Owned and operated by local entrepreneurs Matias Rigali and Dan Housenga, Empanada Kitchen was born in 2016 from a notion to bring a piece of Argentine culinary culture to San Diego. Originally the owners began freshly baking and selling their empanadas in multiple farmers markets around the city. Due to increasing popularity, they felt compelled to open a brick and mortar storefront location to keep up with the demand. The flagship Empanada Kitchen launched at 819 C Street between 8th and 9th avenue in early 2018. A second branch opened in fall 2019 on El Cajon Boulevard in North Park, and another location opened earlier this month within Little Italy Food Hall.
Empanada Kitchen will soon begin serving handmade Argentinean-style empanadas from the space that last housed All Things Ube Desserts next door to Classic Burgers restaurant on Pearl Street in La Jolla. Expect flavors like traditional beef, braised lamb, ham & cheese, and sautéed chicken, as well as vegan options like ratatouille and various vegetarian choices such as sweet corn & basil, mushroom & goat cheese, and more. There will also be a selection of coffee drinks made with beans from Bump Coffee.
The new Empanada Kitchen is expected to open this November at 613 Pearl Street in San Diego's La Jolla. For more information, visit empanada-kitchen.com.
