ex-OC native needs dining suggestions

[SeoulQueen]

Please help out an ex-OC native... my adorable niece is turning 3 years old and my husband and I are treating her and the rest of the family to a celebratory birthday dinner . Unfortunately, it's been 10+ years since I have lived there, so am completely clueless on what the soCal dining scene is like these days.

Husband and I are loyal chowhounders so we are looking for a restaurant suitable for a 3 year old but also serving amazing food to please the adults. We don't get the chance to see our family too often so we want this to be a really nice meal.

Budget: up to $75 per person (excluding wine)
Cuisine: anything except Mexican/Tex Mex, French or Indian
Location: anywhere in OC or Santa Monica/Beverly Hills/Hollywood area

I've heard of Napa Rose - is that ok for 3 years old? I don't want to disrupt other diners if my niece decides to misbehave. What else is out there?

Also, what are some other must-eat places for my husband and I to try while we are visiting? Last time I lived there, Wolfgang Puck's restaurant was all the rage!

[attran99]

For you and your husband, I would suggest an evening at Napa Rose...consistently one of the best restaurants in the OC. Up in the SM/BH/Hollywood area, there's a plethora of choices. Urasawa for sushi, Bazaar or Saam...if you don't have Jose Andres were you live, or Providence for seafood (Chef Cimarusti has been a winner of Iron Chef America vs. Morimoto and is currently competing in tonight's Top Chef Masters)...in case you're not from NY or SF.

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Providence
5955 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Urasawa Restaurant
218 N Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Napa Rose Restaurant
1600 S Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802

The Bazaar by José Andrés
465 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048

Saam at The Bazaar
465 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

[Bogey153]

Downtown Disney would be a great place for your niece, but not the Napa Rose. If you're flexible about the meal, there's a character breakfast at the Storyteller's Cafe - also in the Grand Californian. Or, for something a little different, try Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen. They've got a kids menu, and enough New Orleans heat to please the grown-ups. And beignets for dessert. Work off your meal with a walk around Downtown Disney, or treat your niece to Build A Bear. It would be a memorable day for her, no doubt.

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Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen
1590 S Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802

Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
1600 S Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, CA

[SeoulQueen]

Thanks Bogey! I really like the idea of the Character breakfast and then taking my niece to Build A Bear afterwards.