Discover the top 3 highest-rated dining experiences
Find the 3 best places for empanada in Boston. Curated list of top-rated restaurants serving exceptional empanada.
Boston's Premier Empanada Destinations
Boston’s culinary scene offers a wealth of savory, hand-held treasures for those searching for the city's finest empanadas. From the authentic Latin American flavors at Orinoco to the vibrant Mexican dishes served at The Painted Burro and Lolita, there is a delicious variety of styles to explore. You can even discover unique Middle Eastern takes on these classic turnovers at Esmai's, ensuring every craving is met across the city’s diverse neighborhoods.
4 restaurants in Best Empanada in Boston | Top 3 Spots
- Esmai's — Middle Eastern · rated 3/5: Esmai’s serves as a vibrant crossroads of global flavors, where the sizzle of charred octopus and the sweet heat of hot honey wings create an atmosphere of adventurous discovery. The kitchen masterfully bridges continents, pairing the rich decadence of bone marrow banh mi with the playful crunch of bulgogi empanadas and truffle-scented fries. Each plate is a colorful, sensory celebration designed for sharing, inviting guests to linger over an eclectic tapestry of tastes in a space that feels both sophisticated and spirited.
- Orinoco — Latin American: This vibrant destination captures the soulful essence of Venezuelan street food, where the air hums with energy and the enticing aroma of caramelized plantains and toasted corn. Golden, hand-pressed arepas arrive overflowing with tender shredded beef and velvety queso de mano, while crispy tequeños and bacon-wrapped dates provide a playful symphony of textures and salty-sweet flavors. It is an inviting, spirited space that celebrates communal dining, inviting guests to linger over vibrant plates that bridge the gap between traditional comfort and bold culinary flair.
- The Painted Burro — Mexican: Vibrant and high-energy, this spirited cantina invites guests into a world of bold colors and even bolder flavors, where the air is thick with the aroma of smoky chipotle and toasted corn. Tables overflow with shareable treasures, from mountains of crisp nachos draped in velvety queso to golden empanadas and charred corn esquites that celebrate the soulful heat of modern Latin street food. Every bite, from the crunch of house-made chips to the zest of a fresh burro salad, captures a festive, communal spirit that turns a simple meal into a vibrant celebration.
- Lolita — Mexican: Lolita pulses with a sultry, high-energy allure, where the air is scented with toasted chilies and the vibrant hum of a crowd gathered over artfully plated shared bites. The kitchen crafts a bold tapestry of flavors, ranging from the citrusy snap of red crab aguachile and tuna duritos to the decadent warmth of bubbling hot queso and crisp, savory duck taquitos. It is a destination where modern edge meets traditional soul, inviting guests to linger over spicy artichoke empanadas and tender beef gorditas in an atmosphere that feels both intimate and electric.



