La Uchireña

Venezuelan restaurant · Doral

La Uchireña

Venezuelan restaurant · Doral

3

7878 NW 52nd St, Doral, FL 33166

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Highlights

Venezuelan eatery with 18 varieties of empanadas  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Eater

7878 NW 52nd St, Doral, FL 33166 Get directions

lauchirena.com
@lauchirenarapidfood

$10–20 · Menu

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7878 NW 52nd St, Doral, FL 33166 Get directions

+1 305 599 9399
lauchirena.com
@lauchirenarapidfood

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 23, 2025

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@infatuation

20 Iconic Dishes That Define Miami

"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

https://www.theinfatuation.com/miami/guides/iconic-miami-food
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@eater

The 10 Best Empanadas in Miami, Florida | Eater Miami

"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

https://miami.eater.com/maps/best-empanadas-miami-map-guide
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@infatuation

La Uchireña Review - Doral - Miami - The Infatuation

"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

https://www.theinfatuation.com/miami/reviews/la-uchirena
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Luis Carrero

Google
I've only tried the empanadas here, but wow - They truly capture the authentic flavor of Venezuelan empanadas. Absolutely phenomenal. The place is small with a cafeteria feel to it. It can get pretty busy during peak hours, but the staff is incredibly friendly. Each empanada costs between $4 to $5, and they're absolutely worth every penny.

Moises Belisario

Google
Uffff loved my empanadas, they were very good, best breakfast in the world, some good empanadas can make your day different, I would to have a place to seat in here but they don't have one they only have Take-Out, but still empanadas were amazingly good, I definitely love them, I know where to get my empanadas from! Thanks for everything!❤️

Nathalia Vasquez

Google
The empanadas were so good! I had the cheese and cazon empanadas. They tastes just like in Venezuela. The staff was very friendly, the only thing I wish is that it can be enjoyed inside the restaurant since all of the orders are to go. Besides that I can’t wait to be back soon!

Diego P.

Google
The empanadas were good without a doubt and the staff were also friendly. However the experience was overall hectic from the complicated parking lot, long line to order, and then 15 minute wait for 3 empanadas.

Mary Star

Google
All the empanadas are delicious! I am Cuban and this is a new, great taste for me! Awesome and fast staff, they don't stop and are super fast. 👏👏👏

Amir Emacha

Google
Make a pick up order, they said 25 minutes after arriving and wait another 20 minutes they said they going to have order in another 25 min, and they don’t care about customer service never go there also they way how they handle food, like trash. need to call The city for an inspections. Also empanadas are just half empty. El peor sitio de empanadas en Miami.Servicio malo y no les importa además de que sus empanadas ya no son lo mismo no les importa.

JITIVOZ

Google
It’s the best place to eat Venezuelan empanadas! You’ll feel like you are back in Margarita or so! They have Cazon and Pabellon empanadas! The only thing is that is not a place to eat there! They don’t have tables! So just pick them up and take them home! Love it

Isbemar Naguanagua

Google
I love the empanadas here. It is a place to take out. My favorite is cazón with maduros and also cheese empanada and cashiers are always nice.
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Luis C.

Yelp
I've only tried the empanadas here, but wow - They truly capture the authentic flavor of Venezuelan empanadas. Absolutely phenomenal. The place is small with a cafeteria feel to it. It can get pretty busy during peak hours, but the staff is incredibly friendly. Each empanada costs between $4 to $5, and they're absolutely worth every penny.
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Sarah P.

Yelp
I had read via yelp and also elsewhere that their empanadas were good. So here I came to sample one of them. This is a take out option only. I tried a traditional fried Venezuelan Pabellon empanada. It was filled with cheese, plantains and shredded beef. I enjoyed it, but found it very greasy.
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Allison D.

Yelp
Hands down to the best Venezuelan empanadas! This is no fancy place, but those empanadas are royalty, also one empanada will fill you up like whole meal, good prices, savory and fresh. Don't be scared of the sketchy place and just do it.
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Raelynn V.

Yelp
There is a line down the plaza for a reason. This place is incredible! The carne desmechada empanadas are the best with the chicken as a close second. Best ordered to-go after ordering at the window. Even better is there is a bakery two shops down to enjoy some coffee and treats while you wait! The place smells incredible and is bustling with energy. The staff are pleasant and helpful, especially to those who may not speak any Spanish! Well worth the wait, but be sure to get there early because they often sell out early in the day!
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Juan Carlos E.

Yelp
Good food, very good service, the empanadas are huge, very good price and super fresh
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Ann R.

Yelp
There was a local debate about who has the best empanadas in Doral . La Uricherena was the most common answer. So of course I had to come try them. Empanadas here are Venezuelan style, which means deep fried. I find this makes them greasy, but the fillings were great. I particularly liked the Pabellon
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Michelle C.

Yelp
Pedí dos o emanadas para llevar. Cuando abro la bolsa solo hay una. 0 servicio al cliente.

Franklin M.

Yelp
Es impresionante como ha cambiando el sabor de las empanadas de pollo, su sabor y consistencia estan muchísimo mejor, súper ricas. PD: Que rico se siente comerte las empanadas sin encontrarte pedazos de masa en el guiso. Las recomiendo de verdad
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Karen S.

Yelp
Las empanadas son las mejores! La comida es muy buena, los precios regulares, podrían ser mejores, personal amable, no le doy las 5 estrellas por el lugar, falta hacerlo mas agradable para quien quiera comerse la empanada o lo q sea en el lugar, actualmente eso solo para comprar e irte. Super incomodo si tienes hambre y deseas comer en el momento.
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Yenly C.

Yelp
The best Venezuelan empanadas in Miami, we had the cheese, shredded beef and my favorite fish empanadas even for breakfast. It is all take out for now.
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JJ G.

Yelp
The best of Empanadas Venezuelan style. There's no other in the entire state of Florida. And the green sauce is amazing! ---- Lo mejor de las Empanadas al estilo Venezolano. No hay otro en todo el estado de Florida. ¡Y la salsa verde es increíble!
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Gianfranco A.

Yelp
Great taste!! The empanadas were great! Fresh made, the beef and chicken empanadas were amazing, price vs food quality was very good, if you are looking for a good breakfast and good price, this is the place!
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Miriangeli G.

Yelp
Muy buenas las empanadas, mis favoritas son las de pabellón y jamón con queso, definitivamente es recordar el típico sabor de empanadas con un toque dulce típicos de Los Andes, asi como el tradicional pastelito papa con queso, para mi simplemente los mejores de Miami
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Magical B.

Yelp
Deliciosas empanadas venezolanas con las típicas salsitas, una masa crujiente por fuera y suavecita por dentro. 100% recomendado
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Guillermo A.

Yelp
The best place to experience the taste of a real venezuelan empanada (is a deep fried, usually greasy but delicious one, with that crunchy barely sweet corn on the outside and lots of filling on the inside). I love the cazon (fish) ones, (or any other flavor), really worth it. Order it using the app right here and pick it up (there is no place there to sit, just to order or pick it up).
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Katie F.

Yelp
Came here solely to try their empanadas based off of others recommendations and La Uchirena did not disappoint! Came with my boyfriend on a weekday during lunch time and the place was pretty packed. From what I see they offer various Venezuelan dishes that are pre-prepared but I think you can also get food cooked to order but not sure. First off, their empanadas are massive and truly are the perfect pocket meal to eat on the go. Their size were definitely not like any other place I had been to which was great since all their empanadas were still normal priced! My boyfriend and I shared the cheese, pabellon, chicken, and carne mechada. All of them were delicious but the best definitely was the pabellon that comes with carne mechada (shredded Venezuelan beef), beens, and fried plantains. Its an all in one meal. The salsas they had out were spicy and a perfect pairing. Would love to come back to try their other foods since these were prepared so well and they seem to have a pretty good following! IG: @KFitzEats
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Thomas P.

Yelp
I've been back a few times and I'm happy to report that nothing has changed. Also, I can confirm that the tequeños and domino arepas are also incredible. La Uchirena is one of the few things worth braving the traffic to Doral.
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Eloy V.

Yelp
I've never had Venezuelan empanadas and wow I think this is the best place to experience it. A Venezuelan friend of mine told me these are the best in Miami so I had to come here first before trying them elsewhere. They really are stellar! The outside sweet corn shell was freshly made and crunchy. The filling of both the cheese and the pabellón were piping hot. These things are being made like every 5 min. The girl taking order at register was extremely sweet and friendly. Great place I will be coming back often.
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Fiorella M.

Yelp
OH. MY. GOD. As I ate my Pabellon empanada I felt as though I was walking the streets of Caracas. SO AUTHENTIC. Never have I had an empanada outside of Venezuela that tastes just like the one's form over there. They have all the empanadas you could think of and I'm pretty sure you can "operate" on them, which means for instance, you get a beef empanada and open it up and they stuff shredded cheese in it. UGH SO GOOD. For the diet? Horrible. But sometimes you just have to enjoy life a little more and have your tasty empanada.
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Oriana G.

Yelp
If you come or if you live in Miami this place is a MUST GO. This is the best place to eat empanadas, golfeados, and chicha in Doral. This is not a fancy place, but the food tastes and smells delicious. The place is usually full so you have to wait a few minutes but it is worth it. I recommend them 100%.
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Laura V.

Yelp
Oh La Uchirena, you have been so good to this gringa, where do I even begin? You've become my FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN MIAMI. That is no small feat. I wandered to this little hole in the wall joint on a Saturday morning about 3 years ago when I was hungover and looking for some damn good food to quench my hunger. I am SO ecstatic that I found this place. Now, I've been here more times than I can count. I've used them to bring empanadas and other goodies to family, friends, and coworkers-all who have thoroughly enjoyed the food. Don't let the looks of the place fool you, La Uchirena is the best Venezuelan food in Doral, in Miami, in Florida, and "the best empanadas I've ever had" according to a friend of mine that lives in my building who recently moved here from Venezuela. I originally fell in love with the patacon, which is a shredded beef (or chicken) "sandwich" between two pieces of sweet or savory plantains (your choice). It comes with a few different sauces and coleslaw. it's incredible and I highly recommend it. It's huge too, and for a price of $9, you can't go wrong. I then tried the empanadas and the chicha (basically, a rice pudding milkshake) in future visits. The dough for the empanadas is slightly sweet, and they stuff the empanadas to the brim. They're also huge, like footballs. The chicha is heavenly, just order it and you'll know what I'm talking about. My friend also agrees that the patacon and the chicha are the best she's ever had - even when she used to live in Venezuela. Don't skip out on the green sauce- I might have to beg them for the recipe before I leave because that s*** is good on EVERYTHING. Although my Spanish is minimal, they've always been so nice to me and understanding. They know me by name now. Additionally, I've turned countless people onto this place. They're expanding their current restaurant and growing (just opened up in Pembroke Pines area, I believe) which I couldn't be prouder of them for. I'm moving soon to Ocala and will miss this place honestly the most out of any restaurant in miami. I never knew how delicious Venezuelan food could be. This place does it RIGHT, the prices are fair, and the people are genuine. You won't be sorry for giving them your business. When I come and visit Miami every so often, I will be back for more. don't forget about me!
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Dustin A.

Yelp
After a long day , looking for a Venezuelan bakery to have a late afternoon snack, my friends and I decided to try La Uchirena. We had the beef, cheese and chicken empanadas. They were ok, but did not taste fresh. the place is a small bakery with a cozy atmosphere , because of this the smell of fried food is all around you. I consider tis more suitable for take out , then dining in. Maybe I'll give it another try, but ordering the empanadas to be made at the same moment.

Carlos E.

Yelp
This was one of my favorite Venezuelan food places which I used to recommend everyone. However I asked for a refund today because there was zero respect the queue order numbers. I counted at least 10 people that ordered after I did and got their food right away, while others like waited for 20 minutes and no food. ThTo make matters worse the employees encouraged this chaos. It is called "viveza Criolla" in my country, Venezuela. You get ahead by disobeying rules and cheating. When I told the person in the cashier, who I assumed was the manager, what was going on, she laughed, so I asked for refund. At least the refund was processed quickly. I love my country but this type of behavior is abhorrent. I went a few blocks south and got my "pabellón" in 5 minutes from another place. I changed my review from 1 star to 4 because the owner apologized for what happened. I go now all the time, the best Venezuelan empanadas in Miami!
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Simon B.

Yelp
Comming from San Francisco , I was exited to try empanadas. As soon as I enter the restaurant the girl cashier has a face of ( I really don't want to work) ( which is typical in the customer service at Venezuela) . I'm very happy i don't have to deal with this kind of customer service in SF. I order 2 tequenos and 3 empanadas and after waiting for 40min. (They told me they don't have chicken anymore , the said if I could pick another one instead of the chicken, said they were sorry, but they just don't give a F. For a place call Rapid Food , it was the opposite . Anyways I just was brought back to what is like to go to a place with no customer service. I don't give 1star because the empanadas and tequenos were amazing and it truly taste like heaven. I'd go back because the food is amazing. But please don't use a host/cashier with a face that hates her work.
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Pastora Itzel E.

Yelp
Just started working around here and found this place by chance. It was packed. It's a whole in the wall but the smell and flavors are worth it. Had some veggies on a white bacony sauce and it was so yummy. The Pabellon empanada was super delicious and filling it's a full meal. The green sauce it's so freaking good. Very happy
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Gaby R.

Yelp
When i use to work in doral the owners of my company were Venezuelan and use to bring us em pandas and food from here. According to them this is the ONLY place that sells Authebtic Venezuelan empanadas. These were the best empanadas i have ever had. I recomend the Pabellon one which is filled with their shredded meat which is sooo flavorful, rice , beans, plantains and cheese. The dough itself is just sooooo good and to top it off they have this green sauce that i have no idea what is in it but it taste sooooooo good with the empanadas. Anytime i am in the doral area it never fails i stop by here to take some home for the whole family. They fry the empanadas on the spot and make them on the spot too so they are always fresh
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Ada M.

Yelp
This place is great.Theybdo Venezuelan fast food.It's what you call a whole in the wall but once you try it you get hooked.It's a bit small but food is awesome.We had a cazon empanada,an arepa pelua and a patacon mixto.Delicious...It was pretty quick considering they did it all from scratch,it's good quality food at a more than reasonable price.Really good portions,lots of meat and cheese.Check it out
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Alyssa V.

Yelp
This is my favorite place to get Venezuelan food in South Florida. My family has been coming here for over a year. They make everything really fresh and it is definitely worth the wait. It's also pretty cheap compared to other arepa places. Order a fried chicken and cheese arepa with tons, TONS of sauce. And an empanada de pabellon which is plantains, black beans, cheese and meat. This place has the best pabellon empanada I have ever had at a restaurant. The shark meat empanada is also really good, I would recommend it for someone who likes fish.

Fernando P.

Yelp
La mejores empanadas las conseguirás en este restaurant, por ahora la comida es solo para llevar
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Hello There B.

Yelp
This place right here... Is the spot to be at for Venezuelan empanadas! Get the pabellón empanada !! They have all sorts of different fillings at an affordable price.. the place itself is not swanky but it's kept clean. Friendly staff too.
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German B. V.

Yelp
This is the ONLY place that sells Authebtic Venezuelan empanadas. The rest are just plain imitation of what the owners like as empanadas. As you walk into the location, you can smell the oil burning and the empanadas frying, that's how you know you are in the right place. From cazon (shark) empanadas to cheese... You will find every option you would expect at a beach stand in Venezuela. Mandocas, picante, arepas de chicharrón, tequeños most likely, you will find it. A great tip is to call for pick ups if ypu want catering. You'll be amaze how great they provide the service. Don't hesitate to stop by as you will see how impressive is to watch the lady that preps and fry the empanadas right in front of you... It's an art. Enjoy!
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Arthur U.

Yelp
Best Venezuelan restaurant ive been too! the portions are big and delicious,get the cachapa de pollo and a Malta polar to drink and you can't go wrong. Also empanadas de pabellon are the biggest and best in town! Fresh daily
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Aileen A.

Yelp
Absolutely love this place. It's a whole in the wall but the food is outstanding. My husband and I always get an order of tequiños, empanadas de pollo (or carne) and a cachapa de queso, pollo (or carne). The empanadas always have a good amount of filling and the meat is flavorful.
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Rafael H.

Yelp
Great Venezuelan menu but small venue which makes difficult to come with a group even for a small group of 4. People that worked here are great. I got to meet the owner and he's amazing. In addition, he's always contributing with countries in need.
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Manny A.

Yelp
Doing much better since last time I came giving a second chance to la Uchirena. This time good was served in order and also the taste of the empanadas were amazing.
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Heinrich V.

Yelp
- Pastelitos andinos - Empanadas de Cazón - Malta Polar 1-2-3 boom! Best breakfast a Sunday morning after a long night! Best pastelitos outside of Merida
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Albert L.

Yelp
Empanadas are part of venezuelan bfast. They are filled with any kind of meat and cheese and their combinations. These are excellent. Be careful they are deep fried and very hot. Ask fot the hot sauce (picante) and Guasacaca (green sauce) they are the perfect complements for empanadas. I will return. Thanks
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Misha P.

Yelp
After rock climbing, a Venezuelan friend suggested this spot for food. In the middle of doral , you have a lot of choices for Venezuelan food, but this one blew us away. It is not fancy at all, just quick and amazing. Best Arepas and cachapas I have ever had. They are huge and quite cheap as well.Completely worth a shot .
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Alissa C.

Yelp
Stopped here about an hour before closing because I work late nights. I don't speak much Spanish but the employees were super helpful and nice and patient. I ordered an empanada with ham and cheese. That thing was HUGE! Super delicious! They definitely don't skimp on the filling. Definitely can't wait to come back
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Seidy S.

Yelp
Best empanadas for a Sunday craving! Paella is my dear favorite ALWAYS! There is always a line that goes all the way out the store but moves fast and it's worth the wait. Only downside is once you're inside...good luck with the smell of fried food that will stick to you all day!
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Cristina C.

Yelp
The food at La Uchireña is to die for! I ordered two pabellon empanadas which I could barely finish because they were completely filled with extremely tasty pabellon. I have never had such delicious Venezuelan food outside of Venezuela! They truly catch the Venezuelan cuisine essence perfectly. I would come eat here every day if I was allowed by my doctor
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Nidia R.

Yelp
By far the best Empanas ever tasted from Venezuela. I will be back to this place! The empanadas are huge and very tasty.
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Jorge C.

Yelp
The food is as always great, one thing they need is Orange juice. I can't believe they just don't have any, I'll like to have my juice with my breakfast. La comida como siempre buena, una cosa que les hace falta es ofrecer jugo de naranja, no puedo creer que no lo tengan, a mi igual que a muchos nos justa desayunar con jugo de naranja.
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Jonatan L.

Yelp
First time there the empanadas are great the best I've tried in doral actually the place was super crowded and the order was fast like 7 minutes don't expect to find a table the place is really small but if you are in a take out breakfast mood is a good place to try
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Anny M.

Yelp
The food is awesome! Authentic Venezuelan taste, real Venezuelan empanadas! Love them. The lunch specials are great. The people who work there are very nice. All the soups are excellent also the juices. I come here minimum 3 times a week for breakfast or lunch
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Ivette M.

Yelp
A little hole in the wall, parking is awful, but the food is well worth the agony of trying to find a spot!
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Caro B.

Yelp
I didn't think empanadas were a thing until I tried the pabellon empanda. It is so delicious!!! Best empendas ever!!!
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Raimundo R.

Yelp
Best Venezuelan food I have had in Miami. The empanadas are awesome, especially carne mechada (shredded beef), cazon (salted fish) and pabellon (a typical Venezuelan combination platter).

Maria C.

Yelp
If I could put less stars I would. It was a terrible service. I made a order by phone because I was in a morning rush but I wanted a good empanada before going to work. When I get there they didn't even had my order and when I went to make the order in the register they said I will take 30 minutes when I already asked for the order 20 minutes before. I had to get to my work in 10 minutes and the employees just turned around and did not find a way to make it up to me. I lost my time going there. Don't recommend it at all