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Oakland's best

Empanada spots

An empanada should be defined by the integrity of its pastry and the balance of its filling.

Based on 518 Opinions
+515
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Updated May 2026
01
9 Julio Empanada Kitchen image 1
9 Julio Empanada Kitchen image 2
9 Julio Empanada Kitchen image 3
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Small space with Buenos Aires imagery and unusual decor creates a cozy, friendly atmosphere. Empanadas offer a delicious variety with unique fillings, complemented by real silverware and nice glassware uncommon in quick meal spots.

Food features fresh, locally sourced ingredients with nuanced flavors and excellent quality. The Peruvian chicken stands out as a highlight, and the dishes are consistently flavorful and freshly prepared.

Empanadas feature perfectly crisp and light crusts with fillings like Chile verde, mushroom and onion, and spinach and cheese. Options include chicken and beef, paired with salads for a balanced meal.

People are saying

"I found the empanadas here to be the absolute best."

"I loved the fresh, flavorful gaucho salad."

"The empanadas here are the best and most delicious food I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on the street or nearby lots.

2

They offer catering, which is a great way to feed a large group.

3

The empanadas are small, so ordering more than one per person is recommended.

02
Charlie May Coffee & Tea House image 1

Cozy cafe with indoor and outdoor seating offers a warm, inviting atmosphere filled with plants and greenery. Quiet and relaxed, it suits gatherings, studying, and casual meetups. Easy parking and a thoughtful layout add to the welcoming vibe.

Food includes unique homemade sauces like champorado and latiya. They warm all dishes and offer a chocolate chip cookie for dessert. Kids get toys and books to enjoy while eating.

Offers a variety of empanadas including chicken and veggie options. Empanadas come with tasty pastries and pair well with coffee or drinks.

People are saying

"I loved the coffee here; it was surprisingly strong and flavorful."

"The empanadas here are amazing, especially the veggie and pollo options."

"I enjoyed their tasty empanadas."

Good to know

1

Every third Saturday, there is a bagel pop-up from the small business Hella Bagels.

2

Pups are allowed in the patio area.

3

Parking is easy and accessible.

03
Puerto Rican Street Cuisine image 1

Small, casual setup with limited seating and a back patio offering exceptional hospitality. Atmosphere feels like an island kitchen with authentic Puerto Rican flavors and passionate cooking. Menu includes vegetarian options and focuses on traditional dishes with a home-cooked vibe.

Food here tastes authentic and real, with clear notes of sofrito that remind of traditional family recipes. Vegan options exist alongside classic dishes, all served with heartfelt care.

Stuffed with chicken and pork, the empanadas offer a tasty and filling bite. Hot empanadas bring a sense of nostalgia with every bite.

People are saying

"The Puerto Rican street food here is amazing, tasting like home."

"These empanadas are SO delicious and scrumptious."

"The food here is freaking delicious."

Good to know

1

Takeout may be preferable for large groups due to limited seating.

2

Right now, you can order from the window only, while inside is still being hooked up.

3

The menu is limited, with some items still in the testing phase.

04
Las Guerreras image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant inside a lively market with open seating and a cute patio area. Atmosphere feels relaxed and happy, welcoming dogs and featuring live music. The place fills up at lunchtime and offers a self-service style in a spacious setting.

Food features authentic Mexican flavors with fresh ingredients and reasonably priced dishes. Tacos and passed appetizers stand out for their delicious taste and quality.

Empanadas come with a crispy outer shell that stays somewhat soft inside. They arrive hot and are surprisingly filling for just one, often served with sour cream on top unless requested otherwise.

People are saying

"This is my new favorite lunch spot for delicious tamales."

"The food here is so fresh and delicious."

"I found the empanadas here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Las Guerreras is located inside Swanโ€™s Market in uptown Oakland.

2

The area gets packed at lunchtime, so plan accordingly.

3

Parking is street parking, so watch out for restrictions.

05
Bocanova image 1
Latin American restaurant

Spacious dining area with an open kitchen and walls of windows showcases local art and a courtyard garden. Atmosphere stays relaxed and welcoming, with dim lighting and soft Peruvian music creating a cozy vibe. Full espresso and cocktail bars offer top-notch mezcal and passion fruit margaritas, while the patio provides a warm urban outdoor setting.

Food here features a deviled egg with blue crab appetizer and a rum cake dessert. The menu offers delicious dishes paired with excellent cocktails and attentive service.

Beef empanadas stand out with rich flavor and are consistently praised. Options include ahi tuna and beef varieties, often featured in the happy hour menu with satisfying portions.

People are saying

"The food here is thoughtful, beautifully prepared, and genuinely delicious."

"The seafood here, like the moqueca, is rich, creamy, and packed with tender fish."

"The beef empanadas here are amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3 to 6 pm with $2 oysters.

2

Valet parking is available at the Marriott across the street.

3

Bocanova has outdoor seating that is dog-friendly and equipped with heaters.

06
JAVIโ€™S COOKING "Empanadas Argentinas" image 1

Casual Argentinian restaurant with shaded outdoor seating and options to eat in your car. Atmosphere feels like visiting an auntie's home, with a relaxed vibe for watching fรบtbol and drinking yerba mate. Known for authentic empanadas, Argentine wines, and vegetarian options that stand out in the neighborhood.

Food features Argentinian empanadas and delicious mate. The atmosphere includes warm, welcoming service especially from Carolina.

Empanadas feature amazing dough and come in beef, chicken, and mushroom varieties. The Beyond Meat option offers a flavorful choice for vegetarians.

People are saying

"These empanadas are so tasty, especially the Pavo and champiรฑone."

"I thought the sandwiches were pretty big and so tasty."

"You have to try their empanadas; they're a total hit."

Good to know

1

If ordering online, give yourself 30 minutes in advance.

2

Placing a phone order for empanadas is recommended for quicker pickup.

3

Empanadas cost $5.50 each, which can add up quickly.

07
Cafe Xochi image 1

Small, hip interior pairs with a spacious, dog-friendly outdoor patio featuring shade and privacy. Atmosphere feels cozy and community-oriented, with peaceful backyard seating and good music. Regulars include locals who enjoy ample outdoor seating and a welcoming vibe for dogs.

Food offers more than the usual muffins and cookies with a diverse selection. Coffee and dishes come out perfectly prepared, creating a welcoming community vibe.

Warm empanadas come with solid vegetarian options like mushroom. Carne and mushroom fillings taste really good and stay delicious.

People are saying

"The patio is cute and peaceful, perfect for a dog."

"I found the mushroom empanadas to be delicious and warm."

"The empanadas here are so yummy, especially the mushroom ones."

Good to know

1

Dogs are only allowed on the back patio and sidewalk, not inside the cafe.

2

There is plenty of outdoor seating available at the cafe.

3

The cafe hosts events every few months featuring local artists and pop-up businesses.

08
Sobre Mesa image 1
Restaurant

Chic interior with beautiful decor and perfect lighting creates an intimate atmosphere. Music matches the vibe, supporting conversation without overwhelming. Signature cocktails and tapas, especially mezcal drinks and beef empanadas, stand out in a sophisticated setting.

Afro-Latino fusion flavors create gorgeous and delicious dishes that capture the true taste of the Dominican Republic. Food and drinks consistently reach a perfect 10 out of 10 for quality and flavor.

Empanadas stand out with their rich fillings and flaky crusts. They pair well with warm olives and complement drinks nicely.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, with vibrant, tangy flavors."

"The dim lighting makes it a perfect spot for a romantic date night."

"I found the empanadas here to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted food and drinks.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long wait times.

3

The Queer and Couture Oakland Pride event is a highlight, showcasing local culture.

09
Javi's Empanadas Oakland image 1

Small corner shop with indoor and outdoor seating offers a wide variety of authentic Argentine empanadas, including vegetarian and vegan options. Walls feature colorful murals, adding a lively visual element. Fast-food self-service style creates a casual, quick dining atmosphere.

Food comes from a fast-food self-service setup with mixed reviews. Some find the empanadas great, while others think the food is overpriced and not that good.

Empanadas feature a crispy crust with perfectly seasoned fillings. Options include authentic Argentine-style chicken, flavorful beef, and creative vegetarian and vegan varieties.

People are saying

"These empanadas are some of the best I've ever had."

"I found the coffee here unexpectedly great."

"The food here is great."

Good to know

1

Javi's Empanadas Oakland offers vegetarian and vegan options.

2

It operates as a fast-food self-service establishment.

3

They offer a wide variety of empanada flavors.

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