Whether you’re after a hearty brunch, a build-your-own pizza night, or somewhere with a kids’ menu that goes beyond chicken nuggets, Los Angeles has plenty of family-friendly restaurants that make eating out with children easy. Here’s our pick of the best restaurants in Los Angeles for kids, from cosy neighbourhood cafés to spots with a bit of fun built in.
#1. Fire Station Fun
Kids who love anything with wheels (or sirens) will get a kick out of dining in a restored fire station. Engine Co. No. 28 is a traditional American grill serving simple, satisfying meals, and its Junior Fighters Menu covers all the classic kids’ favourites like burgers, pasta and chicken.
#2. Early Breakfast Option
The Grand Café at the Omni Los Angeles Hotel is known for opening its doors early, making it a handy choice if your family is up and hungry before most restaurants are serving. There’s plenty to choose from, whether you order from the menu or go for the buffet with its waffle station — always a hit with kids.
For something a little different, try the L.A. Scramble, a combination of mozzarella, apple-wood smoked bacon, avocado, eggs and Anaheim Chili Aioli. The restaurant also has great views over the city, overlooking the Museum of Contemporary Art.
#3. 3 Square Café and Bakery
Located next to Röckenwagner Bakery, 3 Square Café serves simple, cheerful dishes with a German twist. Kids tend to love the chicken schnitzel served with crisp, skinny fries, and it’s well worth trying the Pretzel Burger, served on a pretzel knot bun with melted Swiss cheese and caramelised onions. It’s also a popular spot for a leisurely weekend brunch, with a lovely selection of breads and pastries.
Looking for more fun things to do in L.A.? Check out 10 Free Things to do in Los Angeles with Kids.
#4. Plan Check Kitchen
Plan Check Kitchen has a handful of locations around Los Angeles, and the Sawtelle branch is particularly nice for dining with kids, with outdoor seating available when the weather is good. The burgers are a step above the usual, with toppings like truffle, bleu cheese and unique sauces.
The smokey fried chicken here is a firm favourite, and don’t leave without trying the sweet potato waffle fries with peach ketchup. For dessert, kids will love the warm donuts, cooked to order and dusted in cinnamon sugar.
#5. M Café de Chaya
Wholesome and delicious, the menu at M Café de Chaya on Melrose is free from refined sugars, eggs, dairy, red meat and poultry — though you’d never guess it from how creative and tempting the food is.
It’s a great choice if anyone in the family is vegetarian, vegan, or has other dietary requirements, but the food is good enough to visit regardless. The bear-shaped blue-beary buckwheat pancake on the kids’ menu is a lovely sweet treat.
#6. Tiara Café
Ooey Gooey Golden Macaroni and Cheese Balls top the lunch menu at Tiara Café, and they’re hard to resist. The café is also known for its daily crispy pizzettes — bubbly pizza dough topped with a choice of meats, cheeses and other tasty toppings. It’s a spacious, comfortable spot for families, with plenty of room for highchairs and buggies.
#7. Los Angeles Pizza
It’s hard to find a child who doesn’t love pizza or pasta, and there’s a tempting selection at Pitfire Artisan Pizza. The menu invites you to “Be an Artist” and build your own pizza, and kid-sized pizzas and mini pasta dishes are available too. The organic soft-serve ice cream is a lovely finishing touch.
#8. Mendocino Farms
Known for excellent healthy food and tasty sandwiches, Mendocino Farms has several locations across Los Angeles. The Sherman Oaks branch is particularly great for families, with foosball tables and oversized chalkboard walls to keep kids entertained while you eat. There’s plenty on the menu to keep everyone happy.
Which restaurant would you add?
Which spots would make your own list of the best restaurants in Los Angeles for kids? We’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these restaurants suitable for young children, not just older kids?
Yes — most of the restaurants on this list offer kid-sized portions, casual seating, and menus with familiar favourites like pasta, burgers and pizza, making them easy options for younger children as well as older ones.
Do these restaurants have highchairs or space for buggies?
Several, including Tiara Café and Mendocino Farms, are noted for family-friendly seating with room for highchairs and buggies. It’s always worth calling ahead to confirm what’s available on the day.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options on this list?
Yes — M Café de Chaya is entirely free from red meat, poultry, eggs and dairy, and several other restaurants on the list offer vegetarian dishes alongside their standard menu.
Is it easy to find casual, budget-friendly family dining in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has a great mix of casual, family-friendly spots, from pizza places to healthy sandwich shops, so there are options to suit most budgets and tastes.
More family travel ideas
If you’re exploring other US cities with the family, you might also enjoy:
- Free Things to do with Kids in Dallas
- Free Things to do with Kids in New York City
- Free Things to do with Kids in Boston
- Free Things to do with Kids in Orlando
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