Taking the kids out to eat can be a hassle, unless you know where to go. We’ve put together a great list of the best kid-friendly menus in Toronto to make things easier for you and your pickiest eaters. We’ve also broken them down so you’ll know why they made the cut, from most unusual, to cheesiest, to healthiest – you can find something delicious for everyone!
Most Unusual – Udupi Palace
Got an adventurous eater? This Little India gem serves some of the best authentic vegetarian Indian cuisine in the city – and it has some cool twists on Indian classics for kids. Parents can munch on traditional Indian fare, like samosas, pakoras, and curries, while kids get to eat “pizza uthapam” (an Indian-style pancake with toppings) and chocolate dosas! The menu is vegan and gluten-free friendly.
Udupi Palace, 1460 Gerrard St E, 416-405-8189Best Dessert – Uncle Betty’s Diner
At this popular restaurant near Yonge and Eglinton, people of all ages can enjoy delicious takes on diner classics, like grilled cheese (with the option of adding pulled pork), hot dogs, and chicken fingers. Even though kid’s meals come with fries or veggies and dip, make sure they leave room for dessert! The dessert menu includes Greg’s Ice Cream (a Toronto favourite) in scoops and as part of a sundae, banana split, or donut ice cream sandwich – made with fresh, homemade donuts. This hotspot is also open for brunch on the weekend.
Uncle Betty’s Diner, 2590 Yonge St, 416-483-2590Most Unique – El Catrin
You won’t find chicken fingers or mac and cheese on the kids’ menu at this authentic and modern Mexican restaurant in the Distillery District. Instead, the Young Amigos menu has traditional Mexican dishes for niños, like esquites, a Mexican street corn salad. Don’t worry if your kiddo likes to stick with what she knows – the crispy battered cod with tortilla chips is the Mexican version of fish and chips, and the quesadilla is similar to grilled cheese. Did we mention the churros for dessert?
El Catrin, 18 Tank House Ln, 416-203-2121Cheesiest – Old Spaghetti Factory
This Toronto staple has been a family favourite on the Esplanade for over 40 years! Filled with old-timey antiques, stained glass windows, a vintage streetcar, and a century-old carousel, it has a ton for little eyes to see. And it’s not just the décor that’s cheesy – the kids’ menu, which has flatbread pizza, penne alfredo, and (obviously) spaghetti can be pretty cheesy too. Bring on the parm! Each kid’s meal comes with soup or salad, a drink, and ice cream for dessert.
Old Spaghetti Factory, 54 The Esplanade, 416-864-9761Most Varied – The Pickle Barrel
With locations near shopping centres all across the GTA, this deli-style chain is known for being great for families. The mix-and-match kid’s meal menu is almost as extensive as the adult menu. Every kid’s meal includes a choice of drink, one of 12 main meals (from chicken fingers to spaghetti to a corned beef sandwich), and a side, like fries, fruit, or broccoli. The kid’s meal also comes with your choice of a chocolate sundae, fresh fruit, or a chocolate chip cookie.
The Pickle Barrel, Multiple locations, 905-479-2402Best Brunch – Prohibition Gastrohouse
This delicious Riverside gastropub opens on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm for a kid-friendly brunch complete with balloons, colouring pages, and cartoons on TV. While you chow down on “T.O.’s Best Mac & Cheese,” the duck benny or breakfast poutine, your youngsters can enjoy any one of a number of options – like French toast, scrambled eggs, or Caesar salad. Kids under 10 eat for free with an accompanying adult.
Prohibition Gastrohouse, 696 Queen St E, 416-406-2669Greenest – The Beet
The beet is an organic café and market, and it’s the go-to stop in the Junction for herbivores and carnivores alike to enjoy healthy, local, fresh food. Its products are certified organic and fair trade, it uses eco-friendly packaging, and it’s decorated with reclaimed material. Little ones can choose from options like bite-sized pieces of chicken or tofu, avocado, cheese, fruit, or a classic PB&J with multigrain or gluten-free bread. Even babies can go green with The Beet’s baby-sized pureed portions of banana, applesauce, avocado, or sweet potato.
The Beet, 2945 Dundas St W, 416-916-2368Most Picky-Eater Friendly – United Bakers Dairy Restaurant
As Toronto’s oldest family restaurant, United Bakers has being kid-friendly down pat. They are quick to bring highchairs and crayons, and with the open concept and mirrored ceiling, there’s lots to keep kids busy. The menu features delicious versions of tried-and-true kids’ classics, like mac and cheese, fish and chips, grilled cheese and pizza bagels – even the pickiest eaters won’t be able to resist.
United Bakers Dairy Restaurant, 506 Lawrence Ave W, 416-789-0519Healthiest – Magic Oven
With several locations around Toronto, this restaurant is known for its healthy spins on the food that all kids – and adults – love: pizza! Kids can make their own, choosing their crust and toppings. Options include organic spelt and gluten-free rice flour crusts, and vegan or lactose-free cheese. Don’t miss out on Munchkin Mondays at the Danforth location, where kids eat free from 5 to 9 pm.
Magic Oven, Multiple locations, 416-868-6836Most Sophisticated – The Keg
At The Keg, the meals for munchkins are just as good as the meals for adults. As soon as you sit down, the friendly staff bring over a vegetable plate to tide kids over and keep them occupied. Kids can eat mini burgers, shaved prime rib sliders, or a kid-sized sirloin. And since the restaurant is pretty dark, no one will notice if you have a messy eater with you.
The Keg, Multiple locationsHilary Roth is a writer, educator and editor who works full-time in marketing and LOVES everything to do with kids. When she’s not stumping people with her amazing riddles or playing mobile games, she can be found reading YA novels and cooking vegetarian food. Follow her on Twitter @hilroth12.
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