Mission Viejo's Businesses Of The Year: 2020

MISSION VIEJO, CA — Is it the friendly staff, the quality food, or the top-notch service that makes you love a business. During the coronavirus pandemic, shopping small has become of utmost importance as businesses, restaurants and local stylists struggle to make ends meet.

In Mission Viejo and Ladera Ranch readers suggested their favorite places to shop and dine in the 2020 Orange County Businesses of the Year.

Here are the businesses that rose to the top, according to Patch readers:

Bar / Restaurant

Name: Bagels and brew
Location: 28181 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo - 949 415 5315
What our readers had to say: "Staff is courteous and friendly, food is dependable and reliable. Hope they stay in business during this challenging climate!"

Name: Baja Fish Tacos

Location: 27200 La Paz Rd. Mission Viejo

What our readers had to say: "Food is great and with the Their food is great and with the Covid lockdown, Pick-up food to go was easy and fast."

Name: Bravos California Fresh

Location: 27755 Santa Margarita Parkway, Mission Viejo

What our readers had to say: "Family owned, best breakfast in town, especially the breakfast burrito!"

Name: Cosmo's Italian Kitchen

Location: 26012 Marguerite Pkwy.

What our readers had to say: "Their menu isn't large, but what is on it is the best and made with love. The desserts are yummy. The owner and his staff are always happy especially during the pandemic, they always have their chin up and hopeful. They now have a very cute outdoor seating area to comply with the state, decorated like the inside."

Name: Little France Bakery

Location: 28719 Los Alisos Boulevard, Mission Viejo

What our readers had to say: "This is an authentic French bakery owned by an award-winning french baker name Lionel. Beautiful and flaky pastries and hot entrees. Very personable staff and very accommodating. They all speak French! Mission Viejo is very lucky to have Little France here. The best place to go for breakfast and lunch. It's like being on vacation when we go there."

Name: Piccolino Ristorante

Location: 23052 Alicia Pkwy, #A

Mission Viejo

What our readers had to say: "A very warm and knowledgeable staff awaits each and every guest. I have been going here since the original store opened in the '90s. Sal is the owner and Paulie the chef have the best Italian food and menu on this side of Italy."

Name: Rubino's Pizza

Location: 26012 Marguerite Parkway, Suite L at Oso, Mission Viejo

What our readers had to say:" Good food, good service, nice people."

Business / Professional

Name: Pet Warehouse
Location: 23854 Vía Fabricante E1, Mission Viejo
What our readers had to say: "Great staff great prices can order what they don't have. Know you by name."

Name: Shannon Hilgers Nissen Orthodontics

Location:

26302 La Paz Road
La Paz Medical and Dental Center, Suite 202, Mission Viejo

What our readers had to say: "This is a family-owned business. The owner's father, James Hilgers, was the first orthodontist in Mission Viejo. We have been in the same location for over 45 years. The staff brings happiness to people's lives by encouraging them to smile confidently."

Name: Kaiser Permanente Health Care

Location: Mission Viejo

What our readers are saying: "These health care workers are the vanguard protecting our community, always helping people in need."

Name: Albertson's

Location: Ladera Ranch

What our readers are saying: "Early on they established a clearly marked flow of traffic with one entrance to enter the store. They established a one-way flow of traffic in the aisles. Masks are required in the store. Spacing between carts and people is clearly marked where necessary. For a long while, there was a person directing the customers in line to an available check stand as they became available hence eliminating congestion. Carts sanitized by employees are easily identified. Albertson's has been able to maintain a good inventory of stock."

Gym / Sport

Name: Barre3 Ladera Ranch

Location: 25626 Crown Valley Parkway Ladera Ranch

What our readers are saying: "It is such a wonderful atmosphere at Barre3. When you walk in you are greeted by the staff who are unbelievably friendly and caring. The classes are beyond amazing. They are so safe and so inspiring. The instructors are fabulous and caring and so inspirational!! The best workout I have ever had!"

Hair / Nail Salon

Name: Nails by Holly
Location:

27660 Marguerite Ste C Mission Viejo

What our readers had to say: "Nails By Holly’s staff have been amazing. The staff has changed their workdays and hours to accommodate for this pandemic. They set up areas outside for us so we can get our nails done and a pedicure. It may not seem like much, but this has emotionally helped us deal with this pandemic and store closings. The staff has always been so upbeat and accommodating and friendly in all of this.

Which other Mission Viejo area businesses do you love? Tell us in the comments! or on the Patch neighbor's page.