The Best Restaurants Near the Convention Center Anaheim CA

Anaheim is a city known for major attractions like the Disneyland Resort amusement parks and the Anaheim Convention Center, which draws over 1 million visitors annually for conventions, trade shows, and other events. With so many out-of-town attendees flocking to the massive convention center, there is unsurprisingly a diverse array of dining options located in close proximity. From quick counter-service joints to upscale sit-down eateries, here is a guide to the numerous restaurants within walking distance or a short drive from the Anaheim Convention Center.

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1. Puesto Anaheim

Puesto is a casual Mexican restaurant located just a 5-minute walk from the  Anaheim Convention Center. Here’s an overview of what to expect:

Food:

• The menu features made-to-order tacos, burritos, salads, and bowls.
• Tacos are available with proteins like carne asada, pollo asado, carnitas, and grilled fish for around $5 per taco.
• Burritos and bowls range from $11-13 with your choice of fillings.
• Salsas and extras like guacamole are additional.

Drinks:

• Margaritas, Mexican beers, horchata and aguas frescas are available.
• Happy hour specials on beers and signature margaritas.

Atmosphere:

• Colorful, lively interior with indoor and outdoor patio seating areas.
• Order at the counter cafeteria-style in an efficient assembly line.
• Its casual vibe is perfect for grabbing a quick bite.

Location:

• 0.3 mile walk or 5-minute walk from Hilton Anaheim lobby entrance.
• No parking, but easy walk from the convention center area hotels.

In summary, Puesto is a convenient spot for freshly made Mexican food and drinks within quick walking distance of the Anaheim Convention Center campus and nearby hotels. It’s fast, affordable, and provides a vibrant atmosphere.

2. Morton’s The Steakhouse

For the ultimate upscale steakhouse experience, book a table at Morton’s, located 0.2 miles or 5 minutes by car from the convention center. It’s a go-to for business dinners and special occasions.

Morton’s serves premium cuts of beef along with fresh seafood, lamb chops, and chicken entrees. Steak options range from a 10-ounce filet mignon ($54) to a 48-ounce porterhouse for two ($119). 

Complete your meal with sides like creamed spinach, Brussels sprouts or lobster mac and cheese. 

With live piano music, dark wood decor, and white tablecloths, Mortons provides an elegant ambiance for any convention trip or corporate dinner. Signature cocktails, an extensive wine list, and desserts like creme brulee round out the dining experience.

3. Anaheim GardenWalk

Adjacent to the Convention Center is the Anaheim GardenWalk outdoor shopping and dining complex. With everything from fast casual to finer dining, it conveniently places dozens of restaurants within a quick 5-10 minute walking distance. 

Options range from Bubba Gump Shrimp Co, Cheesecake Factory, and California Pizza Kitchen to Johnny Rockets burgers and Finbar’s Irish Pub. 

After the convention, grab dinner to-go or sit down with colleagues at this dining and entertainment plaza. Happy hour specials make it popular for after-work convention gatherings.

4. House of Blues

The House of Blues is a popular concert venue and restaurant located in the Anaheim Gardenwalk. Known for its live music and Southern-inspired fare, here’s what guests can expect:

Food:

• The menu features dishes like jambalaya pasta, baby back ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, and shrimp po’ boys.
• Prices range from $12-$20 for lunch/dinner entrees. Appetizers and salads are $8-$15.
• There’s a Sunday Gospel Brunch Buffet with bottomless mimosas for $40 per person.

Music:

• There are live concerts and shows almost every night from rock to blues to country acts.
• Show tickets vary greatly based on the performer, from $20-$100+ per person.

Atmosphere:

• The decor is blues-inspired with concert posters and music memorabilia.
• It’s lively and high-energy, especially on show nights.
• Full bar and classic Southern cocktails like Mint Juleps.

Parking:

• Validated self-parking in the convention center garage is available with validation from House of Blues.
• Without validation, the convention center garage parking is $20.

House of Blues allows convention visitors to enjoy Southern food and live entertainment just a short walk or a 5-minute drive away. The food, drinks, and music make for a lively night out.

5. Marri’s Pizza & Pasta

Marri’s Pizza & Pasta is an Italian restaurant located just 0.2 miles or a 5-minute walk from the Anaheim Convention Center. Known for its Chicago-style deep dish pizza, Marri’s is a great place that offers a taste of hearty Italian comfort food close to the convention grounds. We consider this one of the very best restaurants near the Anaheim Convention Center.

On the menu, guests will find:

• Deep dish pizza – Marri’s signature deep dish pies are packed with cheese and toppings. A small 6-inch deep dish is $12.50 and a large 12-inch feeds 3-4 people for $23. Toppings like sausage, pepperoni, and spinach are $2 each.

• Pasta – Choose from pasta dishes like baked ziti, spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, and chicken parmesan for $11-15. Gluten-free pasta is available.

• Entrees – Other options include oven-baked subs, chicken dishes like marsala or piccata, eggplant parmesan, and shrimp scampi for $12-19.

• Salads – Small Caesar or house salads are $6-7. Add grilled chicken for $4.

• Dessert – Save room for mini cannoli or a massive slice of chocolate cake for $6 each.

The vibe at Marri’s is casual and family-friendly, with checkered tablecloths and cozy booths. Most meals are very reasonably priced under $20 per person.

Parking can be challenging, as there is only street parking and a small lot behind the restaurant with 5-6 spaces. However, the close proximity to the convention center makes it easy to walk over.

Overall, Marri’s offers friendly staff, hearty Italian comfort food and Chicago-style deep-dish pizza at a good value right by the Anaheim Convention Center.

6. Anaheim Packing District

The Anaheim Packing District showcases some of the city’s best dining and retail, located 2 miles or 10 minutes by car from the Convention Center. Housed in a former citrus packing factory, the space contains multiple restaurants like Chippy Fish & Grill (fish and chips), The Kroft (gourmet bar food), and Adya (Indian cuisine). 

Trendy shops and weekly live music round out the experience. Stop into the Anaheim Brewery beer garden for local craft beers and food trucks.

With exposed brick walls and an industrial chic vibe, the Packing District is a great spot for groups and families.

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7. Sabrosada Fresh Mexican Grill

Sabrosada Fresh Mexican Grill is a quick-service Mexican restaurant located just a 3-minute walk from the Anaheim Convention Center and directly across the street from the rear of Disney California Adventure. Known for its fresh ingredients and customized burritos and bowls, it’s a convenient spot for a fast Mexican meal during your convention visit.

On the menu, guests will find:

• Burritos – Flour tortilla burritos are stuffed with your choice of grilled meat, rice, beans, and toppings like guacamole, pico de gallo, and cheese. Burritos range from $8-11 depending on ingredients.

• Bowls – Burrito fillings served bowl-style over rice and greens. Burrito bowls are $9-12.

• Tacos – Chicken, steak, carnitas or veggie tacos on corn tortillas are $2.50 each or 3 for $7.

• Quesadillas – Cheese or chicken quesadillas available from $4-7.

• Nachos – Individual nachos with meat, beans, cheese and toppings are $8.

• Sides – Chips, guacamole, rice, beans and Mexican street corn available for $2-5.

Sabrosada uses fresh, house-made salsas and sauces. The atmosphere is casual with counter ordering. Most plates cost $10 or less per person.

Parking can be limited, but their convention center proximity makes walking an easy option. Metered street parking is also available. Overall, Sabrosada offers fresh, customizable Mexican food in a convenient to-go style for visitors attending events at the Anaheim Convention Center.

8. Crave-Pizza at the Hilton Anaheim Hotel

If you need a quick bite then this pizza place might be your best choice near the convention center.  Tucked away at the Hilton Anaheim front desk, Crave-pizza offers pizza by the slice and fresh salads.  

Food:

• Crave serves artisan thin-crust pizzas, pastas, salads, and appetizers.

• Pizza toppings range from pepperoni and sausage to chicken alfredo and Hawaiian. A 12″ pizza is around $17 and an 18″ pizza will run you about $35.

• Pasta dishes like chicken parmesan or shrimp scampi are $18-22.

• Appetizers include wings, meatballs, bruschetta, and garlic knots for $11-15.

Atmosphere:

• Contemporary, sleek interior with high ceilings 
• Casual vibe perfect for grabbing a bite before or after convention events.
• There is no dining area so we recommend taking your slice to the bar seating area at the Hilton.

Location & Parking:

• Inside the Hilton Anaheim, steps from the convention center entrance.
• Validated valet parking at hotel rates, around $22/day.

Crave offers convenient artisan pizza, pasta, and drinks just steps from the Anaheim Convention Center inside the connected Hilton hotel. With validation, parking is easy. It’s a relaxed spot for casual meals or happy hour during convention visits.