Best Empanada Restaurants In Miami

In Greater Miami & Miami Beach, finger foods pair perfectly with a strong cup of Cuban coffee any time of day. Among the most popular is the empanada: a savory, handheld pastry shaped like a half-moon and usually stuffed with seasoned meat, though sweet versions are also common. Across the destination, you’ll find a variety of Latin American empanada options to choose from: Spanish, Argentinian, Venezuelan, Colombian, Cuban and more. Depending on their origin, empanadas can be either baked or fried. Here are some of the best spots in Miami to enjoy this beloved treat.

Classic Empanadas at Versailles Restaurant

Versailles Restaurant in Little Havana is one of the best-known (and one of the oldest) Cuban restaurants in Miami. You'll also find a post in Miami International Airport if you want to grab a taste of local flavor before or after your flight. At the Little Havana location, there’s a “ventanita” (window counter) if you’re in a hurry and want an empanada to-go, or you can have one in the bakery or spacious dining room. Enjoy a beef, chicken, ham, cheese or spinach empanada with a cafe Cubano on the side.

Fried Empanadas at La Mulata

La Mulata, a woman-owned Cuban fusion spot that opened in 2022, has quickly become a South Beach favorite, getting rave reviews for its fried ropa vieja empanadas. The live music and festive 1950s Havana vibe add to a unique experience. Be sure to pair your empanada with one of La Mulata’s highly-rated cocktails, like a classic mojito or espresso martini.

The Choice is Yours at The Empanada’s

Choose from perhaps the biggest selection of empanadas in Miami at The Empanada’s in Downtown Miami, Key Biscayne, Aventura and South Miami. This popular takeout spot offers a wide variety of options, from traditional Argentinian empanadas – ground beef, chicken or sweet corn – to the signature collection, which features The Chicken ‘N Cream (pulled chicken in a bechamel sauce) and The Malbec Beef (sliced beef and mushrooms in a wine reduction sauce). Craving something different? Specialty empanadas include pulled pork with mango barbecue sauce and a salmon Philly (salmon with scallions and cream cheese). There are also vegan options, including tofu with cherry tomatoes and vegan mozzarella cheese and vegan seitan beef, and several dessert empanadas, including Nutella, Oreo and apple pie.

Venezuelan Empanadas at Doggi’s Arepa Bar

Doggi’s Arepa Bar is known for its Venezuelan arepas, but you must also try their delicious Venezuelan empanadas made with a fried, slightly sweet cornmeal shell. Choose from beef, chicken, cheese or pabellón (black beans, white cheese and fried plantain) fillings and pair your empanada with a beer or a bottle of wine. Doggi’s has locations in Aventura, Wynwood, the Upper East Side and on Coral Way near Coconut Grove and Little Havana.

A Tradition of Great Empanadas at Graziano’s

A longtime favorite, Graziano’s in Coral Gables has been delighting customers with Argentine empanadas since 1962, when they first began selling them out of a butcher shop in Buenos Aires. Today, their “mercado” (market) is a casual place with a butcher and wine shop, where guests can stop by and enjoy a glass of wine alongside grilled meats or a freshly baked empanada filled with beef, green olives and eggs; lamb, tomatoes and potatoes; and baby spinach and mozzarella cheese, among other choices. Dine-in is also available. Graziano’s has additional locations in Doral, Hialeah, Aventura and Olympia Heights.

Empanadas Worth Looking For at El Carajo

A hidden gem, El Carajo is easy to miss, tucked in the back of a gas station on U.S. 1, north of Coconut Grove. But this wine shop/restaurant serves outstanding traditional tapas from Spain, including paella and some of the best Spanish empanadas you will ever experience. Pick from chicken, beef, ham and cheese, and spinach. If you’re stopping in after filling up your car, you can even grab one to-go from the bakery counter.

Go North to La Estancia Argentina

If you find yourself north in Aventura, don’t miss La Estancia Argentina, a local favorite for outstanding Argentinian empanadas. More than just a bakery, La Estancia has been serving the community for over 20 years with homemade pastries, an authentic deli and a full butcher shop offering top-quality meats. You must try the cut beef empanada, packed with generous chunks of tender beef in a perfectly seasoned, juicy sauce. Buy them individually or by the dozen.

One Last Empanada at Half Moon Empanadas

If you didn’t have a chance to try empanadas during your trip to Miami – or just want one or two more before you leave – Half Moon Empanadas has you covered with three locations at Miami International Airport (Terminal D and Gates D29 and F11). Their baked empanadas come in a variety of savory options, like bacon and egg, spicy beef, pulled pork, and spinach and cheese. Those with a sweet tooth can enjoy a dulce de leche or hazelnut cocoa empanada.

Discover the taste of Miami at the destination’s best Latin American restaurants.