The seven week long celebration of food and wine at Disney California Adventure Park gives park visitors an epicurean experience with a Disney twist as local, celebrity and Disney chef demos take place each Friday to Sunday; market stalls offer specialty bites, beers and beverages; Cocktails @ Sonoma Terrace hosted by CORKCICLE® offer an extended menu and family food zones, activities and demos take hold around the park.
Whilst the Disney festival may be for a limited time only, Anaheim’s food and drink offering beyond the parks can be relished by visitors year-round – an expanding rooftop bar scene and craft brewery trail create an experiential setting for discovering local craft libations, whilst tastes of Americana and a tick-list of Mickey themed food will satisfy stomachs for the whole family.
Top 10 Anaheim culinary hotspots and experiences to fuel your imagination:
Mickey Themed Eats
For visitors seeking a full Disney immersion, be sure to tick off all the “Mickey” themed food items available year-round at Disneyland Resort – Mickey Pretzels, Mickey Waffles, Mickey Sourdough loaves, Mickey Ice Creams. Challenge your inner-child to find more Mickey inspired munches!
Rooftop Bars
Led by Anaheim’s original rooftop spot, The FIFTH Rooftop Bar, Anaheim has welcomed a string of new and stylish rooftop bars and restaurants in the past few years. The ideal perch for viewing evening firework displays across the theme parks – minus the crowds and with the addition of a cocktail in hand. Top of the V on the roof of The Viv Hotel is the vision of executive chef Edgar Beas, who honed his skills next to three-star Michelin Star Spanish chef Martin Berasategui – try the signature Spanish-style Gin and Tonic with a selection of pintxos. The Parkestry Rooftop Bar at the brand new JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort is the tallest of the rooftops, exuding garden party vibes as soon as you step out of the elevator. Not only is the bird’s eye view of nearby Disneyland Resort breathtaking, on a clear day the vista reaches Catalina Island and downtown Los Angeles off in the distance. RISE Lounge atop The Westin Anaheim Resort has panoramic views of the Disney California Adventure Park, where the fountains of the parks iconic World of Color dazzle, while the drinks and tapas flow.
Strong Water
A hidden, award-winning Tiki bar blends elaborate design with cocktails served in skull shaped cups and a full Tiki experience from the moment you walk in. A host will explain Strong Water’s concept to you before taking you to your seat. You’re not entering a bar, but a sunken pirate ship full of treasure – in liquid form.
Anaheim Packing House
From orange packing house to a hip food hall, the former Sunkist facility dates back over 100 years to when Orange County’s main claim was the orange itself. Now, visitors can explore fresh produce and creative dishes under this historic roof, from The Kroft, where mash-ups like chicken tikka poutine or cheeseburger egg rolls electrify the menu, to the Crepe Coop where you can try a Japanese crepe stuffed with Fruity Pebbles. Part of the Packing District, the Packing House is one of four historic landmarks, also including former marmalade factory – the MAKE building, and the Packard Building, all now converted into a multi-restaurant foodie mecca.
Anaheim Craft Beer
Anaheim now hosts one of the USA’s fastest-growing and most dynamic craft beer scenes with more breweries than any other city in Orange County. Across from the Angel Stadium, Golden Road Brewery has 30 taps, with a warehouse style vibe and a beer garden welcoming both dogs and families. Also near the stadium is Brewheim and Karl Strauss Beer Company, with Ballast Point Brewing Company in Downtown Disney District serving creative craft brews not to be missed. The La Palma area is one of the few places in Southern California where you can easily walk from brewery to brewery – highlights here include Brewery X and Bruery Terreux Tasting Room.
Hoffy’s Hot Dogs
A mainstay in the LA area for over 80 years, Hoffy’s hot dogs and gourmet sausages are the official hot dog brand of the Los Angeles Angel’s Baseball. Served across menus at the Angels Stadium in Anaheim, be sure to order a Hoffy’s to complete the sport spectating experience.
Little Saigon
Just a few miles southwest of Disneyland Resort, many visitors will be surprised to discover a network of Vietnamese communities, named Little Saigon. Here, entire shopping centres of specialty shops and restaurants serve up authentic Asian food.
Mimi’s
Mimi’s has been an institution for Australian travellers for over 30 years. Located across the road from the Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel and Water Playground, Australians have been flocking to this Anaheim institution where the portions are hearty, the options vast, and the atmosphere is cosy. Despite delivering all your comfort food needs, a gluten free menu is also available. This isn’t fine dining by any means, but a visit to Mimi’s has become to many returning Anaheim visitors as much of a must do as the famous landmarks directly across the road.
Iconic U.S. Eateries
Anaheim is one of the few U.S. places with a Roy’s. Sound familiar? Roy has hosted six seasons of the “Hawaii Cooks with Roy Yamaguchi” television show. The Hawaiian fusion cuisine created by James Beard award-winning chef, Roy Yamaguchi, leans on seafood and flavours from the Pacific Rim, complemented by tropical cocktails. For those keen to tick off other iconic U.S. eateries, you’ll also find House of Blues, a Cheesecake Factory, Bubba Gump and more.
The House of Chimney Cakes
The European dessert specialists at the House of Chimney Cakes bring perhaps the most instagrammable food to the city. Fusing ice cream with the traditional Hungarian Chimney Cake, fine dining chef Omar Lara and Hungarian model and entrepreneur Szandra Szabó created LA’s best ice cream cakes. From Mickey-shaped ice cream to Oreo and s’mores-inspired treats, each menu item is an art piece with build-your-own options available.
