The best empanadas in London

Chango Empanadas is a group of empanaderias that range from simple takeaway bakeries and pop-up market stalls to permanent restaurants serving the traditional Argentinian pasties with various fillings and accompanied by Argentinian wines. The handmade pastry pockets are also available via free delivery all over the UK, making for an ideal freezer filler, as they're easy and quick to heat up and snack on.

At their snug empanaderias, De Nadas Empanadas bake fresh empanadas with an assortment of fillings, ranging from traditional options to more offbeat choices such as blue cheese & pear or pineapple, ham & mozzarella. Other Argentinian delicacies such as alfajores or chimichurri are available as well, and you can even peruse a selection of fine Argentinian wines.

Gustavo, an experienced chef with South American and Spanish roots, sets up his La Criolla Empanadas stall at the bustling Maltby Street Market every weekend. You can choose from various fillings, from classics such as beef, chicken, or ham & cheese to spicier choices such as beef & jalapeno, plant-based options, seasonal specials, and even a sweet empanada filled with caramel. Home delivery in certain areas is also available.

Porteña, situated at Borough Market, is a snug Argentinian eatery that showcases Argentinian street food. Alongside the classic budget-friendly empanadas with an array of meat and veggie fillings, Porteña also offers affordable steak sandwiches made with quality Argentinian beef. Traditional sweets, Argentinian beer, and wine are also available, and you can also pick up Argentinian products like yerba mate or dulce de leche.

Abasto is a cosy Paddington deli that stocks premium Argentinian wines and artisan empanadas. The wine selection encapsulates the diverse range of this South American nation, while the empanadas offer an array of fillings from traditional to unexpected. The place also offers hot drinks and homemade cakes, as well as a selection of South American products.

J M Salteñeria Londres is a snug store nestled in Rye Lane Market in Camberwell. It's known for its salteñas, Bolivia's unique interpretation of the popular South American empanada. These freshly made pastries offer a variety of savoury fillings like spicy prawn, lamb, or vegetables. They can be ordered in larger quantities for a simple office meal, or you can grab just a couple for a quick, affordable bite.

Mayfair's Zoilo is an Argentinian restaurant that prides itself on the authenticity of its cuisine. Though the food at this stylish spot revolves around seasonal ingredients and the finest cuts of meat straight from the grill, there's also usually a tasty empanada or two to be found on the regularly changing menu, with fillings such as hand-cut beef, grilled peppers, spring onions, and green olives.

The Chacarero empanadas brand was established during lockdown in an effort to recreate a taste of home. Using family recipes and quality ingredients, Chacarero empanadas can now be found at various farmers' markets around London, as well as at their first permanent bakery, Empanada house in East Dulwich. Different fillings are available, and don't forget to pick up a pot of their homemade chimichurri sauce.

La Patagonia offers patrons an authentic Argentinian culinary experience in Camden. This humble dining spot on the high street is easy to spot thanks to its colourful exterior. A paradise for carnivores, it offers a variety of grilled specialities, along with Argentinian wines. Starters include a selection of empanadas with classic fillings such as beef or chicken.

Inspired by restaurants in Buenos Aires, this welcoming South London eatery specialises in steaks and traditional family recipes. The space is comfortable, and there's outdoor seating. You can start your meal with one of their empanadas, available in different fillings. Different Argentinian wines are also available to complement your meal for an authentic experience. 

Featuring a rustic setting with exposed brick walls, wooden tables, and dim lighting, the gaucho-inspired Casa Malevo serves premium cuts from the grill, as well as other Argentinian delicacies. Their empanadas come in a range of innovative fillings, including black pudding or blue cheese, and you can also order a whole platter of them for the table.

Established in 1994 with the aim of providing Londoners with the best Argentinian steaks possible, the Gaucho restaurants are now regarded as some of the most premium Argentinian steakhouses in the city. The empanadas here are available as starters or as bar snacks, and come in different fillings – including the most deluxe one, wagyu beef.

Situated in South West London, the family-run Liqui Liqui is a shop and restaurant offering traditional homemade specialities from Venezuela, including arepas and Venezuelan-style empanadas with various fillings. You can also grab a big bag of frozen empanadas to take home and keep handy for when hunger strikes.

Tamp Coffee is a contemporary café providing not only speciality coffee made with high-quality South American beans but also its own unique clothing range, encompassing hats, T-shirts, jackets, and assorted accessories. This lively Chiswick café also bakes fresh snacks such as sausage rolls, empanadas, and pastel de nata daily.

Argentalia is a stall at the weekday market in Leather Lane that bridges the distance between Argentina and Italy with the help of meat. Various meat-centric dishes are available for takeaway here, including South American Meat Boxes and Italian Milanese steaks. A small assortment of traditionally prepared empanadas is available as well. All in all, this place is worth checking out if you're after a meaty lunch.