Top of the V in Anaheim: A Rooftop Steakhouse Worth Savoring
- Christianne Klein
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
There are restaurants where one or two dishes stand out. Then there are restaurants where nearly everything that arrives at the table makes you pause, take another bite, and immediately start planning what you'll order on your next visit.
Top of the V, the rooftop signature restaurant at The Viv Hotel in Anaheim, falls firmly into the latter category. And yes, we did exactly that on two recent visits.
Perched high above the city with sweeping views stretching toward Disneyland and beyond, Top of the V combines the warmth of Spanish-inspired cuisine with the confidence and precision of a top-tier steakhouse. The result is a dining experience that feels elevated without being pretentious- and delicious from beginning to end.
We started with the Beef Empanadas, and they immediately set the tone for the evening. Perfectly crisp on the outside with a rich, savory filling inside, they paired beautifully with the smoked tomato and guindilla aioli. It's the kind of appetizer that disappears from the table far too quickly.
Another standout starter was the Grilled Spanish Octopus. Too often octopus can be overly chewy or under-seasoned, but this version was masterfully prepared- perfectly tender with just enough char from the grill. The celery root puree added richness while the Basque sausage and winter citrus provided layers of flavor that kept each bite interesting. It was our daughter Livia’s favorite dish (we ordered it on both visits and had to give her half on our second visit).
The salads deserve special mention as well- delightful, vibrant, and absolutely gorgeous. You eat with your eyes first, and Chef Jayro Martinez clearly understands this. His dishes are as visually stunning as they are delicious, with every plate arriving like a carefully composed work of art.
For seafood lovers, the Mediterranean Sea Bass is not to be missed. The fish was beautifully cooked with crisp, crackling skin and flaky, buttery flesh beneath. The preserved lemon was a revelation, bringing brightness and complexity that elevated the entire dish. Combined with brown butter, broccoli rabe, and hazelnuts, it created one of the most memorable seafood dishes we've enjoyed this year.
As wonderful as the seafood selections are, Top of the V is, at its heart, a steakhouse- and the kitchen's expertise truly shines when it comes to beef.
We sampled both the Picanha and the 28-Day Dry-Aged Bone-In Ribeye, and each was special in its own way. The Picanha delivered exceptional flavor, while the dry-aged ribeye offered everything steak lovers crave: rich marbling, deep beefy flavor, and a perfectly developed crust.
While neither steak needs additional embellishment, we highly recommend ordering a few sauces on the side. The Chimichurri, Rioja Demi, Herb Butter, and Spiced Butter each offer a different perspective on the steaks without overpowering them. Consider them an enhancement rather than a necessity- you certainly won't regret exploring them.
The side dishes deserve special recognition as well. Rather than serving as mere accompaniments, they showcase the restaurant's Spanish influences while perfectly complementing the main courses.
The Mushrooms with sherry and shallots brought earthy depth and richness. The Patatas Bravas offered a satisfying combination of crisp potatoes, garlic aioli, and brava sauce. Meanwhile, the Roasted Heirloom Carrots balanced sweetness and spice beautifully, enhanced by coriander, honey, and almond granola. Each side felt thoughtful, polished, and worthy of sharing.
And then there's the paella.
For those who appreciate this iconic Spanish dish, the Land and Sea Paella is a must-order. Loaded with saffron-infused rice, chorizo picante, chicken, clams, mussels, and shrimp, it delivered both flavor and authenticity. Every spoonful showcased the comforting richness and communal spirit that make paella one of Spain's most beloved culinary traditions.
What ultimately makes Top of the V so successful is its balance. The restaurant embraces Spanish flavors and techniques while never losing sight of what guests truly want: expertly prepared food, exceptional ingredients, and memorable hospitality.
Whether you're visiting Anaheim for Disneyland, staying at The Viv Hotel, or simply searching for one of Orange County's most satisfying dining experiences, Top of the V deserves a place on your list.
Come for the rooftop views. Stay for the steak. And don't leave without ordering the sea bass.
Christianne Klein is an Emmy® and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning TV Host, journalist, travel and lifestyle expert, and founder of FoodFamilyTravel.com.
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