Food

Want to keep the kids—and yourself—entertained during dinner? Check out one of the dinner-and-a-show restaurants, both near Disney [1] and Knott’s Berry Farm [2] at Buena Park.

At the famous Medieval Times (7662 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 888/935-6878, http://medievaltimes.com [3], adults $52, children 12 and under $35), you’ll enter a castle-shaped building, take your seat, and watch as gallant knights battle for the title of First Knight. You’ll see live jousts (there’s a big courtyard in this restaurant!), swordfights, and ladies in gowns parading for your pleasure. Your meal, served on a pewter-styled plate, provides hearty if not particularly healthy or high-quality sustenance. Vegetarian and kids’ meal options are available upon request.

If you prefer pirates to knights, the O.C. [4] can hook you up. Practically next door to the castle, buckle your swash at the Pirate’s Dinner Adventure (7600 Beach Blvd., 714/690-1497, www.piratesdinneradventure.com [5], adults $55, children 3–11 $36). Combining dinner theater, the current pirate craze, and a touch of Cirque du Soleil, everyone in your family will find something to watch at dinner with the Pirates. Even if the cheesy acting and the swordfights don’t do it for you, the aerobatics that form an integral part of this show can be great fun to marvel at. A four-course meal includes both chicken and meat (or fish), plus salad and dessert. It’s not the best food, but hopefully you’ll be too busy enjoying the show to care. Check for special holiday shows in season.

If you’re looking
for a bite to eat sans pirates and knights Casa De Soto Restaurant (8562 Garden Grove Blvd., Garden Grove, 714/530-4200, www.casadesoto.com [6], Sun.–Thurs. 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m., $10) offers standard Mexican fare in three festive rooms.

Whole Pita Greek Island Grill (3940 S. Bristol St., Santa Ana, 714/708-3000, www.greekislandgrille.com [7], Sun.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m., $10) serves Mediterranean specialties including soulvlaki. gyros, and moussaka.