The Top 5 Best Restaurants in Mission Viejo, CA
What’s the point of perfect year-round weather and beautiful scenery if the food isn’t equally fantastic? Well, luckily for residents of Mission Viejo, CA, there are plenty of spots guaranteeing a scrumptious experience to go along with the sunny and picture-perfect backdrop.
History of Mission Viejo, CA
Known for its rolling hills and rugged terrain, Mission Viejo was used primarily for cattle and sheep grazing, and was considered “undevelopable.” However, in the 1970s, master developer and future president of the Irvine Company, Donald Bren, submitted a master plan with roads in the valleys and houses on the hills making it the first successful master planned community in the United States.
Today, Mission Viejo is a bustling city with highly rated schools, beautiful parks, and a 124-acre man-made recreational lake, named Lake Mission Viejo. Lake Mission Viejo hosts many events, and is filled with an array of businesses, such as facial spas, health & fitness companies, restaurants, and much more.
With hundreds of amazing restaurants in the area, it’s difficult to come up with a top 5 list, but nonetheless, here are the top 5 best restaurants in Mission Viejo:
Peppino’s Italian Family Restaurant | Lake Mission Viejo
Peppinos’ is a favorite Italian chain in Orange County, but this particular location on Lake Mission Viejo is special. Not only is the food excellent, offering pizzas, pastas, soups, and salads, but the service goes above and beyond, according to reviewers on Yelp and Google. The setting is a classic Italian design with a free basket of bread, a great assortment of wines, and a full bar. If you don’t want to wait for a seat outside overlooking the lake, inside is very cozy and comfortable.
Click on the map below for a nice day out on the lake.
Shish Taouk | Lebanese, Mediterranean
Shish Taouk opened its doors in April of 2019, and it has quickly become a local favorite. Reviewers on Yelp and Google love the owner of the restaurant, but have fallen in love with the excellent tasting food, big portions and high-quality ingredients. For example, the Mix Shawarma Plate includes freshly cut chicken and beef, hummus, garlic sauce, rice, salad, and bread - all for $11! It’s no wonder why Shish Taouk is doing so well.
Click on the map below to give them a visit.
Samurai Sushi | Japanese
No list is complete without a Sushi restaurant, and you won’t regret trying Samurai Sushi. This fine Japanese restaurants is a local favorite serving up the best sushi in Mission Viejo, according to reviewers on Yelp and Google. The ambiance is fun, and the chefs are professional and accommodating. The servings are large, especially for the price, so be careful not to order too much.
Happy hour is a favorite time to show up, especially that you get BOGO 50% off sushi, rolls, and bento boxes. If you haven’t been here before, this will be your new go-to sushi restaurant. Click below for directions:
Dublin 4 Gastropub | Irish
Dublin 4 Gastropub is a local favorite. The crowds can get very full, and parking can be a problem, but it is worth the experience. This gastropub offers an authentic Irish experience with style. The design is top quality with a very well trained staff. The food is impeccable, but portions are reported to be small for the price charged by reviewers. Favorite dishes are the Dublin Lawyer Lobster Pie and the Prime Colorado Lambo Burger. Bartenders are reported to be top-notch, so enjoy your night out!
You can find them on Yelp here, and click on the map below for directions.
Ironwood Cellar. Craft. Cook. | American
Ironwood is an amazing place if you are a foodie that appreciates a menu with dishes not typically found in your everyday American-casual dining restaurant. It is also not “officially” in Mission Viejo, since it’s address is Laguna Hills, but it is right on the edge of the city in a strip mall frequented by Mission Viejo residents.
It’s definitely an upscale restaurant with modern design and a menu that will please your palate. The service is the kind of service you experience at a fine-dining restaurant, without the exuberant prices. This gem of the neighborhood has favorites like the duck wings, braised lamb, and any chef special.
You can find them on Yelp here, or click below for directions:
We hope you enjoyed our list of the top 5 best restaurants in Mission Viejo, CA. We are proud to be a part of the Mission Viejo community and are happy to support other local businesses. Give the Jane Nassar Skin Care Clinic & Facial Spa a try if you want to experience a real European Facial from a 30 year veteran of the industry. You can schedule a booking here.