Viva Empanadas in Albany - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

this was all that was left…. the empanadas were amazing! Highly recommend the Chilean Pino- im as white as they come and was afraid to try them, but it was amazing.

After coming back from Chilé, I thought I had the best empanadas there was to offer, I would’ve never guessed they would have been topped in Albany, NY. I was up here lobbying some of my senator friends when my dinner reservation at 677 Prime fell through. I walked into a nondescript restaurant on the corner of Columbia and North Pearl. Hands down the ONLY place to eat empanadas in the world… light flaky crust fried to be crispy without a greasy texture or taste, exotic ingredients artfully sourced, the chef is a magician who lets the flavors speak for themselves. Never have I ever had a better empanada. Knew I simply had to finish with dessert, and I was not disappointed. Nuff said

Staff was very kind, the restaurant is lovely, and the food is excellent! We did takeout for our first time here. It's on the pricey side for the portions, but I haven't found anything like this in the area so it's worth it. We tried 6 empanadas, yucca fries, regular fries, tostones, and maduros. All cooked to perfection and so flavorful! Parking might be a bit of a hassle, but as others have said, there is a paid private parking lot across the street, and paid street parking nearby.

VEGAN REVIEW. Stopped in when we saw they had vegan empanadas. Ordered 2 to go and WOW. Absolutely amazing. Homemade with lentils and mushrooms (I dont like mushrooms, but you can't even taste them). Left us craving them and giving us another reason to stop in Albany when near by. If you're in Albany, definitely stop in and get their empanadas. 😋

Lucky find for my first lunch ever in Albany! They have various delicious empanada doughs: wheat, corn, plantain, and yucca based. Some are gluten free. They also have vegetarian and vegan options. I am an omnivore but really liked both the cheese filled plantain crust and the vegan lentil and mushroom option. If I lived here, I would be a regular! Staff was great friendly and efficient, and prices were very reasonable. Everything tasted freshly made, but the plantain empanadas were particularly crispy and delicious. I don’t know NY liquor laws, but I believe that they have a near and wine license.

Delicious food and the coconut mojito was good as well. They’re still working on the pace of their service, but would definitely go back.

Loved every bite of my lunch as did my daughter. The service was impeccable and I can't wait to come back for the empanada sampler! Delicious, authentic and beautiful!

Wonderful dinner. The food was amazing---fresh and different. The prices were very good for large portions. My cocktail was well balanced. The atmosphere was perfect, with beautiful decor and soft Latin music in the background. I will definitely be back with from.

We were going to go to DP but upon arriving we found out they were closed on Monday, even though the website said it was open. So,we were looking for a place that was close. We found Viva Empanada's down the street. DP's lose. The interior was bright and charming. Service was great. But the food was the star. We had the Paella and the Empanada trio. Buth were excellent and plentiful. Also, the Empanada 's comes with 3 different sauces. We will definitely go back to try some more of the different items.

Having been to Peru, I was excited to try this place; it did not disappoint. The Peruvian chimichurri rotisserie chicken was amazing, as was all the empanadas, cooked from scratch! Atmosphere and music amazing as well. Check this place out!

Words can not describe how amazing this place is. The interior is beautiful to look at. The food is by far some of the best I ave ever had. The thing that really won me over was how sweet the staff is. They are truly some of the sweetest and most caring people we have met. Truly a place I think everyone should try.

This place is unbelievably amazing! The staff is great and the food is beyond delicious. Even though it is quite a drive. It's is so worth it!

Best Cuban Sandwich I have had in years!

This charming restaurant is vibrant and has a Spanish feel that exudes a welcoming atmosphere. The ladies who run it are friendly and offer great service. The empanadas are a must-try, offering a unique twist and a variety that includes yucca-based options. The food is flavorful and delicious. I brought a friend, and we had a delightful lunch. We shared a Cuban sandwich, Cuban beef tostones, two empanadas, and refreshing flavored seltzers with passion fruit and coconut created on the spot. We caught the lunch rush, so a little patience is required. However, take out is available. I look forward to returning to try more dishes. Check this place out.

I don't even have the words. So, so good.

AMAZING flavor. I ordered the Churrasco and it was 10/10. My family had the ropa vieja, Cubano sandwich and empanadas with everyone reporting everything is absolutely delicious.

Simply SCRUMPTIOUS! We tried the chicken sofrito and veganlicious empanadas as appetizers and the rotisserie chicken and Spanish chicken paella for our entrees. I also tried a yummy passion fruit mojito! Everything was well seasoned, tasty, chicken was tender and food was served hot! The interior was clean and welcoming. Attentive service. Wonderful and much needed eatery to an otherwise drab downtown!!! I strongly recommend.

Just meal was a true delight period we tried the six mixed and matched and pana's in a came with three sauces period this is an unbelievably great experience, i'm highly recommend this restaurant