Florida's famous foods embrace a diverse range of flavors that provide a welcome variety. Empanadas are a prime example of a traditional food that encompasses a number of styles and influences. When you get a craving for empanadas, head to these great local restaurants. 

Latinos y Mas - 2030 S. Pine Ave., Ocala, FL 34471
Treat your taste buds to global cuisine at Latinos y Mas in Ocala. Contemporary Latin dishes get some Mediterranean flair for true international fusion. Hearty Empanadas Colombianas feature cornmeal patties filled with beef stew and potatoes. Pair them with a roast beet salad topped with feta cheese and homemade balsamic vinaigrette.

Latinos y Mas is open 11 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. every day but Sunday, with extended hours until 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Arepara La Nueva - 29 S. Semoran Blvd., Orlando, FL 32807
At Arepara La Nueva, there's a flavor of empanada to suit every taste. Choose from shredded or ground beef, shredded chicken, ham and cheese, fish, or cheese. Their signature Empanada de Pabellon is stuffed with black beans, shredded beef, sweet plantains, and white cheese. Stop by this Orlando gem whenever you're craving authentic empanadas. Hours are 8 a.m. - midnight daily, with extended hours as well as curbside pickup from 11 p.m. - 2 a.m. Thursday through Sunday.

Tipico Latino Restaurant - 566 Barton Blvd., Rockledge, FL 32955
Take a trip to the Dominican Republic without leaving the Space Coast. Dominican cuisine, as served at Tipico Latino Restaurant, has been shaped by influences ranging from Puerto Rican and Haitian to Japanese and Hungarian. At just $2 each, you can indulge in beef, chicken, and cheese empanadas to your heart's (and stomach's) content. Tipico is open 11:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Latin Shark - 26 N. Orlando Ave., Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
It's not surprising that a restaurant named Latin Shark would boast the best-fried fish around Cocoa Beach. But according to the many fans posting on social media, it's the amazingly authentic Venezuelan empanadas that keep them coming back for more. Get your day off to a perfect start with one of their delicious breakfast empanadas, then come by at 7 p.m. on Friday for live music. Hours are noon - 9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

El Pollo Colorao - 227 Saint Joe Plaza Dr., Palm Coast, FL 32164
Pizza empanadas? No, it's not a dream. That's one of the flavors you'll find when you visit El Pollo Colorao Puerto Rican Eatery in Palm Coast. Customers rave about the authentic Puerto Rican food, including empanadas with chicken, beef, and cheese to go along with the aforementioned pizza. When you want to switch it up a bit, be sure to try the mofongo, a traditional Puerto Rican dish of mashed green plantains that are fried and filled with your choice of ingredients. El Pollo is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

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