Empanada.Co — Restaurant in Salt Lake City

I have been missing an empanada restaurant, but now there is one that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Where to start… The Pastry is so light and savory, but it does not fall apart. Not doughy at all, it is everything a GREAT pastry should be. Then…..you get to what’s inside and the flavors are so full and rich!

I looked at the board of 17 (yes 17) different ones and how am I supposed to choose, so, I asked the owner to choose her 3 best ones and bring them out. She did and brought out a Ground beef, a chicken, and a ham and cheese, with a small cup of a house chimichurri dip and a house fry sauce like dip and a house red sauce salsa like dip.

The Ground Beef: The first bit I took was this one and it was so succulent, flavorful and rich. The seasonings were full and it tasted like a best home cooked dish. When I asked her about it she smiled and said “that is my mother’s recipe” No wonder it was so good!

The Chicken: Think of a roasted chicken that is picked and then mixed with seasonings and spices and rolled into a tiny pie for one and that is this one! Again with the richness of the flavors but chicken instead of beef. WOW!!

The Ham and Cheese: The perfect blend of thinly sliced ham with melted cheese, all rolled up into a perfect pastry! Any kid ( young or old) will love this one too!

I tried all of the sauces on all of these and the variety of combinations were all delicious. In the end there were no sauces (or empanadas for that matter!) left at all.

If you want a delightful change of pace for a lunch or dinner that you could find something for every single member of your family, this place will be...

Where flavor and nostalgia meet!

First thing you notice when you walk into Empanada .Co? That big orange couch and the fun Friends references all around—“I’ll Be There for You,” “Central Perk”—such a cool, unexpected touch. You instantly feel welcome.

As we walked up to the counter, the smell of fresh empanadas cooking in the back hit us—and it was amazing.

Here’s what we tried: • Margarita – That mozzarella cheese pull was unreal. I should’ve recorded it because it just kept going! • Meatball • Ground Beef • Ham & Cheese – Their most popular, and I get why. • Chicken – My favorite! Perfectly seasoned with peppers and that flaky crust… chef’s kiss.

Each empanada is stamped with the name of its filling right on the crust, which is such a smart and fun detail—no guessing, just grab and enjoy!

Each one had its own distinct flavor, all wrapped in golden, flaky pastry.

We each had a bottle of Coke from the big glass fridge (love that touch), and I also had a cookie that I inhaled so fast I forgot to catch the name—whatever it was, it was delicious.

We got to chat with who I believe was the owner, who mentioned they drop new empanada flavors every month. Next up? Hawaiian Teriyaki—yes, please! Can’t wait to come back for that.

The vibe is fun, bright, and laid-back. It’s got that local mom-and-pop charm, with plenty of space and easy parking. Super wallet-friendly too, which is always a bonus.

They had some amazing-looking pastries I’ll definitely be back to try.

Bottom line: This place is there for you… especially when you need something flaky, cheesy, and...

Salt Lake City is home to many hidden gems, but Empanada Co. is quickly rising to the top as a standout destination for handcrafted, flavorful empanadas. From the moment we stepped in, it was clear that this isn’t just a grab-and-go spot—it’s a place where every bite tells a story of passion, quality, and craftsmanship.

We had the pleasure of trying several of their empanadas, including the Philly cheese, ground beef, ham and cheese, and shredded beef. With each new flavor, the experience only got better. The dough, perfectly golden and crisp, gives way to fillings that are rich, savory, and deeply satisfying. There was never a doubt that everything here is made in-house, with care and precision.

But the experience didn’t stop there. We also indulged in their Guava and Strawberry Bola pastries, a sweet and flaky treat that perfectly balanced fruitiness and decadence. Their rotating flavors keep things exciting, but be warned—once they sell out, they sell out. These pastries are worth arriving early for.

Speaking with co-owner Adam only confirmed what was already evident: Empanada Co. is on its way to becoming the best empanadería in Utah. With a husband-and-chef-wife duo at the helm, their dedication to quality and authenticity sets them apart.

Whether you’re craving a savory bite or a sweet treat, this is a must-visit. But don’t just take our word for it—go before the best flavors disappear!

11/10—Utah’s new go-to for...