El Porteño

Very good meat pocket. I had their espinacas $7 (spinach, bacon cheese.) It was delicious! It was served warm and without a wait. The ladies at the counter recommended this one. This was my first time here and had no idea what to order. Her commendation was spot on. Good job crew at El Porteno!

Best Empandas I’ve had. The crust is super flaky and filling is delicious. A sauce would have really sealed the deal. A must try!!

What a place, when for a morning coffee and find this amazing coffee shop. Totally retro and old fashioned, the Empanadas where so good, and you must also try the house made alfajores. The store is inside the market place and it is the perfect way to start a morning in San Francisco

+4

Some of the most diverse flavored empanadas freshly made available! We got the carne, camarones, mushroom and banana y Dulce de leche for dessert. All were delectable with such a flavor and buttery crust. My favorite has to be the camarones!

How is one supposed to describe heaven? How is one supposed to quantify perfection? That, dear reader, is exactly what I’m wondering while writing this review. Nothing I write here will ever do these immaculate empanadas justice. Imagine tasting happiness and that is just a sliver of what tasting these empanadas is like. It satisfied every need I’ve ever had. It satisfied needs I didn’t even know I had. If you are within a 20 mile radius and you don’t try every empanada on the menu, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Scratch that, 50 mile radius. This should be on your bucket list. This should be the only thing on your bucket list. You should have a job just to buy these empanadas. If you ever wanted to taste greatness, taste these empanadas.

Great atmosphere great veggie options. The mushroom empanada is 100x better than the spinach one. 3 empanadas will run you $22. You will be full.

I drive all the way from Sebastopol, west Sonoma to get these incredible empanadas!! Are truly magnificent and natural also the alfajores! And the dulce de leche banana empanadas was the best empanada of the world! Thanks!! Una Porteña!!

While in San Francisco for a conference, I stumbled across El Porteño at the Ferry Building Marketplace, and I’m so glad I did! This isn’t a full restaurant—it’s a cozy stand—but don’t let that fool you. The empanadas are out of this world and absolutely deserving of 5 stars. I 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. I 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. If you’re in the area, El Porteño is a must-visit for a quick, authentic Argentine treat. Grab an empanada (or three), enjoy the views, and thank me later!

Stopped by El Porteño with a friend for a quick bite — we didn’t have time to sit down, and this was perfect. The food was ready to go but tasted like restaurant-quality. We tried the beef, chicken, and mushroom empanadas — all absolutely delicious. The crust was perfectly flaky, and the fillings were rich and flavorful. Great spot, friendly staff, and a must-try if you're in SF. I’ll definitely be back!

I loved the variety of filling choices. I started with the Espinacas with spinach, smoky bacon, and parmesean cheese, which was a savory delight. Next, I had the La Maradona, which tasted like the best pizza hot pocket you could imagine, with fresh basil, mozzarella, and tomatoes.

The empanadas were delicious. Got the lamb, shrimp and cheese, and mushroom empanadas. Very fresh, nice texture.

Amazing empanadas Argentinas, you can’t go wrong with these, delicious quick bite that will leave you craving for more.

Wow the pastry was so flaky and the flavors were so rich. We had the Lamb with Malbec and the Carne. Such a layered delicious taste. Can’t recommend enough.

As soon as you walk into the Ferry Building you immediately smell the aroma coming from El Porteno that draws you in! Wow! I like empanadas, but after eating just one from El Porteno, I LOVE them! Flaky, light crust, tasty Carne Empanada which includes onions, green olives, raisins and cage free eggs. 💯 % recommend, & I also recommend that they have a store in Sacramento ☺️😇

I’ve been coming here for years. I’ve never been able to find a better empanada. You MUST come here. This location is in the ferry building, which is so fun to walk around and check out all the little shops. It’s just a counter where you walk up and order, 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. I’ve never had a bad bite from this place, don’t forget to pick up the chimichurri as well!

Just inside the Main entrance of the SF Ferry Building, you'll immediately see the line forming and then the aroma will hit ya. Get yourself in line and begin the difficult process of deciding which ones to walk away with. And that's just the empanadas, now on to dessert! Good luck with that. Banana, chocolate, caramel? Oh my. Highly recommend this place, no matter how long the line, as it does go fast, the service here is incredibly productive. Have your card ready, or they'll be waiting... on you! And how embarrassing that would be, right?!

If you are nearby and want a snack empanada, I think this is a great place to choose. They have a variety of options and I chose the ground beef and veggie filled one as well as the ham and queso filled one. Both were warm, extremely flaky and delicate crust which made it enjoyable to eat and flavorful. I wish I had more of the flavors honestly. I think it would take quite a few to fill you up so I would only go with the expectation that this is either going to be a snack or that you’re gonna have to get several. They’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.

Erin Nichols

Wow the pastry was so flaky and the flavors were so rich. We had the Lamb with Malbec and the Carne. Such a layered delicious taste. Can’t recommend enough.

Alejandro Jaramillo

Amazing empanadas Argentinas, you can’t go wrong with these, delicious quick bite that will leave you craving for more.

Sarah Haight

I’ve been coming here for years. I’ve never been able to find a better empanada. You MUST come here. This location is in the ferry building, which is so fun to walk around and check out all the little shops. It’s just a counter where you walk up and order, 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. I’ve never had a bad bite from this place, don’t forget to pick up the chimichurri as well!

Reza Kaabi

Stopped by El Porteño with a friend for a quick bite — we didn’t have time to sit down, and this was perfect. The food was ready to go but tasted like restaurant-quality. We tried the beef, chicken, and mushroom empanadas — all absolutely delicious. The crust was perfectly flaky, and the fillings were rich and flavorful. Great spot, friendly staff, and a must-try if you're in SF. I’ll definitely be back!

ktzpawz

As soon as you walk into the Ferry Building you immediately smell the aroma coming from El Porteno that draws you in! Wow! I like empanadas, but after eating just one from El Porteno, I LOVE them! Flaky, light crust, tasty Carne Empanada which includes onions, green olives, raisins and cage free eggs. 💯 % recommend, & I also recommend that they have a store in Sacramento ☺️😇

Richard Ward

Just inside the Main entrance of the SF Ferry Building, you'll immediately see the line forming and then the aroma will hit ya. Get yourself in line and begin the difficult process of deciding which ones to walk away with. And that's just the empanadas, now on to dessert! Good luck with that. Banana, chocolate, caramel? Oh my. Highly recommend this place, no matter how long the line, as it does go fast, the service here is incredibly productive. Have your card ready, or they'll be waiting... on you! And how embarrassing that would be, right?!

Mitchell Hanson

If you are nearby and want a snack empanada, I think this is a great place to choose. They have a variety of options and I chose the ground beef and veggie filled one as well as the ham and queso filled one. Both were warm, extremely flaky and delicate crust which made it enjoyable to eat and flavorful. I wish I had more of the flavors honestly. I think it would take quite a few to fill you up so I would only go with the expectation that this is either going to be a snack or that you’re gonna have to get several. They’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.

Jeff Ho

Very good meat pocket. I had their espinacas $7 (spinach, bacon cheese.) It was delicious! It was served warm and without a wait. The ladies at the counter recommended this one. This was my first time here and had no idea what to order. Her commendation was spot on. Good job crew at El Porteno!

Barney Abramson

While in San Francisco for a conference, I stumbled across El Porteño at the Ferry Building Marketplace, and I’m so glad I did! This isn’t a full restaurant—it’s a cozy stand—but don’t let that fool you. The empanadas are out of this world and absolutely deserving of 5 stars. I 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. I 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. If you’re in the area, El Porteño is a must-visit for a quick, authentic Argentine treat. Grab an empanada (or three), enjoy the views, and thank me later!

Swap

Delicious Empanadas in the ferry building! Stopped by here to pick up something simple for lunch. I tried the Fugazetta - it was delicious! It smelled and tasted absolutely delicious! I also tried the banana y dulce de leche. It was good too. If you’re in the area, looking to try Argentinian empanadas or just light, yet good food in general - go here!!

Excellent empanadas. You cannot go wrong. They are all amazing. Alfajores are also fantastic but they are Peruvian style (because in general Argentinian alfajores are not that good). If you are at the ferry building and want something really good and easy, this is one of the best places.

I love grabbing an empanada here when I get off the ferry and go to work. It's hot, fresh, fast, and delicious. I purchased a jar of their chimchurri sauce because I'm so obsessed with it. They have both savory and sweet empanadas.

We came straight from the airport to the Ferry building market and bumped in these great looking empanadas. The girl behind the counter was wonderful: she was our first friendly face in the US and gave us a free dulce de leche empanada. To die for. We 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?

Aimee Sales

I love grabbing an empanada here when I get off the ferry and go to work. It's hot, fresh, fast, and delicious. I purchased a jar of their chimchurri sauce because I'm so obsessed with it. They have both savory and sweet empanadas.

C. W.

We came straight from the airport to the Ferry building market and bumped in these great looking empanadas. The girl behind the counter was wonderful: she was our first friendly face in the US and gave us a free dulce de leche empanada. To die for. We 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?

Pretty yummy, would definitely recommend coming with a group to share the empanadas and try out their selection. Decently priced as well!

Always good. They have specials and I went on the day they had a lamb one which was awesome. They’re a bit rich so you can probably get away with just two. Banana empanada is a must try.

Needs at least one plant-based option, please add something without dairy… good place for vegetarians but if you’re vegan or lactose intolerant nothing to eat ;(((

Pros: Touristy, quick, fun Cons: Not cheap, very salty Even though there might be a line, it moves quick. Everything is already made and just gotta bag and pay. If you're hungry 3 empanadas can fill you up so don't try to get all the different flavors. Carne and Pollo: Skip? Very hearty and salty and the bread was kind of flaccid. Hardly flakey, crispy, or fluffy. The carne wasn't bad but I felt like I needed to chug water in between bites, just savory overload. Champinones: Get! I love mushrooms and this one was nicely creamy and cheesy. It wasn't overly salty like the other two I got and was such a pleasant break from the sodium. Of course, if you don't like the flavor or texture of mushrooms.... Overall, it's a fun little pit stop and I do recommend just coming here and picking out a flavor or two. It's part of the Embarcadero experience lol Food: 5/10 Atmosphere: 7/10 Service: 7/10 Value: 5/10

Heavenly Empanadas! Until a couple of weeks ago I thought I had my Empanada situation under control and then WHAM! I had an El Porteño Cordero Empanada and my Empanadas life was never the same again! El Porteño's Ferry Building location has been there for a long time and I have walked by it often, but never tried anything. Finally, due to the urging of a friend we stopped by and picked up a few, a Cordero, a Carne, a Pollo and a Cereza. I fell in love with their Cordero or Lamb Empanada! The Carne (Beef, onions, green olives, raisins and hard-boiled eggs) is very good too, but what also suprised me, in a good way, was the Cereza. Their Cereza Empanada is filled with black cherries cooked in Malbec and it is a delicious "dessert" Empanada. If I was not worried about the calories, I could have two or three of these every day! Going back to the Cordero Empanada, it is heavenly! I don't know what they put in it, besides the lamb of course, but it is to die for! I just wish we had a good bottle of red wine with us so I could wash more of these down in one visit!

These empanadas were very good, but they are not authentic Argentinian empanadas (I know, I was born there). They are still good on their own versions. A little pricey, even by SF standards. We were ordering at the time they were receiving supplies (plastic tubs with pre-cooked empanadas). This may explain why they were a little on the dry side. I'd recommend getting the extra chimichurri.

+1

The empanadas were good but it has to be eaten warm cannot be saved for later I got 3 Alcegas, Champiñones, and Maradona. They were pricey but I guess they were good for the price. The only thing that I cannot passed without saying something is the fact the Chimichurri was sold separately but any Latino knows empanadas and chimichurri are eaten together. The fact that they are selling it it’s just greedy. I also tried Empanada de Cereza, ok taste. Also, I bought 4 empanadas and to carry out I need it a bag which I got charge without telling me that is a low blow for a customer they should say that is extra to get a bag to transport empanadas. The good thing that I haven’t seen before every empanada got a label to identify them.

Empanadas are just okay, definitely overpriced and not genuinely Argentinian. The dough is flaky and very well done, although again far from a classic empanada from Argentina. Would not line up for 30 minutes for this, only worth it if you're walking by and there's no line.

Michaelangelo Villa

The empanadas were good but it has to be eaten warm cannot be saved for later I got 3 Alcegas, Champiñones, and Maradona. They were pricey but I guess they were good for the price. The only thing that I cannot passed without saying something is the fact the Chimichurri was sold separately but any Latino knows empanadas and chimichurri are eaten together. The fact that they are selling it it’s just greedy. I also tried Empanada de Cereza, ok taste. Also, I bought 4 empanadas and to carry out I need it a bag which I got charge without telling me that is a low blow for a customer they should say that is extra to get a bag to transport empanadas. The good thing that I haven’t seen before every empanada got a label to identify them.

The Travel Reviewer

Empanadas are just okay, definitely overpriced and not genuinely Argentinian. The dough is flaky and very well done, although again far from a classic empanada from Argentina. Would not line up for 30 minutes for this, only worth it if you're walking by and there's no line.

I've been going to get the ferry building for a few weeks in a row now and everytime I'd see a line that would make me stop and say, "Maybe next time". Yesterday we went and there was no line. Service was mediocre at best, the guy kept pushing manzanas like it was the best. I tried: 1. Beef/carne: It was decent but a seasoning gave it a weird after taste. After looking at the website, I think it is the cinnamon. 2. Chicken/pollo: I actually liked this one better and it was balanced. 3. Ham and cheese/ jamon y queso: A little too salty for me. 4. La maradona: This was my favorite. Like a pizza, cheesey, gooey, and flaky crust. 5. Banana dulce de leche: It had all there flavors but nothing special, it was almost sold out I bought the last 2. 6. Manzana: The one the guy kept pushing was literally all raisins no apples. In my opinion, an overhyped place but you gotta try once to judge. If there happens to be a short line, I'll go back for la maradona. I do want to try the fugazetta and espinacas.

These were the best thing I ate in San Francisco. I've visited twice and the food wasn't great both times. We tried this place the last day we were in town and I was pleasantly surprised. The fillings were flavorful and the crust was nice and flaky. They also have a box that can be customized and delivered. My favorite was the spinach and cheese.

S W

These were the best thing I ate in San Francisco. I've visited twice and the food wasn't great both times. We tried this place the last day we were in town and I was pleasantly surprised. The fillings were flavorful and the crust was nice and flaky. They also have a box that can be customized and delivered. My favorite was the spinach and cheese.

Their mushroom one is my favorite! Store has colorful signage , prices are extortionately high because mushrooms are not cheap. But I offered them free ones from my garden, they won’t agree. Mine do put mammals to sleep!

🥟 A Decent Snack, but Ultimately "Just Okay" I recently stopped by El Porteno to try their famous empanadas. While the experience wasn't negative, the food itself landed firmly in the "okay" category for me. They are clearly a well-established and popular option, and I can see why people stop in for a quick bite, but the flavors didn't quite live up to the high expectations I had going in. It just didn't wow me. 👥 Popular for a Reason, but Not for Me It’s obvious that this place has a loyal following, and I respect that everyone’s palate is different. For many, this is a go-to spot, and "to each their own" definitely applies here. However, for my personal taste, the seasoning and overall quality didn't stand out enough to justify a repeat visit. While I’m glad I finally gave them a try to see what the fuss was about, it didn't leave a lasting impression. 🚶‍♂️ Final Verdict: I Likely Won't Return While it’s a perfectly functional spot for a quick snack, I personally won't be heading back. If you aren't particularly picky about your empanadas, you might enjoy these, but if you're a connoisseur looking for the best of the best, you might find these a little underwhelming.

A good varieties but quite pricy for empanadas (> 7.5 each). We tried three items: Lamb empanada, spinach & bacon, and Cameron. The lamb empanada is the best of all, more flavorful. The camaron (shrimp) one tastes a bit bland - not much flavor. The spinach and bacon is fine, just not much bacon. All are very oily from outside - so be careful not to contaminate bags

The food was really good, but it was missing something. What exactly was it missing, I can't say. But it just didn't have that flavor that would have me coming back over and over again. It was missing that something that sets it above all the other empanadas. Would I recommend this place? Yes. Would I go with someone who wanted to try it? Yes. But would I say they set the bar for the absolute best empanadas? No.

They have different locations in the Bay Area but the one we tried was in the Ferry Building. It’s more of a stall than a restaurant and being in the Ferry Bldg, it can be loud and lines can be long because it’s a tourist place. We ordered the classic beef empanadas, prices are on the high side, and (I agree with some reviews ) while it’s good it didn’t really stand out, but just okay.

Sohrob H

🥟 A Decent Snack, but Ultimately "Just Okay" I recently stopped by El Porteno to try their famous empanadas. While the experience wasn't negative, the food itself landed firmly in the "okay" category for me. They are clearly a well-established and popular option, and I can see why people stop in for a quick bite, but the flavors didn't quite live up to the high expectations I had going in. It just didn't wow me. 👥 Popular for a Reason, but Not for Me It’s obvious that this place has a loyal following, and I respect that everyone’s palate is different. For many, this is a go-to spot, and "to each their own" definitely applies here. However, for my personal taste, the seasoning and overall quality didn't stand out enough to justify a repeat visit. While I’m glad I finally gave them a try to see what the fuss was about, it didn't leave a lasting impression. 🚶‍♂️ Final Verdict: I Likely Won't Return While it’s a perfectly functional spot for a quick snack, I personally won't be heading back. If you aren't particularly picky about your empanadas, you might enjoy these, but if you're a connoisseur looking for the best of the best, you might find these a little underwhelming.

Y. A. Zhang

A good varieties but quite pricy for empanadas (> 7.5 each). We tried three items: Lamb empanada, spinach & bacon, and Cameron. The lamb empanada is the best of all, more flavorful. The camaron (shrimp) one tastes a bit bland - not much flavor. The spinach and bacon is fine, just not much bacon. All are very oily from outside - so be careful not to contaminate bags

Benjamin DuFault

The food was really good, but it was missing something. What exactly was it missing, I can't say. But it just didn't have that flavor that would have me coming back over and over again. It was missing that something that sets it above all the other empanadas. Would I recommend this place? Yes. Would I go with someone who wanted to try it? Yes. But would I say they set the bar for the absolute best empanadas? No.

Dut Kasilag

They have different locations in the Bay Area but the one we tried was in the Ferry Building. It’s more of a stall than a restaurant and being in the Ferry Bldg, it can be loud and lines can be long because it’s a tourist place. We ordered the classic beef empanadas, prices are on the high side, and (I agree with some reviews ) while it’s good it didn’t really stand out, but just okay.

I brought 3 types of empanadas and this is my second time to give them a chance before I give my review. The pastries are aweful, oily and filling are a mess. Not going here ever again!! $7 per empanada when it’s not great is a huge waste. I don’t understand how they last at the ferry this long. Save your money and go get something healthier, better quality and cheaper at the ferry to eat!

As of today, we didn't hear from El Porteno. We're including photos here. And all applies, as it was another greasy, half raw experioence...on the weekend. We wonder if it has to do with the volume they produce on weekends? Nonetheless, the quality oversight needs to be maintained. So we recommend Mondays through Thursdays, if you want a cooked selection that isn't sliding through the bag in grease. For now, here's our original writing: What happens when my chef friends devour the El Porteño champinones, acelga,and camarones empanadas….and take a bite out of the humitas and toss them? I too did the latter. In fact, I’m the only vegan in the group. Humors can be made much more interesting. It’s only two ingredients, sweet corn and sweet red peppers. So, 50% of the time that I order them, there is not one red speck to suggest that the sweet red pepper ever landed. Such a disappointing ripoff. That was the case, again, with my friends, the chefs. Too bad you have nothing for vegans, and no imagination to make something as favorably fabulous as your other offerings. Hey, it’s not that hard!

The Fugazzetta (filling: onion, cheese, etc) empanada I ate today at this Ferry Building restaurant was very greasy, and the dough crust was very soft. It was nothing like the tasty and crunchy Argentinian empanadas I ate in several restaurants in Buenos Aires. This restaurant should not call this food "Argentinian empanadas" as their website claims.

We got Maradona and ham and cheese. The Maradona was very spicy, I didn’t know Argentinians like spicy, it’s not mexico. The dough was UNDERCOOKED, and the cheese was bad quality. I got heartburn later that day because of the cheese and I just ate one empanada. Not good 👎

I feel ripped off. Got the ham and cheese empanada and there was literally a piece of ham the size of my pinky in there with maybe a thimble of cheese. I attached a picture because I almost couldn’t believe it. $7.50 for this is OUTRAGEOUS. Do not recommend

Almon White

I feel ripped off. Got the ham and cheese empanada and there was literally a piece of ham the size of my pinky in there with maybe a thimble of cheese. I attached a picture because I almost couldn’t believe it. $7.50 for this is OUTRAGEOUS. Do not recommend