Why Eat Outside Disneyland?

The last time I took my kids to Disneyland, we decided it would be more cost-savvy to stay outside of the park. Not only did we save on hotel fees, but also on food costs—if you’ve ever splurged on a character breakfast at the Disneyland Hotel, you know exactly what I’m talking about. And since my kids are adventurous eaters, having more options than what’s offered inside the park or in Downtown Disney was a huge draw.

If you’re struggling with the idea that eating inside Disneyland or California Adventure will be more kid-friendly than somewhere else in Anaheim, I can assure you that, between Disney and Knott’s Berry Farm down the road, TONS of spots offer an inviting vibe that’s super family-friendly. Plus, it’ll do your kids a world of good to have time to wind down after spending all day chasing superheroes and getting a glow-up in the Bibbity Bobbity Boo Boutique.

What are the best family-friendly restaurants near Disneyland?

Anaheim is a diverse city with incredible dining options. Yes, there are your go-to chain restaurants where you know what you’ll get. But some amazing hidden gem spots serve food so good, you’ll be tempted to return even when you aren’t headed to see Mickey.

Mama Cozza's

Food Network star Guy Fieri featured this gem on his show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, making it a frequent destination for locals and tourists alike. The classic Italian menu includes everything from fried calamari to pizza, minestrone, and meatball sandwiches, all served on kitschy red-and-white checked tablecloths in vinyl-lined booths.

Mimi's Cafe

If you're craving comfort food, this homey cafe is exactly where you want to eat. Mimi's offers everything from pot roast to chicken pot pies, in addition to an extensive kids' menu that includes peanut butter and jelly crepes, grilled chicken and vegetables, and Tillamook macaroni and cheese.

Roscoe's Chicken N Waffles

This offshoot of the famous LA soul food restaurant serves up chicken and waffles for a sweet and salty pairing that can't be beat. Fans include former President Obama, Snoop Dogg, and David Beckham, all of whom have indulged in the extra-crispy waffles, juicy fried chicken, homemade gravy, and irresistible sides like corn bread, collard greens, and macaroni and cheese.

Anaheim Packing District

Can't decide what to eat? If your kids are picky like mine, you'll love the Anaheim Packing District. This gourmet food court has something for everyone, regardless of dietary preferences. Enjoy a wide array of menu items, including pizza, crepes, sushi, fish and chips, ramen, and gelato popsicles for dessert.

Umami Burger

This spot is located in the Anaheim Packing District, but I think it deserves a shoutout of its own. This trendy eatery is a five-minute drive from Disneyland, where you can order everything from a truffle burger to a falafel burger to an ahi tuna burger with a side of homemade cheesy tots and tempura onion rings. There's also a large outdoor patio (perfect for wiggly toddlers!), a kids' menu that includes gourmet sliders, chicken fingers, and grilled cheese, and a full-service bar stocked with specialty cocktails and local craft beer.

PF Chang's

This Asian fusion restaurant has countless locations for good reason. Not only is the food freshly prepared from scratch each day, but each dish is made to order, a major draw when traveling with kids with dietary restrictions. In addition to bestsellers like chicken lettuce wraps, Mongolian beef, and crispy honey shrimp, PF Chang's also offers budget-friendly kids' meals like honey chicken, lo mein, and chicken fried rice. Plus, if you arrive by 6pm, the Happy Hour menu is a great deal.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

If you're looking for a festive restaurant but don't want to wait an hour in line at Downtown Disney, give Bubba Gump Shrimp a try. This kid-friendly seafood chain, inspired by the movie Forest Gump, is walking distance from the Rainforest Cafe with substantially shorter wait times. Feast on coconut shrimp, shrimp mac and cheese, shrimp scampi, fried shrimp...you get the picture. No need to worry if your tykes aren't seafood fans; there's also a kids' menu featuring chicken strips, burgers, and grilled cheese.

What are some affordable places to eat near Disneyland with kids?

If you're going to splurge on the House of Mouse, finding budget-friendly restaurants outside of Disneyland is a huge win. Most of these spots are within 10 minutes of Disneyland Resort, so save your dollars for those dole whips. 

Shakey’s

This family-friendly west coast chain has simple but very satisfying menu options, including its original thin-crust pizza, fried chicken, and the very popular Mojo® potatoes, as well as a couple of salads, an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet from 11am - 2pm, and even smoothies. And then there’s the Fun Zone, filled with arcade games that will keep the kids occupied while you finish up your meal.

Sabrosada

Two words: huge burritos. This place is within walking distance of Disneyland Resort, and the prices are wildly affordable (think $10 for a huge portion) for classic items like carne asada, steak fajitas, chiles rellenos, and even healthy options like the Sabrosada bowl. They offer breakfast and even have chicken nuggets for picky eaters. There’s limited table room, however, so you have to order takeout and bring it back to wherever you’re staying, which is actually a good thing because the kids won’t have to be stuck at a table after a day at Disney.

Chubby Dumplings

This authentic Chinese restaurant serves up soup dumplings, wontons, ramen, wagyu beef rice bowls, and is known as one of the best dumpling restaurants in Southern CA. And, luckily enough, it’s located on Katella Ave., right down the street from the front entrance of Disneyland. It’s open late, so it’s a great spot to stop after your day at the park, but be forewarned, if you have super-picky eaters, there might be just a few things they’ll try here (read: the ramen noodle soup, hold the dumplings, is very basic and good for picky eaters.). 

FAQ About Anaheim Restaurants Near Disneyland

Q: Are there kid-friendly restaurants outside Disneyland?

A. Yes! There are tons of places that welcome families, including Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Mimi's Cafe, Portillo's, Shakey's, Mama Cozza's, and more. 

Q: Why do families eat outside Disneyland instead of inside the park?

A. There's a reason you save for months before heading to a Disney theme park. It's expensive! From the tickets to the swag, and of course, the food, you will spend thousands of dollars. Planning to eat breakfast or dinner outside of Disneyland will save you money, possibly time, and definitely your sanity. 

Q: Are there healthy dining options near Disneyland for families?

Q: Where can families with picky eaters eat near Disneyland?

Shakey's has cheese pizza, and places like Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Umami Burger, and Mimi's Cafe have kid faves like chicken strips, grilled cheese, PB&J, and more. 

Q: Are any restaurants near Disneyland within walking distance from the park?

A. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co, Sabrosada, Mimi's Cafe, Chubby Dumplings, and Roscoe's Chicken N Waffles are all within walking distance from Disneyland.