Every culture seems to have at least one food that families call comfort food. Grandma used to make it. The recipe has been handed down by moms for generations. These are the foods we love to share, to eat among friends, to discover in a tiny mom-and-pop restaurant in our neighborhood. When it comes to Argentinian cuisine, that amazing comfort food is the empanada. Whether it is in your neighborhood or requires a bit of a drive, these handmade empanadas in Southern California are comfort food at its finest.

Family-owned Buena Onda Empanadas was established in 2014 out of the founders’ dream to bring their culture's cuisine to their new home in Santa Barbara, California.

Every empanada is handmade, from the dough to the filling, and meticulously shaped, sealed, and baked.

In bringing authentic Argentinian cuisine to Santa Barbara, the owners of Buena Onda are committed to tradition when it comes to quality ingredients, like grass-fed beef, free range-chicken, organic Roma tomatoes, and locally sourced produce. However, they also allow for flexibility with some of their flavors and fillings, bringing together their old culture with their new one.

You may not be able to judge a book by its cover, but you can tell what’s inside an empanada by the shape of its dough. From the classic half-moon with a braided edge to round to flaps on the side, each filling can be identified by looking at the way the pastry has been folded and sealed.

Whether you prefer meat or vegetarian filling, there is an empanada made for you, with options like Carne (beef), Serrano (ham and cheese), Hongos (mushrooms), and Batata (sweet potato). You will even find vegan options on the menu.

Did we mention breakfast, seasonal, and "daily special" empanadas? One visit just doesn’t seem like enough. You are going to want to keep coming back to try them all.

Empanadas are available by the dozen, which is ideal for lunch with a few friends, or enjoying a couple and taking the rest home for later!

Buena Onda’s beautiful patio is a lovely place to relax and enjoy your favorite empanadas, whether you are enjoying one as a snack or coming in for a meal with one of the two- or three-empanada combos.

The stone oven on the patio is not just for show. Buena Onda fire-bakes trays of empanadas for events and catering.

All empanadas come with a side of house-made chimichurri sauce, and combos come with either a mixed green salad or mouthwatering Chimi Papas - spiced and roasted red potatoes topped with aioli.

The traditional Argentinian cuisine doesn’t stop at savory delights. Freshly made Alfajor - not your only dessert option, by the way - is a delicate shortbread cookie sandwiched with dulce de leche (caramel), and dusted with coconut.

Ready to enjoy these amazing baked-to-order hand pies, but can't stay to dine on-site? With 20 minutes' notice, you can pick up fresh, hot empanadas that will stay warm for an hour (and also come with instructions for reheating, if needed.) If you have 30-40 minutes and are in Santa Barbara, these beauties can be delivered right to your home or office.

Have you had Buena Onda's handmade empanadas? We would love to hear your thoughts - and your favorite fillings - in the comments. Get to know this Argentinian gem by visiting the Buena Onda website or follow them on Facebook. Looking for more comfort food inspiration? Check out these Cuban pastries that SoCal locals can't get enough of.