Location

There is much to enjoy in the vibrant city of Anaheim, California!

From beautiful beaches, to the Disneyland Theme Park (which is just two blocks away from the Anaheim Marriott), to delicious restaurants, there is much to see and do when you're not attending sessions or events for the Combined AACPDM & IAACD Meeting. Outlined for you below are some options for how to spend your free time.

For more information, you can also check out Visit Anaheim (previously Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau). They have an extensive attractions list to help you discover everything from nearby entertainment to where to find the best meal!

The Culture Trip's 10 Best Restaurants in Anaheim, California

• Napa Rose - is located inside Disneyland’s Grand Californian resort, but you don’t have to buy a park pass to dine here. The restaurant attracts visitors and locals alike, with its upscale atmosphere and consistently spot-on plates. The head chef at Napa Rose is highly decorated and has cooked for the likes of the James Beard Foundation. As its name suggests, the restaurant is inspired by the Napa Valley wine country in Northern California. The menu reflects the fresh flavors, ingredients, and characters that have become so synonymous with the area’s cuisine. An extensive wine list provides an excellent selection for wine by the glass, by the bottle, or expertly paired with your meal.
• Healthy Junk - Yes, Healthy Junk is entirely vegan, but meat lovers may not even notice. Their food really is that good. The small restaurant is located on Anaheim’s historic Center Street Promenade. The interior is an eclectic mix of old and new, with a hipster-chic vibe. The menu is seasonally driven and lets veggies outshine the rest. Regulars flock to Healthy Junk for filling salads like the mighty kale or the mango tango but don’t think that all they serve is rabbit food. Hearty fan favorites include a burger (vegan, of course) topped with a crispy Anaheim chili pepper, vegan beef fajitas, and a Philly cheese steak (spelled chez stake, so there’s no confusion for carnivores).
• Baci di Firenze Trattoria - Get ready for an evening out, where you can feel worlds away from Southern California. Baci di Firenze Trattoria has been bringing a taste of Italy to Anaheim for almost a decade now. Tucked in a strip mall near the Santa Ana River, this little spot can be easily missed. But step inside and you’ll be greeted with friendly service and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The menu features expected Italian classics like pastas, veal dishes, and risottos. For a fresh take on tradition, try the lobster ravioli or the chicken with mushrooms, artichokes, and flamed-brandy demi glaze sauce.
• Olive Tree - Please don’t confuse this great restaurant to a similarly named, bad Italian-esque chain. Olive Tree in Anaheim is family-owned and serves authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. Since opening a decade ago, the restaurant has garnered numerous awards and accolades from local newspapers, magazines, and restaurant circles. The menu features traditional, home-cooked dishes that taste genuine. Go for standards like falafel, hummus, and shwarma, or venture outside of your comfort zone a bit; your palate will definitely be rewarded. Try the musakhan: roasted chicken with onions and fragrant spices like sumac and saffron. Or, go for stewed lamb with freekeh: a hearty grain that comes from wheat.
• Anaheim Packing House - The Packing House isn’t just one restaurant but a charming historic building turned into a one-stop-shop for foodies. You can dine on anything from Indian food to crêpes to Vietnamese cuisine, all under one roof. Indulge in creative comfort food at Kroft or go a little on the lighter side with Japanese food at Orange TEI. For a unique night out, visit The Blind Rabbit, a 20s-themed speakeasy serving craft cocktails and tasty, well-thought-out small plates, burgers, and desserts. Each of the restaurants in the Packing House is highly rated, so you simply can’t go wrong.

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