Pocket food lovers across Angel City can rejoice: beloved LA institution Nonna’s Empanadas has established a new foothold in Grand Central Market, conveniently located near the Hill Street side by the passage to the bathrooms and parking garage.
The empanada joint’s most popular location is its flagship store in The Original Farmer’s Market on 3rd and Fairfax, with additional stores in The Beverly Center and Americana at Brand in Glendale. You can also find select flavors of Nonna’s Empanadas at many Ubatuba Açaí stores. The new location inside Grand Central Market cements the restaurant’s institution status in the city. A wider range of commuters, visitors, and downtown residents alike can now regularly enjoy all the different flavors of the handheld treat.
Founded in 2009 by father and son team Mario and Eddy Ekmekgian, they elevated the popular South American snack to cult status in LA. Nonna’s Empanadas follows the credo of California cuisine by baking their empanadas instead of frying them, ensconcing a plethora of internationally-inspired flavors in a soft yet crispy crust slightly reminiscent of saltine crackers.
Nonna’s has something for everyone whether you’re a meat lover, vegetarian, or vegan. Classic flavors like beef, chicken, and spinach and cheese sit alongside innovative flavors like Philly cheesesteak, mac and cheese, and Indian samosa. There are even dessert empanadas like guava and cheese, Oreo, banana, and vegan-friendly apple.
Over 30 flavors are available at the new Grand Central Market location, along with jarred versions of their classic and spicy chimichurri sauces. Each empanada is stamped with the flavor it is so you’ll always know if your order is correct.
Nonna’s Empanadas at Grand Central Market is open daily 10AM-9PM weekdays, 9AM-9PM on weekends to skip the DTLA weekend brunch crowds in favor of a guava empanada.
