Anaheim’s Dining Scene Proves There’s Way More Here Than Churros and Corn Dogs
Anaheim gets typecast as a theme park pit stop, but anyone who’s actually eaten their way through this city knows better. Just past the Disneyland gates, Anaheim runs on a food scene that’s every bit as layered as LA’s, minus the wait list. Anaheim’s dining scene includes Michelin-recognized farm-to-table restaurants like Poppy & Seed, Vietnamese bakeries such as Okayama Kobo and championship taco joints like Tacos Los Cholos. And all are within a few miles of the resort corridor.
We rounded up 23 of the best restaurants in and around Anaheim, spanning downtown’s Packing District, the resort corridor and neighborhood strips that don’t show up in guidebooks. A few picks stretch into Garden Grove, Orange and Buena Park because good food doesn’t respect city limits. Bring your appetite and maybe loosen the belt a notch. You’re going to need the room.
1. The Greenhouse Effect
Poppy & Seed turned a leap of faith into one of Anaheim’s most romantic dinner spots, and the food backs up the setting. Chef Michael Reed and co-owner Kwini Reed built a menu around Southern California’s seasonal bounty, so expect smoked bone marrow, lobster risotto and grilled branzino plated like edible bouquets. The cocktail and mocktail list runs deep enough that skipping alcohol never feels like a downgrade. Reserve ahead for weekend brunch, since the plant-filled patio fills up fast with people who know something you don’t yet.
Poppy & Seed
350 S Anaheim Blvd
Anaheim, CA 92805
714.603.7130
T–F, 5:30–10 p.m.; Sa, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. & 5:30–10 p.m.; Su, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
2. The Line Worth Standing In
Fresh bread baked daily from a special Hokkaido wheat blend shipped straight from Japan explains the crowds outside Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe. This additive-free Japanese bakery turns out cookie butter rolls, curry pan and matcha castellas that regulars plan entire mornings around. Yes, the line down Center Street Promenade is real, especially on weekends. Get there early, grab a coffee and let the wait become part of the ritual.
Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe
155 W Center St Promenade
Anaheim, CA 92805
714.603.7332
T–Su, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
3. Fire-Kissed and Famous
A 2023 Taco Madness championship title doesn’t happen by accident, and Tacos Los Cholos has the following to prove it wasn’t a fluke. Wood-fired over mesquite and olive wood, these tacos landed on more than one “best of” list from the OC Register to the LA Times. The hand-made salsas and fresh aguas frescas round out a menu that rewards showing up hungry and ordering more than you think you need. Late-night cravings are covered too, since the kitchen stays open until midnight most nights.
Tacos Los Cholos
821 State College Blvd
Anaheim, CA 92806
657.201.3043
M–Th, 11 a.m.–midnight; F–Sa, 11 a.m.–1 a.m.; Su, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
4. Sweet Talk
Don Churros Gomez has been perfecting its family churro recipe since 1969. And the Anaheim outpost near Disneyland proves some things only get better with time. These aren’t the thin carnival-style sticks. They’re puffy, fat and stout, often stuffed with cajeta (Mexican caramel) and topped with ice cream. The dough takes three days to prepare, so every bite carries a little patience baked in. Disneyland employees consider it a neighborhood secret, though the secret’s clearly out by now.
Don Churros Gomez
1440 S Anaheim Blvd
Anaheim, CA 92805
714.717.7946
Th, 6–10:30 p.m.; F–Sa, 6–11 p.m.; Su, 5:30–10:30 p.m.
5. Steak, Whiskey and a Two-Step
For dinner and two-step under one roof, head to THE RANCH Restaurant & Saloon. It’s Anaheim’s steakhouse of record and the unofficial country dance hall. The LA Times named it Best Steakhouse, and Anaheim crowned it Restaurant of the Year. Plus, the kitchen sources from local farms in the Santa Ana Mountains. This pairs with an award-winning wine cellar plus one of the county’s most serious whiskey selections. Order the large-format steaks if you’re celebrating, then wander next door to the saloon for line dancing lessons on select nights. Dinner and a two-step, all under one roof.
THE RANCH Restaurant & Saloon
1025 E Ball Rd
Anaheim, CA 92805
714.817.4200
T–Su, 5–10 p.m.
6. The Grand Dame
Cloth napkins and a dress-up crowd have defined Anaheim White House since 1981, where the Italian, seafood and steakhouse menu still headlines the city’s biggest nights out. Set inside a home-like building with a covered garden, this is where locals bring visiting family when they want to prove Anaheim has more range than corn dogs and cotton candy. The special-occasion energy makes it a go-to for anniversaries, proposals and any night that calls for something extra.
Anaheim White House
887 S Anaheim Blvd
Anaheim, CA 92805
714.772.1381
W & Th, 5–9:30 p.m.; F & Sa, 5–10 p.m.; Su, 5–9:30 p.m.
7. Brunch Meets Steakhouse
Brunch and steakhouse aren’t usually the same sentence, but En Familia makes the format work. The kitchen turns out modern interpretations of classic dishes rooted deep in Mexican tradition, from blue corn fritters to a tomahawk steak built for the table. Weekend brunch draws a devoted crowd, and the cocktail program keeps the energy going well past the entrees. It’s the rare spot that feels equally right for a Tuesday lunch or a Saturday celebration.
En Familia
338 S Anaheim Blvd
Anaheim, CA 92805
714.833.5869
M–W, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.; Th, 9 a.m.–10:30 p.m.; F–Sa, 9 a.m.–11 p.m.; Su, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
8. Sixty Years of Sauce
Walking into Mama Cozza’s feels like walking into an Italian grandmother’s dining room, a vibe the family-owned spot has kept intact since 1965. The menu covers the full spectrum, from antipasto and hand-tossed pizzas to hearty pasta plates built for sharing. A banquet room accommodates up to 85 guests, which explains why so many Anaheim families have celebrated milestone birthdays and anniversaries here. Six decades in, the red sauce still tastes like it’s made from scratch, because it is.
Mama Cozza’s Italian Restaurant
2170 W Ball Rd
Anaheim, CA 92804
714.635.0063
T–Th, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; F, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sa, 2–9 p.m.; Su, 2-8 p.m.
9. From Aleppo, With Love
Aleppo’s Kitchen brought recipes passed down through generations from Syria, and the result delivers some of the most soulful Mediterranean cooking in the county. Sizzling kabobs, juicy shawarma and crunchy falafel headline a fully halal menu that also covers vegetarian and vegan diners with lentil soup and tabbouleh. The casual-elegant dining room has earned a reputation as a special-occasion spot, with attentive service that treats every table like family. Catering options make it easy to bring the flavors home too.
Aleppo’s Kitchen
2414 E Katella Ave
Anaheim, CA 92806
714.991.5000
Su–Th, 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m.; F–Sa, 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
10. Deli by Day, Pizzeria by Night
Over 60 years of feeding Orange County has kept Cortina’s Italian Market & Pizzeria running on imported meats, house-made sausage and fresh-baked bread. The third-generation family business is half deli and half pizzeria, meaning you can grab Italian groceries and a hand-tossed pizza for dinner on the same trip. The low-key, casual vibe makes it a solid lunch spot for catching a game or grabbing a sandwich between errands. Everything on the menu is homemade, down to the sauces.
Cortina’s Italian Market & Pizzeria
2175 W Orange Ave
Anaheim, CA 92804
714.535.1948
M–Sa, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
11. Villain Era, Activated
House beers, rotating guest taps and an American menu make Villains Brewing Company a full brewpub experience. The sweet and spicy BBQ wings have built a small cult following, and weekend brunch adds another reason to show up before noon. Late-night hours on Friday and Saturday make it a natural stop after a Ducks game at the Honda Center down the street. Dog-friendly patio seating means the whole crew, four-legged members included, gets to join in.
Villains Brewing Company
555 S Anaheim Blvd
Anaheim, CA 92805
714.829.4337
M–Th & Su, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; F–Sa, 11 a.m.–midnight
12. Pizza Around the Clock
Adjacent to the Sheraton Park Hotel near the Anaheim Convention Center, Savor Stone Hearth Pizza & Wine is easy to overlook and a mistake to skip. Gourmet wood-fired pizzas get paired with local craft beers and a sommelier-curated wine list. Plus, the kitchen runs breakfast through dinner without a gap. An all-you-can-eat pizza deal after 4 p.m. has become a low-key favorite for families and convention-goers alike. It’s proof that hotel dining doesn’t have to mean settling.
Savor Stone Hearth Pizza & Wine
1855 S Harbor Blvd
Anaheim, CA 92802
714.705.1456
Daily, 6 a.m.–10 p.m.
13. Anti-Gravity Noodles, No Explanation Needed
Cajun-Vietnamese fusion isn’t a combination you see often, but 206 BCE Noodles built its whole reputation on anti-gravity noodles. Garlic butter shrimp platters and hefty seafood boils bring the Cajun side, while a solid pho program keeps things grounded in Vietnamese comfort food. The playful, over-the-top presentation photographs as well as it eats, which explains why it’s become a Packing District favorite for groups. Order family-style and let the table sort out the leftovers.
206 BCE Noodles
440 S Anaheim Blvd
Anaheim, CA 92805
714.844.2133
Su–Th, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; F–Sa, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
14. Turkish Delight, Literally
Koftegi brings authentic Turkish and Mediterranean cooking to Brookhurst Street. The fully halal menu spans grilled kebabs, fresh salads and a kunafa dessert that regulars drive across town for. The bright, modern dining room makes it easy to linger over a full spread rather than rushing through. Vegetarian options sit right alongside the meat-forward classics, so mixed groups never have to compromise. It’s a reliable pick whether you’re craving lunch or a leisurely dinner.
Koftegi
816 S Brookhurst St
Anaheim, CA 92804
714.635.4353
Daily, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
15. Wood-Fire and Fresh Juice
Wood-fired kababs, halal meats and a rotating specialty of the day keep Desert Moon Mediterranean Grill simple, satisfying and reliably packed. The fresh-squeezed juice menu, from carrot to mango to mint lemonade, sets it apart from the standard Mediterranean grill playbook. Portions run generous, and the lamb specials have built a loyal following. It’s unpretentious, quick and the kind of neighborhood spot every city needs more of.
Desert Moon Mediterranean Grill
888 S Brookhurst St
Anaheim, CA 92804
714.533.6601
Su–Th, 11 a.m.–8:45 p.m.; F–Sa, 11 a.m.–9:45 p.m.
16. Four Decades of Menudo
La Casa García has served Orange County since 1984, when founder Francisco Garcia worked his way from dishwasher to restaurant owner over a decade. The King Ranch burrito and five-pound fajitas have become house legends, and menudo runs daily for anyone in need of a cure. Weekend pozole draws its own dedicated fan base. Family-owned and family-run for over 40 years, it’s the kind of institution that earns its regulars one plate at a time.
La Casa García
531 W Chapman Ave
Anaheim, CA 92802
714.740.1108
Daily, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
17. Low and Slow, Just Over the Line
Brisket, ribs and pulled pork smoked low and slow make Sauced BBQ & Spirits worth the short drive to Orange. Plus, twenty beers on tap and a bourbon list running over 200 deep make this as much a drinking destination as an eating one. Axe throwing is also on the menu, if dinner and a competitive activity sound like your kind of night.
Sauced BBQ & Spirits
1535 W Katella Ave
Orange, CA 92867
714.639.9104
Su, 10 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; M–Th, 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; F–Sa, 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
18. Witchcraft, Served Nightly
A 17th-century witch theme could easily be a gimmick, but The Cauldron backs it up with French-casual gastropub chops. Craft cocktails come with names like the Knotty Kid Martini, and the “Witching Hour” happy hour runs late into the night on select days. Directly across from Knott’s Berry Farm, it’s become a go-to for a moody, immersive night out that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Follow their Instagram for wine pairing nights and prix fixe menus that pop up without much warning.
The Cauldron
8028 Beach Blvd
Buena Park, CA 90620
714.484.2733
T–Th, 4 p.m.–midnight; F–Sa, 4 p.m.–2 a.m.; Su, 3 p.m.–midnight (kitchen closes at 11 p.m. daily)
19. The Original Chicken Dinner
Long before Knott’s Berry Farm became the theme park it is today, Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant was already serving Cordelia Knott’s famous fried chicken back in 1934. The homestyle soups, salads and entrees haven’t lost their nostalgic charm, and a slice of boysenberry pie remains the only acceptable way to end the meal. Rhubarb lemonade and sarsaparilla round out drinks that taste like a step back in time. It’s a Buena Park institution that earns the title honestly.
Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant
8039 Beach Blvd
Buena Park, CA 90620
714.220.5319
Daily, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
20. New American, Already Buzzing
The Wooden Pearl opened inside the Anaheim Packing District and immediately started gaining hype, currently sitting at a 4.3 rating and climbing. This intimate surf-and-turf escape is built around fresh oysters, premium steaks and bold seafood-forward plates, with mains like grilled skirt steak and crab cacio e pepe showing a kitchen that’s not cutting corners. An inventive cocktail program and an immersive forest-meets-the-sea setting make every visit feel like a departure. Polished without the white-tablecloth formality, it’s a natural fit for date nights, celebrations and one-more-round evenings.
The Wooden Pearl
440 S Anaheim Blvd
Anaheim, CA 92805
657.201.3027
T–Th, noon–10 p.m.; F, noon–11 p.m.; Sa, 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; Su, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
21. Cocktails With a View
Panoramic views over the resort district have made The FIFTH Rooftop Restaurant & Bar a golden-hour favorite since it became Anaheim’s original rooftop restaurant. Craft cocktails and a scratch-made food menu keep the open-air rooftop busy well into the night, especially during happy hour. With 5,000 square feet of rooftop space, it also doubles as one of the area’s most requested private event venues. Reserve ahead on weekends, since the view sells itself.
The FIFTH Rooftop Restaurant & Bar
1650 S Harbor Blvd
Anaheim, CA 92802
714.772.0899
T–Su, 5 p.m.–close
22. Matcha, Bowls and a New Kind of Fast-Casual
Easy Young is redefining what a quick lunch in Anaheim can look like. The modern Asian cafe serves made-to-order favorites like Wagyu Steak Frites and Tokyo Steak Rice alongside build-your-own bowls loaded with bold proteins, lemongrass chicken, char siu pork and crispy tofu over white or purple rice or greens, plus rotating hot sides, fresh toppings and flavor boosters. The drink menu deserves its own mention too, especially the ceremonial matcha, 24-hour cold brew and jasmine teas, which have become local obsessions. It’s fast, it’s fresh and it doesn’t feel like a compromise the way most quick-service spots do. Near Angel Stadium, it’s an easy addition to a game-day itinerary. Regulars can also sign up for Meimei’s Club, the loyalty program with member-only perks, rewards and special offers.
Easy Young
2406 E Katella Ave
Anaheim, CA 92806
@easyyoungco
Daily, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
23. Persian Flavors, Anaheim Hills Style
A 4.7 rating built on authentic Persian and Mediterranean cooking has made Baran Mediterranean Restaurant Bar one of Anaheim Hills’ most talked-about tables. Juicy kabobs, saffron rice and a signature rack of lamb headline a menu that leans into tradition. The restaurant also runs a full bar and hosts entertainment on select nights, making it as much a destination for drinks as dinner. Catering services extend the experience to weddings and corporate events across the county.
Baran Mediterranean Restaurant Bar
5645 E La Palma Ave Ste 170
Anaheim, CA 92807
714.340.0035
M–Th & Su, 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; F–Sa, 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best restaurant in Anaheim?
A: Anaheim doesn’t have one single “best” restaurant since the scene spans so many cuisines, but standouts include Poppy & Seed for farm-to-table fine dining, THE RANCH Restaurant & Saloon for steak and Tacos Los Cholos for wood-fired tacos.
Q: Where should I eat near the Anaheim Packing District?
A: The Anaheim Packing District houses several standout spots on this list. Both 206 BCE Noodles and The Wooden Pearl are inside the Packing House at 440 S Anaheim Blvd, while Poppy & Seed is just steps away at 350 S Anaheim Blvd.
Q: Are there good Mediterranean restaurants in Anaheim?
A: Yes. Aleppo’s Kitchen, Koftegi, Desert Moon Mediterranean Grill and Baran Mediterranean Restaurant Bar all serve strong Mediterranean and Middle Eastern menus across the city.
Q: What’s a good restaurant near Disneyland for a special occasion?
A: Anaheim White House and THE RANCH Restaurant & Saloon are both popular for anniversaries and celebrations, while The FIFTH Rooftop Restaurant & Bar offers a scenic option with resort-area views.
Q: Is it worth driving outside Anaheim for food nearby?
A: Absolutely. Sauced BBQ & Spirits in Orange, The Cauldron and Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant in Buena Park are all short drives away and well worth the trip.
