Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Venga Empanadas – San Francisco
Venga Empanadas - San Francisco
Photo from Venga Empanadas
Venga Empanadas at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🥩 Argentinian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 52 of the guests
#603 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#3 Argentinian Restaurant out of 5 in San Francisco
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
333
Reviews
83.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious empanadas
- Good value
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Indoor comfort
- Service issues
- Dish quality
The restaurant Venga Empanadas brings the vibrant flavors of an Argentinian Restaurant right to you in San Francisco’s lively Mission District. You’ll discover a casual yet trendy spot perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
With excellent vegan and vegetarian options available, plus the convenience of outdoor seating, it’s a welcoming destination for everyone looking for delicious small plates.
Overview: Introducting Venga Empanadas
Venga Empanadas offers a focused menu where the main attraction truly shines. Diners frequently praise the quality of the empanadas, noting the flavorful fillings and well-prepared items.
It’s a spot that delivers on its promise of satisfying, savory bites. However, while the food generally impresses, some aspects of the dining experience could be more consistent.
A few patrons have pointed out issues with the indoor atmosphere and occasional service lapses, suggesting there’s room for refinement beyond the plate.
Good
8
out of 10
333
Reviews
83.5%
Satisfaction
41
negative
14
neutral
278
positive
Venga Empanadas earns a solid overall score of 8, indicating a generally positive experience for many. This aligns well with a strong customer satisfaction rate of 83.5%, suggesting most visitors leave content.
These figures are drawn from a considerable 333 customer observations, with 278 positive remarks outweighing 41 negative ones, painting a clear picture of approval. Delving into specifics, the Food truly stands out with an excellent score of (8.4), clearly being the main draw.
Service also performs well at (7.5), contributing positively to the experience. Both Ambience (7) and Value (7) receive good marks, rounding out a consistent performance across the board.
What people like
- Delicious empanadas
- Good value
- Friendly staff
What people don't like
- Indoor comfort issues
- Service inconsistencies
- Specific dish issues
With a strong recommendation score of 8.3, Venga Empanadas generally delivers a satisfying experience, especially for those seeking quality empanadas. It’s a place that gets the core offering right, making it a worthwhile stop for a quick, flavorful bite.
If you prioritize excellent food and fair prices over a perfect dining atmosphere, this spot is likely to please. Just be mindful of potential indoor comfort issues or specific service hiccups, and you’ll find a solid option for casual dining.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Venga Empanadas
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre in for a treat! With a solid score of 8.4 and customer satisfaction at a fantastic 88.6%, its clear the culinary experience is a hit. Based on 203 positive remarks out of 229 total comments, patrons rave about the delicious and next-level empanadas, especially the classic beef and the wide variety of flavors, often highlighting their crispy, flavorful, and generously filled nature, complemented by amazing chimichurri.
However, not every bite is perfect, as noted in 19 less favorable observations. Some found the beef empanadas to contain too many potatoes, while the alfajores were occasionally described as dry with minimal dulce de leche. A few specific dishes, like the Caprese and Mediterranean empanadas, were even deemed inedible by some, suggesting a slight inconsistency in certain offerings.
Food
229
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
19
negative
7
neutral
203
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, varied empanadas
- Crispy, flavorful, filled
- Amazing chimichurri sauce
What people don't like
- Inconsistent beef filling
- Dry alfajores
- Specific dishes inedible
Often praised
- empanadasMy experience at this restaurant was outstanding, largely thanks to their next-level empanadas. They were perfectly crispy, flavorful, and generously filled. I was impressed that they consistently nail it, whether you prefer classic beef or something more unique.
- foodthey were all delicious. The food was excellent
- chimichurriI can confidently say that no other empanadas in the city compare to theirs. Their chimichurri is so good, but honestly, everything is fantastic! I always get extra chimichurri to take home; they make the best snack!
- mushroom empanadasmushroom, the ground beef, and two different types of chicken, and they were all really good!
- fillingThe empanadas are priced around $4 each and are a truly great snack. The filling is generous, and the crust is wonderfully flaky and delicious. Since they are baked to order, there's a short wait, but it's absolutely worth it.
- spicy beefThe spicy beef and argentina beef are both delicious!
- spicy beef empanadaI visit Venga Empanadas nearly every day for my usual: a small coffee and a spicy beef empanada. It's taken me a while to write this review, but it's definitely well-deserved and long overdue.
- white bean soupSome would call it fate. But I call it Devine Intervention because the white bean soup was heavenly! I couldn't help myself to add some ham and a splash of heavy cream to it but even without my sideline interference.
- beef empanadaI tried the beef empanada and a spinach and cheese; both equally as good.
- chimichurri sauceThe chimichurri one was excellent
Frequently criticized
- empanadasempanadas need to be label, I ordered 4 different flavors
- Caprese dishLa de caprese... no las recomiendo para nada, incomibles.
- Mediterranean dishla mediterránea no las recomiendo para nada, incomibles.
- alfajoresThe alfajores were worse than mediocre, very dry
- beefthe beef was a little blend for my taste
- beef empanadasMy beef empanadas were all potatoes
- dulche lechebarely any dulche leche in them
- empanadaWe are vegetarian and they have many delicious options, which is why we have loved them. I was in today taking my usual faves home but, rather than listening to me, somehow the guy gave me an empanada filled with PORK. He seemed very out of it and I initially thought he was just super stoned.
- half as smallthey are twice as expensive and half as small.
- honeyI still feel like it was too much
If you're craving authentic and delicious empanadas with a fantastic variety, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that while most items are stellar, a few specific choices or desserts might not hit the mark for everyone.
Service (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.5 and a solid customer satisfaction of 74.1%. Many patrons rave about the friendly service, helpful staff, and great customer service, often highlighting the patience and attentiveness of the team. With 43 positive remarks out of 58 total, it seems most experiences are positive, with staff making recommendations and treating customers like family.
However, not every visit is perfect, as evidenced by 12 negative remarks. Some guests have encountered inattentive servers (like those texting), experienced mala atención (bad service), or dealt with a rude lady. There have also been concerns about order mix-ups and hygiene, such as staff not using gloves or forgetting napkins.
These issues suggest there's still a little room for improvement in consistency.
Service
58
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
12
negative
3
neutral
43
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Great customer service
- Attentive recommendations
What people don't like
- Inattentive servers
- Order mix-ups
- Hygiene issues
Often praised
- serviceservice and atmosphere were also top-notch, both receiving a perfect 5/5 rating.
- staffTheir staff is friendly and personable
- ServiceService:5
- cashierThe cashier was kind
- customer serviceThe spicy beef empanadas were tasty! Additionally, the gentleman who took our order provided great customer service.
- KarinaKarina, who was incredibly thoughtful and attentive
- experiencemade the whole experience feel personal and welcoming
- flavor initialsIt's convenient to get them warm and then enjoy them in a nearby park, as their shape prevents messy spills. They thoughtfully mark the empanada flavors with initials on the pastry, making it easy to distinguish orders among a group. The outdoor seating is very popular.
- friendly serviceFriendly and helpful service
- gentleman who took our ordergentleman who took our order had great customer service
Frequently criticized
- guyWe are vegetarian and they have many delicious options, which is why we have loved them. I was in today taking my usual faves home but, rather than listening to me, somehow the guy gave me an empanada filled with PORK. He seemed very out of it and I initially thought he was just super stoned.
- englishbarely spoke english
- glovesnot using gloves touching the food
- ladythe lady is totally rude
- mala atenciónMala atención del empleado en turno
- napkins sous or utensilsnot giving any napkins sous or utensils
- orderHe seemed very out of it and I initially thought he was just super stoned. He even told me he was confused by my order which was ridiculous. I may still go there but not if that guy is working and I will always watch what they are doing.
- packagingWhen they packed them to go, they stuck a bunch of paper napkins
- servers textingservers texting on their phone need to instead pay attention
- servicetold it's out of service when the whole point of us buying the item was to use the restroom
If youre looking for a place with generally friendly and attentive staff, youll likely have a good experience here. While most visits are positive, be aware that some guests have encountered occasional lapses in attentiveness or order accuracy. It's a good bet, but keep an eye out for those minor hiccups.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
The vibe here is generally quite pleasant, scoring a 7 (which is good!) with a solid 71.4% customer satisfaction. Many folks appreciate the spot and Atmosphere, often noting the clean bathroom and outdoor seating options. It's described as having a homey feel and being a great spot overall, based on 20 positive observations out of 28 total.
However, there are a few areas that could use a touch-up. Some found the outside appearance uninviting, and the seating not particularly fancy. A looping music track was a definite atmosphere killer for one reviewer, and it can get too hot inside, making it uncomfortable to sit and eat.
These points come from 7 negative observations.
Ambience
28
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean restrooms
- Outdoor seating
- Homey atmosphere
What people don't like
- Loud looping music
- Uncomfortable heat
- Uninviting exterior
Often praised
- atmosphereservice and atmosphere were also top-notch, both receiving a perfect 5/5 rating.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- outdoor seatingThe outdoor seating is very popular.
- casual eating areaAs always, they were amazing, featuring tasty pastry and wonderfully seasoned juicy mushrooms. The restaurant is reasonably priced and has a small casual eating area. Venga never disappoints!
- clean bathroomThe prices were fair, and the service was friendly and helpful. A bonus was the very clean bathroom. We will definitely be back with friends and family!
- homey feelMy experience at Venga was positive. The restaurant has a lovely homey feel with both indoor and outdoor seating, though it is limited. They offer a wide variety of empanadas, including gluten-free options, catering to various dietary preferences.
- indoor seatinggreat outdoor and indoor seating options
- little spotCute little spot
- placeWhat was your experience at the restaurant? It was a very good place, super quiet, and the service was good. The empanadas were very tasty, with options ranging from ham and cheese to vegetarian or spicy beef and chorizo argentino.
- pretenseNo pretense
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe service was nice and fast too. The only thing is it gets way too hot inside, not really comfy to sit and eat. I even had to ask for a bag to take my food to go cuz it was just too hot 😅
- musicloop of 30 sec the same Miley Cyrus cover for 30 minutes
- outsideFrom the outside doesn't really catch the eye
- restroomtold it's out of service
- seatingNot fancy seating or anything
- signageNo signage or reason
If youre looking for a generally pleasant and homey spot with good seating options, this place is worth a visit. Just be aware that the exterior might not grab you, and theres a chance of some odd music or a warm interior.
Value (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! Many folks found the pricing to be quite fair, often describing it as offering good prices and a good deal. With a solid score of 7, indicating a good performance, and 12 positive remarks out of 18 total comments, it seems your wallet will be happy here, especially for those looking for something inexpensive and value for money.
However, it's not entirely without its critics, as 3 negative comments point out some concerns. While the overall customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 66.7%, some felt the price was too high, with one even noting items were twice as expensive as expected. So, while many find it a good deal, be mindful that a few experiences suggest the cost might occasionally feel a bit steep.
Value
18
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
3
negative
3
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Offers fair prices
- Good deal overall
- Inexpensive options
What people don't like
- Can be too expensive
- Pricing felt high
Often praised
- priceI consistently found the empanadas to be great. They are a good size and offered at a good price, with fresh and delicious flavor. I especially love the spinach and cheese ones.
- Reasonably pricedReasonably priced
- fair pricesFair prices
- good dealA good deal for $4.60
- good pricesavailable with good prices
- inexpensiveIt's quick and inexpensive
- pricingPricing is more than fair
- valuemight be the best value on Valencia
- value for moneyTotal value for money.
- walletmy wallet are happy
Frequently criticized
- 3 dólarespor 3 dólares
- priceFurthermore, the overall cost felt too high; I paid 22. 50 for two empanadas and one Jamaica, which I found to be too expensive.
- twice as expensivethey are twice as expensive and half as small.
If youre looking for a place where you can generally expect good value and fair prices, this spot is worth checking out. Just be aware that a few customers have found certain items to be on the pricier side, so keep an eye on the menu if youre on a strict budget.
How are the prices at Venga Empanadas?
You’re looking at roughly 15 per person – reported by 52 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For an Argentinian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests spend in this $11–$20 range, but there are also plenty of options for those looking to spend a bit less, around $1–$10.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 52 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Given the mid-range pricing for an Argentinian Restaurant, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Venga Empanadas
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
Great Empanadas, But Too Hot Inside
I tried the salteña and the chorizo empanadas, and honestly, they were my favorites – super good! The service was nice and fast too. The only thing is it gets way too hot inside, not really comfy to sit and eat.
I even had to ask for a bag to take my food to go cuz it was just too hot 😅
- salteña10
- chorizo empanadas10
- service8
- atmosphere1
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Decent Empanadas, Not Memorable
My experience at this restaurant was decent. I visited a little while ago and it wasn't super memorable. The seating inside was nice, and we sat by the window.
There were a few vegetarian options, but not many. In my opinion, 1-2 empanadas did not feel filling enough for a meal.
- empanadas5
- seating inside7
- vegetarian options5
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Empanadas, Great Service!
I’m always surprised that there’s no line here. The staff is nice, and the food is soooooo good! Highly recommend this place.
It’s so easy to get a few empanadas and eat them in Delores Park. I’ve been a few times, and really liked the caprese empanada and the Argentine chorizo.
- staff9
- food10
- empanadas9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Amazing Empanadas and Sangria!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The empanadas were amazing, truly some of the best I've had. They offer a great variety and are incredibly filling.
I also highly recommend the sangria; they make it exceptionally well. A special thank you to Karina for her patience and attentiveness throughout the meal.
- empanadas10
- variety8
- filling8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Exceptional Empanadas and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was outstanding, largely thanks to their next-level empanadas. They were perfectly crispy, flavorful, and generously filled. I was impressed that they consistently nail it, whether you prefer classic beef or something more unique.
The service was also a highlight, with a special shoutout to Karina. She was incredibly thoughtful and attentive, making the whole experience feel personal and welcoming, which is a rare quality these days!
- empanadas10
- classic beef9
- Karina10
What Venga Empanadas offers
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of food and dining experience can you expect at Venga Empanadas?
At Venga Empanadas, you can savor authentic Argentinian cuisine, specializing in delicious small plates. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full meal, you’ll find a casual and trendy atmosphere perfect for lunch, dinner, or even breakfast and dessert. They also offer excellent vegan and vegetarian options.
What amenities and service options does Venga Empanadas provide?
Venga Empanadas offers a variety of convenient service options including dine-in, takeout, delivery, and outdoor seating. The restaurant is family-friendly, providing high chairs and being good for kids. You’ll also find wheelchair accessible entrances and restrooms, ensuring comfort for all guests.
How does Venga Empanadas generally perform according to customer feedback?
Venga Empanadas receives a strong overall score of 8, with customer satisfaction at 83.5%. The Food (8.4) is particularly praised, followed by good scores for Service (7.5), Ambience (7), and Value (7).
What are the standout food items at Venga Empanadas?
Customers consistently rave about the empanadas, highlighting their crispy texture, generous fillings, and delicious flavors. The chimichurri sauce also receives frequent positive mentions as a must-try accompaniment.
Are there any common issues or drawbacks mentioned by visitors?
Some visitors have noted that the indoor atmosphere can get uncomfortably hot. There have also been occasional reports of inconsistent service, including mix-ups with orders or staff attentiveness.