Where to find the best empanadas in Valparaíso?

Where to find the best empanadas in Valparaíso? Valparaíso is a city full of vibrant culture, steeped in history, and brimming with culinary delights.

Among the most beloved and quintessential Chilean foods is the empanada—a savory pastry filled with various ingredients, typically meat, seafood, cheese, or vegetables. Valparaíso, with its coastal charm, offers some of the best places to savor this iconic dish.

From bustling markets to hidden local gems, you’ll find an abundance of delicious empanadas throughout the city.

If you’re in Valparaíso and eager to taste authentic Chilean empanadas, you’re in for a treat. Here’s a guide to the best spots to indulge in these flavorful pastries.

La Empanadería: Traditional Flavors with a Modern Twist

For a truly authentic experience, head over to La Empanadería, a small, no-frills spot where you can enjoy some of the finest traditional empanadas in Valparaíso.

Located near the city center, this family-run establishment has been serving up classic Chilean empanadas for generations.

The empanadas de pino (a traditional filling of minced beef, onions, olives, and hard-boiled eggs) here are especially popular, and the dough is known for its perfect balance of crispiness and softness.

While the empanada de mariscos (seafood empanada) is another local favorite, filled with fresh clams, crab, and shrimp, La Empanadería’s versatility shines through with unique offerings like empanadas de queso y champiñones (cheese and mushrooms).

Though small, this humble shop has built a reputation for using the freshest ingredients and preparing each empanada by hand, making it a must-visit spot for any food lover.

La Pica del 88: A Local Landmark for Seafood Empanadas

Located near the port of Valparaíso, La Pica del 88 is a beloved institution among locals and visitors alike. This legendary restaurant specializes in fresh seafood, and its empanada de mariscos is a standout on the menu.

With the Pacific Ocean right on its doorstep, it’s no surprise that La Pica del 88 offers some of the best seafood empanadas in the city.

The empanada’s filling consists of a variety of fresh, locally-sourced seafood, including crab, shrimp, and fish. The dough is crisp and golden, offering the perfect contrast to the rich, flavorful filling.

Many locals swear by La Pica del 88 for its empanadas de jaiba (crab empanadas), which are packed with sweet, succulent crab meat and seasoned to perfection.

Whether you’re sitting inside the quaint eatery or enjoying your meal outside, La Pica del 88 offers a memorable and delicious experience that captures the essence of Valparaíso’s coastal flavors.

Café de la Plaza: A Fusion of Café Culture and Empanadas

If you’re looking for a more refined twist on the classic Chilean empanada, Café de la Plaza in the heart of Valparaíso offers a great fusion of café culture with traditional flavors.

This charming café features a laid-back atmosphere where locals and tourists can sip on coffee while indulging in savory empanadas that go beyond the basic filling.

The empanada de pino is a must-try, but Café de la Plaza also serves delicious varieties like empanadas de espinaca y queso (spinach and cheese) and empanadas de pollo (chicken).

The empanadas are baked to perfection, with a golden, flaky crust and fresh ingredients, making them a perfect complement to a cup of Chilean coffee.

For those seeking a quieter, more relaxed environment while enjoying their empanadas, Café de la Plaza is a hidden gem that effortlessly blends culinary tradition with modern ambiance.

Mercado Cardonal: A Bustling Market for Authentic Street Food

No visit to Valparaíso would be complete without a trip to one of its bustling markets, and Mercado Cardonal is the place to go if you’re after a taste of local, homemade empanadas.

Located in the heart of the city, Mercado Cardonal is an essential stop for anyone interested in authentic Chilean street food.

The empanadas here are often made fresh, right in front of you, by local vendors who take great pride in their recipes.

From classic empanadas de pino to empanadas de mariscos, you’ll find a wide range of options, all packed with flavor.

Don’t miss the empanadas de camarones (shrimp empanadas), which are tender and full of that signature ocean-fresh taste.

The market itself is a feast for the senses, filled with vibrant stalls selling fresh produce, fish, meats, and artisan goods.

Eating an empanada here is a chance to experience the heart and soul of Valparaíso’s culinary culture in a lively, authentic setting.

El Puerto de Valparaíso: Empanadas by the Sea

If you want to enjoy your empanada while taking in the coastal views, head to El Puerto de Valparaíso.

Situated near the harbor, this eatery is known for offering empanadas de mariscos that showcase the freshest seafood in Valparaíso.

The empanadas at El Puerto de Valparaíso are generously filled with a medley of local seafood, and the dough is baked until it reaches a perfect crispness.

The unique aspect of this spot is the atmosphere—it’s ideal for enjoying a leisurely meal while gazing at the beautiful ships in the harbor and soaking in the salty sea breeze.

The empanada de jaiba (crab) is particularly popular here, often praised for its rich and flavorful filling.

A visit to El Puerto de Valparaíso is as much about the experience as it is about the food. Enjoying empanadas by the water, with the sounds of the harbor in the background, is an unforgettable way to savor this Chilean delicacy.

Empanadas de Donde la Cuca: Homey Comfort in the Hills

Tucked away in the hills of Cerro Alegre, a charming neighborhood of Valparaíso, is Donde la Cuca, a small yet beloved spot that’s become famous for its homemade empanadas.

Known for its warm atmosphere and family-friendly vibe, Donde la Cuca has won the hearts of both locals and visitors with its incredible range of empanadas.

Their empanadas de pino are a crowd favorite, perfectly seasoned and generously filled with the traditional beef, onions, and olive mix.

But don’t stop there—Donde la Cuca also offers unique twists, such as empanadas de queso de cabra (goat cheese empanadas) and empanadas vegetarianas (vegetarian empanadas), which have earned praise for their fresh ingredients and balanced flavors.

Whether you choose to dine inside or on the terrace with a view of the city, Donde la Cuca offers a warm and homely experience that makes every bite feel special.

Valparaíso

Valparaíso is a city that delights the senses, especially when it comes to food.

The humble empanada, with its flaky crust and endless variety of fillings, holds a special place in Chilean cuisine, and Valparaíso is home to some of the best places to indulge in this savory treat.

From the bustling Mercado Cardonal to the laid-back ambiance of Café de la Plaza, there are countless spots to savor this iconic dish.

Whether you prefer seafood, beef, chicken, or vegetarian options, Valparaíso offers a range of empanadas that showcase the flavors of the sea, the land, and everything in between.

So, the next time you’re in Valparaíso, make sure to enjoy an empanada—it’s a culinary experience you won’t forget.