Carnaby Street is a famous shopping street in Soho, London, known for its 1960s fashion and lifestyle retailers.

Celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay has referenced that iconic location by bringing the spirit of swinging London to Downtown Disney with his newest restaurant, Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby—the first Gordon Ramsay restaurant in Orange County and the second in California (he has a Hell’s Kitchen location at Harrah’s Resort Southern California in Valley Center).

Opened in July, the restaurant is a collaboration with Earl Enterprises, the parent company of Earl of Sandwich, which is under the same roof in a newer midcentury modern section of the Disney shopping center.

In a video posted in the Disneyland Resort press room, Ramsay said that Downtown Disney is “one of the best locations in the U.S.”

The restaurant features “an eclectic menu, some classics on that menu, but for me it’s about the family environment,” Ramsay said.

He said his six kids tasted the new dishes, “and when we see them devouring it in seconds, we know it’s going to be a hit.”

Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby features a main dining room, two patios, and a bar and lounge area. The restaurant is adorned with curated artwork, a stunning mural and whimsical design elements inspired by the 1960s era. The experience is further enhanced by a curated soundtrack of iconic British 1960s hits.

The menu is Ramsay’s take on elevated comfort cuisine, including his signature Beef Wellington, fish & chips with triple-cooked fries and sticky toffee pudding, alongside reimagined classics like Bangers & Mash and Cottage Pie. The Branzino dish is also a nod to a similarly prepared cod dish at one of Ramsay’s U.K. restaurants, according to opening day staff, flown in from England to train Anaheim-based employees.

A tableside Prime Rib Cart has hand-carved selections served with traditional British accompaniments, including Yorkshire pudding, roasted vegetables, and au jus.
Kids’ options include smashed cheeseburger, grilled cheese sandwich, chicken tenders and mac & cheese, but don’t be surprised if they enjoy the regular menu.

For my initial visit to Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby, I wanted to try some of the more popular items. I was told that the beef Wellington, the bangers and mash, and the fish and chips were current favorites. The sticky toffee pudding was a must-have dessert.

I began with warm brioche Parker rolls with whipped butter, which arrived at the table in a large skillet.

These are dinner rolls taken to another level. The tops are coated with butter before baking, and coated again once out of the oven, then sprinkled with chopped chives and flaky salt. I devoured several of these sensational delicacies, but then forced myself to stop and take the rest to go. This is a delicious starter for two to four people.

The fish & chips sounded like a fun entrée that suited the ambiance, and it was. The fish is one very large piece, perfectly cooked with a crispy outer layer. It comes with triple-cooked fries (chips), tartar sauce, and mushy peas. I squeezed a slice of lemon over the fish and added generous amounts of malt vinegar. I don’t often eat peas, but these mushy ones were delightful.

Of course, I had the sticky toffee pudding: warm date cake topped with a dollop of ice cream. Warm toffee sauce was poured on top once it arrived at my table. I polished it off in about a minute—it was that good.

Now I need to go back and try more dishes. The bangers & mash and the cottage pie (Ramsay’s version of shepherd’s pie) are calling to me.

Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby has an impressive spirits list as well as a variety of wines.
Designed to accommodate 175 guests, The Carnaby is open for dinner nightly starting at 4 p.m. and will expand to include lunch service in the coming weeks. Reservations are recommended, although a few tables are available for walkups.

Parking is available in the Downtown Disney parking lot—it’s a short stroll to the restaurant.
Will Ramsay, who has multiple Michelin stars to his name, be recognized for The Carnaby? Hard to say, but Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby is already a winner with diners.

Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby, 1553 S. Disneyland Dr., Anaheim, (714) 780-3680, gordonramsayatthecarnaby.com.