Best Empanadas in London: Authentic Colombian Flavours (2026 Guide)

4 Places to Find the Best Colombian Empanadas in London

Looking for Colombian empanadas in London? Start with El Rancho de Lalo in Brixton, Donde Carlos on Goldhawk Road, or the neighbouring La Chatica and DistriAndina businesses on Elephant Road. This guide brings together their locations, map links and practical advice for choosing your next stop.

If you are searching for empanadas colombianas near you, choose an area below and check the journey from your starting point. Contact the business before travelling specifically for empanadas: fillings, prices and availability can change.

Find a Colombian food stop near you

London locations to check for Colombian empanadas
Area Business Address and map
Brixton El Rancho de Lalo 1 Buckner Road, London SW2 5BY
Shepherd’s Bush / Goldhawk Road Donde Carlos 143 Goldhawk Road, London W12 8EN
Elephant & Castle La Chatica Unit 2, Farrell Court, Elephant Road, London SE17 1LB
Elephant & Castle DistriAndina Unit 6, Farrell Court, Elephant Road, London SE17 1LB

Addresses checked against Food Standards Agency records on . These records confirm the listed premises, not today’s opening hours or menu. This is a location guide, not a ranked tasting review.

El Rancho de Lalo: empanadas in Brixton

El Rancho de Lalo is a Colombian restaurant to consider when you want empanadas as part of a meal. Published restaurant guides include empanadas among its smaller dishes, alongside larger Colombian plates. Ask which fillings are available and whether you can order a small portion before choosing the rest of your meal.

Use the Buckner Road address above: it matches the Food Standards Agency record. Some restaurant directories show a different address, so confirm the destination before setting off. You can also read Thatsup’s restaurant listing.

Donde Carlos: a West London option

For a Colombian food stop around Shepherd’s Bush or Goldhawk Road, consider Donde Carlos. Our guide to Donde Carlos covers the restaurant and its traditional dishes, including beef empanadas. Check the current selection directly if you want a particular filling.

The address is 143 Goldhawk Road, W12 8EN. See the official business record or use the map link above to plan your visit.

La Chatica: Elephant Road

La Chatica is one of the Elephant Road stops in this guide. Its listed premises are Unit 2, Farrell Court, close to DistriAndina at Unit 6. That gives you two nearby businesses to check without planning separate journeys across London.

Ask about the day’s empanadas, available fillings and whether they are ready to eat. The Food Standards Agency listing for La Chatica identifies this Elephant Road location.

DistriAndina: another Elephant & Castle stop

DistriAndina’s Elephant Road premises are at Unit 6, Farrell Court. Its website sells Latin American groceries; an online grocery listing should not be taken as confirmation that hot empanadas are available at the counter today. Check directly before making a special trip.

Use the official address record and the map above for this branch. This guide does not assume that other branches offer the same food.

What makes a Colombian empanada different?

A typical Colombian empanada has a fried maize-based shell, with fillings such as seasoned meat and potato. Recipes vary by region and cook, so ask what is inside rather than assuming every empanada follows the same recipe.

Ají, a Colombian chilli sauce, is a familiar accompaniment. Ask for it on the side if you would like to control the heat. If you are trying empanadas for the first time, start with a small order and compare the shell, filling and sauce before ordering more.

How to choose the best empanadas for your visit

  • For a quick snack: ask whether empanadas are available individually and ready to take away.
  • For a meal: check how many come in a portion before adding other dishes.
  • For value: compare the price per empanada and its size. A menu price may cover one piece or a whole serving.
  • For freshness: ask when the next batch will be ready if you prefer them freshly cooked.
  • For dietary requirements: confirm the dough, filling, sauces and frying arrangements directly with staff.

Common questions

Where can I find Colombian empanadas near me in London?

Use the area table to compare Brixton, Goldhawk Road and Elephant & Castle. Open a map link and enter your starting point. The nearest useful option depends on your journey, opening hours and the food available when you visit.

How much do Colombian empanadas cost in London?

There is no single price across these businesses. Check the current menu and whether the amount is per piece or per portion. Delivery prices, fees and minimum orders may differ from buying at the premises.

Can I order empanadas for delivery?

Search for the business using your delivery postcode, then check whether empanadas appear on the available menu. A restaurant appearing on a delivery service does not mean it delivers to every London address.

Are Colombian empanadas vegetarian or gluten-free?

Not automatically. Fillings and dough recipes vary, and a maize-based shell does not establish how the food was prepared. Ask the business about ingredients and shared cooking equipment before ordering for a dietary requirement.

Know a location we should add, or have a correction to an address? Contact Lugar Latino with the business name and a current menu or official link.