Mpanadas

Paola Herbas, co-owner

Mpanadas collage

What seats 12, has a menu from around the world, plus serves gelato and coffee? Mpanadas, co-owned by Paola Herbas, is a Bolivian inspired restaurant where the empanada is the main event with the traditional beef papa: filled with ground beef, potatoes, cumin, peas and paprika. Paola says the secret to a good empanada is a perfect balance of dough to filling. “Our dough is a little sweet so it gives a nice balance to our savory filling,” she says. Other popular requests are the Philly and the cheeseburger empanadas. Try more daring flavors like chorizo ranchero, French toast or the Bombay. But then there’s the gelato — 12 locally sourced flavors some with a Hispanic twist such as chirimoya, horchata and spicy mango. Top off with espresso-based drinks or try their fruity pebble latte. And yes, they can make you an affogato – a scoop of gelato topped with a shot of espresso. Paola says Mpanadas is a great place to get work done and for good conversation. With music that’s not too loud, an intimate space that’s cozy and not crowded — this is the perfect hangout spot. And customers include residents from the neighborhood as well as commuters working along the Pike.

Of the five employees at this Columbia Pike location, all but one walk to work. The fifth takes Metro and the bus. Served by ART 45, 74, Metrobus A12, A40 and A49 — plan your trip to try all the flavors. You can also walk or bike there with four Capital Bikeshare stations nearby. Or plan to come by after 8:00 p.m. for a 20% discount on all items.

Mpanadas
2602 Columbia Pike
Arlington, VA 22204
Go car free to Mpanadas