VIVA Empanadas

Wonderful dinner. The food was amazing---fresh and different. The prices were very good for large portions. My cocktail was well balanced. The atmosphere was perfect, with beautiful decor and soft Latin music in the background. I will definitely be back with from.

Finally got out to Viva Empanadas Albany location and DAMN!!! Amaaaazing!! Never really had Empanadas so I jumped right in and got the Viva Special and chose the Spicy Chorizo, Cuban Beef, and Chicken Sofrito. The Beef was without a Doubt my favorite of the trio but all were excellent! Their chipotle sauce truly elevated the flavors as well. The rice and beans was also very good! And finished it off with their Spanish Flan. Outstanding!! For a cocktail I enjoyed their Coconut Mojito and it was the perfect match for the meal. Very, VERY excited to go back! Beautiful atmosphere and very welcoming.

My husband picked this place since we were staying nearby, wow, the rotisserie chicken was really good, the meat was juicy, skin was crispy and it was overall very flavorful; definitely a must order dish. Also the Spanish Flan was so silky, smooth and creamy, we were really full from our meals, but since it was highly recommended, we made the best decision ever by ordering it. Also the staff were really nice and I believe the establishment deserves more customers.

We love Viva Empanadas! And while the empanadas are absolutely awesome, we like to come here for their ceviche and steak and seafood dishes. They have a great wine list - we love the Rioja! And great sangria and mojitos! The flavors are all spot on and very approachable for any picky eaters. I am gluten free and this is the widest range of gluten free foods available in downtown Albany! The staff is super friendly and helpful in deciding what to get and explaining each dish. And we always get their tres leches for dessert - it is our favorite! Definitely check them out for lunch or dinner when you are downtown!

Eric Martínez

The food was very delicious. We had the Viva Special - your choice of 3 empanadas with yellow rice and black beans - and the Cuban Ropa Vieja - stewed flank steak with yellow rice, black beans, and sweet plantains. A side of yucca fries added to the experience. These dishes do not disappoint! The tres leches dessert was the perfect way to end the meal. Highly recommended!

Jerri Sullivan

Welcomed upon entry and nicely walked 2 old people through the menu…thank you! I had the Empanada dinner with rice and beans. Beef with raisins and olives my favorite. The spinach and mozzarella was right up there with it. Chicken was abundantly full, but slightly dry,,,,, but that’s the nature of the beast isn’t it?? My husbands Cuban sandwich was huge and filled with several meats. He could only eat half, so it is shareable. Chocolate martinis are my specialty @ home, almost as good as my shake at home. Exterior painting is bright and unexpected, LOVED it. I had pink and paisley walls 35 years ago. Will return again. Pricing is ver fair.

Heather Maltby

This place was awesome all around! We got the avocado salad and two orders of the viva empanadas (d’verde, Colombianita, spicy chorizo and yuca). The food was fresh, flavorful and the service was efficient. The atmosphere is also very nice. I would highly reccomend checking it out!

Melissa Homner

We really enjoyed the atmosphere but the food was fantastic. The flavors were amazing. Best empanadas we have had. The churros are a must! Everything was freshly made and so tasty. Highly recommend.

Zaya Koegel

A restaurant so full of heart right in downtown Albany. Went here on a date night and received attentive and warm service from the waitstaff. The food… don’t get me started. The ceviche was so juicy with addictive citrus flavor and deliciously presented. The empanadas, of course, you MUST try them. An assortment of crusts to choose from, as well as fillings. Crunchy with soft and flavorful interior. We got a half dozen assortment. Totally worth it. Please visit, you won’t regret it. Pictured is interior and the shrimp ceviche.

Josh Seeley

Viva Empanadas in Albany just made my day! LOVE the food here and the ambience is perfect for a stylish date or cocktail after work. I got the Peruvian chicken with rice and beans for lunch and it was popping with delicious flavor. Beautiful presentation, wonderful flavors that felt like a fiesta for my tastebuds, all perfectly executed. It’s been too long since I’ve been impressed and excited about a meal from a restaurant. This place is legit! Peruvian chicken is everything, but I need to try their ceviche! I will be back soon, this time with my beautiful wife. She’ll love this place.

Joseph Stacey

This is a delicious and delightful place to enjoy a meal. The staff were super friendly and accommodating. The owner personally came to check on us. The meals were excellent. The flan was out of the world. Everyone in our group was impressed by all aspects of our meal. Highly recommend. Many gluten free options as well vegetarian fare. But plenty of meat options as well. A well rounded menu.

Aleks

Such a cozy place. We had to wait quite a while for the food, but we weren’t in a rush. Always happy to see so many gluten-free items on the menu. The empanadas were really good and very crunchy

Jimmy Siermine

Wow. Absolutely incredible. The rotisserie chicken was sensational. Biblical. Empanadas were also incredible. Service was amazing. Nicest people.

Steven Edmister

Finally got out to Viva Empanadas Albany location and DAMN!!! Amaaaazing!! Never really had Empanadas so I jumped right in and got the Viva Special and chose the Spicy Chorizo, Cuban Beef, and Chicken Sofrito. The Beef was without a Doubt my favorite of the trio but all were excellent! Their chipotle sauce truly elevated the flavors as well. The rice and beans was also very good! And finished it off with their Spanish Flan. Outstanding!! For a cocktail I enjoyed their Coconut Mojito and it was the perfect match for the meal. Very, VERY excited to go back! Beautiful atmosphere and very welcoming.

Kate Fitzpatrick

Loved the food! The ceviche was a highlight in an all-around excellent meal, and the flan was a perfect finish. The decor refresh is lovely and the staff was welcoming and attentive.

Carla Agama Naranjo

Viva empanadas is THE place to go for amazing flavors, handcrafted empanadas with gluten free options, and fantastic mojitos and margaritas flavors such as coconut $ passion. I tried the ceviche and the blackberry mojito made with pure blackberry pulp and it was so flavorful. Food, drinks, and the tres leches cake was pure joy. Attentive and caring service and the atmosphere was lovely. I will definitely recommend to my family and friends. Thank you for a wonderful dinner experience.

Katrina Chelnokov

The food, service and the atmosphere is lovely! I got their lunch special, your choice of two empanadas that come with yellow rice, beans and pico for $12. I chose the spinach and cheese as well as the classic cheese which was fantastic! I also got a red sangria which Veronica suggested when I asked which one I should get with my food. It was a super refreshing drink and she was a breath of fresh air. Such a positively lovely person! I'll definitely be coming back again soon.

dana

Love popping into Viva Empanadas especially when taking in a show at Empire Live, Empire Underground or The Palace Theater. Everything has been delicious and handmade to order, so plan to be there with plenty of time before your event. The staff is friendly, the menu is amazing and the location is convenient for a great night out. Can't wait to go back!

Jen Sunderlin Morton

Wonderful dinner. The food was amazing---fresh and different. The prices were very good for large portions. My cocktail was well balanced. The atmosphere was perfect, with beautiful decor and soft Latin music in the background. I will definitely be back with from.

Cam to Albany for the weekend and found Viva Empanadas on my search for Latin food locations near the hotel. Food was amazing! Environment was so welcoming and bright. Came with my 14 year old son and husband. My son had the Bandeja Paisa and he ate the entire thing. Definitely recommend this place. Thank you for the great food and service.

Great little place with amazing authentic food. Being from Texas my bar is retry high for anything with a Mexican/Spanish feel to it and this definitely hits the spot. Would definitely be coming again when I visit from Glens Falls.

Next time you're in the mood for latin food, run, don't walk here. Everything is home made. Each empanada was better than the next, and both the chicken paella and skirt steak were phenomenal. Top tier plantains as well. Service was friendly and it's beautiful inside. Come support this awesome and delicious local business.

I visited with three other adults and my 3-year-old son, and we all had an amazing experience. We ordered the spinach and cheese empanadas, Cuban beef empanadas, mashed potato empanadas, bandeja paisa, and the Spanish chicken paella. The food came out quickly and every single dish was outstanding. The empanadas were especially delicious, and both dipping sauces were fantastic. I would absolutely go back and highly recommend this place!

Chelsea Macchiarelli

I visited with three other adults and my 3-year-old son, and we all had an amazing experience. We ordered the spinach and cheese empanadas, Cuban beef empanadas, mashed potato empanadas, bandeja paisa, and the Spanish chicken paella. The food came out quickly and every single dish was outstanding. The empanadas were especially delicious, and both dipping sauces were fantastic. I would absolutely go back and highly recommend this place!

Jesse Cimino

Next time you're in the mood for latin food, run, don't walk here. Everything is home made. Each empanada was better than the next, and both the chicken paella and skirt steak were phenomenal. Top tier plantains as well. Service was friendly and it's beautiful inside. Come support this awesome and delicious local business.

Food is absolutely delicious. I have dined in on numerous occasions, gotten take out, and catered a work event. The Cuban/Chicken/Vegan empandas, Rotisserie Chicken, Cuban sandwich, yucca fries, tropical lemonade, watermelon juice, and flan are to die for. The margaritas are a hit. The atmosphere is welcoming and there is a variety of seating. The service at times can be a bit slow but the food is made well and its delicious.

The inside was colorful with lots of open seating and a bar. I ordered the empanadas dinner which comes with a choice of 3 empanadas and rice and beans. All 3 empanadas were so tasty. I really loved the garnish that came with the rice.

La Vashia Luckey

Food is absolutely delicious. I have dined in on numerous occasions, gotten take out, and catered a work event. The Cuban/Chicken/Vegan empandas, Rotisserie Chicken, Cuban sandwich, yucca fries, tropical lemonade, watermelon juice, and flan are to die for. The margaritas are a hit. The atmosphere is welcoming and there is a variety of seating. The service at times can be a bit slow but the food is made well and its delicious.

Tierney Kilgariff

The inside was colorful with lots of open seating and a bar. I ordered the empanadas dinner which comes with a choice of 3 empanadas and rice and beans. All 3 empanadas were so tasty. I really loved the garnish that came with the rice.

Angel Luang

My friends and I came for lunch today (Saturday at 1 PM). The atmosphere is very pretty and quaint. The waiter was nice, but forgetful. We ordered waters for the table that wasn’t brought out until AFTER we received our meals. We had to remind him. Half way through, we realized he also forgot to give us our sauces. The food was fine. I got the Cuban beef and spinach empanadas. Spinach was delicious, but the beef was too salty. The rice was terrible and borderline undercooked. It was so hard that I couldn’t even eat it. Plus it lacked any flavor. Probably would not come back again, maybe for cocktails.