La Criolla Berlin

Argentinian Empanadas in Berlin

Quélia from Berlin

"La Criolla in Prenzlauer Berg serves the most authentic Argentinian empanadas! Perfect dough, flavorful fillings & spicy sauce. Don’t skip the alfajores!"

Being married to an Argentinian and having spent a considerable amount of time in the country, I’ve come to love their bitter mate tea, their sinful pastries, and, of course, their famous empanadas.

Although seemingly simple, a truly good empanada is not so easy to find on this side of the Atlantic: usually, either the filling is good but the dough isn’t right, or the dough is okay but the filling is bland. The experience always ended in disappointment - until one fine day, when I was walking along the quaint Marienburger Straße in Prenzlauer Berg and stumbled upon La Criolla, an Argentinian empanada shop.

Although with low expectations, I decided to give it a chance, and with the first bite, I was sold. These were truly authentic empanadas, just like in Argentina — and I would even dare to say, better than some I had there.

The dough is just perfect, and the fillings include all the classics you’d find there - carne criolla, caprese, fugazzeta, jamón y queso — along with more original recipes like pear and roquefort, pork with plums and also vegan options. Whatever you choose, they’re all delicious. My favorite is the fugazzeta, filled to the brim with melted cheese and roasted onions. They also make a fantastic spicy sauce to go with the empanadas, and for dessert, the homemade alfajores de maicena are the obvious choice.

La Criolla is the perfect spot for a quick lunch while visiting the beautiful neighborhood of Prenzlauer Berg.

Restaurants

Snacks

Buy one, Give one!

Share your 💚 this December

*on all products

Berlin Spotter Quélia

Born and raised in Portugal, I called many other cities my home before settling in Berlin, and what was supposed to be a short 6-month stay in the German capital has now turned into a 7-year (and counting) affair. I'm passionate about traveling and getting to know different cultures, and if I'm not on an adventure, I’m usually planning or dreaming about the next one. I try to really get to know the places I visit, and I’m always on the lookout for authentic experiences, which is how I stumbled upon Spotted by Locals many years ago. When not traveling around or hiking ...

About this spot

Marienburger Straße 9

Empanada:

€

3.50

Social

Mar 26, 2025

Our Berlin City Guide

Find your way with 217 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Berlin guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Berlin

Idealpassage

A historic walk in Neukölln

"Idealpassage" in Berlin takes you on a historic walk - this passage reveals a complex from a century ago that served as a model for 'social housing'...

Art & culture

Anna

Hantelmann

Dec 6, 2025

Oxfam Schöneberg

International books for charity

"Oxfam Schöneberg" in Berlin deals in second-hand books! It offers a surprisingly interesting variety of international books...

"Mauerpark’s Books" in Berlin is perfect for old book lovers - and people who like bargaining for the best price!

Art & culture

"Antiquariat Wegner" in Berlin is an antiquarian bookstore that's just a paradise for German-speaking books. I admire it profoundly.

Art & culture

Relaxing

Shopping

Cheong Kin

Man

Dec 6, 2025

Tucholsky-Buchhandlung

In the name of the writer

"Tucholsky-Buchhandlung' in Berlin offers general literature for very reasonable prices. Clients coming to pick up their pre-ordered loves warms my heart!

Art & culture

Shopping

Cheong Kin

Man

Dec 6, 2025

Winterfeldt Schokoladen

Cafe in an old pharmacy

"Winterfeldt Schokoladen" in Berlin offers not only great coffee but also chocolates & some sweet treats! My choice is usually the shamanic chilli cacao...