The 8 Best Empanadas in NYC October 2025

Picture this: it’s 2 PM, you’re wandering through the lively streets of NYC, and a warm, golden empanada sounds like the perfect bite. With so many options from street carts to cozy cafes, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve curated a list of the 8 top empanadas in NYC, handpicked by trusted food critics on 8it to save you the hassle.

An exceptional empanada isn’t just about the filling. It’s the flaky crust, the balanced spices, and the story woven into each bite. At 8it, we focus on recommendations from respected food voices, including insights from expert food media and reliable dining guides, plus NYC’s own chefs and food insiders. This list features empanadas praised by those who truly know great food.

Ready to explore flaky crusts and bold flavors? Dive into our list of NYC’s finest empanadas. Want even more food finds? Check out 8it for free to uncover hidden culinary spots across the city.

1. Tasty Spicy Beef at Puffs Patties

Chef Mavis-Jay calls this spicy beef patty a standout affordable dish in NYC, and it’s easy to see why. Puffs Patties nails a Caribbean twist on the empanada with a golden, flaky exterior and a filling that packs just the right amount of heat.

You get chef-endorsed quality at a wallet-friendly price. The spice warms without overpowering, making it a great pick for first-timers and seasoned fans of Caribbean flavors alike.

Save this spot on 8it for your next craving.

2. Authentic Argentine Bites at Stella’s Empanadas & Argentine Grill

Classic flavors shine at Stella’s with their Argentine empanadas, where beef and chicken fillings draw loyal crowds. The beef offers tender, well-spiced meat in a crisp shell, while the chicken provides a lighter yet flavorful option.

Stella’s commitment to tradition sets them apart in NYC’s empanada scene. Each bite feels like a trip to Buenos Aires, thanks to authentic spice blends and careful preparation. Their golden-brown crusts show a dedication to getting every detail right.

Explore their full menu or find pop-up updates on 8it. Chefs and owners often share exclusive drops there before posting elsewhere.

3. Unique Portuguese Rissóis at Oficina dos Rissóis

Discover Portugal’s take on empanadas with the rissóis at Oficina dos Rissóis. The veal filling steals the show, offering tender meat in a light, crispy shell that highlights traditional Portuguese flavors.

Unlike South American empanadas, rissóis use a delicate pastry and subtle seasoning to let the veal’s quality stand out. This creates a refined taste that’s both new and comforting for NYC diners eager to try something different.

Prepared with time-honored methods, these rissóis feel straight out of Lisbon. They’re a must-try for anyone looking to broaden their empanada horizons. Add this gem to your list on 8it.

4. Creative Jerk Shrimp in Plantain at Titi’s Empanadas, East Village

Innovation takes center stage at Titi’s with the IRBY, a jerk shrimp empanada wrapped in a sweet plantain shell. This Caribbean-inspired twist balances spicy shrimp with a naturally sweet exterior for a bold, fresh flavor.

The jerk seasoning, with notes of allspice and thyme, builds a complex heat that pairs perfectly with the plantain’s sweetness. Textures play well too, with crispy edges meeting tender shrimp. Based in the East Village, Titi’s draws food explorers hungry for unique spins on classics.

Craving more inventive dishes? Find them with 8it for free and save this spot to your list.

5. Peruvian Flavors in Aji de Gallina at Claudy’s Kitchen

Claudy’s Kitchen brings Peruvian comfort to life with their Aji de Gallina empanada. This handheld treat captures the creamy, spiced chicken stew of the traditional dish, packed into a golden shell.

The filling blends shredded chicken with a sauce of aji amarillo peppers, delivering a mild spice and distinct aroma. Adapting a saucy recipe into an empanada without losing texture or flavor shows real skill. It’s a cozy yet exotic bite for any food lover.

Read more reviews or add this to your must-try list on 8it.

6. Classic Options Done Right at Quipesupremo

Quipesupremo sticks to the basics and excels with empanadas in four classic flavors: chicken, beef, ham and cheese, or just cheese. Their focus on quality over gimmicks results in consistently satisfying bites.

Each option shines with care. The chicken stays tender and seasoned, the beef offers hearty depth, the ham and cheese combo feels like pure comfort, and the solo cheese proves simple can be stunning. A flaky, golden crust ties it all together with a perfect filling-to-pastry balance.

Track this reliable spot on 8it for your next quick bite.

7. NYC Icon Reimagined at The Bronx Brewery & Empanology

The OG Chopped Cheese Empanada, a collab between The Bronx Brewery and Empanology, turns the iconic bodega sandwich into a portable treat. It captures local NYC vibes with every bite.

Ground beef, melted cheese, onions, and spot-on seasoning recreate the chopped cheese magic inside a crispy shell. Tucked in a brewery setting, this spot offers a unique vibe to enjoy craft beer alongside these nostalgic pockets of flavor, even if it’s a trek to get there.

Pin this destination on 8it for a food and drink pairing worth the trip.

8. Puerto Rican Delight at Kiosko 787

Kiosko 787 wraps up our list with empanadillas that highlight Puerto Rican tradition. Noted among NYC’s top Puerto Rican eateries, their approach brings authentic island flavors to the city.

These empanadillas stand out with a unique pastry and seasoning style, reflecting Puerto Rico’s culinary roots. Each bite delivers home-cooked warmth through generations-old recipes. It’s a fantastic entry point to explore the restaurant’s wider menu of cultural dishes.

Dive deeper into authentic eats with 8it for free and add this spot to your list.

Finding Hidden Empanada Gems: Traditional Search vs. 8it

Comparing Ways to Uncover Your Next Favorite Empanada in NYC

Searching for great empanadas the old way means hopping between websites, sifting through endless reviews of uneven reliability, and piecing together fragmented info. This often wastes time or leads to disappointing meals.

With 8it, food discovery gets streamlined. The app prioritizes specific dishes over broad restaurant reviews, pulling insights from trusted voices in food media and the culinary world. Critics on 8it tap into vetted recommendations from known food publications, ensuring quality over guesswork.

Plus, 8it keeps you in the loop on short-term pop-ups and special offerings. This shifts food hunting from a tedious chore to a fun, focused way to explore NYC’s diverse eats.

Common Questions About Discovering Empanada Spots in NYC

How Does 8it Pick the Top Empanadas?

8it filters recommendations through a strict process, drawing from professional food writers, local chefs, and culinary insiders. Every empanada on this list has earned approval from experts who dedicate their careers to spotting standout dishes. Unlike open review sites, 8it skips unverified input and focuses solely on proven picks, so you only see options already deemed excellent.

Are Regional Empanada Styles Available on 8it?

Yes, 8it covers a wide range of empanada variations, from Argentine classics to Portuguese rissóis and creative fusion like jerk shrimp in plantain. The app’s dish-centered design helps critics find diverse takes across cuisines, ensuring both authentic recipes and modern twists get highlighted with cultural and technical accuracy.

What If I Want a Specific Empanada Not Listed Here?

With 8it’s “I Want” wheel, critics can search for exact empanada types or fillings. The map view pinpoints nearby expert-recommended spots, including limited-time offers. The app’s vast database goes beyond any single list, pulling from countless trusted sources to match your preferences, with options to save finds and get alerts on new additions.

How Often Does 8it Update Empanada Recommendations?

8it regularly refreshes its content as fresh reviews and insights emerge from food media and professionals. With a focus on temporary specials, critics stay updated on pop-ups, collaborations, and seasonal empanadas. This keeps the app aligned with NYC’s fast-changing food scene, spotlighting both longtime favorites and new trends.

Can 8it Help Plan an Empanada Tour Across Neighborhoods?

Absolutely. 8it’s map interface and list-saving tools are perfect for mapping out food crawls. Critics can save multiple empanada spots, plot efficient routes, and share plans with friends. Features like navigation integration and “open now” filters ensure smooth trips, making your empanada journey practical and enjoyable.

Exploring NYC’s Empanada Diversity

NYC’s empanada offerings reflect a mix of deep tradition and fresh ideas. From Stella’s authentic Argentine bites to Empanology’s chopped cheese twist and Oficina dos Rissóis’ Portuguese flair, the city serves up a range of tastes. Add in Kiosko 787’s Puerto Rican empanadillas, Claudy’s Peruvian spin, and Titi’s creative plantain shell, and it’s clear empanadas here push boundaries.

Each spot adds its own flavor to NYC’s food story, blending cultural heritage with local creativity. Whether you crave a taste of home or something entirely new, these empanadas capture the city’s spirit of diversity and innovation.

These dishes aren’t just food, they’re a snapshot of NYC’s history of cultural exchange, from Puffs Patties’ Caribbean notes to Quipesupremo’s timeless classics. Want to find more spots with both visual appeal and amazing taste? Skip the usual search tools and try 8it for free. Built for food enthusiasts, it helps critics uncover the next great empanada and countless other NYC food treasures.