REVIEWS OF HOTEL EXECUTIVE CLUB LOUNGES, KIDS CLUBS AND MORE.
After a full day exploring Anaheim, our family of four was ready for a comfortable and relaxed dinner, and Tocca Ferro Italian Chophouse—located right inside the JW Marriott Anaheim Resort—turned out to be the perfect choice. Nestled on the hotel’s lobby level, this Italian-inspired restaurant immediately struck us with its calm, upscale feel that still managed to be welcoming and unpretentious. As parents, we’re always on the lookout for restaurants that cater to adults without making kids feel out of place—and Tocca Ferro ticked every box.
The restaurant’s layout is thoughtfully designed, with plush booth seating that gave our family some privacy, soft lighting from golden table lamps, and elegant table settings already laid out. The space felt warm and peaceful, without being overly formal. There was a quiet buzz of background conversation and music, but it wasn’t noisy or chaotic, which made it easy for us to settle in and enjoy the meal together.
Shortly after we were seated, our server brought over a bread basket filled with warm, fresh sourdough slices. It came with a side of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, which we all tucked into while chatting about our day. To our surprise, we were also served four small amuse-bouche-style appetisers on elegant white spoons—each one a colourful mix of finely chopped vegetables and grains. We still don’t know exactly what was in them, but they were fresh, tangy, and a fun way to start the meal.
As a vegan, I often struggle to find suitable options when dining out, but the kitchen at Tocca Ferro was more than accommodating. I asked if they could make me a custom pasta dish, and they did just that—spaghetti with marinara sauce and Beyond Meatballs. It was one of the best vegan pasta dishes I’ve had in a restaurant. The sauce was rich and well-seasoned, and the plant-based meatballs were perfectly cooked. It’s always reassuring when a restaurant takes dietary needs seriously without compromising on taste.
My wife ordered the vegetarian fettuccine with a marinara-style sauce. Her dish was beautifully presented and packed with flavour. The pasta was soft but not overcooked, and the tomato-based sauce was light, aromatic, and comforting. Both meals were hearty but not heavy—ideal for a family dinner after a long day.
Our kids, on the other hand, had eaten a big lunch earlier in the day and were not in the mood for main courses. Instead, they were excited to skip straight to dessert—and Tocca Ferro didn’t disappoint. Our son ordered the warm M&M cookie skillet, topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. He was thrilled with it and polished it off without hesitation. Our daughter chose the crème brûlée, which turned out to be the biggest one she’d ever seen. Served in a long rectangular dish and decorated with berries and whipped cream at each end, it looked stunning. She loved cracking the sugar top and digging into the smooth custard underneath, but the portion was so large she couldn’t quite finish it.
One of the things we appreciated most was how comfortable our kids felt in the restaurant. Even though the setting felt elegant and adult-friendly, the staff were incredibly kind and didn’t blink an eye when our kids opted for dessert-only meals. They chatted with us politely, topped up our water without being intrusive, and made sure we had everything we needed. That kind of service makes a big difference for families—it creates a relaxed environment where parents don’t have to stress and children feel just as welcome as the adults.
It’s also worth noting that the pace of the meal was perfect. We didn’t feel rushed, nor did we have to wait long between courses. The staff were efficient and attentive, checking in just enough without hovering. We had time to talk, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company while sharing bites and trying each other's food.
Tocca Ferro Italian Chophouse truly surprised us. It’s rare to find a restaurant that delivers high-quality food in a stylish setting while also being completely approachable for families. The layout, the staff, and the thoughtful touches—like the amuse-bouche and flexible menu options—showed us that this isn’t just a restaurant for business travellers or couples on a date. It’s a place where families can enjoy a special meal together without feeling like they need to whisper or keep the kids glued to an iPad.
As we wrapped up the evening, we left feeling full, satisfied, and most importantly, relaxed. The kids were happy, we had enjoyed great food without any fuss, and the whole experience felt like a treat rather than a challenge. For any families staying at JW Marriott Anaheim—or even those just visiting the area—Tocca Ferro Italian Chophouse is a fantastic dinner option that balances quality, comfort, and family-friendliness in all the right ways.
We are a family of 4 - mother, father and two children. Our aim is to travel the world and review all travel opportunities to help other families.
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