought the empanadas were delicious, especially the beef."

"I found the Ham and Cheese empanada to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging due to ongoing construction.

2

The price of each empanada is $3.99, which some may find high.

3

Family packs and good deals are available for larger orders.

05
La Farola image 1
Argentinian restaurant

Small Argentinian restaurant with intimate seating and a laid-back atmosphere. Friendly vibe with a big screen TV often showing soccer games. Known for authentic, high-quality empanadas and a clean, inviting environment.

Baked fresh empanadas feature ham and cheese combinations with some spice in the beef and ham and cheese version. The ham and cheese empanadas are generally good but not as strong as the beef ones.

Empanadas come freshly made and packed with bold flavors. The Arab empanada stands out for its unique taste, while chicken with chimichurri and spicy beef offer distinct, rich profiles.

People are saying

"These empanadas are incredibly flavorful and delicious."

"The empanadas here are quick, tasty, and filling."

"The ham and cheese empanadas are baked fresh and very good."

Good to know

1

La Farola is closed on Mondays.

2

La Farola has ample free parking.

3

Prices are very reasonable for the quality offered.

06
Fuegos LA image 1
Restaurant

Eclectic decor and ambient lighting create a warm, laid-back vibe that feels both cozy and unique. The space blends a romantic, old-fashioned style with a lively atmosphere where people enjoy coffee, Argentinian food, and wine. It attracts those looking for a hidden gem with a welcoming, community-focused energy.

Ham and cheese empanadas stand out with excellent flavor and flaky crust. The ham and cheese medialunas offer a rich, satisfying breakfast option.

Breakfast empanadas stand out with ham, cheese, and egg fillings. Vegan options like the Humita Corn Empanada offer a tasty alternative. Both pair well with coffee.

People are saying

"I thought the empanadas here were the best I've ever had."

"The wine selection here is very good and elevates the experience."

"The Ham And Cheese here is a celebration of food and community."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available, but specific times are not mentioned.

2

Weekend grill sessions are offered, but details on timing are unclear.

3

Dishes range from $20 and up, especially with wine or beer.

07
Đông Hưng Viên Bakery image 1

Small bakery offers cozy standing room with a cute, clean interior that contrasts its exterior. It features clearly labeled vegan options, including a dedicated vegan banh mi menu praised for quality and flavor. Prices remain reasonable, making it a popular spot for fresh, flavorful Vietnamese and Chinese baked goods.

The ham and cheese options focus on vegan versions like the croissant and puff pastry. These items combine flaky pastry with savory fillings for a satisfying bite.

Mushroom fillings with carrots and daikon give the empanadas a vegetarian egg roll vibe. Vegan options include lemongrass steak style and classic versions, all with a delicious taste.

People are saying

"The vegetarian pastries and banh mi here are so tasty."

"The vegan ham and cheese croissant was surprisingly good."

"These empanadas were so delicious."

Good to know

1

The bakery offers a wide selection of vegan options clearly labeled.

2

Prices for baked goods are generally under $10, making them affordable.

3

They provide numerous samples for tasting before purchasing.

08
Vinoma Tapas Argentinas image 1
Argentinian restaurant

Outdoor seating with fresh cut flowers and handcrafted sodas creates a simple, charming vibe despite proximity to a gas station. Limited tables and a focus on takeout keep energy casual and relaxed. Family-run atmosphere adds a personal touch to the authentic Argentinian empanadas experience.

Ham and cheese empanadas feature gooey cheese and flavorful ham, offering a richer taste than usual. They stand out as a preferred choice alongside plum and bacon empanadas.

Empanadas come in many varieties, from spicy beef to plum bacon and vegan options like curry tofu. Each one is flaky and filled with bold, unique flavors that stand out.

People are saying

"I thought the empanadas here were the best I have ever tasted."

"The Al Pastor tart's sauces really made it special."

"The ham and cheese empanada was so good, with gooey cheese."

Good to know

1

Vinoma Tapas Argentinas is only available for takeout, with no in-restaurant dining options.

2

They were super busy, so I needed to order in advance.

3

You have to ring the bell at the door to let them know you are either there to pick up or place an order to go.

09
Nora's Empanada Factory image 1

Small restaurant with quaint seating and a friendly family atmosphere offers authentic empanadas praised for their flavor and variety. The space feels charming and clean, with options for catering and special events.

Ham and cheese empanadas come in a few varieties here. Some have great flavor and are popular with kids, while others can be a bit lacking in flavor.

Fresh empanadas offer excellent quality and authentic Argentinian flavors. The chimichurri served alongside complements the empanadas well, making them a popular choice for events and parties.

People are saying

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

"The vegan empanadas here are seasoned lentils and soyrizo, truly one of a kind."

"The ham and cheese empanadas had great flavor."

Good to know

1

They offer a variety of empanadas, including vegan options.

2

Fresh empanadas are made upon request if not available on the shelf.

3

The prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

10
Jaunt Coffee Roasters image 1
Coffee roasters

Stylish interior with natural skylight, high ceilings, and green plants creates a warm, cozy atmosphere. Indoor and dog-friendly outdoor seating offer comfortable spaces for conversation. Music stays at a level that supports easy talking, enhancing the relaxed vibe.

The ham and cheese croissant has ham only at the very end and can be served cold. The ham and cheese empanada tends to be hollow inside compared to the beef version.

Beef empanadas stand out with their rich flavor and perfectly baked crust. They pair well with coffee and offer a satisfying snack option.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be exceptional and roasted to perfection."

"These empanadas are so delicious, I could eat them all day."

"I thought the ham and cheese croissant was yummy."

Good to know

1

Parking in the area is easy to find.

2

During busy times, the line could be out the door.

3

The only baked good left was one jalapeño bagel.

11
Porto's Bakery and Cafe image 1

Factory-like space with spacious seating and two floors creates a lively, energetic vibe filled with the aroma of fresh yeast and vibrant pastries. The atmosphere is noisy and bustling, often crowded but with a community gathering feel. Outdoor seating adds variety to the experience.

Croissants filled with ham and cheese come out tasty and high quality. The ham and cheese croissant appears often and pairs well with other items like the omelette croissant sandwich.

Empanadas come warm and savory with fillings like chicken and breakfast ingredients. They have a delicate, crispy texture and offer a light, flavorful bite.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really great."

"These empanadas are delicate, crispy, savory, and light."

"I loved the ham and cheese croissant; it was my favorite."

Good to know

1

Parking is available behind the bakery, but it can be challenging to find.

2

Credit cards are accepted for all purchases.

3

The bakery does not sell slices of cheesecake, only whole cakes.

12
BAD Bakers Santa Ana image 1

Donut shop with no dine-in space offers a quiet atmosphere and kind staff. Variety includes fillable donuts with syringes of Bavarian cream, strawberry, and Dulce de leche, plus vegan options and unique Filipino pastries. Presentation is instagrammable, highlighting visually appealing treats.

Savory kolaches like ham and cheese, hot dog, and jalapeño with cream cheese come out delicious and filling. Some items, like the ham and cheese croissant, can be overly salty and flat in flavor.

Donut Empanadas offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors and stand out as decadent treats. Pork and veggie empanadas deliver delicious savory options alongside other baked goods.

People are saying

"These staxx donuts are buttery, sugary, and addictive when warmed."

"You have to try these empanadas; they're the best finger food."

"The ham and cheese kolaches were outstanding."

Good to know

1

Vegan options are available for those with dietary restrictions.

2

The price for a dozen donuts is $7, which some may find high.

3

The bakery offers a variety of donuts and pastries.

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