La Uchireña

"The Dish: Empanada De Cazón Y Plátano We’re not looking to get into an international empanada debate. We’ll leave that between Argentina, Colombia, and Venezuela. But not highlighting La Uchireña’s Venezuelan empanadas feels wrong. The empanadas are crispy and soft, like goose down in freshly starched pillow covers. Our favorite is the salty/sweet cazón y plátano. They’re fried to order, so you might have to wait 15 minutes. But that just gives you an excuse to check out the City Market Express next door, where you can buy Venezuelan snacks you haven’t had since your last trip to Caracas." - virginia otazo, ryan pfeffer, mariana trabanino

"The consistently long queue at this small takeout-only spot in a Doral strip mall is a testament to its popularity. Offering 18 different empanadas, these are considered the real deal by Venezuelans yearning for a taste of home. The empanada de cazón (shark) is a big win for those missing the beachside town of El Palito, known for its many roadside stands selling the favorite treat." - Alona Martinez

"This little spot in Doral is not a dine-in restaurant (at least not anymore), so don’t walk through the door or they’ll tell you to walk right out. But there is a ventanita where you can order what we think are Miami’s best Venezuelan empanadas. You’re going to wait at least fifteen minutes for these golden pockets of greatness, so call and order ahead or enjoy a chicha while you wait. The empanadas are both crispy and soft, like goose down in freshly starched pillow covers. Our favorite is the salty/sweet cazon y platano. They have other options like arepas, burgers, and cachapas. But it’s mostly just a great place to pick up a giant empanada, bring it back to the office, and make everyone there incredibly jealous. " - Virginia Otazo