Discover the top 4 highest-rated dining experiences
Find the 4 best places for empanada in Little Italy. Curated list of top-rated restaurants serving exceptional empanada.
Little Italy's Premier Empanada Destinations
Little Italy offers a surprising variety of handheld treats that go far beyond traditional Italian fare, especially when you are on the hunt for the neighborhood's best empanadas. This curated selection highlights the area's culinary diversity, featuring everything from Latin American staples at Patacón Pisao to unique seafood-inspired bites at Ten Bells. Whether you are craving the Middle Eastern flavors of Mehanata Bulgarian Bar or a classic American take from Butler, these spots provide a perfect cross-section of global flavors tucked into golden, flaky crusts.
4 restaurants in Best Empanada in Little Italy | Top 4 Spots
- Ten Bells — Seafood · rated 4/5: This intimate, candlelit haunt invites guests to linger over chilled platters of briny oysters and bowls of salt-dusted Marcona almonds, capturing the spirited essence of a classic European wine bar. The air hums with conversation as small plates of smoky papas bravas and savory chorizo empanadas emerge from the kitchen, offering a rustic tapestry of flavors that turn a simple evening into a communal celebration.
- Mehanata Bulgarian Bar — Middle Eastern · rated 3/5: Step into a high-energy cultural crossroads where the spirited soul of a Bulgarian tavern meets the playful, neon-lit pulse of a modern urban bar. The air carries the savory scent of sizzling Bulgarian meatballs and toasted prinzesi sandwiches, served alongside an eclectic array of crispy empanadas and golden sliders designed for effortless sharing. Vibrant cocktails like the Strawberry Sidecar flow freely, fueling a boisterous atmosphere where global comfort food and Eastern European tradition collide for a spirited night out.
- Butler — American: Butler hums with the vibrant energy of a neighborhood hub, where the scent of freshly toasted grains and artisanal coffee fills a bright, sun-drenched space. Mornings invite guests to linger over jewel-toned acai bowls and creamy avocado toast, while the afternoon brings a shift toward bold, savory flavors like succulent rotisserie chicken and spicy gochujang pork tucked into crusty bread. Whether grabbing a flaky breakfast empanada on the go or settling in for a vibrant delicata squash salad, every dish feels like a thoughtful, elevated take on daily nourishment.
- Patacón Pisao — Latin American: A vibrant corner of Venezuelan soul where the air is thick with the irresistible scent of golden-fried dough and savory, slow-cooked meats. Diners dive into a world of handheld delights, from the satisfying crunch of cheese-filled tequeños and flaky pastelitos to the towering, flavor-packed Arepa Pabellon that brings together the comforting textures of black beans, sweet plantains, and tender shredded beef. It is a lively celebration of Latin comfort, where every bite offers a warm, authentic escape into the bustling energy of a traditional neighborhood snack bar.
