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Latin American

World Empanadas

Quick, affordable lunch or casual family takeout.

Closed now $$ Local FavoriteCasual VibesQuick Bite
6.7/10
Great Scored by Xochitl Ramos · How we score
№ 01 · The Brief

Magnolia Boulevard's fastest Latin American lunch

Tucked along a lively stretch of Magnolia Blvd in Burbank, World Empanadas has built a devoted following among Greater Los Angeles diners craving handheld Latin American comfort food done right. The unassuming storefront belies the warmth inside, where the aroma of freshly baked pastry dough greets visitors the moment they walk in. It's the kind of neighborhood spot that locals return to again and again, whether grabbing a quick lunch on a busy workday or settling in for a relaxed weekend meal with family.

The menu centers on empanadas in a wide range of styles, drawing from Argentine, Colombian, and broader Latin American traditions. Classic beef empanadas remain a top seller, packed with seasoned meat, olives, and a touch of spice, while the chicken and cheese varieties offer a milder, crowd-pleasing option. Vegetarian fillings like spinach and cheese round out the selection, and diners often pair their empanadas with sides like chimichurri sauce or a simple salad for a more complete meal. Sweet dessert empanadas, filled with dulce de leche or fruit, make for a satisfying finish.

Inside, World Empanadas keeps things casual and approachable, with simple seating arrangements that encourage quick turnover during peak hours without feeling rushed. The décor leans functional rather than elaborate, putting the focus squarely on the food. Bright lighting and a straightforward counter-service setup give the space an efficient, no-frills energy that fits its comfort-food identity.

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For visitors exploring Burbank or Los Angeles more broadly, World Empanadas offers an easy, affordable way to sample Latin American flavors without committing to a full sit-down experience. It works well for a quick solo lunch, a casual family outing, or picking up a batch to share at a gathering. The consistent quality and friendly service have helped it earn a loyal local following, making it a dependable stop for anyone in the mood for empanadas done well.

№ 02 · What to Order

The order, from the record

№ 03 · Insider Tip
!

Order a mixed dozen to try several flavors at once, and ask for extra chimichurri on the side, it makes a noticeable difference.

Xochitl Ramos · Top of Los Angeles
№ 04 · The Verdict

What earns the 6.7

01
Beef empanadas lead

The seasoned beef version with olives is the one people keep ordering, and it sets the bar for the rest of the case.

02
Counter-service pace

Order at the counter, grab a seat, and the whole thing moves fast enough for a workday lunch without feeling like a drive-through.

03
Family bulk pickup

A mixed dozen, savory and dulce de leche together, covers a family dinner or a gathering for less than a sit-down meal would run.

How we score

The Insider Score is our own 10-point editorial rating, set by the writer who covers the room. It is never an average of other sites’ stars, and it is never for sale. It weighs three things:

01Track record

How highly a kitchen rates, across how many diners, over how long.

02Consistency

Whether recent diners still agree with the long-term verdict.

03Distinction

What the kitchen does that its category does not.

World Empanadas earns a 6.7, great on our scale for Latin American in Los Angeles.
Xochitl Ramos
Xochitl Ramos
Staff Writer

Xochitl Ramos writes the guides for Top of Los Angeles: tacos, birria, mariscos, and the Mexican and Central American kitchens from East LA to Boyle Heights, plus the value and late-night rooms. An East LA native.

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