From savory to sweet: Where to find the best empanadas in metro Atlanta

Empanadas are a staple in Latin American cuisine, and Atlanta is home to a vibrant and diverse food scene where you can find some of the best empanadas around. In this article, we’ll be highlighting some of the top spots in metro Atlanta to get your empanada fix, from traditional savory options to sweet and creative twists. Get ready to indulge in some mouth-watering empanadas!

Belén de la Cruz - Empanadas and Pastries

This Argentinian empanada shop offers a variety of empanadas, including Caprese, butternut squash, mushroom, corn, bacon and more. Gluten-free options are also available, made with corn flour and with fillings such as onion, cheese, beef, and chicken. Their chimichurri sauce is a must-try and pairs perfectly with all of their empanadas. Don’t forget to try a range of their tasty pastries, such as pionono rolls, flan and alfajores.

Location: Three Locations (Johns Creek, Marietta, Chattahoochee Food Works); Website: belendelacruz.com

Arepa Mia

Located in Avondale Estates, this Venezuelan restaurant is renowned for its exceptional arepas and Venezuelan-style empanadas. The empanadas are crafted with corn dough and fried to perfection, and the menu features six distinct flavors to choose from. Try the Domino, a vegetarian option made with black beans and fried sweet plantains, or Pernil, which has slow-roasted pork and caramelized onions.

Location: Avondale Estates - 10 N Clarendon Ave., Suite A; Website: arepamiaatlanta.com; Contact: 404-600-3509

Empanada House

At Empanada House, you’ll find a fusion of cultures in every bite. Their unexpected flavors offer a delightful and unique take on the classic empanada, from pulled pork and goulash to bulgogi BBQ, pepperoni, and Hawaiian. Save room for dessert because some of their sweet empanadas include apple pie, dulce de leche, and nutella. Empanada House proves that this humble pastry can be a versatile and creative canvas for delivering bold and delicious flavors.

Location: Duluth - 3559 W Lawrenceville St., #600; Website: empanadahousega.com; Contact: 678-315-3511

Golden Drops Cafe

Visit this delightful Latin-American cafe and indulge in their amazing empanadas. They offer six scrumptious flavors, including beef, chicken, cheese, cheese and guava, veggie, and ham and cheese. Their empanadas are Caribbean-style made with wheat dough, ensuring a crispy and satisfying texture. Don’t forget to try their golden drops sampler to explore more of their delectable menu.

Location: Decatur - 1788 Clairmont Rd.; Website: goldendropscafe.com; Contact: 404-968-9981

Cylantro’s

Cylantro’s menu features the best of Venezuelan cuisine, including incredible arepas, cachapas and empanadas. Their empanada selection has options such as the Empanada de Steak, made with steak tip and cheese, and the Empanada de Pabellón, which includes shredded beef, sweet plantains, black beans, and cheese. Other flavors include shredded beef, ground beef and cheese, chicken, and cheese.

Location: Three Locations (Roswell, Kennesaw, Woodstock); Website: cylantros.net

D’Cuban Cafe

With three convenient locations, D’Cuban Cafe offers a genuine Cuban experience with fresh and homemade dishes made from cherished family recipes. Their empanadas are no exception, made with the same love and passion as the rest of the menu. Available with Cuban-style ground beef and potatoes, shredded chicken, or mozzarella cheese, these fried pastries are the perfect snack.

Location: Three Locations (Norcross, Chamblee, Marietta); Website: dcubancafe.com

Empanada Express

Visit Empanada Express, a family-owned spot located in Lilburn, to savor a wide variety of tasty empanada flavors. Unlike traditional fried empanadas, their empanadas are baked to perfection. With an array of options such as spicy beef, barbecue chicken, buffalo chicken, apple, Nutella, spinach, and corn, there is something for every taste. Be sure to save room for their famous banana pudding, a perfect sweet finish to your meal.

Location: Lilburn - 4805 Lawrenceville Hwy. Suite #104; Facebook: @Empanada-Express; Contact: 678-694-1328