The best restaurants and bars in Anaheim

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What is it? Fine dining from chef Michael Reed and his partner Kwini Reed, recognized by the Michelin Guide with a James Beard Award nomination to boot.

Why we love it: Located in a cool greenhouse space at Farmers Park within the greater Anaheim Packing District, Poppy & Seed has indoor/outdoor dining areas that are awash with natural light. Seasonal ingredients are highlighted during dinner and brunch, with specialties including seared diver scallops, beef short rib pastrami, smoked duck breast, and housemade pastas. At brunch, the eggs Benedict made with buttermilk biscuits and a lobster roll with caviar, uni sauce, and Old Bay aioli are among the standouts. While they have a solid wine list and inventive cocktails, it’s their lengthy list of non-alcoholic wines, beers, ciders, and mocktails that will have you raising an eyebrow. 

Time Out tip: Go all out with the chef’s tasting menu, an eight-course meal with optional wine pairings. This is a great opportunity to try a variety of menu items, including stuffed squash blossoms, ceviche, steak tartare, beet salad, duck breast, wagyu hanger steak, and brûlée fig ice cream.

Address: 350 S. Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805

Opening hours: Tues-Fri 5:30-10pm; Sat 10am-10pm; Sun 10am-3pm

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What is it? Fine dining Italian from chef Bruno Serato, an Italian native, who has cooked for many high-profile celebrities and was named a CNN Hero because of the work his philanthropic foundation does to help feed hungry children.  

Why we love it: Set in a big white mansion that’s a national historic landmark, the aptly named Anaheim White House is an upscale steakhouse specializing in Northern Italian cuisine. While pasta and pizza may be obvious selections, their steaks, meat and seafood may not be what you typically see at other Italian spots. There’s veal scaloppini, duck à l’orange, and braised rabbit, but their signature dish is the salmon chocolate: steamed salmon served with Belgian white chocolate mashed potatoes with ginger, orange, and a citrus beurre blanc sauce. End the meal on a sweet note with one of their baked soufflés, like the el niño made with Grand Marnier, served with a trio of yummy sauces: chocolate ganache, crème anglaise, and Chantilly cream. Plan to valet your car at this special occasion spot with romantic vibes. 

Time Out tip: Anaheim White House is a great spot for private parties. Because of the building’s layout, there are plenty of individual dining areas for hosting big groups, and they don’t come with an additional fee. There are also lots of outdoor seating options here.

Address: 887 S. Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805

Opening hours: Sun, Wed-Thurs 5-9:30pm; Fri-Sat 5-10pm  

What is it? Handmade Mexico City-style tacos made with organic, non-GMO corn tortillas in a buzzy atmosphere. 

Why we love it: These aren’t your throw-together, run-of-the-mill tacos. They have crispy, melted cheese; high-quality proteins like lobster, filet mignon and short rib; and are topped with salsas that perfectly complement the flavor profile. Vegetarians can choose from either a mushroom taco or rajas (roasted peppers), and there’s always a new taco of the month to inquire about. It’s hard to find margaritas better than Puesto’s, which is why we can never say no to ordering the shareable bottle of Puesto Perfect Margaritas. The guacamole sampler and chef’s salsa bar are not to miss, especially the Puesto Perfect guacamole that comes with big chunks of Parmigiano-Reggiano. Don’t skip the pistachio tres leches cake.

Time Out tip: We recommend ordering three tacos and making it a combo plate with herb-lime rice and black beans. Visit during Taco Tuesday from 3-10pm for half-off tacos, or during weekday happy hour from 3-5pm for discounted margaritas, beers, wines, and select appetizers. Parking here is shared with The Westin, and restaurant validation is available for both valet and self-parking in the garage. 

Address: 1040 W. Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802

Opening hours: Daily 11am-10pm

What is it? A two-time James Beard Awards semi-finalist, this nautical-inspired bar and restaurant has a hidden entrance—which is why they call themselves a tiki speakeasy or “tik-easy.” 

Why we love it: Enter through an unmarked door and you may find yourself in a sunken ship as part of the immersive tiki experience at Strong Water. Eclectic, tropical decor awaits, alongside rum-based cocktails and Asian fusion cuisine. Come for dinner or brunch to nosh on a loco moco burger, lumpia, Japanese fried chicken, drunken noodles, or eggplant katsu. Tiki drinks are the star of the show here, with more than 35 different cocktails on offer, including classics like a Singapore Sling, mai tai, and piña colada. Though spinoffs like the taro colada and pineapple whipped (think Dole Whip) colada are guest favorites, they are creamy treats for those who prefer to drink their dessert. 

Time Out tip: Our advice is to order both a drink and dessert to finish off your time at Strong Water. The ube Basque cheesecake pairs well with Strong Water’s own rum brand, Lost Voyage, a dark rum that’s fruity with hints of coffee. 

Address: 270 S. Clementine St, Anaheim, CA 92805

Opening hours: Mon-Wed 5-11pm; Thu, Fri 5pm-midnight; Sat 10am-midnight; Sun 10am-10pm

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What is it? Upscale steakhouse that sources proteins from top-notch ranches and farms with a focus on scratch cooking, farm-to-table, and utilizing seasonal produce—including some from their own ranch in the Santa Ana Mountains.

Why we love it: It’s all about meat and seafood at The Ranch, where you’ll find huge cuts of shareable steaks alongside lamb chops, pork chops, and airline chicken. Side dishes like the lobster mac ‘n cheese, French onion soup, creamed spinach, and Caesar salad make for a classic steakhouse experience with plenty of decadence. Dining at The Ranch is a splurge for most, with many treating it as a special night out to celebrate. Scallops, escargot, and ceviche starters are how many dinners at The Ranch begin, while desserts, including a Milky Way, sticky toffee pudding, and pecan pie, are how many choose to close out a meal here.

Time Out tip: The Ranch has a collection of more than 10,000 bottles of wine, so while their farm-inspired cocktails are a refreshing treat, the wine list has some impressive vintages that shouldn’t be missed. Ask for a recommendation from one of their 10 sommeliers on staff who will know exactly what to pair with your Chilean seabass or New York strip. 

Address: 1025 E. Ball Rd, Anaheim, CA 92805

Opening hours: Daily 5-10pm

What is it? An eclectic food hall featuring more than 30 vendors, housed inside a historic citrus-packing house that’s been transformed into a buzzy community hub. 

Why we love it: When you can’t decide on where to go for dinner or your group of friends/family has extremely different tastes, head to the Anaheim Packing House, where there’s something to suit everyone. Disperse throughout the hall to order from the vendor of your choice—Indian, Cajun, Mexican, Mediterranean, Japanese, seafood, and barbecue are just a few options—and then grab a table and settle in while everyone in your party gets their food. For dessert, there’s ice cream, donuts, French pastries, gelato on a stick, and boba tea. Next door in the Make Building, Pali Wine Co. is the spot to go for California vino. The family-run Central Coast winery offers tasting flights and a weekday happy hour, featuring $8 glasses or $40 carafes of wine on tap.

Time Out tip: Check their live music calendar for bands and DJs playing throughout the Packing District. There are also special events like an annual Mother Earth Market with eco-friendly and sustainability-minded vendors, and a Filipino American Fiesta to celebrate Filipino American History Month. 

Address: 440 S. Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805

Opening hours: Sun-Thu 11am-9pm; Fri, Sat 11am-11pm

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What is it? This rooftop bar and restaurant couldn’t be any closer to the action at Disney California Adventure Park, located atop Grand Legacy at the Park hotel. 

Why we love it: Less than a five-minute walk from Disneyland, The Fifth makes for a seamless transition between Space Mountain and rooftop dining. With incredible views of the park, The Fifth also has fire pits, live music on Friday and Saturday nights, and prime views of Disneyland’s nightly fireworks. Expect casual American fare here, featuring options such as burgers, nachos, flatbread, and chicken wings, as well as specialties like chorizo mac & cheese and surf & turf tacos. They have seasonal cocktails with fun themes, plus beer, wine, and mocktails.

Time Out tip: Reservations are strongly recommended here. Parking can be tough to secure since they have limited spots on-site. However, additional parking is available at Anaheim GardenWalk, which is approximately a 5-10 minute walk from The Fifth, and is complimentary for up to three hours with validation. Book a table before sunset to enjoy gorgeous skyline views of Anaheim and have a front-row seat to the fireworks show. 

Address: 1650 S. Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 5pm-close

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What is it? American comfort food in a social setting with casual indoor, patio, and bar seating. 

Why we love it: When you’re searching for a casual neighborhood restaurant to meet up with friends that also has solid food options, look no further than Reunion Kitchen + Drink. The local chain has five locations throughout California, with their Anaheim Hills serving lunch, brunch, and dinner. The Rosemary’s chicken & biscuits dish is their top seller, made with crispy fried chicken, mashed potatoes and sausage gravy, roasted veggies, and a buttermilk biscuit served with honey butter. There are also classic entrées like chicken pot pie, glazed meatloaf, prime rib, and short rib stroganoff. Breakfast dishes weave in some Mexican favorites such as chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and breakfast burritos. 

Time Out tip: You don’t want to miss the warm butter cake dessert, served with vanilla bean ice cream, raspberry purée and whipped cream. Make your way in for weekday happy hour from 2:30-6pm for discounted appetizers like deviled eggs, Brussels sprouts, wings, and sliders, plus deals on cocktails, wine, and beer. They also offer a late-night happy hour during the last hour of operation, available daily at the bar. 

Address: 5775 E. Santa Ana Canyon Rd, Anaheim, CA 92807

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 11am-9:30pm; Fri 11am-10:30pm; Sat 10am-10:30pm; Sun 10am-9:30pm

What is it? Fine dining on the rooftop of The Viv hotel, with Spanish cuisine and romantic vibes.

Why we love it: Watch the Disneyland fireworks while perched on this 12th-floor rooftop with indoor and outdoor seating and cozy nooks to settle into. Spanish tapas are the name of the game here, with cured meats, cheeses, meat & seafood, rice dishes, and other small plates on offer, served alongside flavorful sauces like romesco, piquillo, and chimichurri. Standout dishes include charred octopus, garlic shrimp, paella, and patatas bravas. Take in the sunset while sipping on one of their signature cocktails, such as the Desert Bloom, featuring pandan-infused tequila, vermouth, lemon, prickly pear, salted mango, and egg white. 

Time Out tip: If you can’t score a table in the dining room along the west-facing windows, opt for a seat outside at the bar or one of the many tables lining the patio for a great view of the Disneyland fireworks in the not-so-distant horizon. Timing is everything, as you’ll want to be here early enough to catch the sun going down and stay late enough to see the fireworks. 

Address: 1601 S. Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805

Opening hours: Tue-Thu 5-10pm; Fri, Sat 5-11pm

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What is it? Hawaiian fusion cuisine from James Beard Award-winning chef Roy Yamaguchi’s restaurant chain.

Why we love it: Creative Asian-inspired dishes like braised beef short ribs, misoyaki butterfish, and lobster potstickers highlight the menu at Roy’s, where you can also get fresh sushi rolls. The combination plates are a good choice for those who want to sample multiple seafood and/or meat selections. The prix fixe dinner option is also a good value, featuring three courses that include a choice of salmon, shrimp, or short rib, accompanied by a house salad and chocolate soufflé for dessert. During lunch, a prix fixe menu is available with either two or three courses, providing a bit more value at this pricey spot. 

Time Out tip: The hottest seat in town from noon to 6pm daily and all day on Thursdays is in the bar area at Roy’s when they offer Aloha Hour specials. Bar bites like wagyu beef sliders, crispy chicken spring rolls, and tempura-crusted ahi rolls are on discount, alongside cocktails, wine, and beer. On Wednesdays, they have half-off bottles of wine under $100.

Address: 321 W. Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802

Opening hours: Daily noon-9pm