The best empanadas in Hampton Roads

Each country has its own version of what Americans call a meat pie, but one thing is for certain: Empanada deliciousness transcends borders.

An empanada, with a flour or cornmeal crust, is a turnover that originated in Spain and Portugal. It holds a savory or sweet filling, is shaped as a half-moon, and can be baked or fried. The word itself comes from “empanar,” Spanish for “to wrap or coat in bread.”

Our readers and online community nominated nearly a dozen restaurants with tasty empanadas for our Taste Test. On a recent Saturday, three taste testers volunteered their time to try empanadas from the three most-nominated restaurants.

Empanadas earned points in five categories: appearance/aroma, dough/crust, filling, overall taste and value. Testers’ scores, on a scale of 100 maximum poi