Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Empanada spots in San Jose

A warm empanada is the only thing that can satisfy a sudden craving for something handheld and savory.

Based on 567 Opinions
+564
User
User
User
Updated April 2026
01
Casa Guzmania - Restaurant image 1
Casa Guzmania - Restaurant image 2
Casa Guzmania - Restaurant image 3
View all

Small dining area shines with family-friendly atmosphere and spotless decor. Empanadas boast flaky, buttery crusts and authentic Mexican flavors, including savory and sweet options like mole and guava. Prices stay very reasonable for quality and variety.

Empanadas come in a great selection with savory, sweet, and vegetarian options. Flaky crusts hold fillings like mole and chicken, chorizo and eggs, and a cream cheese and guava dessert.

People are saying

"I found the empanadas here to be seriously good."

"The desserts here are amazing, with flaky crusts and irresistible fillings."

"The mole empanada is the best Mexican food I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The prices are very reasonable for the quality of food offered.

2

The restaurant has a variety of options, including vegetarian dishes.

3

Empanadas are a popular choice on the menu.

02
L'roco Grill image 1
Salvadoran restaurant

Salvadoran restaurant serves authentic cuisine with fried yuca and plantain empanadas that taste homemade. Cozy, lively space features a wall showing guests' countries, creating a friendly, homey atmosphere. Portions are huge and the vibe is busy but welcoming.

Fried yuca and plantain empanadas offer an authentic, homemade flavor. They appear in sampler plates alongside items like pupusas and tamales, highlighting their role as a traditional snack.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious with an authentic flavor."

"There was plenty of parking available."

"The fried plantain empanadas had an authentic, homemade flavor."

Good to know

1

The bathroom is too small and inaccessible for wheelchair users.

2

Prices are fair at $4.95 each for pupusas.

3

Portions are large, making it a good value.

03
Maza Mexican Restaurant image 1
Seafood restaurant

Entrance through an alley opens to a beautiful outdoor garden with covered seating and heaters, creating a relaxing atmosphere. Seafood empanadas offer a creamy filling with crispy breading, perfect as appetizers during happy hour. Space is dog-friendly and great for parties.

Seafood empanadas have a creamy filling and a fried crispy breading that is a bit thick. They serve well as an appetizer and pair nicely with salsa during happy hour.

People are saying

"The seafood here is super fresh and flavorful."

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is pretty good."

"I tried the empanadas as an appetizer and they were great."

Good to know

1

Happy hour starts at 2 PM and offers discounted drinks.

2

Taco Tuesday features $1 tacos all day with any drink purchase.

3

Parking can be challenging; arrive early to find a spot.

04
Tereโ€™s fast food image 1
Venezuelan restaurant

Pavilion-style setup creates a cozy atmosphere with authentic Venezuelan music. Shrimp empanadas offer a tender filling with balanced peppers and cheese. Traditional dishes like arepas and cachapas make it a family-friendly spot for Venezuelan cuisine lovers.

Shrimp empanadas stand out with tender filling and a balanced mix of peppers and cheese. Pabellรณn empanadas and other varieties are perfectly cooked and bring authentic Venezuelan flavors.

People are saying

"These empanadas are packed with flavor and seasoned to perfection."

"The arepas here are perfectly golden and generously stuffed."

"I loved the authentic Venezuelan flavors and warm hospitality at this Fast Food."

Good to know

1

The prices are excellent for the amount of food.

2

Tereโ€™s fast food is very clean.

3

There is plenty of parking available.

05
K&J Sweets and Bakery image 1

Bright space with natural light and Latin pop music creates a cozy vibe. Pineapple empanadas offer a truly yummy flavor, while pumpkin empanadas bring perfect sweetness. Sweet aromas and custom baked goods make it a popular spot near the university.

Pineapple empanadas stand out with a truly yummy flavor. The pumpkin empanada offers a perfect sweetness, while the churro empanadas with cheese add a unique twist.

People are saying

"I loved their spongy, not too sweet marble cake."

"You have to try their homemade tortas and empanadas; they're so fresh."

"I loved the churro empanadas with cheese."

Good to know

1

Parking is available for free for 90 minutes next to the bakery.

2

Prices for baked goods are generally affordable, with slices of cake around $6.50.

3

The bakery offers a variety of classic panaderia bread and Euro pastries.

06
The Best Sandwiches image 1
Sandwich shop

Generous portions of freshly made tortas and flavorful sandwiches shine here. Colombian empanadas feature a crispy crust paired with plantains for a nice touch. The spot stays clean with limited seating and a lively vibe from loud laughter and live streaming outdoors.

Crispy and flavorful crust stands out on the Colombian empanadas. The filling sometimes lacks salt, but the combination with plantains adds a pleasant touch.

People are saying

"I found the sandwiches to be amazing and full of flavor."

"The tortas here are delicious, especially the Cubana."

"I loved the Colombian empanadas here."

Good to know

1

The Vegan Sandwich costs $13.

2

There's limited seating inside with only two tables available.

3

The patio is dog-friendly, making it a nice spot for pet owners.

07
Cheff Che Cafe & Bar image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot offers a cozy atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. Sweet empanadas like banana Nutella and churro are fresh and popular. A full bar serves fun mimosas that pair well with LATAM breakfast and lunch dishes.

Sweet empanadas stand out with options like banana and Nutella, cajeta, and churro flavors. The owner serves them fresh and they are a must-try here.

People are saying

"The Mexican food, especially the enchiladas de mole, was so tasty."

"I found the breakfast here to be the best in town."

"They have about twenty flavors of empanadas."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating.

2

The restaurant has ample parking available in the front and back.

3

They do not currently serve alcohol but are working on renewing their license.

08
Fonda Colombiana #2 image 1

Colorful, open space with nostalgic Colombian vibe offers a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Salsa music adds lively energy without overpowering conversation. Empanadas are packed with meat and potatoes, making them some of the best Colombian-style snacks here.

Packed with plenty of meat and potatoes, the empanadas are really good and filling. They stand out as some of the best Colombian-style empanadas around.

People are saying

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

"I thought the empanadas here were the best I had."

"Parking was busy, but I found a spot easily."

Good to know

1

There is free parking available nearby.

2

Cash payments are preferred; credit cards may not be accepted.

3

The portions are generous and meant for sharing.

09
Orange Sunrise image 1
Ice cream shop

Ice cream shop offers wide variety of smoothies and crepes with fresh fruits and no added sugars. Asada empanada has good flavor and pairs well with tamales and juices. Desserts like cakes and ice cream are delicious and reasonably priced in a friendly atmosphere.

Asada empanada stands out with good flavor. Empanadas come alongside other delicious items like tamales and juices.

People are saying

"I loved their smoothies made with fresh fruits."

"I found the cakes here to be delicious and packed with flavor."

"You have to try the empanadas; they're delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect about 20 minutes for food preparation after ordering.

2

They offer a variety of smoothies made with fresh fruits and no added sugar.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but the payment system may be slow.

10
El Cielo Bar & Grill image 1
Colombian restaurant

Colombian spot shines with crispy empanadas and a cozy family vibe. Dim lighting and sophisticated music set a perfect mood for celebrations. Expect lively energy and a picturesque setting that welcomes all guests.

Crispy empanadas come with flavorful meat fillings. They pair well with a cold beer and often draw a crowd, sometimes causing waits.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and full of flavor."

"The bar service from Viviana and Tania was excellent."

"The empanadas here are so delicious and crispy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required to dine here.

2

The restaurant offers a daily meal deal that is very affordable.

3

They charge for card payments, which should be disclosed to customers.

11
Fonda Colombiana image 1
Colombian restaurant

Small space with authentic Colombian decor and loud club music creates a lively vibe. Chicken empanadas are a delicious highlight, often paired with ajiaco or arepa. Atmosphere feels like Colombia, perfect for vibrant Latin music lovers but not for families.

Chicken empanadas stand out with their delicious flavor and are a highlight among appetizers. Lunch options include empanadas paired with dishes like ajiaco, and the arepa also complements the empanadas well.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"I enjoyed the arepas and beans; they were the best parts."

"The empanadas here are delicious and perfectly crisp."

Good to know

1

Expect additional fees like a 20% gratuity and an 18% tip on your bill.

2

Parking can be challenging due to the restaurant's location next to a 7/11.

3

The restaurant has a waiting list when tables are full, especially during peak hours.

12
Suspiro image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant blends modern tropical decor with a quiet, elegant atmosphere perfect for sharing moments. Beef empanadas offer a well-spiced filling and crispy crust, while the speakeasy features a cozy balcony and live music for a unique experience.

Beef empanadas have a well-spiced filling and a crispy crust from light frying. Iberian ham and cheese empanadas resemble a grilled ham and cheese sandwich in style.

People are saying

"The food here is unforgettable and delicious."

"The speakeasy in the back has amazing drinks and a nice ambiance."

"The empanadas are packed with flavor and have a flaky crust."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended on busy Friday evenings.

2

Expect a large party gratuity for groups of five or more.

3

The restaurant accommodates dietary needs, offering vegan and vegetarian options.

Discover more

San Jose, California

Area guide
Loading Map...