The Cellar in Fullerton (https://www.cellardining.com).
The Summit House (https://summithouse.com), also in Fullerton.
Oh! Or, the Hobbit in Orange (https://www.hobbitrestaurant.com).
They all offer memorable experiences—especially the Hobbit—and never disappoint.
Ha-ha! Just realized I chose…
From Bakersfield but have lived here for the past decade+, I gotchu...
For pizza: Sgt. Pepperoni (best all around pizza for the $$$, have never taken a guest here that didn't absolutely love it, it's a good go-to) OR Apizza Doho (the best period, worth the drive from NB to Dana Point, seriously…
Bear Flag for fish tacos and fish burritos, Laventinas Pizza for pizza obviously ha, C'est Si Bon for bakery goods & sandwiches and coffee, Sol for mexican food and specialty tacos, A's Restaurant for steak dinners, and you probably already know this but you have to go to InnOut of course!
Depends on your budget and definition of “in the area”.
Napa Rose is at the Grand California hotel in Disneyland and is fantastic but pricey.
In Orange there is an amazing traditional french restaurant called “The Hobbit”. Pre-fix menu, make your reservations like yesterday. Also very pricy but…
Splashes, Laguna Beach if you can get a table next to the ocean. Great view + can walk around beforehand. It’s been a long while since I’ve been, and I haven’t gone since renovation but they used to have a larger outdoor table
Not sure how upscale you’re trying to go esp w the kiddos but if you’re…
About a mile from Disney is the anaheim packing house with lots of little restaurants in one building. My favorite is georgias southern food. There’s a speakeasy called blind rabbit - try to get a reservation there on their website. Down the street from the packing house is center street where…