Exploring Toronto with your little ones in tow? You’re in luck! The city is brimming with kid-friendly restaurants that cater to the tastes and needs of families. From whimsical themed eateries to places with play areas designed to delight your children, Toronto’s best kid-friendly restaurants offer more than just a meal—they promise a delightful experience for the whole family. Consider planning a larger gathering by checking out the top restaurants in Toronto for group dining, perfect for family reunions or celebrations. Whether you’re searching for a casual spot for a stress-free lunch or a lively venue for a memorable birthday celebration, this guide will lead you to the perfect dining destination. Join us as we uncover the top kid-friendly restaurants in Toronto, where delicious food and child-approved fun meet to create unforgettable family moments.
Top 16 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Toronto
- The Old Spaghetti Factory
- Playa Cabana
- Pizza Libretto
- The Rec Room
- Scaddabush Italian Kitchen & Bar
- Jack Astor’s Bar & Grill
- Boston Pizza
- Sneaky Dee’s
- East Side Mario’s
- Joey Restaurants
- Dutch Dreams
- The Pickle Barrel
- The Works Gourmet Burger Bistro
- Mildred’s Temple Kitchen
- Cora
- Burger’s Priest
The Old Spaghetti Factory
Located in the heart of Toronto, The Old Spaghetti Factory is an iconic spot, celebrated as one of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Toronto. This restaurant is famed for its charming vintage decor, complete with antique lighting and an old-fashioned trolley car that diners can actually eat in, making the ambiance truly unique and engaging for children. The cuisine here is predominantly Italian, offering a wide variety of pasta dishes that appeal to both adults and kids. Special menu options for children include smaller-sized portions and familiar favorites like spaghetti and meatballs, chicken fingers, and macaroni and cheese. The Old Spaghetti Factory is not just about the food; it’s the overall experience, with its family-friendly vibe and attentive service, ensuring a memorable dining experience for all ages.
Address: 54 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5E 1A6, Canada
Contact: +1 416-864-9761
Playa Cabana
Complete your family dining adventure by checking out Toronto’s top taco places, where you can indulge in flavorful tacos that are sure to please diners of all ages. Playa Cabana stands out as a vibrant, family-friendly Mexican restaurant in Toronto, offering a colorful and lively dining experience. Known for its authentic Mexican dishes, this restaurant serves up everything from tacos and quesadillas to more sophisticated regional specialties, catering to a wide range of taste buds. Kids are warmly welcomed here, with special menu items that are both nutritious and kid-approved. The ambiance is casual and festive, with bright decorations and a friendly vibe that makes families feel right at home. Playa Cabana is perfect for parents seeking a laid-back dining environment where kids can enjoy the flavors of Mexico in a fun and inviting setting.
Address: 111 Dupont St, Toronto, ON M5R 1V4, Canada
Contact: +1 416-929-3911
Pizza Libretto
Pizza Libretto is a renowned name in Toronto, often cited as one of the best kid-friendly restaurants for its authentic Neapolitan pizza. This restaurant is celebrated for its high-quality ingredients, wood-fired pizzas, and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that appeals to the whole family. The menu features a variety of pizzas, from classic Margherita to more inventive combinations, ensuring there’s something for everyone, including a children’s menu with smaller portions. The ambiance is casual yet vibrant, perfect for family dinners where kids can enjoy the lively setting. Pizza Libretto’s specialty lies in its commitment to authentic Italian cuisine, making it a favorite for those seeking a genuine pizza experience in Toronto.
Address: 155 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5H 3B7, Canada
Contact: +1 416-551-0433
The Rec Room
The Rec Room in Toronto offers a unique blend of dining and entertainment, making it the best kid-friendly restaurant in Toronto for families. Known for its expansive arcade and gaming zone, it provides a lively and engaging environment for kids and adults alike. The cuisine is American-style, with a diverse menu that includes burgers, pizzas, and salads, plus a variety of kid-friendly options. The Rec Room’s specialty is its entertainment factor, featuring everything from video games and virtual reality experiences to live music and bowling alleys, ensuring that families have plenty to do after enjoying their meal.
Address: 255 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3M9, Canada
Contact: +1 416-815-0086
Marché Mövenpick
Marché Mövenpick, located in the heart of Toronto, stands out for its market-style dining concept, offering a variety of international cuisines in an open, bustling environment. This restaurant is known for its fresh, high-quality ingredients and the ability to watch chefs prepare meals on the spot. The atmosphere is vibrant and dynamic, suitable for children who can enjoy exploring different food stations, from Italian pasta to Asian stir-fry and Swiss desserts. Special menu options for children, interactive dining, and a colorful setting make Marché Mövenpick one of the top kid-friendly restaurants in Toronto, where families can experience a global culinary journey.
Scaddabush Italian Kitchen & Bar
Scaddabush Italian Kitchen & Bar is a favorite in Toronto for its homemade Italian dishes and warm, family-friendly ambiance. Known for its fresh mozzarella, made in-house daily, and a menu that blends traditional Italian flavors with modern culinary techniques, Scaddabush offers a memorable dining experience. The restaurant features a welcoming atmosphere with comfortable seating and an open kitchen, allowing kids to watch as their meals are prepared. The children’s menu, with simplified versions of Italian classics, ensures that younger guests have plenty of choices. Scaddabush’s specialty in crafting authentic Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist makes it one of the best family restaurants in Toronto, ideal for those seeking a hearty Italian meal in a relaxed setting.
Address: 200 Front St W Unit #G001, Toronto, ON M5V 3J1, Canada
Contact: +1 416-979-3665
Jack Astor’s Bar & Grill
Jack Astor’s Bar & Grill is well-known in Toronto for its lively atmosphere and diverse menu that caters to both adults and children, making it one of the city’s best kid-friendly restaurants. This establishment serves a wide range of dishes, from classic burgers and fries to international cuisine, ensuring something for every taste. The ambiance is fun and energetic, with a decor that often includes humorous signs and eclectic artifacts. For kids, there are special menu options featuring smaller portions and familiar favorites, plus coloring activities to keep them entertained. Jack Astor’s is perfect for family dining, offering a relaxed environment where everyone can enjoy a good meal and a great time.
Address: 144 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5J 2L7, Canada
Contact: +1 416-585-2121
Boston Pizza
Boston Pizza is a popular chain in Toronto, known for its family-friendly vibe and a menu that includes more than just pizza. Offering a wide variety of dishes like pasta, ribs, and salads, it caters to diverse tastes, including those of picky eaters. The children’s menu is particularly appealing, with fun dishes designed to delight younger guests. Boston Pizza also often features play areas or arcade games in some locations, making it a go-to spot for families seeking a dining venue where kids can be entertained and engaged. Its casual and friendly atmosphere, combined with a broad menu selection, secures its place among the top kid-friendly restaurants in Toronto.
Address: 250 Front St W Unit 1c201, Toronto, ON M5V 3G5, Canada
Contact: +1 416-593-8555
Sneaky Dee’s
Sneaky Dee’s, a landmark in Toronto, is famous for its eclectic vibe and hearty comfort food, particularly its nachos and all-day breakfast. This restaurant is not your typical family diner, but its laid-back atmosphere and large portions make it a hit with older kids and teenagers. Known for its vibrant graffiti and rock-n-roll ethos, Sneaky Dee’s offers a unique dining experience that’s both casual and memorable. While it doesn’t have a specific kids’ menu, its straightforward, tasty fare like tacos, burgers, and fries appeals to younger palates, making it a favored spot for families looking for a more unconventional dining outing in Toronto.
Address: 431 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 1T1, Canada
Contact: +1 416-603-3090
East Side Mario’s
East Side Mario’s is celebrated in Toronto as a family-oriented restaurant that brings a taste of Little Italy to its diners. Known for its Italian-American cuisine, it offers a wide range of pasta dishes, pizzas, and entrées that can satisfy both kids and adults. The ambiance is fun and friendly, with an Italian-themed decor that adds to the dining experience. East Side Mario’s stands out for its “Budda Boom Budda Bing” kids’ menu, featuring child-friendly portions and favorites like mini pizzas, spaghetti, and meatballs, and chicken fingers. The restaurant often features promotions like “Kids Eat Free,” enhancing its reputation as one of Toronto’s best family restaurants, where families can enjoy a delicious and affordable meal together.
Address: 12 Lebovic Ave Unit 9, Scarborough, ON M1L 4V9, Canada
Contact: +1 416-285-6626
Joey Restaurants
Cap off a delightful family meal at one of Toronto’s kid-friendly restaurants with a visit to one of the top spots for smash patty burgers in the city, loved by burger enthusiasts of all ages. Joey Restaurants, with multiple locations in Toronto, is known for its upscale yet casual dining experience, making it a hit among the best kid-friendly restaurants in Toronto. The menu is diverse, offering everything from sushi rolls to burgers, ensuring a global dining experience that appeals to all ages. The ambiance is modern and stylish, yet warm and welcoming for families. Children can enjoy customized menu options, and the staff are known for their attention to making dining out with kids a pleasant experience. Joey Restaurants specialize in delivering a high-quality dining experience with a menu that’s as varied as the city itself, catering to the cosmopolitan tastes of Toronto’s families.
Address: 1 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5G 1Z3, Canada
Contact: +1 647-352-5639
Dutch Dreams
Looking for the perfect dessert to top off a family dining outing? Check out the top ice cream stores in Toronto, a hit with kids and parents alike. Dutch Dreams has been a Toronto staple for decades, famous for its extravagant ice cream creations and whimsical, colorful decor that transports guests to a fantasy world. This family-run establishment offers a variety of ice cream flavors, sundaes, waffles, and other desserts, making it a paradise for kids and anyone with a sweet tooth. The vibrant and playful atmosphere, complete with vintage memorabilia and quirky decorations, makes it a fun and engaging experience for children. Dutch Dreams is more than just an ice cream parlor; it’s an iconic spot in Toronto where families can enjoy delightful treats in a setting that’s as memorable as the desserts themselves.
Address: 36 Vaughan Rd, Toronto, ON M6G 2N3, Canada
Contact: +1 416-656-6959
The Pickle Barrel
The Pickle Barrel is one of Toronto’s best family restaurants, known for its extensive menu that caters to a wide range of dietary preferences, including a dedicated kids’ menu. With a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and a selection that spans from classic diner fare to international cuisine, it offers something for everyone. The restaurant’s specialty is its ability to serve hearty, homestyle cooking in a comfortable, welcoming setting, making it ideal for family gatherings. Play areas and child-friendly facilities vary by location, but the focus on good food and family-friendly service remains consistent, making The Pickle Barrel a reliable choice for dining out with children in Toronto.
Address: 2300 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4, Canada
Contact: +1 416-485-1244
The Works Gourmet Burger Bistro
The Works Gourmet Burger Bistro in Toronto is celebrated for its inventive approach to the classic burger, offering a wide variety of toppings and combinations that can satisfy any palate, including kids’. Known for its funky, industrial-themed decor, the restaurant provides a casual and engaging dining environment. The children’s menu features smaller burgers and other kid-friendly options, ensuring little diners are just as satisfied as their parents. Specializing in gourmet burgers with unique flavors and names, The Works is a great destination for families seeking a fun and flavorful dining experience, establishing itself as one of the top kid-friendly restaurants in Toronto for burger enthusiasts.
Address: 2245 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6S 1N8, Canada
Contact: +1 647-748-7666
Mildred’s Temple Kitchen
Don’t miss out best restaurants in Liberty Village, offering a variety of choices that cater to every family’s taste. Mildred’s Temple Kitchen, nestled in Toronto’s Liberty Village, is renowned for its commitment to locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and its bright, airy dining space. The restaurant specializes in modern bistro fare, with a notable emphasis on brunch, making it a popular weekend destination for families. Known for dishes like fluffy pancakes and savory scones, it provides a sophisticated yet relaxed ambiance that welcomes children. Special menu options for kids, combined with the restaurant’s open kitchen concept, allow young diners to see their meals being prepared, adding an educational touch to their dining experience. Mildred’s Temple Kitchen is celebrated as one of the best family restaurants in Toronto for those seeking a refined culinary experience in a kid-friendly setting.
Address: 85 Hanna Ave #104, Toronto, ON M6K 3S3, Canada
Contact: +1 416-588-5695
Cora
Why not treat the family to the comfort of an all-day breakfast at some of Toronto’s best spots? Cora is a breakfast and brunch restaurant chain in Toronto, famed for its colorful, fruit-laden dishes and family-friendly atmosphere. The restaurant’s bright and cheerful decor, along with its extensive menu that includes everything from pancakes to omelets, makes it a hit with children. Cora offers a dedicated kids’ menu with fun and nutritious options designed to appeal to younger tastes. The specialty here is breakfast, and the restaurant prides itself on serving up hearty, healthy dishes with a creative twist. As one of Toronto’s best kid-friendly restaurants for breakfast, Cora provides a warm and welcoming start to the day for families.
Address: 106 Front St E #102, Toronto, ON M5A 1E1, Canada
Contact: +1 416-504-0303
Burger’s Priest
Burger’s Priest is a popular burger joint in Toronto, known for its simple yet delicious approach to American fast food. With a focus on high-quality ingredients and made-to-order burgers, it’s a favorite among burger aficionados of all ages. The ambiance is typically casual and unpretentious, with a straightforward menu that includes a variety of burgers, fries, and shakes. While there’s no specific play area for kids, the quick service and friendly atmosphere make it a good option for families seeking a quick and satisfying meal. Burger’s Priest stands out for its commitment to crafting the perfect burger, earning its reputation as one of the top kid-friendly restaurants in Toronto for burger lovers.
Address: 212 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON M5H 1W7, Canada
Contact: +1 647-347-7757
Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Toronto for Different Occasions
Toronto is brimming with family restaurants perfect for any occasion, whether celebrating a birthday, enjoying casual dining, or seeking a pleasant outdoor eating experience.
For Birthdays
- The Rec Room: Ideal for birthday parties, offering a combination of delicious food and entertainment with its arcade and gaming area, making it one of Toronto’s best kid-friendly restaurants for celebrations. Looking for the perfect venue to celebrate your child’s next birthday? The best places to celebrate birthdays in Toronto offers exciting options that kids and parents will love.
For Casual Dining
- Joey Restaurants: Offers a diverse menu in a relaxed yet upscale environment, perfect for casual family meals where parents can enjoy gourmet dishes while kids have options crafted just for them.
- The Old Spaghetti Factory: Known for its comfort food and family-friendly atmosphere, providing a casual dining experience with a historical charm that appeals to all ages.
For Outdoor Eating
- Playa Cabana: Offers a lively outdoor patio where families can savor Mexican cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere, making it a top choice for kid-friendly dining under Toronto’s skies. Expand your family’s dining horizons by exploring some of Toronto’s top Mexican food spots, offering flavors that are sure to excite both young and old palates.
Tips for Dining Out with Kids in Toronto
Dining out with children can be a delightful experience with the right approach. Here are some tips to make your family restaurant visits in Toronto enjoyable for everyone:
- Look for kid-friendly restaurants in Toronto with specific children’s menus, a welcoming atmosphere, and amenities like high chairs and changing facilities.
- Dine during off-peak hours when restaurants are less crowded. Early dinners are often more relaxed and conducive to a child-friendly dining experience.
- Prepare for the Meal: Bring along small toys or coloring books to keep children entertained while waiting for the food.
- Check the menu online beforehand to ensure there are suitable options for your children, reducing wait time and ensuring everyone finds something they like.
- Teach children basic table manners before dining out, making the experience more pleasant for everyone involved.
- Choose a seating area where kids can be a bit more lively without disturbing other guests, like a booth or a corner table.
- Encourage good table manners and public behavior with positive reinforcement, making dining out a positive experience for your child.
By following these tips and choosing the right venues, dining out with kids in Toronto can be a stress-free and enjoyable experience for the whole family.
Key Takeaways
- Toronto offers a diverse range of kid-friendly restaurants that cater to various tastes and preferences, ensuring that families have numerous options for dining out.
- Key features of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Toronto include specialized children’s menus, engaging and thematic ambiance, and entertainment options that keep kids amused while adults relax.
- Specific restaurants in Toronto are ideal for different occasions, from birthday celebrations at places like The Rec Room and Rainforest Cafe to casual and outdoor dining at Joey Restaurants and Against the Grain.
- Parents should look for restaurants with amenities like high chairs, changing facilities, and a welcoming atmosphere to ensure a comfortable dining experience for both kids and adults.
- Planning and preparation, such as checking menus beforehand, dining at off-peak hours, and bringing activities to occupy children, can significantly enhance the family dining experience.
- Encouraging good dining etiquette and behavior in public settings is essential for creating an enjoyable and respectful environment for everyone.
- With the right approach and knowledge of the best family restaurants in Toronto, dining out with children can be a fun and memorable experience for the entire family.
FAQs
- Can you suggest kid-friendly restaurants in Toronto with play areas?
The Rec Room features an extensive play area with arcade games and activities. - What are the options for kid-friendly Italian restaurants in Toronto?
Scaddabush Italian Kitchen & Bar and East Side Mario’s are great choices for Italian cuisine that kids will love. - Which Toronto restaurants have a special menu for kids?
Cora and The Pickle Barrel offer special menus designed with kids in mind. - Are there any casual kid-friendly eateries in Toronto?
Sneaky Dee’s and Burger’s Priest offer a casual dining atmosphere that’s great for families. - Which restaurants in Toronto serve the best breakfast for families?
Cora is known for its kid-friendly and extensive breakfast menu. - Can you recommend family-friendly burger joints in Toronto?
The Works Gourmet Burger Bistro and Burger’s Priest are popular for their delicious burgers and family-friendly vibe. - What are some budget-friendly kid-friendly restaurants in Toronto?
Boston Pizza and East Side Mario’s are known for offering good value and family-friendly dining. - Do Toronto’s kid-friendly restaurants accommodate special dietary needs?
Many restaurants like Pizza Libretto cater to special dietary needs, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. If you’re looking for dining options that cater to specific dietary needs, Toronto’s top gluten-free restaurants offer great alternatives that are both safe and delicious for families. - Where can I find unique dessert spots for kids in Toronto?
Dutch Dreams is famous for its unique and kid-appealing ice cream and dessert offerings.