Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas

South American restaurant · Durham ·

Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas

South American restaurant · Durham ·

South American & Southern fusion cuisine, cocktails, empanadas

Information

112 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701 Get directions

$20–30

@onthegrid

18,031 Postcards · 836 Cities

On the Grid : Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas

"Known for rotisserie and empanadas, Luna fuses South American and American Southern cuisine. The menu is authentic, healthy, and fresh! Their grain bowls are a go-to when looking for a hearty yet healthy meal—complete with signature rotisserie meats and locally sourced ingredients like steamed kale and sweet corn.Luna has a full bar with South American inspired cocktails, along with house made Agua Frescas, and Durham’s own Ponysaurus on draft." - WillowTree Durham

https://onthegrid.city/durham/downtown-durham/luna-rotisserie-and-empanadas

Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

Best Restaurants in Durham, North Carolina | Eater Carolinas

"Luna offers classic South American fare like handmade empanadas, Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken, and tacos, but what makes it really stand out from the downtown restaurant crowd are the extensive vegan and vegetarian offerings. Try the vegan chili-braised jackfruit in a grain bowl (quinoa, pearled rice, black beans, and kale) or in a patacon pisao, which comes with jack cheese, jicama kale slaw, and chile-lime mayo and is sandwiched between two fried plantain discs. Luna also does a bustling business in takeaway, and those empanadas travel well." - Matt Lardie

https://carolinas.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-durham-north-carolina

Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas

@onthegrid

18,031 Postcards · 836 Cities

"Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas, Downtown Durham. Known for rotisserie and empanadas, Luna fuses South American and American Southern cuisine. The menu is authentic, healthy, and fresh! Their grain bowls are a go-to when looking for a hearty yet healthy meal—complete with signature rotisserie meats and locally sourced ingredients like steamed kale and sweet corn.Luna has a full bar with South American inspired cocktails, along with house made Agua Frescas, and Durham’s own Ponysaurus on draft."

Durham

Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas

@postcardnews

22,027 Postcards · 1,950 Cities

While Luna is best known for its South American cuisine, its bakery arm has quietly earned accolades for empanadas, pastelitos, and Latin-inspired pastries, all made from scratch daily. Local publications like INDY Week have praised Luna’s commitment to authentic flavors and its innovative approach to baked goods, which blend traditional recipes with Durham’s diverse culinary influences. For something unexpected and delicious, Luna’s bakery offerings are not to be missed.

The Essential Guide to the Best Bakeries in Durham: Where Local Flavor Rises Above the Rest

Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas

Laura M.

Google

This is exactly the empanada I’ve always wanted!!! I got a chicken and a vegetarian (Yukon gold) empanada with the garlic kale side and every single bite was delicious. We had a reservation, but I think we would have been fine without it. The inside is so cool and relaxing, plus our server, Noah, was super quick and friendly! We will definitely be back, would be a great place to bring out of town guests to explore Durham!

Keith G.

Google

Do NOT sleep on pass up on this hidden gem, tucked in on West Main Street, downtown Durham. Mauro takes the best care of customers seated at the bar, listens to them and makes some of the best recommendations for both dining and drinks. The food is absolutely delicious and plated like it’s a Michelin Star restaurant. The drinks are perfectly crafted and hit the spot. This is a spot where we’ll be sure to pop into anytime we’re in town.

Mr F.

Google

This time up on the plate was Luna's Restaurant. Highlighted by their sensational Peruvian chicken, "Pollo a la Brasa." This wasn't just any rotisserie chicken; it was a masterclass in flavor—perfectly marinated, incredibly juicy with a delightful smoky char, and wonderfully crisp skin. The accompanying sides of Spicy bacon collards and Black bean coconut rice were inspired choices, and the vibrant Aji Verde and zesty Aji Amarillo sauces elevated every bite to a new level of culinary enjoyment. Don't miss the chance to try one of their expertly crafted Strawberry or Mango Mojitos from the bar. Luna's offers ample indoor and bar seating, along with charming sidewalk options, all within a short walk of public parking. Whether you're seeking a cozy date night or a lively family dinner, Luna's provides an excellent dining experience. Definitely on the next date night out in Durham. Great Job Luna’s

Bob G.

Google

I was exploring downtown Durham and looking for a lunch spot when I came across Luna. I tried two of their excellent cocktails and opted for the pork empanada with two sides. I chose the coconut beans and rice along with the kale slaw. Both were excellent and the rice was perfectly cooked.

Taylor G.

Google

Staff was kind and wonderful. They are a reservations place and fit us in as walk ins on a Saturday night. Delicious empanadas and surprisingly seasoned kale. We loved the agua frescas

Cam R.

Google

The food is amazing and the service! Everyone here, even the other servers who I overheard at other tables, are so friendly. We had a great time here and the vibes are immaculate, vegetarian empanadas are killer, the bathroom was really clean and smelled amazing like a bath and body works. 10/10

Sarah M.

Google

I really enjoyed my meal at Luna's. They offer a very intriguing menu that crosses several types of Latin American cuisine. I ordered the chili-braised pulled brisket, which was cooked to perfection. I also adored the coconut rice and beans. The collard greens were good, but lacking in spice and instead had a very strong apple cider vinegar taste. My only disappointment was the pisco sour which tasted OK, but looked very unappealing. My sister also tried the sangria, which oddly had a ton of club soda in it. We came in on a Thursday evening for dinner, and the place wasn't too crowded. The tables aren't really well suited for groups larger than four, and the seating isn't the most comfortable. Although the service was good and fast, we did run into an issue with being overcharged via the QR code payment process.

Rocco V.

Google

A pleasant surprise - while looking for a place to have lunch got mixed with the need to find cover from heavy rain. Luna's staff treated us like they knew us - in a good way. Spotless service and delicious food. No issues with modifications on our order. Great restaurant.

Nicole M.

Yelp

Truly am salivating as I write this review- and it's been a week since I came here to celebrate my friend's birthday! I can see why she chose this place for her birthday dinner- no doubt. It's a very intimate and warm place- not just warm in temperature (cause it's been SO cold lately in NC), but it makes you feel warm- like walking into a nice spacious cabin kind of feel. Our server was incredible, he was really attentive, charismatic, and kind. He even brought out a pecan pie empanada with vanilla ice cream for my friend's birthday- and truly, I still think about that empanada even a week later. For my main entree, I ordered the blackened chicken with coconut rice & beans, and garlic kale. Chef's kiss. The chicken was very moist (I know how people feel about this word but go with it), packed with flavor, and the coconut rice and beans just pulled everything together. It was like the glue of this dish, a natural and not too strong taste, but a comforting and flavorful taste. On being flavorful, the garlic kale was also immaculate. I'm a big kale gal and an ever bigger garlic girl- it was super flavorful and very juicy. Great combo! And because I love food, I also ordered a side of yucca fries. It was perfect- crispy and warm on the outside, soft and starchy on the inside. I loved the acevichado sauce- some Peruvian influence here :) and as someone who spent time working in Perú, this was such a great nostalgic hit. I forgot what the other sauce was but it was also super delicious. I'm also a sauce girl. Really, all in all, I'm just a foodie girl- and you've gotta come here :)

Mouf K.

Yelp

Luna Rotisserie is hands-down one of the best spots in Durham! The flavors here are next level--every dish feels like it's crafted with care and packed with bold, vibrant taste. The rotisserie meats? Unreal. Juicy, tender, and seasoned just right. Their arepas are a must-try, too--crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and stuffed with deliciousness that hits every craving. The vibe? Perfect mix of cozy and trendy, with a staff that makes you feel like you've been coming there for years. Whether you're diving into one of their bowls or sharing small plates, it's the kind of place where every bite feels like a win. If you haven't been yet, stop sleeping on this gem--it's the real deal!

Nilsa A.

Yelp

Cute, cozy place. Fusion style Latin cuisine, mixture of Peruvian and Argentinian with a twist. Empanada desert with ice cream a surprise, very tasty, we tried all three options. Tried the skirt steak, very flavorful. Coconut rice and black beans were bland. The service was ok, not fabulous. Waited a long time for my drink.

David H.

Yelp

This place has a unique blend of Latin and Southern food that I've never seen anywhere else. The pork carnitas was as good as I've had anywhere. The spicy bacon collards were as good as I've had anywhere and the black beans and rice had a unique flavor due to the coconut rice that I've never had elsewhere. They have lots of unique items with both a Southern and Latin influence and prices are very reasonable. Service was very fast and friendly and they weren't too crowded on a Sunday afternoon. I didn't get to try a drink this trip but hopefully next time since the menu seemed interesting. This place might seem to be just a storefront in downtown Durham but it's a must try if you're in the area and I'll definitely be back if I'm back in the area.

Britt J.

Yelp

Walked right in and was served! Food was tasty! Would I come back? Yes!! Ideal location as it offers outside seating. And it was super inexpensive.

Shivani L.

Yelp

Luna is so good! They give generous portions for reasonable prices and everything we tried was so good. The vegetarian options were great, especially the black bean and quinoa empanadas. Our waiter was super nice and service was quick. I will 100% be back!

Andrea A.

Yelp

Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas is a South American & Southern fusion restaurant located in Downtown Durham. The ambiance is so aesthetic and service is relatively fast. I got the Patacon Pisao (jack cheese, jicama kale slaw, and chili lime mayo between two plantain discs) with Chili-Braised Beef Brisket and Maduros with Cinnamon Crème Fraiche. The patacon pisao fell a little short of expectations for me, just in terms of flavor, but it was okay. And you really can't miss with maduros, they were great & I thought the crème fraiche was an interesting addition. My favorite item was dessert: I got the Bourbon Pecan Pie Empanada with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, it was so delicious. 7/10 would recommend!

Brian M.

Yelp

Loved it, quite quick service and half chicken dark w beans n rice . Nice service and clean place.

Andrew K.

Yelp

I have been here twice and I feel like it was just fine both times. Service is great! No complaints on that front! And ambiance is fine! Although I feel like some of the tables are a little close together. I just feel like the food could be better. I got some carnitas and they were some of the least flavorful carnitas I have had. The beans were also not super flavorful. I'd love a little more flavor. Yucca fries were good, but I've never had yucca fries I didn't like. So that might just be me liking yucca fries!!

John C.

Yelp

The ambiance of this place is great. Just a short walk from DPAC to Main Street but get there soon! We walked in and no one was there after the show let out at 4:30. Within 15 minutes every table was taken. The empeñadas were great, just wished they were served a little hotter in temp. Would taste even better. I ordered a pork and a beef empanada. Very good. I also enjoyed the kale and cabbage salad. Very good but needs more kale to cabbage ratio. Maybe a little less Mayo or an olive oil dressing instead? Beers and mixed drinks reasonably priced and if we didn't have to drive back to Greensboro I may have imbibed. We want to go back to try the Plantain sandwiches. Oh yeah, the chocolate empeñada was good with the vanilla ice cream (see photo) Staff was friendly once we got settled. We were just coming in when they were setting up for the dinner service. Our waiter was a little quiet. I told him that it was out first time there and he really did not have a lot to say about the menu unless I had a specific question. Just his personality I guess. The servers next to us were reviewing the menu with their tables. We will return again for sure!

Victoria N.

Yelp

Great food with reasonable prices. Our server was friendly and welcoming. The pollo a la brasa was flavorful and the meat was tender. Delicious beans and coconut rice. Really pleased with our visit.

Brittany B.

Yelp

I placed a to go order because I have been wanting to try the food here and happen to be in the area, hungry, and needing to kill a little time! I ordered online and found the process fairly straightforward, although it is a little confusing to navigate the empanada meals via that interface. There is an option to get one empanada and two sides or two empanadas, and one side, but the two empanadas option does not seem very clear that to empanadas are included if you did not otherwise know. Because I had looked at the menu before, and assumed if it was only coming with one side, it meant to empanadas, I went with that! I ordered the two chicken empanadas with a side of yuca frits and the aji sauce. It was all really good! I've had yuca at a few different places, and I have to say this was probably the best I have had! The empanadas, we're good, but I preferred the inside to the pastry. It wasn't bad, but there was just some thing that was lacking a little bit about the pastry compared to other empanadas I have had. The sauce was also good, but I wish that I could have chosen two to include with the meal. Of course, you can always add extra sides of sauces, if needed for an extra cost! I'm interested in other menu items and likely will return!

Mary W.

Yelp

Luna is a cool and eclectic spot in downtown Durham with delicious food and drinks. Located on the end of a stretch of shops and restaurants on Main Street, Luna offers patio/sidewalk seating in addition to plenty of indoor options. Parking is street or parking garage, all paid options which is par for the course in downtown Durham. We arrived around 4 and it was dead (by the time we left at 6:30 it was packed out!). Our server was awesome! Very friendly and offered great suggestions. We started off with a few cocktails and empanadas to share. We had the Dark & Stormy, Paloma Fresca, and Liquid Smoke. Yum! My friend ordered an extra shot for her Paloma as she felt it was a bit weak or had more juice than anything, but that could be personal preference. The other two drinks were great. I also ordered an Argentine 75 and YUM! I'll be dreaming about this one for sure. For our meals, I ordered the 2 empanadas with a side special for $11.75. The empanadas are a nice size, and the filling is delicious. We tried the Blackened Chicken, Chorizo, and Carnitas. My only "complaint" or personal preference would be in regards to the empanada pastry dough. It was a bit doughy or thick for my personal liking, as I'm used to more flaky dough. Still very yummy though! The sauce they serve alongside the empanadas is delicious! My friends got the fish and chips with yuca frits and the Patacan Pisao with fish. All super tasty and no complaints! Luna is a great option for drinks and dining. I highly recommend checking it out, especially for the cocktails!

Jessica C.

Yelp

We visited Luna on a Saturday afternoon. The ambiance was very nice and the employees were all super friendly. We wanted to try a little bit of everything so we got a pork empanada, an eggplant empanada, rotisserie chicken with sautéed kale and pimento cheese grits, and a grain bowl with chicken. My favorite was the rotisserie chicken with the sauces. The grain bowl was also very nice with everything mixed up together. I realized they gave us the potato and corn empanada instead of the eggplant and chèvre empanada, which was just okay. I did like the dough on the empanada though. Overall, we left feeling like we had eaten a very healthy and delicious lunch.

Rebecca M.

Yelp

I had brunch at Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas before seeing a show at The Durham Performing Arts Center. The decor was very nice and service was friendly and knowledgeable about the menu to answer questions. They have inside and outside seating but we ate inside. I went with the brunch bowl that had pimento cheese grits; scrambled eggs with veggies; bacon; kale; home fries; guacamole and corn salsa. It was a lot of food and the price was very reasonable. I'm not a big fan of kale so I just ate the other parts of the bowl. The others at my table got empanadas and really enjoyed those so I will be back to try more menu items. Paying the bill is easy as the wait staff can process your credit card right at the table.

Gitansh B.

Yelp

Came here around 7p on a Wed night and sat at the bar for 1. Very quick to be seated and attended to by the bartender. I ordered the Quench'l IPA for a drink as well as 2 empanadas (quinoa and chorizo) + a side (Jigama kale slaw). I got my IPA pretty quick and writhing 2 mins of me taking my first sip of the beer, I also had my food in front of me. Super quick! Unfortunately, the empanadas were not that hot and lacked flavor as well. The dipping sauce provided wasn't too flavorful either. The "hot sauce" I asked for really helped give the empanadas some flavor. Honestly, the kale salad was my favorite part of the meal. I don't think I'll be coming back here

Elizabeth C.

Yelp

I came here while searching for places to eat in the area. I only had an hour on the meter so I posted to sit at the bar thinking it would be faster than at a table. Little did I know that the bartender was waiting on the tables as well as the bar. I was greeted promptly and given a glass of water right away. I glanced at the menu and decided on an empanada, the fried avocados appetizer, and a side of pimento cheddar grits. Everything was quite tasty and it all came out quick. The only thing was that the empanada wasn't as done as I'm used to. It still tasted good though. The jicama kale slaw that came with the empanada was REALLY good. I could have had an entire plate of that. I also had the spicy jalapeño lemonade which was very flavorful as well. I will definitely come check them out again while I'm in town.

Liz M.

Yelp

Food was AMAZING. Arepas (brisket), maduros (cooked corro with a bit of sugar crunch), empanadas and papas fritas con ají amarillo. So good we ordered more fries and got ANOTHER sauce that was amazing. There's even a bar (although we did not partake). Service was a bit slow because everything is cooked fresh. Definitely worth the wait. Server was lovely. Great place and would highly recommend.

Jay C.

Yelp

We loved this place for empanadas and then they changed from baked to deep fried and the whole thing fell apart. New chef or ownership I suppose but now we're off to find great empanadas downtown. Other dishes are pretty tasty still, but man why oh why?!?

J W.

Yelp

Services was quick and friendly Place was quaint Arepas were delicious The rest of the family ordered empanadas and pulled pork and chili brisket Collar green was more bitter with vinegar- I enjoyed it but the family didn't

Chandra J.

Yelp

First time checking out Luna and I was impressed with the service and atmosphere. Our server gave us tons of time to check out the menu, ask questions, and finally decide what we wanted. She was so nice! My mom really wanted the greens and an empanada and I loved the thought of their black beans and coconut rice and an empanada. My mom got their blackened Pulled Chicken, Yukon Gold, Roasted Peppers empanada and I decided to check out their Quinoa, Black Bean, Sweet Corn, Pepper Jack empanada. The thing that impressed me was the amount of sides that you get compared to the empanada. I literally had to hunt for it to find and it was so tiny! They give you a massive amount of greens and beans and rice and a tiny baby empanada. And unfortunately the empandas don't have a lot of flavor. If it wasn't for the tasty yellow and green sauces there is no way my mom and I could have eaten them, unfortunately. It was missing a lot of the spice and umph that I've exeperienced with other empanandas. Also, it would've been great to be able to customize your empanada as many have allergies or gastro problems. Thankfully the greens and beans/rice had tons of flavor and got us kinda full. The price was right on as for the two of us it only cost $19. However, Luna your empanadas were not the moon, stars (estrellas), or any other parts of space to me.

Susan H.

Yelp

Fantastic food and service. We had a delicious lunch which included the chile lime glazed cauliflower, chicken empanadas, Caesar salad with chicken, brisket, roasted kale and yuca fries. Everything was fresh and flavorful. My only complaint was that the cauliflower was breaded and deep fried which wasn't mentioned in the description. We would definitely return if in the area.

Sable S.

Yelp

This was an absolutely fabulous find! Quick to be seated, kind and efficient service, incredible food and a wonderful atmosphere! I've never had anything like this and it was absolutely delicious! The chicken was tender and very well seasoned, the arepas were delicious, the greens and pimento grits were so flavorful and the passion fruit pie was divine. And can we talk about the cocktails for a minute?! Wonderful experience and highly recommend!!!

Katie J.

Yelp

I absolutely love this place. They have a fun drink menu & the food is excellent too. But what really brought me to write this review was the culture. Staff went above the normal to make guests feel welcomed there. Just overall nice conversations that you don't always get in the bar/restaurant business. Zach was bartending and I chatted with him for about an hour as he was prepping for the evening. We shared many stories and just had such a great chat! Very nice people here!!!

Carly S.

Yelp

Why did the Durham dinner menu so drastically change? They got rid of the two items (Grain bowl and Jackfruit Patacon Pisao) my husband and I would always order.

Amanda C.

Yelp

I've been to both the Durham & Carrboro location and they are both great! I've had several things on the menu here but these are worth a special mention. 1. Two Empanadas with a side - The chicken empanadas are amazing, not too greasy and very filling 2. Maduros with Cinnamon Creme Fraiche - If you love plantains, these are even better! They are essentially dessert plantains with caramelized cinnamon on them!! 3. Patacon Pisao - Again, this is for the plantain lovers because this is a plantain SANDWICH! You pick your meat and they have large plantains as the bread. This is my favorite thing on the menu and it's much less messy to eat than I thought it would be! I love this place as a great meal that leaves you feeling full but still healthy after.

Kojo B.

Yelp

I hit up Luna's on a Sunday and sat at the bar, i think i was the only person at the bar, and at a certain point the restaurant emptied out. I ordered the catfish patacon pisao it was good, but i doused that thing with hot sauce which made it much more flavorful for me, ordered a couple of drinks which were decently made especially the caprinha, the empanada i had was ok. Paid my tab and dipped.

Tatiana H.

Yelp

We had a great time. The service was a little slow but other than that everything was great. We found street parking just a tiny walk from the storefront, we were able to get outside seating very quickly, I was able to get a Shirley temple to drink, and all the food was delicious. They have quite a few vegetarian options. We're not vegetarians but we got a vegetarian appetizer. I really liked all we got and sitting outside was relatively quiet apart from the occasional car going down the street playing loud music. It's a vibrant block in the heart of downtown so if you like people watching, sit outside lol.

Kyle R.

Yelp

I went to Luna with some friends and I've been wanting to try it for a while. It absolutely was 5* and beyond with such a great interior design, the food was AMAZING and the service was fast as well. I got the rotisserie chicken with rice and beans and yuca fries which were very good with the sauces. I also ordered a pork empanada which was fantastic and a mango juice which was very good as well. So glad I tried this place and excited to go again.

Lori J.

Yelp

We came to Luna after a few sushi rolls for dinner and cocktails after, then wanted something else small to eat. My bf and I split 1 chicken and 1 carnitas empanada and yuca fries. Perfect portion and delicious cocktails. This seems like an awesome lunch spot too! The waiter said he was new and was acting like he's never served before. He did a good job considering they were very busy when we walked in around 8pm on Saturday. Very cool vibe and atmosphere, wish I knew the story behind the name along with all the astronomy details in the restaurant.

Chris G.

Yelp

Good lord! This place is fantastic. South American combined with Southern touches. Great food, great decor, great drinks, great service. All are dishes were good, but the pollo a la brasa is a good bet with yuca fries and collards. It's on my top 5 of new places I've eaten in the last year. And don't leave without the chocolate empanada!

Sandra W.

Yelp

This place was so good! I brought my parents here who haven't frequented much of Latin American cuisine and they loved how clean and healthy this place was. The grain bowl was a perfect balance of flavors and the 2 empanadas (I got the carnitas and potatoes) were excellent! The filling was the right portion for the casing. We also sat outside and our server, Zak (or Zach?), was really nice, quick, and attentive! We'll definitely come back for a second round

Corina M.

Yelp

Highly recommend, but not pictured: pecan dessert empanada!! *Good service (although slightly on the slower, less attentive side *good vibes, r&b music playing. Very casual date night vibe atmosphere, catch up with a friend or even good for groups *food was delicious, fresh and authentic. The bacon collards and grits were my absolutely favorite from the meal!

Dave M.

Yelp

Excellent Peruvian food. Roasted chicken, yucca fries, tostones, and empanadas. Sides provided some southern US influence too: bacon collard greens, garlic kale. Nice environment and unique south american influenced decor.

Faith H.

Yelp

Great service only place open for lunch near me! That still felt like you were on vacation. Good atmosphere excellent bartender. I think his name was phonetically Morrow And our waiter was most excellent. I think his name was David or michael I can't remember awesome time.

Dinner C.

Yelp

Dinner Club Review (Group of 7 friends who take turns picking restaurants to try and rate) Selected by: "E" Overall Rating: 8.22/10 DC-7's Digest: Member 1: "The sweet potato appetizer was my favorite part of the dining experience." Member 2: "The quarter dark chicken, coconut rice and beans, and plantains were the way to go." Member 3: "The food was banging but the waiters left us hanging." Member 4: "Great food; even greater company." Member 5: "The food was phenomenal; the wait staff was alright." Member 6: "I really liked the food; it was delish and super comforting without being too rich - the waiters made me not ever want to go back and they also closed the restaurant with us sitting there. Take out from here on out." Member 7: "It was good." (Ate his entire meal before everyone else got theirs.) Final Verdict: We gave a strong overall rating of 8.22. While the food left us impressed, the service could use improvement. This restaurant is recommended by our group, and we look forward to potentially revisiting in the future to see how it continues to evolve and delight.

Karl P.

Yelp

Never dined at the restaurant but my wife brought home leftovers from a school catering event and wowzers, it was excellent. Can't wait to sample their Empanadas.

Hannah E.

Yelp

I've been putting of writing this review since I ate here a month ago just because I was so bored by my food I couldn't think of what to say about it. Not so angry I wanted to rail on it, just... bored. My dad's 'brisket' was, well, not. It was some kind of stewy shredded beef, not sliced at all, just straight shredded and infused with a kind of sweet chili sauce that made it taste canned. My jackfruit had the same 'braise' and the sauce worked a little better on that, but not much. Yuca fries are much better at Alpaca. The 'jicama salad' had a few stray pieces of jicama in it but it was mostly cabbage. My favorite part of my bowl was honestly the kale salad - kale is difficult because it's either raw and stalky or overcooked, but they did get it right, and I liked whatever marinade they used on it. But when your favorite part of a $16 lunch bowl is the kale salad...

Demetria M.

Yelp

Decided to make a quick stop for dinner on my way back from VA. The location is downtown but thankfully finding parking wasn't too bad. I called in my order of fish and chips(local catfish, yuca frits) and 2 vegetarian empanadas one was potato, the other was eggplant and both were really good. I had them on my hit list for a minute because I love the vegetarian variety of the menu. The restaurant is very popular and was mostly packed on a Sunday evening.

Michael R.

Yelp

This LONG overdue... We needed a place to eat before a show that would work for our limited diets so we passed on our go-to - Pizzeria Toro. Well, we were NOT disappointed. The decor is so fun and eclectic - has a super artsy vibe. The music is absolutely spot on. They sat us fast and a line formed right after - maybe folks wanted to meet me? I kid. A few minutes later they asked if they could split a table off (there were 3 of us) and we were happy to oblige as we had far more than enough space at 1 table. Once they seated the other guests, who thanked us, the owners said dessert was on the house - which was absolutely not necessary but very much appreciated and extremely delicious (more below). We started with empanadas which were just so creative, savory, and perfectly made. Salads came, mains were Vegan Chili-Braised Jackfruit fr ne and chicken and salads for the family. For dessert, Vegan Banana Pudding, and Spicy Chocolate brownie! Lots of great drink choices and a big chalkboard menu wall made it a great night before a great show. Warning, it's first-come, first-seated, so be prepared to possibly wait. I guess those lines weren't to meet me after all... We will be back as we loved it to the Moon and back!

Tina R.

Yelp

O mi goodness‼ Found this foodie joint via on-line search for best restaurant in the immediate area and it did not disappoint‼ Check out the menu and then go check it out, you'll be glad you did‼ My waiter pictured, so personable and every staff mbr encountered was awesome‼ I sat by the window and watched the rain and enjoyed my meal‼

Camille H.

Yelp

The pulled chicken and the pork empanadas were really good. The chicken had a better flavor and texture. I love the crispy shell and the little pie edges. The chocolate empanada was a bit of a let down. Not very filled and kind of dry. As far as sides, the coleslaw had a good flavor, a bit sweet, and the yuca frits were good if you like yuca. Not much was changed about them other than cooking them.

Brilynn C.

Yelp

The location is wonderful, service friendly and helpful. I enjoyed my meal at Luna but left wanting more. The portion size is small and Im sure it is because the menu is all hand made. I would suggest asking for hot sauce. 2 sauces arrived that really added moisture to the flaky dry dough of the empanada. The drink menu is tricky because some options are only made at another location. We sat outside in the patio under heaters. The table was not cleaned but the atmosphere so fun. Service was prompt and on time until the end ... where did our server go?

Destiny H.

Yelp

Great place for a quick and delicious dinner! We ordered: Maduros Peruvian Chicken Grain Bowl Yucca Frites Sauteed Roasted Garlic Kale The Tiger Lily (alcoholic bev) Everything was 10/10. The chicken was perfectly cooked, and bursting with flavor. If you are a fan of kale, DO NOT miss your opportunity to try one of the best kale recipes in town! I typically am not a fan of jackfruit, but I was pleasantly surprised by how well prepared this was. I highly recommend it for those looking for a vegan meal that will leave your belly full of happiness. If you love ginger, lemons, and fresh mint be sure to order a Tiger Lily. You won't regret it

Stella Y.

Yelp

For a place that has empanadas in its name, this is a no for me. I wasn't super hungry so I got the 2 empanada with a side plate. Got the blackened pulled chicken and the pork carnitas with a side of jicama kale slaw. Both the empanadas came out lukewarm, were extremely deflated and soggy, and flavorless. The only thing that really saved it was their hot sauce but because of the mushy texture and the fact that it was practically cold, it wasn't enjoyable. The jicama kale salad was good and a refreshing side but not exactly what I came for...

Kathleen C.

Yelp

We ordered a pick up as we were driving from Fla to visit our son and the woman o. the phone was so helpful. She offered that we could order way early and she would make sure it was ready when we got there Food was outstanding would definitely recommend it

Shanelle Y.

Yelp

Came here for lunch today and it was amazing! The staff was friendly and thoughtful, the food was tasty, and the service was fast. I ordered the white meat chicken with yuca frites and maduros. I don't eat dairy so I ordered the maduros without cream, and the server was thoughtful enough to let me know that the two sauces that came with the meal both contained dairy. He then brought me three different non-dairy sauces to try, which was very kind of him. The food was excellent, the chicken was juicy and full of flavor and the yuca was crispy and not too oily. Overall I don't have any complaints at all, and would love to come back!

Greg G.

Yelp

Overall our meal was good but lacking a little. I ordered 2 empanadas and yucca fries. One was chorizo and collards and the other was pork carnitas and potatoes. Both were good but needed more seasoning. The chorizo was a little bland and lacked any heat. I love me some yucca fries and cook them at home quite often. The one thing that you must do when you're making them is to season your water amply with salt while you boil the yucca. In this manner of the yuca absorbs the salt and you don't have to salt them after you fry them. The yuca fries that I got weren't seasoned very well and it was almost like they had been sitting around for a while they were not super crispy and the insides were still a little undercooked. They did come with a very good cilantro lime sauce for dipping though. I really did like the interior of the restaurant it was set up very nicely and I think this place could easily be a five-star they just need to pay a little bit more attention to seasoning and making sure that everything is cooked fresh.

Richard C.

Yelp

We only did takeout. Food was ready promptly but the quality of the food was just OK.

@onthegrid

18,031 Postcards · 836 Cities

On the Grid : Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas

https://onthegrid.city/durham/downtown-durham/luna-rotisserie-and-empanadas

Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

Best Restaurants in Durham, North Carolina | Eater Carolinas

https://carolinas.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-durham-north-carolina

Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas

@onthegrid

18,031 Postcards · 836 Cities

Durham

Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas

@postcardnews

22,027 Postcards · 1,950 Cities

The Essential Guide to the Best Bakeries in Durham: Where Local Flavor Rises Above the Rest

Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas

Laura M.

Google

Keith G.

Google

Mr F.

Google

Bob G.

Google

Taylor G.

Google

Staff was kind and wonderful. They are a reservations place and fit us in as walk ins on a Saturday night. Delicious empanadas and surprisingly seasoned kale. We loved the agua frescas

Cam R.

Google

Sarah M.

Google

Rocco V.

Google

Nicole M.

Yelp

Mouf K.

Yelp

Nilsa A.

Yelp

David H.

Yelp

Britt J.

Yelp

Walked right in and was served! Food was tasty! Would I come back? Yes!! Ideal location as it offers outside seating. And it was super inexpensive.

Shivani L.

Yelp

Andrea A.

Yelp

Brian M.

Yelp

Loved it, quite quick service and half chicken dark w beans n rice . Nice service and clean place.

Andrew K.

Yelp

John C.

Yelp

Victoria N.

Yelp

Great food with reasonable prices. Our server was friendly and welcoming. The pollo a la brasa was flavorful and the meat was tender. Delicious beans and coconut rice. Really pleased with our visit.

Brittany B.

Yelp

Mary W.

Yelp

Jessica C.

Yelp

Rebecca M.

Yelp

Gitansh B.

Yelp

Elizabeth C.

Yelp

Liz M.

Yelp

Jay C.

Yelp

J W.

Yelp

Chandra J.

Yelp

Susan H.

Yelp

Sable S.

Yelp

Katie J.

Yelp

Carly S.

Yelp

Why did the Durham dinner menu so drastically change? They got rid of the two items (Grain bowl and Jackfruit Patacon Pisao) my husband and I would always order.

Amanda C.

Yelp

Kojo B.

Yelp

Tatiana H.

Yelp

Kyle R.

Yelp

Lori J.

Yelp

Chris G.

Yelp

Sandra W.

Yelp

Corina M.

Yelp

Dave M.

Yelp

Faith H.

Yelp

Dinner C.

Yelp

Karl P.

Yelp

Never dined at the restaurant but my wife brought home leftovers from a school catering event and wowzers, it was excellent. Can't wait to sample their Empanadas.

Hannah E.

Yelp

Demetria M.

Yelp

Michael R.

Yelp

Tina R.

Yelp

Camille H.

Yelp

Brilynn C.

Yelp

Destiny H.

Yelp

Stella Y.

Yelp

Kathleen C.

Yelp

Shanelle Y.

Yelp

Greg G.

Yelp

Richard C.

Yelp

We only did takeout. Food was ready promptly but the quality of the food was just OK.

Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas

Information

Postcards

Media

On the Grid : Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas

Best Restaurants in Durham, North Carolina | Eater Carolinas

You might also like

On the Grid : Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas

Best Restaurants in Durham, North Carolina | Eater Carolinas