We decided to do a day trip from Orange County to Santa Barbara and the first stop was going to be lunch. After the miserable drive in bumper to bumper traffic this first stop for lunch had better be amazing to save the day and it was. I've only had empanadas a few times in my life but I really like them. This restaurant can easily be missed driving through this neighborhood. Everything about it is very cute and relaxing. We ordered some chicken empanadas and some carne empanadas. We also ordered a side of little potatoes. To be honest, the potatoes were nothing special to us. The carne empanadas were amazing. They were about as good as I've ever had. The chicken, not so much. They were a little plain and could have used some kind of a sauce inside. The carne made up for them for sure though. Next time I come to Santa Barbara this will probably be on my food itinerary as well.

A huge variety of non-traditional empanadas to choose from. I ordered the mushroom, spinach, and vegan potato empanada combo with a side of chimichurri papas (potatoes). I wish the latter were crispy, but the chimichurri sauce is amazing. Recommend the mushroom, but do not recommend the vegan potato one.

Very good empanadas. I especially enjoyed the carnitas empanada and the spinach and cheese one, while I did not like the chicken empanada very much. The potatoes on the side were simply amazing. Perfectly baked and with the right amount of sauce. No more, no less. :)

when i go santa barbara always stop this place. good pastrie, so not cheap - above the average so valuable.

I called in an order for mini empanadas and pasqualina and it was awesome. They were done when they said they were going to be done they were beautiful they were delicious and everybody loved them at my daughter's butt mitzvah. My family is from Argentina so we have a qualified opinion and we approve. Eat at Buena One n Doug Bakery Owner

Based on reviews and photos was excited to try this place. Staff were really friendly, location was clean and super cute patio seating. Empanadas and papas were delicious. However 1 hour later I got a splitting MSG headache and joint pain. Way way way too much MSG was added. I have no idea why, because the ingredients and technique looked good. I'm sure the empanadas would be delicious without the MSG. I was thinking to order a bunch for my Xmas party. However not going back, as I am sensitive to too much MSG being used.

I hosted a dinner here last night for just under 20 people. Our experience was nothing short of phenomenal! The owner was amazing to work with and incredibly accommodating! The food was FANTASTIC! The outdoor setup is really cool and different from anything else I’ve experienced in Santa Barbara. You can tell the owner and staff are very passionate about providing the best quality empanadas! Hands down the best empanadas I’ve ever had, and all of our party agreed! Do yourself a favor and go experience this place! Highly recommend!

I was here for a private event and the outdoor patio space was excellent. Food and service were also very good, I'd recommend this restaurant for a casual private event with self serve buffet style food. They had vegetarian options which was also good, and the empanadas have different shapes depending on the filling so you can be sure to tell which are which when they are served.

Service is too slow. I waited 10+ minutes before my order was taken and flagging the waiter was practically impossible because they spent most of their time inside. I know the staff are busy doing multiple things but overall the service experience was poor. I had to go inside to pay because they never came to my table with the check. Empanadas are small so you need to order at least 3 per person. Chicken empanada did not have much chicken.

Ordered a half dozen empanadas, the arugula salad and the chimi papas. Out of all 6, my partner and I agreed the Quinoa one was the star of the show. Don't get me wrong, they were all so amazing but that one topped them. Salad was fresh and delicious, papas were crispy and so flavorful. Service was great, our server was friendly and so attentive.

first time in this cafe. we enjoyed it very much, nice atmosphere, friendly staff and delicious food. they gave a discount for the first visit. very tasty pies

Such a great place! The food is made fresh. They have amazing empanadas and an excellent selection of Yerba Mate. Not to mention several dessert options. There are several vegetarian or vegan options also.

I had a great experience! Arrived around 5:30pm on a Wednesday and we were the only ones there until about 6pm. I love the ambience of this place. We sat outside by the water fountain and loved it! There are a couple parking spots right in front of the restaurant but we were able to find street parking just a couple steps away. A lot of tables available. Everything was super clean and organized. The staff was friendly. The food was delicious! I’ve been looking for a great empanada and this place is amazing! Some of the best empanadas I’ve ever had. Options for vegetarian and vegans!

Delicious, affordable, and so many options for empanada fillings! We got the half dozen and some chimi papas, and it was more than enough for two people. Will come back if I’m in the area again!

I genuinely love these empanadas! Not only are they fresh and warmly delicious, but this company also sources as sustaiably as possible and makes sure to give their employees a respectable wage. Great place to have lunch and support a great business.

How did I live here so long without knowing about this gem? They have a wide selection of tasty morsels and the prices aren't bad. We sat outside in the pleasant patio area and tried a variety of empanadas and every single one of them was delicious. The bad? There are three tiny parking spaces, and if they are taken you may have to circle the block a few times until a spot opens up on the busy street. That's it, my only complaint. It can be hard to find, and I'm good with that. If too many of you start showing up I may not be able to find a parking space.

Small, hole in the wall type establishment with outdoor patio seating. Fresh baked empanadas in various flavours including a flavour of the day. We had a dozen empanadas between 3 people with made for a reasonable meal. We tried the ham and cheese, chicken, feta quinoa and chili verde (which was the flavour of the day). Chicken was definitely the least satisfying of the lot. You may find Buena Onda Empanadas on sale at Old Town Coffee in Goleta and at their other location, but those do not stack up against these fresh from the oven. Enjoy with a good amount of their house chimichuri.

Went for a quick snack after whale watching. Empanadas were delicious and we sat in a nice outside space to eat them. Not glamorous, but good food.

“Buena Onda”!! Was an amazing food experience, and the service was excellent!!! The team works incredible synchronized because they want share, their cultural and traditional style of food with everyone!!! The acomodación it’s a beautiful patio, illuminated by the Sun and the stars with a touch of string lighting and candles. Shared that moments with friends and family!!!💗

❤❤❤ WOW! Just wow! Hands down the best empanadas that we have had and probably the sweetest restaurant of our current road trip! The staff are all so friendly and helpful! And the empanadas??? NEXT LEVEL!!! Lots of options for vegan and vegetarian food too! My son and I both indulged and had the 3 empanada and side dish plate! We both opted for the chimi papas with a spicy aioli... delicious on there own. But the empanadas? SUBLIME!!! We tried 6 different varieties and all of them were stellar! I loved the humati empanada - a seasonal specialty with sweet corn, caramelized onions and scallions! They are handcrafted on site with the freshest and finest ingredients! I peeked into the kitchen on a bathroom visit... I can't say enough nice things about this place. The owner is Argentinian and knows his empanadas. Also their chimichurri sauce is nearly perfect! 😍 We were stuffed but picked up a dessert empanada for the road: goat cheese and fig! Nuff said! Don't miss this place!!! 6 stars out 5!

Place was so cute! The empanadas were on point. Not from around here and wish we had something like this at home! Order what you think you'll eat and more! Sooo delicious!

This place was so good. 😍🤤 If I lived closer I'm sure I would be a frequent visitor. My favorites were the chicken and the quinoa. The service was awesome, too!