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 thrown-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