Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events
Argentinian restaurant · Lower East ·

Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events

Argentinian restaurant · Lower East ·

Argentinian empanadas, outdoor seating, live music, and desserts

empanadas
outdoor seating
friendly service
delicious food
great empanadas
live music
beef empanada
chicken empanada
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by Eater - Lists + Maps
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by Eater - Lists + Maps
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null
Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events by null

Information

724 E Haley St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103 Get directions

$10–20

Reserve a table
Order delivery
See Menu
Restroom
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Cozy
Trendy

Information

Static Map

724 E Haley St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103 Get directions

+1 805 679 3320
buenaondasb.com
@buenaondasb

$10–20 · Menu

Reserve a table

Features

•Restroom
•Accepts reservations
•Popular for lunch
•Popular for dinner
•Cozy
•Trendy
•Family friendly
•Good for groups

Last updated

Jan 17, 2026

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The Best Restaurants Along California’s Central Coast, According to Eater Editors | Eater LA

"It might be tempting to take away Buena Onda’s freshly made Argentine empanadas while on the go, but consider sitting in the outdoor dining area that may have live music in the later hours. A dozen empanadas can easily feed four people with compelling flavors like the Caprese empanada stuffed with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. The traditional version with Sunfed Ranch ground beef with onions, bell peppers, olive oil, and boiled egg is always a top choice." - Mona Holmes

https://la.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-central-coast-california
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Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events
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The Best Restaurants in Santa Barbara, According to Eater Editors | Eater LA

"It might be tempting to take away Buena Onda’s freshly made Argentine empanadas to-go, but consider sitting in the charming outdoor dining area. A dozen empanadas can easily feed a group with compelling flavors like the Caprese empanada stuffed with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. The traditional version with Sunfed Ranch ground beef with onions, bell peppers, olive oil, and boiled egg is always a top choice. Check to see if live music is on the schedule, order some wine, and settle in." - Mona Holmes

https://la.eater.com/maps/best-santa-barbara-restaurants-california
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Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events
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Buena Onda Empanadas | Restaurant • Catering • Events

David H.

Google
The empanadas were great. There are three categories of options: meat, veggie abd vegan to choose from. We tried a 12 item selection and mixed. We also tried the "chimi papa's". This side dish was cubed potatoes with a chimichurri aoli sauce. This had a nice atmosphere away from the standard eatery. I would go again. Service was great as well

John W

Google
Overall its a pretty good place. The parking is not great but we were able to get a spot. The empanadas were good. My wife enjoyed the mushroom ones and I enjoyed the Serrano one. My only complaint is that its a bit pricey for the size of the empanadas. But service was good.

Mariano S.

Google
Amazing Argentine food in Santa Barbara! The empanadas and milanesas are my favorites, and you’ve got to try the Dulce de Leche dessert. The patio is a great place to eat, super cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and there’s parking right on-site. Definitely recommend!

Sheldon R

Google
Great empanadas with vegetarian and vegan options. The service was fast and efficient even for a Friday around 5-5:30pm. The ambiance is a vibey place where you can relax and enjoy company from others. They had live music starting at 7pm last Friday. I like how they have outdoor seating with covers to block the sun. We ordered the half dozen special with these flavors: Caprese Hongos Espinaca Fugazetta Papa Vegan Soyrizo I honestly forgot how each one tasted but overall it was 4.5/5. The Beignet Trio was yummy too. My favorite was the hazelnut flavor. Beignet Trio: 4/5

Angie D.

Google
Buena Onda is a nice place, they have mostly outdoor seating and three parking spots. Food is okay, we order a bunch of empanadas but I didn’t think they were out of this world. We order some potato’s as well, they’re tasty but very dry.

M J.

Google
So far this is the Best empanadas I’ve had in California. We have some empanadas in LA but this is the best. Marla our service staff that served us was helpful and friendly. Parking is limited but there are a lot of street parking. This is a must visit if you’re in SB.

Jeffrey A.

Google
We have visited the majority of Argentinian places in Southern California, and there aren't many good ones. This is one we still hadn't visited, and now we wonder what took so long. We came for lunch on a Saturday. When we got there, we were the first ones there, but shortly after, a couple showed up, and they were friendly. The place itself has mostly outdoor seating, and it is beautiful and welcoming. The location is cute, and so is the ambiance. The service we got from every was great, except we weren't brought (or offered to buy) any bread, or anything else, which is expected at Argentine seat down places. Food wise, we got beef empanadas and the milanesa con papas. The empanadas were very good. The size was standard but pricey, though it is probably because of the location. At least they were very good. I liked the beef, which had tons of olives. What I liked was the flavor and the fact that the olives didn't overpower the flavor. I didn't like the milanesa, but my wife thought it was ok. The chimichurri was good, and my daughter and I liked that they carried a spicy version. For dessert, my wife got one of the store bought flavor, but it did seem like they made their own, so we'll get one of those next time. It was good enough that we will be back. We can't wait to come try other food.

Mohana B.

Google
Environment is pretty. Had higher expectations for the empanadas, they could have been a little more flavorful but otherwise would go back
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Marie F.

Yelp
After walking around the Mission, we decided to stop by Buena Onda for lunch since it was nearby. Thank God we did because it was the best lunch we had in Santa Barbara. I never thought I'd be so blown away by little savory pastries. We shared the 3 empi combo with a side salad and the milanesa plate. Out of all the restaurants we tried in Santa Barbara, this was my absolute favorite! I can't wait to visit again just so we could come back to Buena Onda.
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Sanaz S.

Yelp
First and last visit... I had a bad takeout experience here last month. The frustrating thing was that I had asked questions from the woman that took our order, and she confirmed everything. However, she still messed up our order. When I called to let them know the order was wrong, the person I spoke with said they were busy with other customers and to call back after the weekend. What??!! I found it very unprofessional to tell a customer that had just paid and tipped... that they couldn't help me because they needed to tend to new customers. This was REALLY bad customer service. I had to call 5 different times the next week because the people that answered the phone kept telling me the person I needed to speak with wasn't in yet. I left my number and asked for the manager to call me, but each day went by and no call. It was frustrating that I had to call so many times to get the issue resolved and get refunded for the errors. The food also wasn't very good, empanadas were soggy and kind of bland. Won't be returning.
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Manish K.

Yelp
Food was ok but service was awful. They gave our order to another table. Then it took another 15 minutes to get like 3 of our 4 empanadas. They were partially cooked. We got tired of waiting and left without getting our full order. Waitress wanted to charge us for the full order. Really? When I complained she took 3 bucks off the order. Not even a half hearted apology!
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Reta B.

Yelp
I absolutely love their empanadas specifically the mushroom one! Wow I have been here before for yelp event and made it a task to come back! I had their arugula salad which I had enjoyed as well as their chimi papas. I got their combo one and added a salad as well. The mushroom is a must try! I believe their salad are pricy for what you really get as it's small and it didn't have much flavor like it did when I had it previously but willing to go back again and getting more mushroom empanadas.
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Yvette M.

Yelp
This was our last stop before leaving Santa Barbara. Buena Onda has the most delicious Argentinian Empanadas that are freshly made and come with a side of their delicious chimichurri sauce. The empanada menu includes, meat, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free. You'll also find pizza and milanesas on the menu. A full service outdoor seating area was available. But, we opted for takeout. We ordered a dozen and chose Chicken, Carne, the daily special and the surprise winner for us, the vegetarian Hongas empanada. The Hongas included criminal mushrooms, spinach, peppers, red onions and mozzarella. We headed back to Ventura and the empanadas were still piping hot when we ate them. The empanadas are baked to order and it took about 15 minutes. Service was friendly and welcoming. We'll be back during our next visit to Santa Barbara
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Cat N.

Yelp
Friday night, went there to grab a bite , the patio was lively and they had a band playing. Our food was excellent, we both had milanesa with fries and salad, loved their arugula salad with walnuts , dressing is just perfect . Service is good and attentive , water kept coming . I also enjoyed a prosecco cocktail What a great spot for a casual evening date in town , we didn't bring our dogs this time but it's dog friendly. We don't have empanadas this time but I highly recommend those, just the best !
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Chieri W.

Yelp
We hosted a 30ish person party at Buena Onda and it was a vibe!! We're coming in from out of town so we planned the party with the owner Matias via email + phone. We chose a pre fixe menu that included THE best chips and salsa, grilled veggies, a few different empanadas, and a dessert platter! We got the carne, pollo, serrano, and hongos empanadas - they were all soooo good but my personal favorites were the pollo and hongos. The grilled veggies were so delicious, perfectly cooked and you can tell the ingredients were high quality. Everything was absolutely delicious! Matias allowed us to sit under their super cute pergola and we all had an amazing time. The weather was perfect, the service was amazing (shout out Sophia!), the kids loved the live music, and we all really enjoyed our last night in Santa Barbara. Can't wait to go back!

Anastasia M.

Yelp
Our server, Carolina, was wonderful. She was very kind and attentive, regularly checking in with us to make sure everything was okay. The food was delicious (the hongos, in particular, were a favorite). We got the half dozen which was more than enough for two people, both in portion and variety. The desserts were also really good and a nice note to end the meal on. The space was cozy but spacious enough to fit several large parties. The music was not too loud or disruptive, and the decor was pretty. All in all, will definitely stop by Buena Onda's again.
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Sheldon R.

Yelp
Great empanadas with vegetarian and vegan options. The service was fast and efficient even for a Friday around 5-5:30pm. The ambiance is a vibey place where you can relax and enjoy company from others. They had live music starting at 7pm last Friday. I like how they have outdoor seating with covers to block the sun. We ordered the half dozen special with these flavors: Caprese Hongos Espinaca Fugazetta Papa Vegan Soyrizo I honestly forgot how each one tasted but overall it was 4.5/5. The Beignet Trio was yummy too. My favorite was the hazelnut flavor. Beignet Trio: 4/5
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Monica C.

Yelp
Buena Onda is a place I kept hearing about, so I decided to pay them a visit for lunch! The area is very inviting, however parking can be a bit tough. Aside from their empanadas, they also sell baked goods inside a glass case which welcomes you as soon as you enter. We ordered the breakfast empanada along with the mushroom and spinach. It came with a side if the chimi papas. Our food came out in a timely manner and seemed to be prepared fresh. I thought the empanadas were just ok. They were smaller in sized compared to what I am used to and tasted like hot pockets , and most of the chimi papas were burnt. I wasn't really blown away like I thought I'd be. Overall, I am glad I got to try them out, but im in no rush to come back.
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Mary S.

Yelp
I've been lucky enough to visit this restaurant several times, and each visit has been a great experience. It's delightful to see how it's evolved over time, every time I go something has changed just a bit. This time, I finally decided to leave a review because I realized I hadn't done so earlier, and honestly, it's well deserved. The empanadas are genuinely some of the best I've had , the potatoes are addicting with the aïoli and chimichurri sauce on them. Always complimented with a beer, which is nice and I just appreciate is the cozy atmosphere. I definitely look forward to my next visit.
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puja s.

Yelp
0/10 for the service. Ordered some veggie empanadas and arugula salad. They messed up our order and it resulted in a 20ish minute wait to get any food. The empanadas finally got to our table NOT fully done nor were they crispy on the outside. When I complained to the waitress she seemed to blame her team (the kitchen) for getting it wrong. No apologies were forthcoming.
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Rob S.

Yelp
Came here at a very off hour - 3pm - for a late lunch. Quaint and ample patio seating. Service was fast and excellent. I ordered the 3 empanada plate with side salad (other choice is their potato dish). I chose a beef, spicy beef, and a tomato & cheese empanada. The meat ones were tasty. The tomato & cheese wasn't one I would order again. You can also take home a box with 6 or 12 empanadas. They also offer frozen empanadas to go.
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Vince P.

Yelp
Buena Onda is a true gem in the SB area serving up some authentic and freshly made Argentinian empanadas. This spot is located in a neighborhood area with a small parking lot with like 3-4 spots available. To get here, street parking will most likely be your best bet. Reservations are welcome, but they also accept walk ins as well. Wifey and I stopped by for lunch around 12pm and were seated right away. They have indoor seating or a very nice spacious patio area with lots of seating as well. For their menu, they have a great selection of different empanadas, milanesas, pizzas, and side dishes to choose from. We opted for a half dozen empanadas consisting of the Carne, Pollo, Serrano, Special, Hongos, and Buen Dia along with the Chimi Papas as a side dish. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience here and the ambiance of the spot. The food was packed full of flavor and every bite was as delicious as the last! The authentic Argentinian flavors and flare really shined through. All of the staff here are very friendly and welcoming. If you are ever in the SB area, this spot is a must try!
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Maria D.

Yelp
Buena Onda is a nice place, they have mostly outdoor seating and three parking spots. Food is okay, we order a bunch of empanadas but I didn't think they were out of this world. We order some potato's as well, they're tasty but very dry.
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Victoria S.

Yelp
Great food, friendly quick service, cute outdoor seating area with shade & affordable prices. First time visiting, our favorite was the beef empanada, chicken empanada was good, caprese empanada & beignets were only ok. The house-made lemonade & garden salad were refreshing. Will definitely return the next time we're in the area.
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Lianna M.

Yelp
First time dining in and I was very satisfied! I've had their empanadas at other establishments, but their sit in restaurant is a way better experience. Nice outdoor seating and kind attentive wait staff! We ordered the milanesa sandwich with salad, the three empanada combo plate with chimi papas, their dulce de leche cheesecake and the coppa al limone dessert. The three empanadas we ordered were the serrano, buen dia, and the daily special. My favorite was the serrano. I liked the amount of cheese in it and the prosciutto gave it a good savory flavor. The buen dia was a great choice for brunch. The chimi papas were really good! Had a slight amount of spice to it which I liked. They were in the salty side, but the empanadas weren't too salty so the meal was balanced. The milanesa was okay. Didn't have any stand out flavors like the other food items had. I liked the bread that it was on! The desserts were amazing! I'm so glad we decided to try a couple out. Their cheese cake was so good and the dulce de leche made it even better. I liked how much crust there was! The coppa al limone was a contrast to the cheesecake and that's what made it so good! Nice acidity to it and it wasn't too sweet. Our waiter was very nice and accommodating! Great experience overall.
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Deanna T.

Yelp
Buena Onda means "good vibes" and it's certainly discernible when one steps foot towards this family-owned restaurant that celebrates its Argentine food and culture in an unassuming setting oozing California coolness and laid-back ambiance. The empanadas here are pretty hefty with each hand-held pastry packed full of flavor. Empanadas eaten: Carne (beef), Hongos (Crimini mushrooms), Pollo (chicken), Gaucho (brisket beef), Serrano (Prosciutto ham), and Batata (sweet potato). Definitely recommend the Gaucho, Batata and Pollo. Notes: - Only three parking spots on the private lot, but otherwise must find street parking - Really beautiful courtyard seating area that's dog-friendly - They also host live musical performances - Empanadas are baked to order and differentiated by how they are folded - Many varieties of empanadas to choose from the authentic Argentinian versions to ones influenced by Californian and Italian cuisine - Tasty chimichurri dipping sauce comes with order of empanadas - Maintains maximum flavor when re-heated - Vegan/vegetarian options also offered - Catering available for any event - Open Tuesday through Sunday at 11 AM. Closed Monday. Already looking forward to the day we return to Santa Barbara just so that we could dine there instead of inside our car! Bless my partner for taking the reins in finding this awesome lunch spot when I wasn't feeling well and ordering half a dozen to try. Can't wait to taste the other empanadas.
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Patille L.

Yelp
When I'm in Santa Barbara I have to have Buena Onda. The BEST empanadas I've ever had. When I tell you the best I'm not exaggerating I mean it. Every flavor I've ordered has impressed me more than the other. I've tried numerous flavors those include chicken, carne, kale vegan, cheese prosciutto, and the breakfast one. Last weekend they had a corn special and I also tested that one. All were fantastic my all time favorites are the chicken and the breakfast empanadas. Even the potato's that came with the empanadas were fantastic. Service was great and so was the ambiance. They have happy hr from 2-5 and $2 off on drinks. If your ever in SB you need to go to buena onda!!
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Shalini P.

Yelp
Amazing food and great empanadas!! The ambiance is so chill. Service is great! Sofia is amazing!

Joey P.

Yelp
VEGAN OPTIONS!!!!! Great service and place to sit and eat. Great vegan options. We had both empanadas that were vegan and they tasted great. Their potatoes are second to none, especially with their chimichuri sauce. I would highly recommend this place and will return.
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Matthew R.

Yelp
I would give this place zero stars if I could. My experience at Buena Onda was absolutely pathetic from start to finish. I was expecting a decent meal, but what my family got was a total disaster. The food was a joke, cold, flavorless, underfilled, and definitely not worth the price. It felt like they didn't even care what they were sending out of the kitchen, because when my oldest daughter took a bite of her meat empanada, she found a fake nail along with small plastic contaminants in the chimichurri sauce!! WTF, along with all that, they have all their empanadas frozen from weeks ago, nothing there is made fresh! Not even the simplest desserts, they were all frozen and from Cheesecake Factory, but the worst part of the entire night wasn't even the bad food, it was the service. The manager, Matias, is hands down the rudest person I have ever encountered in the hospitality industry in 35 years of being in the Santa Barbara community. When I tried to politely bring up an issue with our order, he was incredibly condescending and acted like I was inconveniencing him just by being there. He was dismissive, arrogant, and had zero professional bone in his body. He continued to speak over me and my wife. He didn't offer a single apology or attempt to make things right, he just made the situation worse with his terrible attitude. This guy is a loose cannon. Then, making my family get up and leave! A restaurant is only as good as its leadership, and with Matias in charge, Buena Onda is a sinking ship. Save your money and your sanity and go literally anywhere else. If you want real, authentic Argentinian food, you will have to go to LA or Argentina. This place is a joke, Maradona and Messi would be ashamed!
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Serena C.

Yelp
Cute spot for great empanadas. It's nestled in a neighborhood so the area is a little unassuming, but the restaurant itself is adorable. I loved the outdoor patio seating. The hubs and I ordered a half dozen to share and enjoyed our tasting experience. From what I can remember... - Buen Dia: breakfast empanada that ended up being my favorite. Very savory and delicious, bursting with flavor - Chile Verde: this was a special during our visit and our second fave! - Carne: classic ground beef empanada that was a solid choice - Chicken: shredded chicken, I personally didn't love this one, but it still tasted good and wasn't dry - Caprese: kinda like a mini calzone, but this one wasn't super special IMO - Hongos: another solid option, but felt a little overpowered by the mozarella for my personal taste Overall - a great spot that I'd visit again if I'm ever in SB!
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Elaine L.

Yelp
This place is absolutely gorgeous! While it's a little hard to find since it's not on the main drag of Santa Barbara, it's well worth the effort. The ambiance is incredibly charming and gives off a cozy yet vibrant vibe. We sat in the outdoor area, which is lush, green, and simply beautiful. It reminded me so much of Argentina--it truly transported me back to my travels there. The empanadas were out of this world! We tried the beef, carne, and vegetarian options, and all of them were absolutely delicious and authentic. Each bite was packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. I also tried the Argua salad, which was refreshing and elevated by an amazing lemon vinaigrette. It was light, zesty, and complemented the meal perfectly. The service was excellent--friendly and attentive without being overbearing. I can absolutely see myself coming back here often. Highly recommend this hidden gem!
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Lovella A.

Yelp
Believe the 5 stars on this one! I look forward to coming here when we're in the area. It's a great snack or quick bite! They have an awesome outdoor patio too if you decide to dine in, but we usually order them to go. They have a variety of empanadas, even a gluten free option. I suggest getting a half dozen to try a variety. They give you a paper showing you how to differentiate each flavor which I think is pretty thoughtful! Their empanadas are made fresh and their fillings are pretty generous. I enjoy the Serrano and spinach empanada the most. Don't forget the chimichurri sauce either!
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Christina D.

Yelp
Such a cute spot with super delicious empanadas! I found the meat to be well-cooked & very flavorful, & the side salad was great with their dressing & super fresh. Outdoor seating area was extremely pretty & relaxing, & the staff was friendly & attentive! Definitely a great spot to visit if you're in the mood for empanadas!
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Rachel M.

Yelp
In town for the weekend this past July. We searched yelp for some suggestions. Extremely happy to find an authentic emapanadas in the area. Located on a nice quiet street. Inviting outdoor patio area. We ordered the half dozen of the chicken, carne, and caprese. A side of arugula salad and the Pappas. Such flavor in everything we decided on. Mouth watering when I think about it. Definitely a must visit if you like the flavor of authentic Argentine empanadas. Service was very attentive even though it was quite busy. Cannot wait to travel to Santa Barbara again knowing that this place will definitely on our return visit.
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C. C.

Yelp
The food, portions & customer service were excellent! The offering appealed to our entire party, especially those who are vegetarians. We tried all of the empanadas and they were all delicious. It is definitely a must try if you are in Santa Barbara.

German S.

Yelp
This is a must-try, cute, charming spot if you're in the area! The empanadas were amazing. The flavors brought me back home. We had originally ordered to go, but the empanadas smelled so good that we couldn't resist sitting down to enjoy them fresh and hot. The staff were warm and welcoming, making us feel instantly comfortable. Bonus points for refilling my hot water thermo for mate. This place represents Argentina well!
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Brandon R.

Yelp
Honestly I had been here once before and let me tell you these have to be some of the most delicious empanadas I've ever had. A bit windy but quiet and super friendly staff. This is a place you CANNOT skip. Super delicious ended it with a brownie for dessert
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Chariya S.

Yelp
I ordered take out from Buena Onda for a quick snack/lunch on Saturday, and I was not disappointed! We tried 4 different empanadas and they were mostly very good. They came out warm and freshly baked--I was so satisfied even though they were $4.25 each. Worth every dollar! They have a beautiful outdoor seating area, and 2 spotting spots inside their lot. We did take out so they actually brought our order to our car outside. You can place your online order through their website. Customer service was great!
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Sue H.

Yelp
Takeout lunch by myself, waited on the sunny patio briefly for my order. I was super excited to try the gluten free empanadas with a crust of almond flour and mozzarella. This style pie is only available as carne with ground beef, peppers and olives, or hongos with mushrooms, peppers, onions and cheese. I ordered a combo with one of each style pie and a side salad. I say pie because the gf empanadas are a round fluted tart shap, open faced and about the size of my palm. They were both flavorful and delicious. I could have eaten more! I mostly devoured them in the car on the drive back to my hotel, then enjoyed the salad on the patio. A super duper little side salad with fresh greens, tomatoes and walnuts with a tangy vinaigrette. Very satisfying and I highly recommend!
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Justin L.

Yelp
Came here because I love empanadas, and well, that's why. Need to eat lunch, right? Place is located on a dead stretch of Haley st, however they do a good job of separating the outdoor area with plants and a bar. I was hungover so didn't drink, and just got a Mexican coke. Service was great. Got the lunch special with 2 empanadas and chimi pappas. Tried the carne and pollo to keep things simple. The pollo was the best chicken empanada I've had. Great pastry, good amount of filling too. The carne was a bit skimpy on the beef but good otherwise. They were really generous with the potatoes to the point that I wish I got the salad instead, or just another empanada. Would come back for takeout and just get the empanadas. Wish they had a bigger menu.
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Nohemy C.

Yelp
Years later and it is still wonderful! Everything tastes fresh, homemade, and high quality. My kid loved their pizza which tasted like a bakery style pizza I used to eat in Davis. I loved their pollo empanada and the chimi papas. Their chimichurri sauces are bomb, especially the spicy one. I could literally put it on everything and they need to sell it jarred up to go. We sat outside on a rainy Tuesday but the server was super nice even though we were the only ones dining in. Before you go, try the beignets!
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Peter M.

Yelp
On this train day trip from the SFV to Santa Barbara, my eyes were on Buena Onda, to try the artisan baked, Argentinian Empanadas. It was a cool and overcast day, so sitting at the beautiful tables outside was a no brainer. You are in a nice environment that is colorful with vegetation and flowers. And the ambiance is just right. So I took my time. First a beverage, over a period of close to an hour and then I ordered the Buen Dia (Bacon and Egg) empanada. All the empanadas here are baked, with a nice outer brown coloring and fresh bite. They are hand filled, put on a conveyor belt where they are hand sealed and baked down stream. The Buen Dia filling was tasty. The accompanying chimichurri sauce was superb. I ordered half a dozen more to bring back to the Valley. They were, two more of the Buen Dia and one each of the Carne, Pollo, Caprese and Hongos. They were all good, however I found it difficult to tell which Empanada was which (with the ones I had, except for the Caprese) even though there was a cheat sheet. The shapes and markings need to be non-ambiguous, to make it easier for selection before eating.
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Leonor M.

Yelp
Empanadas are the bomb! I ordered the Caprese and the Beef empanadas with their delicious potatoes. The server (Julie?) was friendly and helpful on helping me decided on my dessert which was soooo delicious. Cool sitting place outside.
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Divya J.

Yelp
Really good empanadas!! We got the half-dozen for $25; two each of : Hongos (5/5): probably my most favorite of the lot Espinaca (4/5): the right amount of cheese! Vegana (4/5): quite liked the vegan cream cheese. We also got the chimmi papas- pretty much just roasted potatoes but their sauces were excellent!! Service was fairly quick. Loved the ambience. 3 parking spots (pretty tight) on-site. Free street parking on streets perpendicular to Haley.
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Arturo M.

Yelp
In the case of the people versus Buena Onda, the verdict is: over-rated and overpriced. Had dinner here with a group 12 family members, and it seemed from the start that the since waiters were already "guaranteed" an 18% gratuity they just weren't interested in taking care of us or making our dinner special. They got several items in our order wrong. They were slow, and when we asked if they could open an umbrella for us to shade us, they told my brother in law he could it himself. Wtf? Really? And then there's the uninspired Argentinian food... Messi and Maradona would be ashamed. We ordered a dozen of various kinds to share, and they are basically all the same - just stuffed with cheese and very little else. We also ordered items like a pizza that could be confused with Red Baron's, and fries could also have been picked up in the same freezer aisle. They think they're cute and clever by making the empanadas' filling coded with different shapes. Are you kidding me? They look more like play doh kindergarten arts and crafts than 5-star empanadas! They're guilty of pretending to be something they're not, and sadly, Santa Barabara foodies are so desperate to have good empanadas that they've turned this mediocre restaurant into nothing but a 5-star façade. Also, the parking sucks.
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Mateo W.

Yelp
Amazing empanadas. Super friendly staff. They gave us extra food just to apologize for the slightly long wait. A warm, fire lamp'ed outdoor seating area that was a great vibe to sit down and eat a dinner with friends. Highly recommend!

Susana L.

Yelp
Good food, good service, ambiance was good, specially because we sat outside near the water fountain
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Anh D.

Yelp
The staff was amazing and friendly and speak Spanish. Parking: mostly street parking; there are 2 parking spots on their lot It's a pretty small interior: 1 side is like a bakery/pick up and the other is a single restroom. All the tables and seating are outdoors; there are heat lamps and some umbrellas/coverings. Food: the empanadas are baked and are delicious. They also come with regular (or you can ask for spicy) chimichurri. I really enjoyed it and see myself returning.
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tina h.

Yelp
Buena Onda was such a cute outdoor space upon arrival. Located on a quiet block but as you approach there's string lights above and live music entertainment. (Live music only on Fridays) We waited to be seated and a waitress told us we can pick any available tables. Side note: the restaurant is entirely outdoor, so if you're there during the evenings remember to grab your jacket. The menu reflected that empanadas were their specialties so we had to give them a go. They did not disappoint at all - in fact they may be some of the best I've had. The pastry shell was the star to me while you had your pick of any fillings from meats, veggie to even vegan options. It's such a cute casual spot to catch up with a friend or go on a date. I recommend if you're in the SB area and are looking for some delicious empanadas with a cozy vibe.
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Teruhisa O.

Yelp
We wanted to try this place since they opened. Finally the day is came. Really nice outside seating and lovely. Very attentive service too. We tried the 5 kinds of empanadas. All of them are really good, well balanced! Our server Martin was very good server! Definitely we will be back try something else!
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Greg J.

Yelp
Meh. Milanese was dry and overcooked. Empanada has way too much cheese and almost no prosciutto. Also my empanada was half the size as the other one sent to other tables. Only outside seating from what I saw.
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Sara W.

Yelp
Very nice empanadas! The restaurant was also very cute & Instagrammable. Staff was rly fast & friendly as well!
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Suzanne W.

Yelp
This is def a casual eatery. Parking is along the street. You'll hear the restaurant before you see it haha since they seem to have live music regularly. It's a bit loud so I don't think it would be a good place to try getting to know someone ie first dates. The empanadas were pretty good. We got the half dozen- beef, gaucho, chicken, caprese, spinach, and mushroom. I appreciate that they have just as many vegetarian and vegan options as meat ones, however I found the vegetarian fillings somewhat lacking in flavor. The mushroom one had very few actual mushrooms and had a strong bell pepper taste. My boyfriend enjoyed the meat filled ones and we both agreed that their pastry portion was well done, soft but hearty. The potatoes with chimichurry were really good and I'm happy we got them!
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Sam N.

Yelp
The food and ambiance were absolutely amazing!! We ordered a dozen empanadas for 4-5 of us and all of them were soo delicious. Definitely recommend the special/gaucho! Our server, Marla, was so wonderful and helpful, she really made the experience!!
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Cecelia H.

Yelp
Empanadas are delicious and service was okay! Cute little outdoor spot! Looks like they do live music which is cool! The drink was very average, probably wouldn't get again. Took a star off because my friend I went with asked if she could get fries instead of the potatoes/salad that comes with the combo and the waiter said they would ask and instead of coming back they automatically put the potatoes with her dish. I have to say they are really good but would have been nice to come back and ask what she would have preferred
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Elisa H.

Yelp
Cute, cute little restaurant with the most delicious empanadas! We happened to be in Santa Barbara and wanted to pick up a few to take home. The gentleman taking our order was very friendly, explaining the choices. Empanadas are available freshly baked, half baked or frozen, by the dozen, half dozen or individual. We chose 4, a corn, chicken, quinoa and spinach. In just a few minutes, the empanadas were boxed and ready to go along with a delicious side chimichurri. Noticed a darling patio out front with heaters if one wanted to eat there. Needless to say, the aroma filled the car and the freshly baked hot empanadas never made it home, Without exception, they were delicious! Another great find to visit next time we are in the area.