Top Dining Gems Near Disneyland: Escape the Park Crowds
You can certainly find great dining options inside the Disney Resort, but they are often consistently crowded and overpriced. While you should certainly check out the official choices—see our guides to Disneyland Dining and California Adventure Dining—consider venturing just outside the gates for more variety and better prices. This guide covers the best spots within walking or a short driving distance.
Outside Disney's Main Gate
Mimi's Bistro and Bakery
This is a casual chain restaurant serving a mix of French and American favorites in a comfortable, rustic setting. We usually stop here for breakfast.
Some of my personal favorites include the Pain Perdu With Mixed Berries, the classic Eggs Benedicts, and the delicate Crepes. Meals come with a choice of carbs, including their excellent muffins. We often order a few muffins to go for snacks later in the park! They also have solid options for lunch and dinner.
Traveler Tip: Mimi's often runs promotions and has a rewards program. Sign up ahead of time to get coupons, which can significantly reduce the price of a family breakfast before a day at the park.
1400 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802
SAVOR Stone Hearth Pizza & Wine
This unique pizzeria, located inside the Sheraton Convention Center in Anaheim, is a family favorite. This spot is known for its excellent wood-fired pizza and great service. It offers a dining experience that you won't find at typical pizza places.
The concept at SAVOR is a continuous dining experience. It is often called Brazilian-style service. Instead of ordering a whole pizza, you enjoy a steady stream of different pizza slices brought right to your table. The staff circulates with large pizza boards, bringing various selections until you tell them to stop.
This "all you can eat" approach lets you sample many unique flavors in one visit. It's perfect for a family where everyone likes different toppings!
We started our meal with a delicious, homemade soup. The restaurant often features a "locally world-famous" Anaheim Chili Bisque. Next, a charcuterie board arrived, featuring a selection of regional cheeses and cured meats. You also get a light, citrus-kissed salad.
While these appetizers are tempting, remember this travel tip: save room for the main course! The real show is the endless pizza.
The star of the show is the unique, wood-fired pizzas. The stone hearth oven gives the crust a perfect, crispy texture. They offer a rotating selection of handcrafted pizzas with creative toppings. You might try the Honey Bear, which has herbed ricotta, mozzarella, and a hot honey drizzle. Another option is the Cherry Bomb. This is a fresh take on a margherita pizza, featuring herbed cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and roasted garlic.
After the savory pizzas, be sure to save a little room for the gourmet dessert pizzas. This sweet ending completes the continuous dining experience.
This unique dining style makes SAVOR a fun and memorable spot near the Anaheim Convention Center. It's a must-try for pizza fans and a great way to wind down after a day of adventure.
Traveler Tip: The pizzas have playful names like Honey Bear, Cherry Bomb, and The Gladiator, and each one is a taste sensation. The dessert pizzas are a surprise treat—don't miss the chance to try them!
1855 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA
IHOP
The International House of Pancakes is a long-standing favorite, serving a wide variety of pancakes and other American breakfast and diner fare.
The menu is truly extensive, catering to every budget and taste. They offer a large selection of pancakes, waffles, crepes, sandwiches, and burgers. Be sure to ask for the senior citizen menu if applicable.
Lately, this chain has started offering unlimited pancakes with any breakfast meal. While it sounds tempting, after eating a full breakfast of eggs, bacon, and sausage, eating more than the usual two pancakes is a fun challenge!
Fun Fact: IHOP was originally founded in 1958 in Toluca Lake, California, and was initially called the "International House of Pancakes." They briefly marketed themselves as "IHOb" (International House of Burgers) in 2018 to promote their lunch and dinner offerings.
1560 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802
Denny's
Denny's is the classic casual diner chain, dishing up American comfort fare, including all-day breakfast favorites.
Denny’s is famous for its “Slam” breakfasts. My favorite option is the “Build your own Slam,” which lets you customize your meal by choosing your eggs, beans, potatoes, and pancakes. It's a great way to start a park day.
1610 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802
Tony Roma's
This is a long-running, family-friendly steakhouse chain known for its signature ribs, onion loaf, and Romarita drinks. It's a heaven for meat lovers, but it gets crowded due to its proximity to the park. Make a reservation to avoid a long wait.
As a ribs restaurant, you absolutely must try their various ribs. You can also find other favorites like steak, wild mushroom flatbread, Wing-grilled salmon, and fish and chips.
User Comment (Source: Yelp): "Tony Roma's is a great dinner escape. We walked over after a long day in the park, and the ribs were exactly what we needed. The service was surprisingly fast, which is a huge bonus when you have tired kids. The Romarita was a perfect adult treat!"
1640 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802
Jimboy's Tacos
Jimboy's is a local Mexican fast-food chain that serves traditional dishes such as tacos and burritos. It's a quick, affordable, and authentic option right near the park.
Fun Fact: Jimboy's Tacos is famous for its signature ground beef taco, which is coated in a dusting of Parmesan cheese for a unique, savory flavor that sets it apart from typical fast-food tacos.
1650 Harbor Blvd #C, Anaheim, CA 92802
Katella Street
Kattela Street is Disneyland's southern border and features several hotels and restaurants.
Tangerine Room – Westin Anaheim Resort
We started our morning at the Tangerine Room, the signature restaurant inside the Westin Anaheim Resort. It’s just a short walk from Disneyland. The space is bright and modern, with high ceilings and large windows that let in ample natural light. The service stood out right away—attentive without being pushy—and the staff seemed genuinely happy to be there.
The breakfast menu features well-crafted dishes made with seasonal ingredients. There's also a full breakfast buffet with a wide variety of options.
We skipped the buffet to order from the à la carte menu. We tried three different items, each worth coming back for. The 3-egg omelet was cooked to order, filled with our choice of ingredients. We went with bacon, onions, avocado, and cheddar.
Next came the coconut pudding, something you don’t often find on a hotel breakfast menu. Served chilled in a small dish, it had a creamy texture, a hint of vanilla, and a toasted coconut topping. It was light but satisfying, and a perfect pairing with the savory omelet.
The standout dish was the chilaquiles. They arrived in a warm skillet, with tortilla chips smothered in red chile sauce, topped with two fried eggs and crumbled queso fresco. The sauce had a mild kick, and the chips stayed crunchy without getting soggy. It was the most flavorful of the three and felt like a local favorite.
Many online reviews mention the Tangerine Room as one of the best breakfast spots near Disneyland, especially for those looking to escape the park crowds. Guests often praise the calm atmosphere and the quality of the ingredients. Some even mention seeing Disney characters wandering the lobby, which is a fun surprise for kids.
Traveler Tip: If you're driving, the Westin offers 2-hour validated valet parking, which is extremely convenient for non-hotel guests who want to enjoy breakfast before heading to the parks. Remember to bring your parking ticket for validation at the restaurant.
For a relaxing start before a full day at Disneyland, the Tangerine Room offers comfort, fresh flavors, and just enough quiet to help you gear up for the crowds.
Puesto Mexican Bar and Grill
This restaurant is inside the Westin Hotel complex, directly across the street from Disney California Adventure on Katella Ave.
It is an upscale Mexican restaurant with many delicious tacos and other choices. It is a little pricey—expect to pay around $12 for a single taco with no sides—but it is truly delicious. You can order sides separately to complete your meal.
We tried the Tamarindo Shrimp, Lamb, and Fish tacos, as well as an enchilada. We loved all of them except for the lamb taco. Perhaps we were just not expecting lamb in a taco!
The dessert was amazing. We shared the Tres Leches De Cafe—it was so rich in flavor that we ordered another one to go.
Fun Fact: Puesto is known for making its tortillas and salsas from scratch daily, using non-GMO, organic, and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, a rarity for restaurants so close to a major theme park.
1040 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA
The Garden Walk
The Garden Walk is a popular shopping, dining, and entertainment center located just a few blocks from the Disneyland Main Gate. It’s a great place to spend an evening after the parks close.
Fire+Ice – Gardenwalk
This Mongolian fusion-style all-you-can-eat buffet lets you fill a bowl with your favorite raw ingredients. The mix is then cooked on a giant grill right before your eyes. You even pick the sauce and spices to create your own unique dish.
Even though it’s billed as a Mongolian grill, you can still design dishes with a Mexican or Italian flair, depending on your choices.
They also offer a well-stocked salad bar, but I advise minimizing your salad intake so you have room to return for more grilled creations!
Some of the ingredients available are beef, shrimp, scallops, fish, cauliflower, and broccoli. The drinks were excellent, too. We tried the Pina Colada and the Mai Tai. After your meal, you can spend time exploring the shops at the Gardenwalk.
400 Disney Way, Anaheim, CA 92802
PF Chang’s
My list of unique dining places usually avoids chain restaurants, but I can’t skip this fusion of Asian cuisine with inventive dishes and an extended happy hour.
If you like Asian food, you will love the variety and quality of the selection. During our last visit, we started with the famous Lettuce Wraps, Shrimp Dumplings, and a Kung Pao Dragon Roll.
For the main course, we picked Mongolian Beef, Crispy Honey Shrimp, and Stir-Fried Eggplant. Everything was delicious, and the portions were just right for sharing.
For dessert, we had two helpings of the Banana Spring Rolls—because one is never enough! The drinks are also exceptional. Every cocktail on the menu tastes just right; we especially like the Coconut Mojito and the Mai Tai.
My favorite location is at the Garden Walk in Anaheim. After our meals, we can browse through the stores or take a short walk to Downtown Disney for more fun.
321 W Katella Ave, Suite 120, Anaheim, CA 92802
The Cheesecake Factory
We came for the cheesecake and stayed for the great food and drinks. This is by far my favorite restaurant chain. The menu is so huge it literally requires some studying before you order!
They offer everything from sandwiches, steak, and seafood to flatbread pizza and pasta dishes.
The dessert menu is phenomenal. You can stick with the traditional cheesecake, but be adventurous and try the Oreo® Dream Extreme, Cinnabon® Cinnamon Swirl, or even the Low Carb Cheesecake.
User Comment (Source: TripAdvisor): "Perfect end to a Disneyland day. The Cheesecake Factory here is always busy, but the wait is worth it. They have so many options, so even our picky eaters were happy. We took a slice of Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake back to the hotel—best decision all trip!"
321 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802
Roy's @ Garden Walk
Dining at Roy's is like taking a culinary safari across the Pacific Rim. This fusion-cuisine restaurant offers amazing seafood dishes like Hibachi-grilled Atlantic Salmon, Macadamia Nut-crusted Mahi Mahi, or my favorite, the Shellfish Sampler. If you prefer items from the land, try their Braised Short Ribs of Beef or Roasted Shoyu Half Chicken.
For starters, you can try their selection of Sushi rolls or order a Canoe for Two, which includes their most popular appetizers.
The wine list and mixed drinks are just right, but save room for dessert. You must end your meal with their desserts. Both the Pineapple Upside Down Cake and the Chocolate Soufflé are absolutely delicious.
The only drawback is the price. The dishes can be expensive, with the average plate costing around $40. On the plus side, the Garden Walk Roy's has a lovely patio seating area with Hawaiian-style torches.
Downtown Disney
Downtown Disney sits between the Disney parks and the Disney hotels, offering entertainment venues and great dining. While they offer fantastic atmosphere, these places tend to be pricier unless you stick to snacks or treats.
Fun Fact: Downtown Disney is a dynamically changing area. It serves as a bridge between the resort hotels and the parks, and it features free entry, making it a popular spot for dining and entertainment without needing a park ticket.
La Brea Bakery Café
Another great place to eat, this spot offers delicious sandwiches, pastries, and delectable desserts. Sit on the outdoor patio to watch the crowds go by. If you time your dinner just right, you can watch the fireworks from your table!
Catal Restaurant
Catal is my favorite restaurant in Downtown Disney. The place offers American and Mediterranean cuisine with a large selection of wine and beer. Sitting on the balcony, you can enjoy a lovely dinner while watching the spectacular Fireworks Show over the castle.
Some great dinner choices are Filet Mignon, Rack of Lamb, Steelhead Salmon, and the Chef's Steakhouse Burger.
To end a very satisfying meal, I always order the Tres Leches—a sponge cake soaked with three kinds of milk. It is rich and decadent.
Häagen-Dazs
If you want a snack, you must visit this creamery, which offers premium ice cream and sorbet, sundaes, shakes, and smoothies. They have flavors to satisfy everyone, but my favorite is Cookies and Cream served on a waffle cone.
Rainforest Cafe (Closed)
The restaurant was famously decorated as a rainforest with plants, trees, waterfalls, robotic animals, and insects. This place was very popular with families. While the Anaheim location is now permanently closed, the atmosphere it offered was unique. It featured an extensive menu of tropical treats and traditional American cuisine. Kids of all ages loved the simulated thunderstorms and robotic animal shows.
A Little Further Away
If you can drive a short distance (or grab an Uber/rideshare), you'll find a few of my favorite hidden gems nearby that are worth the short trip.
Fire Lake Grillhouse
Many hidden gems are located inside hotels, and this one is inside the Radisson Blu Anaheim. The hotel has several restaurants and bars, each with its own unique atmosphere and food selection.
We visited Fire Lake on Thanksgiving Day and tried their holiday feast. The feast is a 3-course meal, with each course priced separately, allowing you to decide how much to eat—and pay.
The meal started with a delightful Squash Soup made with brown butter, sage, and crème fraîche. The main course was Smoked BBQ-spiced Turkey Breast, gravy, cranberry hibiscus sauce, and yucca stuffing. The meal was delicious and satisfying.
You get to pick one of the four available options. We picked the mashed potatoes with cheddar and the Brown Butter Okinawa Sweet Potato Casserole. The mashed potatoes were ordinary, but the sweet potato casserole was out of this world.
Of course, a Thanksgiving feast would not be complete without pumpkin pie. We tried theirs, and it was very tasty. If you are not here for a special occasion, try their signature dishes like Fig & Venison Flatbread, Roasted Skuna Bay Salmon, or the Bone-In Prime Filet.
1601 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805
Ozen Sushi
This little shack in a residential area is hard to find, but if you love Sushi, you must stop here.
Ozen offers a large selection of rolls, Sushi, Sashimi, and hand rolls, available both à la carte and as an all-you-can-eat option. Everything is consistently fresh and tasty.
We usually get the all-you-can-eat option to try new things alongside our favorites. During our last visit, we tried the Ozen roll, Crunch roll, rainbow roll, and salmon and tuna sushi. We also had crunch and spicy tuna hand rolls. All came out as expected and mouth-watering.
For dessert, we enjoyed several flavors of their ice cream macarons. Our favorites were green tea and mango. While visiting, you can also try their selection of Japanese beers and sake. If you prefer, you can order from the extensive menu, which includes Bento boxes and non-sushi items. All bento boxes come with rolls, tempura, and miso soup.
7185 Lincoln Ave, Buena Park, CA 90620