Fantasy is a food-loving fandom, as evidenced by the numerous Game of Thrones and Redwall cookbooks, as well as Chronicles of Nania somehow convincing multiple generations that Turkish delights actually taste good. And I’m by no means an exception when it comes to food and drink, with guests invariably stating that they’ve gained five pounds whenever they visit. I take those added pounds as a point of pride, so I was heartbroken when I saw Robert Jackson Bennett lamenting how he’s never had a good meal in my adopted state of California. So, with Worldcon 2026 happening in my backyard, I thought I’d put together this handy guide, with the explicit goal of adding to your waistlines.
It’s a convention, after all, which means the regular rules of moderation are suspended.
The first thing you should know is that while it may be called LAcon V, it takes place in Anaheim, which is 30 miles and an entire world away from Los Angeles. Anaheim is really known for two things: Disneyland and Angel Stadium, both of which are located close to the convention center. That means all the nearby restaurants cater to the tourist crowd, which gives you a lot of chains like California Pizza Kitchen and Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles on top of your usual suspects like Denny’s and Morton’s. And while I’ve definitely eaten at these places, these are not the places I regularly eat at as a local.
This also makes the walking area around the convention center ground zero for painful price points. It’s basically the Left Coast equivalent of Times Square, just without the bright lights or a functioning transit system. And if that sort of cuisine is fine with you, go for it. But if you want better meals, the places we actually eat and drink at, you’re going to have to drive. Luckily, it’s not far (10–20-minute ride share).
While I do have specific suggestions, I’m going to start with food types, then group everything by distance from the convention center. I’m also focusing on locations with multiple food options, so you and your convention buddies have a wide selection to choose from.
Food Types
Orange County is on the coast, so we have some great seafood. But this isn’t exclusively found at “seafood” restaurants, meaning you should see what oceanic bounties await you when you explore the other cuisines below.
Mexican/ Latin American—you need to have street tacos for an authentic SoCal experience, the catch-22 being that you either know the spots in your neighborhood or you just stumble upon them randomly. I’m not familiar with the neighborhoods surrounding the convention center, so I can’t guide you there. But if you see one, stop at once.
This also means you should grab tacos if you hit a regular Mexican restaurant, which are not at all like the Tex-Mex tacos or fajitas most folks are familiar with. I love me some al pastor, which is a pork and pineapple combination that is so good that it drives home what an abomination Hawaiian pizza is. Fish tacos are also a local delicacy. You should also grab some ceviche since it’s different at every place you go. My favorite is shrimp and octopus, but I’ll also snag fish and mango when it’s available.
If you see a La Michoacana Ice Cream shop (there’s one at Harbor/ Orangewood by the convention center), you should definitely stop in to beat the heat. Their popsicles and fruit ice creams are otherworldly, and you can also find unique flavors like Gansito snack cake or tequila and almond if you’re feeling adventurous.
It’s not all Mexican around here, either, and you can easily find pupusas, empanadas, and fried plantains if that’s what you’re in the mood for.
Korean/ Asian— I’m Texan, which means fried food is our love language, but I can confidently concede that Koreans have won the fried food arms race, as evidenced by their Korean chicken wings and corn dogs (see: The Source, below). Try as many sauces as you can, but I’ll also add as a Texan: believe them if they warn you that the wings are spicy.
It’s not exactly my thing, but Korean barbecue is a fun communal experience where everyone tries out all sorts of meat and mushroom combinations.
We also have outstanding ramen, hot pot, and pho if you’re craving some soup.
Sushi is also usually great.
As for finding these foods (and many others), I’d recommend the following locations:
Anaheim Packing District (10 min)
Probably two dozen restaurants and bars under one roof, with outdoor seating available in case everyone in your group wants different foodstuffs. Last time we convened outside, our table sported poutine, sushi, hot dogs, fish and chips, beer, and boba. And that’s barely scratching the surface of what’s available, which I know includes Mediterranean, Cajun, fancy doughnuts, and a vegan place (although I’m not seeing it listed anymore).
Standouts include the speakeasy Blind Rabbit, although know that it can get pricey and you’ll definitely need a reservation. Right across the hall is its sister seafood restaurant, The Wooden Pearl, which has a cocktail list on par with Blind Rabbit. The Kroft also has some very fancy comfort food sandwiches, which are reasonably priced.
I love me all things tiki, and the nearby Strong Water is one of the best tiki bars in Orange County (which is saying something). And if you order the right drink, you’ll also get a show when they break out the flames to set it alight.
If you want to get your IPA on, there’s at least four breweries within walking distance, the best being Villains Brewery. I’ve also spent a fair amount of time at Unsung Brewing, while my wife likes to avail herself of Pali Wine, next door.
Its name may be The Source, but everyone just calls it “the Korean mall,” which is a great place for food, K-pop collectibles, karaoke, and beauty supplies. There are more Korean restaurants than you can shake a stick at, including the aforementioned corn dogs at Myungrang Hot Dog, one of which is made with squid ink! Pelicana Chicken will scratch your chicken wing itch, and M Korean BBQ your need for… well, Korean barbecue.
It’s not all Korean though, and you can get ramen, pho, Taiwanese tea, baked goods, and Italian if you so desire. And that’s not even taking into account the two-story food court.
My Source favorite is La Huasteca on the third floor. Their queso fundido is a must, as are their tacos. They also have the two-person Molcajete Azteca, which is an overflowing mountain of deliciousness served in a steaming stone chalice. I highly recommend.
Near The Source is Kitakata Ramen, where I always take guests when they visit. Several broth bases to choose from, and you have, HAVE to get the karaage fried chicken, which is supernaturally good for something with so few ingredients.
Just down the road you’ll find some Korean restaurants so authentic that they don’t answer the phone in English, which include Honey Pig and Soft Tofu, the latter I’ve never been to but my foodie friend would make the drive for.
A little further down the road you’ll find Argentinean grub at Gaucho Grill, which has an excellent heart of palm salad, and Cuban cuisine and rum at Isla.
It’s further off the path, but I adore me the all-you-can-eat sushi at Ozen Sushi. All the rolls are top-notch and their best appetizers include shumai, monkey brain (alas, neither monkey nor brain), and the tuna cracker.
Just in the shadow of Knott’s Berry Farm is the witch-themed The Cauldron, which has no business being as good as it is, considering the amount of witch-kitsch on the walls. Great cocktails and beer list, and surprisingly excellent food; the highlights including their watermelon salad (seasonal), wicked frites, and bacon jam.
Downtown Fullerton (20 min)
My rockabilly barber in Long Beach once told me that all the cool kids hang out in Fullerton, which is saying something when you understand how rad Long Beach is. Downtown Fullerton has some great spots all grouped together, and if you can’t find something delicious to nosh on while on the main drag, that’s on you. It’s also the second to last week of the Fullerton Night Market, with 45+ stalls of food, crafts, and whatnots.
For $23, Chapter 4 at Les Amis will create a cloud of liquor that floats above your cocktail and rains flavor into it. And I dare you to find a more on-brand SFF drink than A CLOUD OF LIQUOR THAT RAINS INTO YOUR COCKTAIL! All their drinks are insanely good, well-priced, and my wife tells me that the food is also excellent, but I’ve never eaten there because that would encroach on the stomach space I reserve for cocktails.
Food and drinks are always excellent at The Cellar, and I still dream about the pork chops I had there once. Mind you, this place is pricey, and we usually go there for anniversaries instead of a night out. But you should grab a drink and an appetizer at the bar if you have the chance.
I’ve only been there for brunch, but Hidalgo’s Cocina & Cocteles has a wonderful courtyard for people-watching, both in the restaurant and passing by on the street.
And while a local chain, I’ll always recommend The Kickin’ Crab, which does seafood boils that they bring to you in a bag and dump on your table. Another great communal eating spot, complete with plastic aprons and gloves. And yes, you’ll still get some sauce on your shirt.
Thus concludes my list, which would still be incomplete at twice the length. We all got to eat, and while we may not all agree on what makes a good meal, we all share the same joy when we experience one. And I hope this list brings you joy.
Let me know if you find a gem I’ve missed, if you disagree with a suggestion, or are just cursing my name as you waddle back to your room after overindulging.
About:
MD. Presley is a screenwriter and urban fantasy author with interests in worldbuilding, cocktails, and barbecue. Find him at his website, mdpresley.com, or on Bluesky, @mdpresley.
