The Empanada’s Miami Gets Five Stars!!

Whenever I visit downtown Miami to film for SightsSoundsFlavors, I always make it a point to stop by The Empanada’s. This inviting cafe has a very homey vibe, with excellent dietary options, and fantastic customer service. It’s located right across the street from Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus, just steps from the Metromover, and within easy walking distance from Freedom Tower and Bayside Marketplace. You can tell the owner(s) really put a lot of thought into this establishment, as the layout is superb and theme is truly original. And what can be said about the customer service? The employees are some of the best of any cafe or restaurant that I’ve visited in the whole of South Florida. But what about prices? The prices are extremely reasonable and the food is amazing!

For a place called The Empanada’s, their empanadas must be stellar! They’ve boldly thrown down the gauntlet with that name – and Oh My God do they deliver! These empanadas are made with excellent dough, they have just the right amount of flakiness, perfect amount of crunch, and great texture. Every single empanada I’ve had here meets this high standard. They use high quality ingredients and the flavor profiles speak for themselves. Even though I’m not vegan, I always order the vegan empanadas. This time I ordered two ham and cheese vegan empanadas, but their vegan options also include tofu capri and seitan beef (both delicious!!). For vegetarians (I’ve been a lacto-ovo vegetarian for 35+yrs), I’d also highly recommend the spinach, the caprese, and the onion and cheese options. They also have beef, chicken, and salmon options for meat eaters. And they have SWEET EMPANADAS too. Oh my God!! So epic!!

I’d also like to give The Empanada’s kudos on their marketing approach. It’s very true that we eat with the eyes, first. I love their branding, from the outside signage to the paper they set their empanadas on. I love that they bring the empanadas on a cute basket, as well. Attention to detail is very important, especially in the highly-competitive restaurant market.

Location is also key. And to be frank, downtown Miami can be very much hit or miss, but every single time I’ve visited The Empanada’s I get a cozy, homey vibe. They don’t lock their bathrooms or employ keypads, either. Fear is not here – only great vibes. Even though there’s a huge college campus across the street and a Metromover every a couple of minutes above, once you walk through their doors, you’re in a chill, stress-free zone. When you add great food and wonderful customer service to the mix, you have FIVE STARS all day, everyday!

I can’t wait to stop by The Empanada’s again. You most definitely should give them a try!!