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Top picks in Jacksonville

Empanadas

A flaky pastry and a savory empanada make for a balanced, handheld meal.

Based on 542 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
St Gabriel Bakery image 1
St Gabriel Bakery image 2
St Gabriel Bakery image 3
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Cozy bakery with warm aromas and a homey self-serve setup featuring wicker baskets and tongs. Clean, well-organized space with inviting decor and a village market feel. Friendly, family-like atmosphere encourages lingering at front window seating or outdoor tables.

Freshly baked goods include a wide variety of artisanal breads, pastries, and cakes. The shredded beef pastry and pizza loaf stand out as underpriced and delicious options.

Pastries include pineapple empanadas that pair well with drinks. Empanadas stand out among the bakery's fresh pastries.

People are saying

"I found the bread and pastries to be amazing and freshly baked."

"The pastries here are unbelievably delicious and freshly baked."

"These empanadas are fresh, flavorful, and amazing."

Good to know

1

The bakery offers a wide variety of fresh baked goods daily.

2

Prices for baked goods are very reasonable compared to other bakeries.

3

Cash and credit cards are accepted for all purchases.

02
The Bakerโ€™s Son - Jacksonville, FL image 1

Bakery offers a bright modern decor with a Filipino atmosphere and enticing aroma of fresh bread. Space feels cramped and crowded, especially when busy, but outdoor seating with a canopy bench provides relief. The energy is lively, drawing many who appreciate authentic Filipino baked goods and desserts.

Ube pistachio croissant stands out as a top pastry here. The bakery offers a strong selection of Filipino desserts and pastries, including ube pastries and kakanin, all consistently good.

Beef and chicken empanadas stand out with rich fillings and flaky crusts. They pair well with other treats like ube bread and pan de coco.

People are saying

"This Filipino bakery has an endless selection of delicious baked goods."

"I found the ube pistachio croissant to be the best pastry I ever had."

"I highly recommend their delicious empanadas."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but it's best to arrive early for popular items.

2

The bakery hosts a Sunday halo halo run event, which is popular among locals.

3

Expect a small seating area; takeout is recommended due to limited space.

03
Happy Medium Books Cafe image 1

Cozy bookstore with vintage decor and a child-friendly area encourages quiet reading and community gathering. A cafรฉ with vegan and gluten-free pastries offers ample seating and free wifi, creating a relaxed atmosphere. Local art and a knitting space add to the welcoming, versatile environment.

Vegan options include chocolate muffins. Pastries like guava and cheese and Cuban empanadas appear on the menu. The espresso brownie offers a good size for its price.

Freshly baked empanadas come out of the oven with vegetarian options available. Chicken empanadas stand out, and sweet varieties like guava and cheese add variety.

People are saying

"The coffee at this Bookstore is superb and amazing."

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

"I loved the vegan pastries, especially the chocolate muffins."

Good to know

1

The cafe offers a variety of events, including author readings and book clubs.

2

Parking is available nearby, making it easy to visit.

3

The cafe serves reasonably priced coffee and pastries.

04
The Cuban Place Restaurant image 1

Small space with chic decor and Cuban vibes offers a quiet, welcoming atmosphere. Music plays softly, featuring Cuban tunes that complement the peaceful setting. Cleanliness stands out, creating a comfortable and stylish environment.

Guava pastries stand out as a dessert highlight with an exquisite flavor. They pair well with Cuban coffee and appear frequently as a recommended choice for breakfast or dinner.

Empanadas come with a crispy outside and are well-seasoned inside. Beef versions are phenomenal, especially the Cuban style with no extra fillings like potatoes.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic Cuban and tastes homemade."

"I found the chicken empanadas to be delicious."

"You have to try the guava pastry; it's exquisite."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers generous portions for the price.

2

Prices are reasonable for individual meals.

3

The restaurant is clean, quiet, and family-friendly.

05
Gochas Empanadas image 1
Venezuelan restaurant

Food truck with vibrant colors and authentic Venezuelan flavor creates an inviting atmosphere. Covered tent and cute outdoor seating offer casual dining, though it can get hot during the day. Mostly Spanish-speaking crowd gathers early as popular empanadas sell out quickly.

Fresh pastries and Venezuelan empanadas offer a taste that transports you to Venezuela. These pastries are consistently delicious and well-made.

Empanadas feature a classic Venezuelan flavor with a perfect corn shell that stays fresh and delicious. The empanada de pabellรณn stands out as a best dish with rich, authentic fillings.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"You have to try the cachapa from this food truck; it's amazing."

"The pastries and empanadas were fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Gochas Empanadas is located in the parking lot of a liquor store.

2

Parking can be difficult because it gets busy and there isn't much space.

3

Get there early as they run out of popular empanadas mid-morning.

06
1928 Cuban Bistro - Baymeadows Rd image 1

Small Cuban restaurant with vibrant colors and natural light from big windows creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Seating includes both indoor and dog-friendly outdoor patio areas. The space feels clean and well-organized, inviting guests to linger comfortably.

Pastries feature flaky layers and are filled with guava and cheese that offer a rich, scrumptious taste. The guava and cheese pastry stands out for its generous filling and delicious flavor.

Empanadas come filled with flavorful chicken and peppers or juicy beef. They pair well with cafecitos and offer a true taste of Cuban cuisine.

People are saying

"The Cuban Sandwich here is huge, flavorful, and delicious."

"I found the coffee to be excellent."

"I found the beef empanadas to be super delicious and juicy."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 4pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

Expect longer wait times during lunch rush as sandwiches are made to order.

3

The outdoor seating area is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.

07
The Cake By Nana, LLC image 1

Cake shop offers indoor and outdoor seating with a chill, homey vibe and family-friendly atmosphere. It serves coffee, making it suitable for studying or relaxing. Custom cakes and a variety of fresh pastries attract a diverse crowd seeking quality baked goods.

A skilled pastry chef runs the bakery, offering a wide variety of appetizing pastries. Highlights include plum jam filled pastries and Bavarian cream puffs, alongside gorgeous cakes.

Empanadas come packed with meat from end to end. The Argentinian style stands out as very good.

People are saying

"I found their pastries gorgeous and amazingly delicious."

"I've never had a cake this amazing before."

"These empanadas are delicious and full of meat."

Good to know

1

They make custom cakes for events like birthdays and weddings.

2

For last-minute orders, they have cakes ready to go that can be personalized.

3

The price for custom cakes is reasonable at $9 per slice.

08
TikiJava Jax image 1
Coffee shop

Small coffee shop with tiki-themed decor featuring vines, a faux fireplace, and a living room setup creates a cozy tropical oasis. Atmosphere stays relaxing and friendly with options for inside and outside seating. Free books, board games, and local art add to the unique, welcoming vibe.

Pastries come out sweet and flaky with a mix of savory and sweet options. The guava and cheese pastry stands out as a favorite, paired well with real-deal Cuban coffee.

Empanadas come fresh and delicious, with the chicken variety standing out enough to buy extras. Some arrive cold, but overall they pair well with the great Cuban coffee served here.

People are saying

"The Cuban coffee and empanadas here are amazing."

"I thought the pastries were amazing."

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

Good to know

1

The bass and brews event occurs regularly; check the schedule for dates.

2

Lo-fi DJ performances happen twice a month, adding to the atmosphere.

3

Limited seating can be an issue during busy hours, so arrive early.

09
Frozen Fusion image 1
Ice cream shop

Ice cream shop with vibrant colors and unique decor creates a charming atmosphere that feels like family. Both indoor and outdoor seating accommodate a relaxed, inviting vibe. The menu offers a wide variety including homemade ice cream, pastries, and savory options, making it a versatile spot for treats or meals.

Fresh pastries stand out here with a variety of options to try. They serve delicious pastries that invite frequent visits.

Homemade empanadas come in a variety of flavors including a rare pizza empanada. They sit alongside other treats like pao de queijo and muffins, offering a diverse snack selection.

People are saying

"I found the ice cream here to be very good and tasty."

"I loved the delicious pastries they served."

"I ordered the empanadas; they're some of the best in Jacksonville."

Good to know

1

Frozen Fusion offers a wide variety of options, including ice cream, specialty coffees, and crepes.

2

They have both indoor and outdoor seating available.

3

Prices are very affordable for the quality of food offered.

10
1928 Cuban Bistro - Ortega image 1

Cozy, modern space with authentic Cuban culture and vibrant atmosphere featuring modern pop and reggaeton music at lively volume. The environment feels clean and casual, inviting guests to enjoy flavorful dishes and strong, bold coffee in a relaxed setting.

Pastries come flaky and buttery with fillings like guava, cream cheese, dulce de leche, or beef. Boxes of pastries often feed two days and sometimes come with discounts.

Empanadas come very fresh with juicy pork stuffing packed to the bursting point. The 1928 empanada with beef and plantain pairs well with red sauce and stands out as a favorite.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and cooked perfectly."

"The Cuban empanada is flavor-packed and like the best Cuban sandwich ever."

"These pastries are flaky, buttery, and filled with guava or dulce de leche."

Good to know

1

Orders must be placed at the cashier, which can lead to longer wait times.

2

The restaurant closes at 6 PM on weekdays and 4 PM on Sundays.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted, but cash is preferred for small purchases.

11
Rio Bonito Latino Market image 1

Spacious supermarket with wide variety of Brazilian products and a Brazilian buffet featuring fresh meats and baked goods. Vibrant atmosphere with authentic Brazilian vibe and lively music. Frequented by Brazilian patrons, creating a genuine cultural experience.

Bread and pastries come out fresh and outstanding. Beef empanadas stand out as very delicious among the pastries.

Beef empanadas stand out with freshly baked dough and a delicious filling. They pair well with cheese bread and are a popular choice among the Brazilian items offered.

People are saying

"This grocery store has amazing Brazilian food, especially the buffet."

"The beef empanadas here are a 10/10."

"The beef empanada pastry here is a 10/10."

Good to know

1

The buffet is available every day except Mondays.

2

Breakfast is served on Sundays, perfect for a weekend treat.

3

The buffet pricing is based on weight, making it flexible for diners.

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