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Empanada shops in San Francisco

A warm, flaky empanada is the only thing that makes sense for a quick, handheld meal.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Cafe Buenos Aires SF image 1
Cafe Buenos Aires SF image 2
Cafe Buenos Aires SF image 3
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Small, modern cafe offers a quiet, quaint atmosphere with seating inside and out. Empanadas shine with varied flavors like spinach and peach, all warm and not greasy. Space feels like a mom-and-pop shop with a clean, inviting vibe.

Empanadas come in a variety of flavors, including spinach, Carne Picada, and sweet options like peach and apple. They serve warm, not greasy empanadas with a delicious balance of fillings and dough.

People are saying

"I found the empanadas here to be delicious and not greasy."

"The empanadas are delicious, with great vegan options."

"I had the best cappuccino I've had in San Francisco."

Good to know

1

The cafe opens at 9am, but staff may arrive a few minutes late.

2

Expect a 5-minute wait for empanadas to be heated after ordering.

3

The menu features a variety of empanadas, including many vegetarian and vegan options.

02
El Sabor Yucateco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Authentic Yucatรกn cuisine shines with homemade corn tortillas and spicy habanero sauce. Cheese empanada and chilindrina offer tasty vegetarian options that pair well with tacos and tamales. Spacious, humble interior creates a homey atmosphere welcoming all day long.

Cheese empanada and chilindrina stand out as tasty vegetarian options. Empanadas here pair well with tacos and tamales, all delivering solid flavor.

People are saying

"I found the food to be authentic and incredible."

"I found the carnitas and relleno negro tacos to be excellent and cheap."

"I was still thinking about these delicious empanadas."

Good to know

1

El Sabor Yucateco offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

2

The restaurant is open late and early.

3

The person working can help find vegetarian options.

03
Cantoo Latin Asian Rotisserie image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Basement setting offers a grotto-like atmosphere with a cozy, slightly shabby vibe. Shredded beef empanadas deliver rich flavor and generous filling. Soft Latin American music adds a peaceful ambiance to the spacious, clean interior.

Shredded beef empanadas stand out with rich flavor and generous filling. Chicken empanadas also offer a plentiful, tasty option alongside other dishes like dumplings and Venezuelan-style rice.

People are saying

"The empanadas are huge, with delicious fillings like shredded beef."

"These chili oil dumplings are delicious and make your tongue sing."

"The food here is super affordable and the portions are large."

Good to know

1

The restaurant celebrates its one-year anniversary in December with special events.

2

Expect a diverse menu featuring unique Asian-Venezuelan dishes.

3

Portions are generous and reasonably priced for the area.

04
Mayaflor image 1
Restaurant

Cozy spot with local art and a stylish patio offers a bright, chill vibe. Known for Peruvianโ€“Mexican fusion and crispy empanadas, it serves flavorful dishes in a quiet, homey setting.

Crispy and flavorful empanadas stand out here. A corn empanada features on the prix-fixed lunch menu, adding variety to the options.

People are saying

"I had the best breakfast I've had in a long time here."

"The brunch staff here is so kind and makes you feel like family."

"The empanadas here are full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Expect zero wait times for brunch on Saturdays.

2

The menu features unique Mexican and Peruvian fusion dishes.

3

Reservations are not required, making it easy to drop in.

05
Alushe coffee bar image 1

Cozy coffee shop offers comfy chairs and unique wall artwork for a peaceful vibe. Empanadas shine with amazing sauce and pair well with house-style potatoes and fresh smoothies. Perfect spot for relaxing and enjoying tasty bites.

Empanadas come with amazing sauce and include options like chicken and mushroom. They pair well with house-style potatoes and fresh smoothies.

People are saying

"Their coffee and signature drinks are amazing and not too sweet."

"I adored the empanadas; they were incredible."

"It's so cozy and comfortable, I could spend all day here."

Good to know

1

They had a Valentine's Day special menu until stocks last.

2

The breakfast burrito costs $15 and is a solid size.

3

There are no vegan options available on the menu.

06
Coffee Bodega Farm-to-Table image 1

Tiny coffee shop offers thin crispy empanadas with savory fillings like Carne Asada and BBQ pork. Cozy seating and plant-filled decor create a quiet, home-like vibe with soft classical music. A dog park outside adds charm for pet owners.

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."

"It's a bright, plant-filled spot with a cozy atmosphere."

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.

07
Machu Picchu Cafe image 1

Bright space with gorgeous cherry blossom tree offers a calm vibe for study or chill. Empanadas boast a crispy crust and bold fillings like spiced beef or mushroom, paired with a tasty sauce. Frequent visitors enjoy free Wi-Fi and a stamp card for fresh coffee and snacks.

Empanadas feature a crispy outer crust with fillings like beef spiced with cumin, onions, and chili powder, and mushroom. The owner crafts them fresh with a unique spice flavor and pairs them with tasty sauce.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great coffee here."

"The Cafe's empanadas were amazing, with delicious flavors."

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

Good to know

1

The cafe is located right at Balboa Park BART station.

2

Parking in the area isn't great due to the proximity to Balboa Park BART station.

3

The cafe offers coffee, tea, pastries, and empanadas.

08
Mariposas image 1
Peruvian restaurant

Peruvian spot shines with warm flaky empanadas that pair well with lomo saltado and ceviche. Funky decor with jungle walls and lit butterflies sets a neon-lit vibe. Lively, fun atmosphere buzzes with music and a crowd that loves quality food and cocktails.

Empanadas have a warm, flaky shell and taste fresh. They pair well with dishes like lomo saltado and ceviche.

People are saying

"The ceviche here is amazing, with a nice acidity."

"The vibrant atmosphere feels like stepping into a magical, tropical paradise."

"I found the empanadas here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are accepted for private events and large parties with one day's notice.

2

Expect higher prices compared to other Peruvian restaurants in the area.

3

The menu has limited options for lactose and gluten-free diets.

09
PACIFICO Latin American Cuisine image 1

Restaurant serves authentic Colombian flavors in a warm, cozy atmosphere with natural light and Colombian music. Beef empanadas are crispy with a pristine finish, pairing well with dishes like caldo de costilla and ceviche. The vibe stays relaxed and cultural, creating a welcoming feel.

Beef empanadas come out nice and crispy with a pristine finish. They pair well with other dishes like caldo de costilla and ceviche, which complement the flavors.

People are saying

"This ceviche is melting in your mouth, so fresh and delicious."

"The brunch here is spectacular, especially the crab omelette."

"I loved the crispy beef empanadas."

Good to know

1

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

2

Expect to spend over $50 per person, excluding drinks.

3

Portion sizes may be smaller than expected, so plan accordingly.

10
Cubita image 1
Cuban restaurant

Rooftop setting offers phenomenal city views and heated outdoor seating with live music. Empanadas have a lovely crust and the Empanadas de Ropavieja are especially flavorful. Signature Cuban-inspired cocktails add to the vibrant vibe perfect for dates or social nights.

Empanadas feature a lovely crust and flavorful filling, especially the Empanadas de Ropavieja which stand out for their taste.

People are saying

"The cocktails and food on the Rooftop were spectacular."

"The dinner spots here have tender lechon asado and delicious ropavieja empanadas."

"The empanadas here are amazing, with a lovely crust and flavorful filling."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday to Friday from 4 to 6 pm.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for terrace seating.

3

A 5% surcharge is added to all orders for employee benefits.

11
Arepas Latin Cuisine - San Francisco image 1

Latin American spot buzzes with upbeat Latin music and a cozy, nostalgic vibe. Golden, crispy empanadas packed with flavor shine alongside cachapa and arepas. Intimate upstairs room and lively bar with live music stage add charm.

Golden, crispy empanadas come packed with flavor. Pabellรณn empanadas stand out alongside other Venezuelan favorites like cachapa and arepas.

People are saying

"The arepas here are so flavorful and moist."

"I can't wait to return for their live music nights on the weekend."

"These empanadas taste like home in Venezuela."

Good to know

1

Live music starts at 7pm on weekends.

2

Comedy nights happen every Tuesday evening.

3

Parking in the area is difficult; consider walking or public transport.

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