If the Anaheim Convention Center is the center of the universe during MD&M West, then picture it surrounded by three concentric circles which we’ll refer to as zones. We’ve identified these zones to help you find restaurants in terms of distance (and local destination point) from the convention center. Due to the suburban layout of the area, driving is recommended to destinations in all zones. Save your feet for the trade show floor.

Zone 1: Less than 1 mile (from the convention center)
Several restaurants are scattered in and around the hotels surrounding the convention center and neighboring landmark, Disneyland. It’s hard to miss the abundance of informal family dining restaurants with similar names, and even more-similar menus, like Millie’s, Tiffy’s, and Denny’s. But if you’re afraid you’ll be seated next to a table of kids sporting Mickey Mouse ears, and if you’re not in the mood for familiar fast-food chains located nearby, here are some other dining options within one mile of the convention center:
• Pavia, at the Hilton (0.34 mi); 714/740-4419; Northern Italian cuisine.
• Tony Roma’s (0.38 mi); 714/520-0200; ribs, seafood, and steaks.
• Marri’s Pizza (0.53 mi); 714/533-1631; pizza and Italian food.
• JW’s Steakhouse, at the Marriott (0.57 mi); 714/703-3187; steak and seafood.
• Ruth’s Chris Steak House (0.58 mi); 714/750-5466; steak and seafood.

Zone 2: Downtown Disney (1.88 mi from the convention center)
Experience the lights and sounds of Disney without the roller coasters or price of admission. The cheerful ambiance of Disney spills out of the park, illuminating and sugar-coating the shopping mall next door called Downtown Disney. Including theme restaurants like Rainforest Café and ESPN Zone as well as snack and dessert shops like Jamba Juice, Wetzel’s Pretzels, and Haagen-Dazs, the outdoor mall is home to an array of both casual and fine dining options.

Fine Dining:
• Catal Restaurant and Uva Bar; 714/774-4442; blend of Mediterranean Rim cuisines.
• Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen; 714/781-3463; Cajun cuisine à la New Orleans’ Bourbon Street.
Casual Dining:
• Naples Ristorante e Pizzaria; 714/776-6200; Southern Italian pasta and pizza.
• House of Blues Restaurant; 714/781-3463; Cajun-Creole seafood, ribs, and steak.
• ESPN Zone; 714/781-3463; American grill food.

Zone 3: The Block at Orange (1.92 mi from the convention center)
Featuring retail outlets, movie theaters, and bowling alleys, The Block at Orange is a bustling, outdoor mall that can also satisfy nearly every craving. Taste everything California has to offer while you’re in Anaheim, from San Francisco-style BBQ and sushi, to Tex-Mex cuisine and Krispy Kreme. Or, if you just want pizza, fast food fare, or even good old reliable T.G.I. Friday’s, the Block has those too.
• Alcatraz Brewing Co.;714/939-8686; everything California-style, from BBQ to fish tacos.
• Market Broiler; 714/769-3474; fresh seafood, as well as pasta, chicken, and steak.
• Wolfgang Puck Grand Café; 714/634-9653; Puck’s signature menu, also features a sushi bar.
• Café Tu Tu Tango; 714/769-2222; all appetizer-portion menu, also features wines.
• Koji’s Sushi and Shabu Shabu; 714-769-0200; sushi or boil your own beef and veggies at your table in the traditional Japanese style of Shabu Shabu.
• El Torito; 714/939-6711; casual Mexican dining that includes fresh guacamole.