Visit Anaheim recently held its first-ever Locally Loved Awards, giving locals the chance to celebrate the small businesses, family-owned favorites, and hidden gems that make Anaheim so special. From beloved mom-and-pop shops to go-to neighborhood spots, residents voted for the places they love most. Now, visitors can discover the local favorites that truly give Anaheim its heart and experience the city like a local.

Hungry or in a snacking mood? Here are the food and drink winners of the 2026 Locally Loved Awards, chosen by Anaheim locals:

• Best Breakfast Joint: Lola's by MFK 

• The Ultimate Taco Spot: Tacos Los Cholos 

• Top Rated Coffee-Nest: Sunbliss Cafe

• Sweet Tooth Champion: Joe's Italian Ice 

• Top Deli & Bakery: Cortina's Italian Market 

• Best Craft Brewery: Brewery X 

• The Go-To Date Night Spot: THE RANCH Restaurant & Saloon

• Little Saigon Favorite: Brodard Chateau

• Little Arabia Favorite: Sababa Falafel Shop 

• Hidden Gem of the Year: Smoke Queen BBQ
   

Anaheim is a serious food city, but eating well here doesn’t have to mean blowing your vacation budget. Beyond the theme parks, you’ll find neighborhood taquerias, mom and pop shops, local breweries and plenty of happy hours where you can get a lot of flavors for your buck.
 

Go Local for Anaheim & Garden Grove’s Best Eats

Sometimes the best deal is simply finding a local spot where the prices are reasonable every day. Start with Tacos Los Cholos, one of the city’s most popular destinations for grilled meats and handmade tortillas. Cortina’s Italian Market is another longtime Anaheim institution, serving hefty deli sandwiches, pizza and Italian specialties that make for a delicious (and affordable) lunch.
 

Here's a few more local favorites:

• Sabrosada: Burritos, tacos and Mexican breakfast plates.

• Joe’s Italian Ice: An inexpensive stop when you’re craving something sweet.

• Smoke Queen BBQ: Garden Grove’s locally loved pick for a hidden gem.
   

Taste Your Way Through Little Arabia + Little Saigon

Along Brookhurst Street, Anaheim’s officially designated Little Arabia District is packed with bakeries, falafel shops and restaurants serving shawarma, kebabs, hummus and other Middle Eastern favorites.
 

For an especially budget-friendly meal, locals rave about Lebanese cuisine at Al Amir Bakery and Forn Al Hara, where flatbreads and baked specialties make an easy inexpensive lunch. Sababa Falafel Shop is another local favorite for falafel and shawarma.
 

Then, continue your food crawl into nearby Little Saigon, one of the country’s most celebrated Vietnamese culinary communities. Look for steaming bowls of phở, inexpensive bánh mì and plenty of noodle and rice dishes.

Add these locally loved favorites to your list:

• Pho 79: A James Beard-recognized destination for classic phở. 

• Brodard Chateau (winner): Famous for Vietnamese spring rolls.

• Quan Mii: A local favorite for crispy bánh xèo.

Head to the Anaheim Packing District 

If everyone in your group wants something different, Anaheim Packing District makes keeping the peace easy. The historic Packing House brings more than 20 food and drink concepts together under one roof.
 

For an especially good deal, stop by around lunchtime. A few local favorites to put on your list include:

• Black Sheep Grilled Cheese Bar: Classic grilled cheese and tomato soup combos starting around $10.
   
• ADYA: Indian-inspired burritos filled with options like chicken tikka masala, lamb kebab or chana masala for around $13–14.
   
• Georgia’s Restaurant: Southern comfort food, including an affordable soup-and-salad lunch option.
   
• The Kroft: Hearty sandwiches, loaded fries and comfort-food favorites that are easy to split.
   
• Urbana: Gourmet tacos and Mexican-inspired bites that make it easy to order a few smaller plates instead of a full meal.
   

Split a few dishes, share dessert and then walk everything off at nearby Farmers Park or Center Street Promenade. 
 

Save on Sips at Anaheim’s Local Breweries

Beer lovers have plenty of ways to join the bargain hunt, too! Anaheim has a thriving local brewery scene and Visit Anaheim offers a handy Brew Pass with deals at participating businesses around the city. Save on local pours and score a free stein! Check in at three or more participating breweries with your Brew Pass to earn enough points to claim the stein pictured above.

A few places to put on your brewery bucket list include:

• Brewery X: Recently voted Anaheim’s favorite local brewery.
   
• Radiant Beer Co.: A neighborhood taproom along Lincoln Avenue.
   
• Golden Road Brewing: A spacious option near Angel Stadium.
   
• Villains Brewing Company: Beers with a suitably mischievous theme.
   

If you’re looking to get the scoop from a local expert, check out Anaheim’s brewery tours. And for even more affordable options, read our dedicated blog about Anaheim’s best brewery deals!