FULLERTON. For New Mexico-style cooking, Anita's is the place to go. Sopaipillas, chili Colorado, and chili verde are just a few of the delicious Southwestern dishes you can bite into (or vice versa!). A casual, fun place with a popular patio, the laid-back restaurant makes you feel quite removed from Mickey Mouse and the gang. Since Anita's stays busy on weekends, make reservations or be prepared to wait.

LAGUNA BEACH. For seafood with an Asian flair, locals head to this charmer, which sits right on the beach and serves deliciously sinful portions of Manila clams with cha soba noodles, rock shrimp linguini with chili-lemon pasta, Cajun-style tilapia, and Mediterranean bouillabaisse. The scene, ideal for a romantic dinner, features panoramic views of the Pacific ­ a setting even more picture-perfect as the sun sets in the evening. Look for an elegant brunch as well.

LAGUNA BEACH. This hotel restaurant's arched windows and doorways, sidewalk seating, and panache render it a huge hit with well-heeled locals. The menu's Mediterranean-Franco-Asian-inspired dishes earn approving nods from regional dining critics, tempting folks with dishes like grilled filet mignon tournedos and flash fried Thai calamari. You can also treat yourself to duck leg confit, spicy curry-grilled ahi, a grilled flat iron steak, and a handful of pastas. More interested in nibbling? An array of small plates is perfectly sized.

DOWNTOWN DISNEY<SUB>®</SUB> DIST. A convenient stop for visitors to the <i>Disneyland</i>_® Resort, La Brea Bakery^TM Café is widely regarded as one of the area's best bakeries. Founder Nancy Silverton's unique recipes range from traditional baguettes and sourdough loaves to specialty sun-dried tomato loaves and rosemary-olive oil loaves. Stop in for lunch, and the counter-person will throw together the best sandwich you've ever had. Better yet, pick up a cup of gourmet coffee and a homemade tart or pastry ­ chocolate almond cake, chocolate whiskey cake, and old-fashioned apple pie are more than acceptable.

WESTMINSTER. Since the late 1980s, this East Coast-style bagel chain has helped make morning drives more tolerable. Get a specialty bagel topped with anything your heart desires: lox, chives, spinach, mushrooms, artichokes, Southwestern turkey sausage, or even Egg Beaters. Of course, regulars know to go the shmear route, opting for a heaping swipe flavored with sun-dried tomato, jalapeno, maple raisin walnut, or fat-smoked salmon. A cup of hot roasted house coffee makes the breakfast of commuters complete.