Founders Ñako Martinez and Nico Buyo bring Argentine empanadas to the UK
De Nadas, a vibrant empanada shop in Stoke Newington, offers diverse flavors and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a delightful spot for both quick bites and leisurely meals with friends.
There’s nothing quite like a weekend stroll around your neighbourhood when the sun makes a rare appearance in London. Between November and March, regardless of age or background, there’s a shared sense of carpe diem here—when the sun is out, we are all out. Equipped with sunglasses and puffers (or knitted bonnets, if you’re particularly cool around here), crowds of people set off for their days full of errands, catch-ups, and unexpected bump-ins. It’s easy to meander like this when you live near one of the best high streets in London.
Stoke Newington Church Street has so much to offer: from coffee shops and bakeries to wine bars, restaurants, pubs, and independent designer shops. The street buzzes with life every day, but it’s particularly lively and joyful on those sunny, crisp weekends. Up until now, I thought the ultimate weekend grab-and-go snack was a bagel, a staple in this Jewish corner of London. Bagels hold a special place in my heart, mostly because they mark a significant moment in my life—the move north of the river and the opening up of new opportunities and adventures here in Stokey. If you know me, you know I could talk about bagels for days, so I’ll save that for another review. Lately, though, I feel like I’ve been cheating on my weekend favourite with a new kid on the block. Move over, bagels—all hail the empanada!
De Nadas excels with its diverse empanada flavors, warm atmosphere, and community spirit, making it a must-visit in London.
De Nadas, founded by Ñako Martinez and Nico Buyo in 2022, is the latest addition to the neighbourhood. The duo’s shared love of empanadas led them to believe these Argentine pastries deserved the same cult-like status in the UK as they have in Argentina, where they’re a national obsession. After the success of their first shop on Golborne Road in Notting Hill, they opened a second location on Rivington Street in Shoreditch. Their third shop opened on Stoke Newington Church Street in late summer, and ever since, it’s been buzzing with people. I’ve joined the queue more times than I can count to get my regular fix of these delicious hand-shaped pastries.
The shop’s layout and size lend themselves to a quick grab-and-go experience, but there’s enough space if you want to sit down, enjoy your empanadas warm, and pair them with a glass of wine or another beverage.Hand-shaped and freshly baked, De Nadas offers over 15 different types of empanadas, with meat, vegetarian, sweet, and plant-based fillings. The empanadas are made with a light, soft pastry filled with various ingredients and then baked. They’re similar to British baked pasties, but the pastry is much lighter and a lot more flaky. From classic beef and spicy lamb to creamy spinach and roast squash & kale, De Nadas has a shape and filling for everyone. The empanadas can be bought individually or in bundles of three, six, or twelve.
This past Saturday, I invited a friend to join me in sampling the variety of empanada flavours on offer. We were warmly greeted by the friendly staff and seated at the large table in the back, which can be reserved for private dining and is often used for wine-tasting events. De Nadas takes pride in having the largest selection of South American wines in London, which you can enjoy in the shop or have delivered straight to your door. We tried an Argentine Malbec on the staff’s recommendation, which was the perfect pairing for the many empanadas we devoured on that cold winter day.
You can’t really go wrong with any of the flavours at De Nadas. Of the eight we sampled, there were no duds—only distinct flavour winners. For that reason, I thought it would be better to categorise them by theme rather than order of preference. If you’re dining in, try any of these flavours with a deliciously acidic, spicy, and fresh chimichurri sauce that hails from Uruguay and Argentina.
If you’re after a classic or familiar taste, go for the Classic Beef (beef, peppers, olive, egg, spring onion, ground chilli) or Creamy Chicken (roast chicken, peppers, spring onion, and béchamel). For a veggie alternative, try the Humita (mozzarella, sweetcorn, béchamel sauce, pepper).
If you’re in the mood to treat yourself, or just craving something sweet, why not try the Blue Cheese and Pear (blue cheese, pear, mozzarella) or Smoked Malbec & Cheese (smoked cheddar and caramelised Malbec onion). So rich and savoury you almost feel like you’re indulging in a dessert. These two would also pair beautifully with a glass of wine in the evening.
Lastly, there are a few that feel slightly healthier and are perfect for enjoying on the go. The Caprese is the classic blend of mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and olive oil, and it tastes exactly like a lovely caprese salad. If you’re vegan, try the autumnal classic Squash and Kale (roast butternut squash and kale). And last but not least, the Portobello Mushroom (portobello mushroom, leek, mozzarella, oregano) is another great choice in this category—one I’ve had the most on my many walks to and from Clissold Park.
We had an amazing afternoon at De Nadas, and I’ll likely be returning next weekend—and any other day I find myself strolling around my favourite street. It’s not just the empanadas that make this place special, but the warm, inviting atmosphere and the sense of community that fills the air. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite on the go or settling in for a leisurely meal, De Nadas makes it easy to feel at home. In a city that often rushes by, it’s a small slice of joy, perfectly captured in a hand-held pastry. And so, I’ll be back, more than once, to savour every bite and soak in the simple pleasures of a Saturday afternoon in Stokey.
