Empanada's Place: Argentine Authenticity

An empanada is like a turnover—fried or baked dough folded and stuffed with a variety of meats, vegetables and seasonings—and is usually found in Latin American countries. Many cultures have a similar snack, such as won tons, calzones and knishes, but none are quite the same as an empanada. Fortunately, you can find homemade empanadas right here in the neighborhood at on Sawtelle Boulevard, just south of Venice Boulevard.

This family owned and operated Argentine restaurant has been open since 1985, and serves sandwiches, salads and tamales, in addition to 18 types of empanadas (eight of which are vegetarian).

This charming and cozy restaurant has a homey atmosphere. Fresh flowers are placed on each table over lace doilies and blue tablecloths and Argentine tango posters adorn the walls. 

You can purchase several South American products from the shelves near the front register, including dulce de leche and yerba mate, a naturally caffeinated beverage made from holly tree leaves that grow in the South American rainforest.

One of my favorite empanadas is the ricotta cheese with mushrooms and basil. It's creamy and delicious with chunks of mushrooms and melted cheese. I also like the potato and cheese, made with Russell brown potatoes, onions, tomatoes, cilantro and mozzarella cheese. The ingredients are blended together perfectly and the cilantro lends a nice color and flavor to the filling. All the empanadas are served hot and cooked to a crispy golden brown. The inner dough is chewy and the fillings made with cheese are gooey-licious.

The most typical Argentine empanada on the menu is the criolla, stuffed with ground beef, raisins, green onions, eggs and spices. My friend liked this unusual combination of flavors and the subtle sweetness of the raisins.

I also tried the corn empanada, with sweet corn, mozzarella and a white sauce, which I found to be a bit too sweet for my liking (though this same white sauce in the spinach empanada worked really well).

I noticed each empanada is shaped differently. One empanada, the Arabe, is shaped like a star with a filling of ground beef, tomatoes, onions, lemon juice and spices. Nevertheless, if you’re ordering them to go the box is labeled so there’s no confusion.

I also ordered the house salad to have something fresh and healthy to accompany my starchy meal. Mixed greens are tossed with tomatoes, onions, carrots, nuts (pecans, walnuts and/or almonds), raisins, dried cranberries and feta cheese in a balsamic vinaigrette. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked the taste and texture of this salad. It was also visually appealing.

I decided to skip dessert this time, though the homemade dulce de leche cookies on the counter certainly looked tempting.

, 3811 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90066, 310-391-0888.

There is also a Costa Mesa location.

Hours:  Open Tues. – Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Closed Mondays.

Note: This is a cash only establishment.