Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
100 or More Empanadas (Must be ordered at least 24 Hours in advance)
75 or More Empanadas (Must be ordered at least 24 Hours in advance)
50 or More Empanadas (Must be ordered at least 24 Hours in advance)
Mini Empanadas (Must be ordered at least 48 hours in advance)
About
La Empanada Llama
Welcome to La Empanada Llama, a charming gem nestled on 469 Delaware Ave, Albany, NY. Specializing in authentic Peruvian cuisine, La Empanada Llama offers a delightful culinary experience that highlights the rich flavors of Latin American gastronomy. From delectable empanadas to heartwarming rice dishes, every offering is designed to tantalize your taste buds and deliver satisfaction.
Upon stepping into this cozy eatery, you'll be greeted by friendly staff and an inviting atmosphere, spiced up with whimsical life-sized llama decorations that add a touch of fun to your dining experience. Though predominantly a takeout establishment, La Empanada Llama provides enough casual seating for a pleasant dine-in option.
Highlights of La Empanada Llama:
- Empanadas Galore: The star of the menu is undoubtedly the empanadas. With options like Beef Empanada—a savory enclave of beef, rice, beans, corn, and raisins—for just $4.00, to the popular La Peruanita Empanada, a flavorful mix of chopped steak with onions, olives, and boiled eggs for $5.00, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
- Hearty Dishes: Don’t miss the Arroz con Pollo, a must-try lunch special that will elevate your comfort food expectations. With tender chicken and perfectly seasoned rice, it’s pure delight in every bite.
- Flavorful Sauces: The accompanying green sauce (salsa verde) is a crowd favorite, praised for its ability to enhance the flavors of the empanadas. Customers rave about its zesty freshness, compelling many to contemplate drinking it straight!
- Peruvian Beverages: Enjoy refreshing beverages like Chicha Morada, a traditional purple corn drink, or indulge in organic Peruvian coffee, making for a perfect complement to every meal.
- Sweet Treats: Don’t forget to try the Dulce de Leche Empanada for a taste of gooey decadence, ensuring your meal ends on a sweet note.
Customer reviews consistently highlight the culinary excellence at La Empanada Llama. Patrons have applauded the efficient service and the restaurant’s ability to prepare meals quickly without sacrificing quality. Many have found solace in the restaurant's food, elevating an ordinary day into something special with just one bite.
In a land teeming with culinary choices, La Empanada Llama stands out not only for its flavorful offerings but also for its captivating atmosphere. Whether you opt for a quick takeaway after a hike or wish to savor a family meal in-house, La Empanada Llama promises an experience that resonates with warmth, flavor, and comfort.
Don’t miss your chance to discover the magic of Peruvian cuisine at La Empanada Llama—where every dish tells a story and every bite is a celebration!
Book a table
Make A Reservation
“ The empanadas are amazing, especially their green sauce (salsa verde). It's a cute small place and I love the life size llama statue they have there, I believe they mostly work as a takeout place as most empanad places operate. The portions in the discs are fair, I don't feel like I'm eating air with dough and it's so flavorful. The time estimate was on point as well. (I got my order within the expected wait time). And the staff are friendly. Definitely going again! ”
“ I have a new ideal for comfort food. It's the Arroz con Pollo lunch special from La Empanada Llama in Albany. I wasn't having a bad day and I wasn't looking for comfort --but one bite of that Arroz con Pollo--and my day got even better. It's all in the seasonings which at times seem magical. The restaurant serves up Peruvian cuisine. I placed the takeout order by phone. The woman who answered was very nice. Of course, I had to try the empanadas, too. They were plump, hot and crispy. I ordered one beef empanada, which came with delicious light green cilantro sauce. I also ordered the Dulce de Leche empanada which was filled deliciously sweet gooey goodness. I also had a purple corn beverage called Chicha Morada. It was very tasty. The staff is efficient. My order was ready in 20 minutes. The restaurant is small, but you'll find there's seating for casual dining. There are two large toy llamas on display to "greet" you as soon as you open the front door. What an enjoyable lunch. I can't wait to visit again and work my way through the rest of the menu. ”
“ I have only gotten delivery so I can't speak to the atmosphere, cleanliness or staff but the food!!!!!!!!!!!! I ordered it for lunch yesterday and dinner today. That's a good review right there. I had the arroz con pollo with a side of fried plantains. The rice and beans were so well seasoned and not dry like some other reviewers have found. I've now tried 5 of the savory and 3 of the sweet empanadas. I think my favorite so far is the cabbage and chorizo. I would drink the green side sauce with a straw! Also, I have found it be reasonably priced. Tonight we got the family dinner which came with plentiful arroz con polo and your choice of 4 empanadas for only $28. Highly recommend this establishment! ”
“ Made a large group order of empanadas after a day of hiking, and they got them ready within the specified time. We picked them up and they were labeled on the clear tops as they always are. The inside of the shop is small and decorated with some life size llamas and some not. I honestly loved all of the flavors I tried: arroz con pollo, Mexican (creamy beef mixed with guac--no extra charge for guac!), and cau cau (potatoes, mushrooms. Can't really decide on a favorite but it might be arroz con pollo for now. The empanadas went so well with the salsa verde and were fresh and crispy. We each easily inhaled three because we were starving! Two of them may have been mislabeled, but it may have been our mistake... I would definitely order again and am curious to try the tacu tacu and the cabbage and chorizo next time and maybe a smoothie. P.S.-tried the tres leches cake a few days later and it is absolutely delicious! I would come here just for that if I wasn't in the mood for empanadas. It's not too sweet and has the perfect amount of sweet milkiness soaked into the cake. ”
“ Fast, filling and flavorful. This takeout hit all the sweet spots. We ordered the family Arroz con Pollo for 4. It came with 4 empanadas. We chose the Peruanita, the chicken, the Mexican and one with chorizo and cabbage. We added a Mac and Cheese one as well. All were very good if not remarkably different from each other in my opinion. The empanadas were not greasy, a bonus. I did love the tangy cilantro dipping sauce that accompanied them. The chicken and rice dish was also good with tender chicken on the bone and tasty rice with small diced vegetables. Again, warm and tasty and hit the spot. My son gobbled up his Mac and cheese empanada. Comfort food supreme. This was a good value for a family meal. I'd like to try a dessert empanada next. ”
“ My first experience with an empanada was a few years ago while traveling. I was told not to expect the same experience from every empanada. So, good friend and I have been going out trying different more diverse eateries. This was my pick of the week. I read online that they had goat. Oh boy! So, friend chose both a beef and a chicken empanada. I decided on lunch - cabrio. This dish begins with a small salad followed by lunch being served in a small metal container with white rice and black beans with a plentiful amount of stewed goat in a very tasty sauce. Also ordered a chicken empanada because when in Peru, order empanadas. Also part of lunch was a handful of roasted/fried plaintains. Wow. After eating empanada - did dip in the tangy green sauce - ate a portion of rice/goat and took the rest for another day. Desserts were available but tres leeches cake wasn't ready yet. Next visit I must try the sweet empanada. Yes, I will need to keep this in my repertoire of food establishments. There is no private parking lot (on street) and is a small place (4 tables). But staff are lovely. Fun place to try new food. ”
