Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » El Porteño Empanadas – San Francisco
El Porteño Empanadas - San Francisco
Photo from El Porteño Empanadas
El Porteño Empanadas at a glance
San Francisco Financial District
- 🥩 Argentinian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 106 of the guests
#1237 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#4 Argentinian Restaurant out of 5 in San Francisco
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
514
Reviews
71.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Empanada quality
- Great location
Frequently criticized
- Service issues
- High prices
The restaurant El Porteño Empanadas brings a taste of Argentina to San Francisco’s bustling Financial District. This Argentinian restaurant offers a casual and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
You can enjoy delicious empanadas whether you’re dining in, grabbing takeout, or having them delivered. It’s a great spot to experience authentic flavors in a vibrant city setting.
Overview: Introducting El Porteño Empanadas
El Porteño Empanadas offers a focused menu, primarily centered around its namesake. Many patrons praise the empanadas themselves, noting the quality of the pastry and flavorful filling.
It’s often seen as a convenient stop for a quick bite. However, some experiences suggest that not all offerings hit the mark, with certain empanada varieties described as less authentic or even bland.
The service experience can also be inconsistent, leading to occasional frustration for customers.
Good
7.4
out of 10
514
Reviews
71.6%
Satisfaction
106
negative
40
neutral
368
positive
El Porteño Empanadas generally performs well, earning a solid restaurant score of 7.4. Customer satisfaction also stands at a respectable 71.6%, indicating that most visitors leave content.
This positive sentiment is largely driven by the strong performance in Food (7.9), which is frequently highlighted by guests. Out of 514 customer comments, 368 were positive, underscoring this strength.
However, there are areas where the experience could be refined. While Ambience (7.2) is considered good, both Service (5.9) and Value (5.5) hover in the average range.
Some guests have noted issues with staff interactions or felt the pricing was a bit steep for the portion sizes. With 106 negative comments, these points are worth considering for potential improvements.
What people like
- Delicious empanada pastry
- Flavorful empanada fillings
- Excellent Ferry Building location
What people don't like
- Inconsistent staff attitude
- High price point
- Limited seating options
If you’re seeking a quick, flavorful bite in a prime location, this spot is a solid choice. Their well-crafted empanadas are a highlight, perfect for a grab-and-go meal.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and pricing that might temper the experience. With a strong recommendation score of 7.7, it’s certainly worth a visit, especially if you prioritize quality food over a sit-down experience.
Just manage expectations regarding service and value, and you’ll likely enjoy their signature offerings.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Argentinian Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
225
93.8%
- $$
- Duboce Triangle
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Argentinian Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
548
91.6%
- $$
- Fisherman's Wharf
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Argentinian Restaurant
8
out of 10
out of 10
333
83.5%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Argentinian Restaurant
5.8
out of 10
out of 10
59
49.2%
- $$
- South Beach
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on El Porteño Empanadas
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, you're in for a treat! With a good score of 7.9 and good customer satisfaction of 79.8%, diners consistently praise the delicious empanadas. Out of 357 total comments, 285 highlight the flaky, buttery crust, flavorful fillings, and the great variety of options available.
However, not every bite is perfect. Some of the 47 negative remarks mention the dough being too flaky for an authentic style, a few found the food lacking in real flavor, and others noted a greasy side or felt it was overpriced for the portion size.
Food
357
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
47
negative
25
neutral
285
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Flaky, buttery crust
- Flavorful fillings
- Delicious empanadas
What people don't like
- Lacking real flavor
- Can be greasy
- Not authentic style
Often praised
- empanadasMy experience at this restaurant was centered around their excellent menu of different typical Argentine empanadas, offered at reasonable prices within the iconic Ferry Building. It's definitely worth trying all of them, and their mouth-watering alfajores are a must-try.
- foodWaiting for the ferry, I could feel the parchment bags, ensuring they were still warm for my weekend ride. Once seated, I indulged in an empanada and can now say, I am a fan. I saved the second one to share with my mom, though resisting was difficult.
- Foodmy Empanadas life was never the same again!
- pastryI tried their traditional beef empanada, and it was perfection. The pastry was buttery and flaky, with a golden crust that crumbled just right. The filling was seasoned beautifully, with tender beef, olives, and a touch of spice that made every bite memorable.
- fillingThe pastry was buttery and flaky, with a golden crust that crumbled just right. The filling was seasoned beautifully, with tender beef, olives, and a touch of spice that made every bite memorable. I also sampled their ham and cheese empanada, and the rich, gooey filling hit all the comfort food notes I was craving.
- crustthe crust was amazingly buttery
- mushroom empanadasTried Chicken empanadas and mushroom empanadas, the crust was amazingly buttery
- quick biteGreat for a quick bite for breakfast or on the go
- CarneWhile chatting with Douglas Chalk, the owner of Clever Clocks, at his pop-up tent, he highly recommended trying the empanadas from El Porteno, mentioning we could even get them frozen to take home. Intrigued by the variety of fillings, we decided to purchase four frozen empanadas for dinner: a Champinion (mushrooms, shallots, parmesan, crème fraîche), a Jamon (prosciutto, fontina cheese), a Pallo (chicken, olives, raisins, onions), and a Carne (ground beef, raisins, olives, onions). After letting them defrost, we reheated them in an air fryer at 400 degrees for about 8 minutes.
- doughThe dough is flaky and very well done
Frequently criticized
- empanadasMy experience at this restaurant was centered around their supposedly Argentinian empanadas. After trying them, I'd recommend doing yourself a favor: travel to North Argentina and try the real deal.
- foodthe food was average at best
- ArgentinianWhile the dough was flaky and well-executed, the empanadas themselves were just okay and felt overpriced. They were not genuinely Argentinian, which was a disappointment. I wouldn't wait in a 30-minute line for this; it's only worth it if there's no line and you're already walking by.
- Argentinian empanadasnothing like the tasty and crunchy Argentinian empanadas I ate in several restaurants in Buenos Aires
- Fugazzetta empanadaFugazzetta (filling: onion, cheese, etc) empanada I ate today at this Ferry Building restaurant was very greasy
- Jamon y QuesoThe Jamon y Queso had very little proscuitto and was a little bland.
- banana & dulce de lecheGet the banana & dulce de leche, you will be disappointed.
- banana empanadaThe banana empanada was a bit too sweet
- breadingit’s a lot of breading
- camaron (shrimp) oneThe camaron (shrimp) one tastes a bit bland - not much flavor
If you're craving delicious, flaky empanadas with a wide variety of fillings, this spot is definitely worth a try. While some find them less authentic or occasionally a bit greasy, the overwhelming sentiment suggests a satisfying experience.
Service (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
When it comes to service, many customers have had some really positive experiences, with 45 positive remarks out of 87 total observations. Folks often rave about the fast service and the friendly staff, noting how quick the line moves and the helpful recommendations they receive. Theres a definite appreciation for the quick service and the good attitude of the team, making for a pleasant interaction.
However, its a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.9 and customer satisfaction at 51.7%. There are 37 negative comments highlighting issues like a rude attitude from some staff members, long lines that can be frustrating, and concerns about overworked staff. Some experiences left a bad taste, pointing to occasional poor customer service and impolite interactions.
Service
87
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
37
negative
5
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fast service
- Friendly staff
- Helpful recommendations
What people don't like
- Rude attitude
- Long lines
- Overworked staff
Often praised
- serviceIt’s a great takeaway and walk-about snack. The line is typically long, but it moves super fast because the service is great. Highly recommend!
- ServiceService:5
- lineIt’s just a counter where you walk up and order, with no places to sit. The line is usually pretty long but moves fast. We grabbed these empanadas then went across to the wine bar to share a bottle and enjoy.
- staffThe crust was perfectly flaky, and the fillings were rich and flavorful. It's a great spot with friendly staff, and a must-try if you're in SF. I'll definitely be back!
- customer servicethe customer service was fantastic
- recommendationsThe gentleman serving the food was exceedingly polite and courteous. I inquired about the most popular flavors and decided to go with his recommendations. After heading over to the register to pay, the bill totaled $16.
- commendationHer commendation was spot on.
- crewGood job crew at El Porteno!
- easy to grab and goThe mushroom Empanada was quite tasty; it wasn’t heavy and had good flavor. It was also easy to grab and go.
- experienceI hope this review helps at least one more person experience food heaven. 5 stars, best experience of my life.
Frequently criticized
- cashierI turned around and politely mentioned that it seemed like I received the wrong order. The cashier, a female, appeared frustrated and started glancing around, as if I had committed some serious offense. The gentleman who had initially assisted me reappeared and clarified that I had ordered two different items.
- serviceIt was disappointing to wait in line and not be able to get what I was craving. While the food is top-notch, the service felt a bit frustrating.
- staffthe staff is causing the place to lose clients
- lineWould not line up for 30 minutes
- Google listingWasting a customer’s time because you couldn’t follow your own schedule is unacceptable. Update your Google listing or stick to the posted hours—this is basic professionalism.
- attitudeClearly, the payment device hadn’t been activated yet. Instead of checking that, she doubled down on the attitude. And yes — it was the same girl who appears in the photo here on Google.
- bad tasteI came in for empanadas. I left with a bad taste — and not because of the food.
- card readerStill, I got in line and ordered a few empanadas. But when it came time to pay, the card reader wouldn’t work. I mentioned it to her, and she instantly blamed my phone — saying it must be my issue.
- company imagethis does not give a good image to the company
- customer serviceWorst customer service.
Overall, the service here seems to be a bit of a gamble. While you might encounter incredibly friendly and efficient staff, be prepared for the possibility of long lines and less-than-stellar interactions. If you value consistent, top-notch customer care, you might find it hit or miss.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits a good note, with a score of 7.2, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 67.5%. Many of the 40 customer remarks praise the atmosphere and aesthetic, especially highlighting the lovely garden and fantastic waterfront views from its convenient Ferry Building location. With 27 positive remarks, it seems many find the setting quite appealing.
However, not everything is perfect, as 8 negative comments point out some areas for improvement. A common concern revolves around the lack of seating directly nearby, which can impact the overall vibe. Some also felt a cold or unwelcoming vibe, particularly in the loud indoor space, suggesting a need for a cozier setup.
Ambience
40
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
8
negative
5
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Waterfront views
- Ferry Building location
What people don't like
- No direct seating
- Unwelcoming vibe
- Loud indoor space
Often praised
- atmosphereThe overall atmosphere of the place is really nice! It's a space with various food options.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- Ferry BuildingI also sampled their ham and cheese empanada, and the rich, gooey filling hit all the comfort food notes I was craving. The location couldn’t be better—right inside the iconic Ferry Building with gorgeous waterfront views just steps away. It’s a perfect spot to grab a snack while exploring the bustling marketplace and nearby attractions like Alcatraz ferries and Fisherman’s Wharf.
- aestheticA well 'porteña' aesthetic
- colorful signageStore has colorful signage
- convenient stopThe wild mushroom empanada also had a bitter, dirty taste. The dough was quite good, and it was a convenient stop through the ferry building. However, at $7 per small empanada, I was a bit disappointed with the taste, and I may not have tried their best offerings.
- gardenWe tried 7-8 different varieties. You can take the spinach dishes and enjoy them in the garden.
- locationI also sampled their ham and cheese empanada, and the rich, gooey filling hit all the comfort food notes I was craving. The location couldn’t be better—right inside the iconic Ferry Building with gorgeous waterfront views just steps away. It’s a perfect spot to grab a snack while exploring the bustling marketplace and nearby attractions like Alcatraz ferries and Fisherman’s Wharf.
- waterfront viewsI also sampled their ham and cheese empanada, and the rich, gooey filling hit all the comfort food notes I was craving. The location couldn’t be better—right inside the iconic Ferry Building with gorgeous waterfront views just steps away. It’s a perfect spot to grab a snack while exploring the bustling marketplace and nearby attractions like Alcatraz ferries and Fisherman’s Wharf.
- wheelchair accessibilityEs en planta baja por lo que se puede ingresar perfectamente
Frequently criticized
- seatingThey’re $6-9 apiece as well. Since this is in the ferry building, there is not seating directly nearby. You will have to find seating elsewhere to eat.
- indoor spaceHowever, on a recent weekday visit, they only had 4 kinds available despite having all their signs out and 'demo' empanadas in the case. The staff member behind the counter had to explain to each customer in a busy and loud indoor space which selections were actually available. My suggestion would be to take down the signs when you run out to avoid confusion and disappointment.
- seating spaceabsence of place to sit
- vibea certain vibe that felt unnecessarily cold
- water fountainsno water fountains nearby, yet there was by the bathrooms
- welcoming vibeNo welcoming vibe.
If you're looking for a spot with great views and a generally pleasant atmosphere, especially if you plan to grab and go, this place is worth a visit. Just be prepared that direct seating might be scarce, and the indoor vibe could feel a bit impersonal.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to value, some customers definitely find it appealing, with 11 positive remarks among the 30 opinions. Many praise the offerings as affordable and a very good price, making it easy to enjoy a satisfying meal. While the overall score for value is an average 5.5, customer satisfaction lags at a poor 36.7%, indicating a noticeable split in opinions.
However, theres a significant number of voices, 14 to be exact, who feel the value isnt quite there. Many describe items as a small empanada and pricey, with some even calling them overpriced or expensive for the portion sizes. This suggests that while some find it a good deal, others are left feeling that the cost doesn't match the offering.
Value
30
Reviews
36%
Satisfaction
14
negative
5
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable pricing
- Good lunch option
- Reasonable for location
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Small portion sizes
- High empanada cost
Often praised
- priceI wish I’d taken some home. My friend ended up buying a crepe next door (probably around $20), which seemed good, but for almost half the price, he could’ve had the best meal of his life. I hope this review helps at least one more person experience food heaven.
- pricesprices reasonable within the iconic Ferry Building
- $20We came a second time - different people behind the counter, but same friendliness. Empanadas taste GREAT - for $20 you have 3 empanadas, perfect for lunch with 2. What more could you want?
- Price per personPrice per person:$1–10
- affordabilityAffordable enough you can try more than one
- affordableDelicious and affordable.
- priceddecently priced as well
- very good pricethis a very good price
Frequently criticized
- pricesMy experience at the restaurant was mixed. I recall having good empanadas from what I remember, but I feel like the prices have gone quite high. It felt like a lot to pay $7 for an empanada, so I didn't get any this time.
- pricequite pricy for empanadas (> 7.5 each)
- $7 for an empanada$7 for an empanada feels a lot
- additional chargeIt is an additional $1.50
- cheaperMy experience at the restaurant was that the food was great and a good quick bite. However, I found them to be a bit pricey and felt they could definitely be a bit cheaper. The Service and Atmosphere were both rated a perfect 5, while the Food received a 4.
- empanada$7 per empanada when it’s not great is a huge waste
- empanadas cost 7 dollarsthese empanadas cost 7 dollars each
- itemsLater, as I was leaving the Ferry Building, I also grabbed the Champinones empanada, which was delicious. I would recommend El Porteño for a quick snack, although the items are on the expensive side.
- portion sizesExpensive for the portion sizes
- priceyMy experience at the restaurant was that the food was great and a good quick bite. However, I found them to be a bit pricey and felt they could definitely be a bit cheaper. The Service and Atmosphere were both rated a perfect 5, while the Food received a 4.
If you're looking for a quick bite and find the prices reasonable, you might be pleasantly surprised. However, be aware that some items might feel a bit pricey for their size, so manage your expectations to avoid disappointment.
How are the prices at El Porteño Empanadas?
You’re looking at roughly 15 per person – reported by 106 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.
Looking at the full picture, most diners spend in the 1 – 20 $ range, with a big chunk right in that $11–$20 sweet spot. So, while there are a few higher-end options, the pricing mostly clusters around this average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 106 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for an Argentinian spot in San Francisco. It offers a good balance without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about El Porteño Empanadas
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Disappointing Fugazzetta Empanada
My experience at this Ferry Building restaurant was disappointing, particularly with the Fugazzetta empanada I ordered for lunch. The filling, which included onion and cheese, made the empanada very greasy, and the dough crust was unpleasantly soft. This was a far cry from the tasty and crunchy Argentinian empanadas I've enjoyed in Buenos Aires.
Given the significant difference, I believe this restaurant should reconsider claiming their offerings are "Argentinian empanadas" on their website.
- Fugazzetta empanada2
- dough crust2
- Argentinian empanadas1
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
8
Pleasantly Surprised by Flavorful Empanadas
My experience at this restaurant was a pleasant surprise. While I've visited twice before and the food wasn't great on those occasions, this last visit was different. I was pleasantly surprised by the flavorful fillings and the nice and flaky crust.
My favorite was the spinach and cheese. They also offer a customizable box that can be delivered. The Beef Empanada was also recommended.
- flavorful fillings9
- nice and flaky crust8
- spinach and cheese9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
6
Good Empanadas, But Pricey and Oily
My experience at the restaurant offered a good variety of empanadas, though they were quite pricey at over $7. 50 each. I tried three items: the Lamb empanada, the spinach & bacon, and the Cameron.
The lamb empanada was the best, offering more flavor. The camaron (shrimp) empanada tasted a bit bland, lacking significant flavor. The spinach and bacon was fine, but I found there wasn't much bacon in it.
All the empanadas were very oily on the outside, so one needs to be careful not to contaminate bags.
- empanadas6
- Lamb empanada9
- spinach and bacon5
- camaron (shrimp) one4
- price3
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Quick Service, Delicious Empanadas
My experience at the restaurant was great! The line moves quickly, and the empanadas they serve are worth it. The price is reasonable and they are delicious.
- line8
- empanadas9
- price7
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Amazing Empanadas, Frustrating Service
My experience at this restaurant was a mix of top-notch food and frustrating service. I absolutely love the empanadas here, considering them the best you'll ever have. However, on a recent weekday visit, they only had 4 kinds available despite having all their signs out and 'demo' empanadas in the case.
The staff member behind the counter had to explain to each customer in a busy and loud indoor space which selections were actually available. My suggestion would be to take down the signs when you run out to avoid confusion and disappointment. It was disappointing to wait in line and not be able to get what I was craving.
While the food is top-notch, the service felt a bit frustrating.
- empanadas10
- food10
- service3
- signs2
- indoor space2
What El Porteño Empanadas offers
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Coffee
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at El Porteño Empanadas?
At El Porteño Empanadas, you can enjoy a casual dining experience perfect for a quick bite. They offer various dining options including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. You can choose to dine-in, get takeout, or have your order delivered right to you.
Is El Porteño Empanadas accessible and suitable for families or pets?
Yes, El Porteño Empanadas features a wheelchair accessible entrance, making it convenient for all guests. It’s also considered good for kids, and if you’re bringing your furry friend, dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area.
What are the standout features of El Porteño Empanadas?
Customers frequently praise the quality of the empanadas, particularly the buttery pastry and flavorful fillings. Its location within the iconic Ferry Building is also a significant draw, offering great views.
How does El Porteño Empanadas rate overall, and what are its strengths and weaknesses?
El Porteño Empanadas holds a restaurant score of 7.4 with 71.6% customer satisfaction. Its main strength lies in Food (7.9), while Ambience (7.2) is also well-regarded. Areas for improvement include Service (5.9) and Value (5.5).
Is El Porteño Empanadas considered good value for money?
Opinions on value are mixed. While some find the prices reasonable, especially given the location, others feel the empanadas can be pricey for their portion size, with some noting a cost of around $7 per empanada.