The Empanada Maker Mission Viejo

We had a basketball shoot out at Mission Viejo High School, and this place was across the street. The staff is very helpful and friendly. The restaurant is clean, has several tables up front and a few booths in the back. The empanadas were a good size; like a good hand pie size, rather than some places that serve the little snack sized appetizers. We have 2 athletes who are big eaters, so we bought a dozen. A dozen empanadas costs between $29 and about $33 (I think), depending on which ones you get. There are numbers stamped into the pastry so you know which is which. We tried the Ham and Cheese, Four Cheese, Spinach and Cheese, Veggie, Chicken Cordon Bleu, and the Beef Pot Roast. They have variety of dippng sauces, and we tried the House Chimichurri and the Chipotle Ranch sauces. Everything we ate was delicious, and we liked trying different empanada-sauce combos. It was a great lunch, and we definitely recommend this place. We were too full to try their dessert empanadas, but we will be going back.

- A Siewert -

Stopped in for a quick bite with the family and friends before I looked at Christmas lights. Fresh & tasty empanadas+ the rice & fries were excellent additions as well. Enjoy. Happy New Year 2026

- Luther G -

I recently visited an empanada store and was impressed with the freshness and flavor of their empanadas. The dough was perfectly cooked and had a nice texture, and the fillings were delicious and generously portioned. My friend and I tried several different options, and they were all fantastic. The store had a good selection of empanadas and the staff were friendly and helpful. Overall, I highly recommend this empanada store for anyone looking for a delicious meal.

- Kiratjot Singh -

I love the new restaurant! These are the best empanadas I've ever tasted! I was so excited for the restaurant to open at the new location and they didn't disappoint! Beautifully decorated interior and super friendly staff! I recommend the pot roast and the chicken florentine ones. Delicious!

- Majestic Entertainment -

Found out about this place from my sister in-law and I’m so glad I did. I love empanada’s and their aren’t too many places that do them right. The Empanada Maker is delicious and they have so much too choose from. My favorite is the Philly Cheese Steak empanada. You can eat them there or take them home. They also offer take a bake empanada’s. Staff was friendly, place was clean and you get a lot of food. This is my new stop on the way to Anaheim and back to San Diego!

- Kurt Bunch -

I’m just amazed by how excellent customer service Anayeli does. So helpful when I was asking questions. The best empanadas I ever try . The Ham and Cheese one is delicious with a Berry Cheese Cake Empanada is so good . Totally recommend this place to eat . Great place for family and friends to share a delicious meal.

- Karen Salas -

My wife and I have gone into the store multiple times, but their food truck came to our apartment complex tonight. Not all empanadas are created equal. These particular ones are always delicious. I had the #1 (Original Chicken) and the #7 (Steak and Cheese). The spinach and cheese and the chicken florentine empanadas are great also. It is great for a quick bite or a meal at any time of the day. This is always worth a repeat visit.

- Marcus Oberlander -