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Best Los Angeles Area Kid-Friendly Restaurants

For restaurants' pint-size patrons, chicken fingers dipped in marinara can't taste any better than when there's butcher paper lining the table and a glass of crayons to color with. When the dough and toppings are put directly in your child's hands, pizza becomes an interactive sport. Okay, not all restaurants have to offer entertainment in this form or the extreme---television, clowns and video games---to keep the youngsters happy. A warm waitstaff, a kitchen open to the flexible whims of a child's palate and a room of diners tolerable of tantrums all add up to a winning formula for feeding your children outside of the home. Take a look at our kid-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles that can please both big and little diners.


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Westside
Beverly Hills/Hollywood/Midtown
Santa Monica/Malibu
Downtown
San Fernando Valley
San Gabriel Valley/Pasadena
South Bay/Long Beach
Inland Empire

WESTSIDE

The Apple Pan Burgers
Quick Bite
10801 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
310-475-3585 | Menu
Longtime home of burgers and apple pie. More...

Asahi Ramen Japanese
Quick Bite
2027 Sawtelle Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
310-479-2231 | Menu
Folks sometimes line up for Asahi Ramen, a wait justified by huge bowls of bargain-priced, flavorful Japanese soup noodles. More...

Bluebird Bakery Bakery
Quick Bite
Dining Room at Bluebird Bakery, Culver City, CA 8572 National Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
310-841-0939 | Menu
A tiny bakery-café, Bluebird turns out gourmet sandwiches and pizzas along with cakes deserving of far hipper surroundings. More...

Cafe Surfas Café
Quick Bite
Dining Room at Cafe Surfas, Culver City, CA Surfas Restaurant Supply & Gourmet Food
8777 W. Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
310-558-1458 | Menu
Casual gourmet cuisine; breakfast and lunch panini sandwiches are stand-outs. More...

BEVERLY HILLS/HOLLYWOOD/MIDTOWN

Al Gelato Italian
Quick Bite
806 S. Robertson Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90035
310-659-8069 | Menu
Gelato heaven where you can choose from over 25 flavors at any given time. More...

Bob's Coffee & Doughnuts Donuts
Quick Bite
Farmers Market
6333 W. Third St.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323-933-8929
Inside the historic Farmers Market, this shop turns out traditional doughnuts topped with bittersweet chocolate or filled with raspberry jelly. More...

Canter's Deli
12/20
Dining Room at Canter 419 N. Fairfax Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323-651-2030 | Menu
The place to go if you want a deli sandwich, a bowl of chicken soup and a pickle at 3 a.m. More...

Carousel Lebanese
13/20
Hye Plaza
5112 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323-660-8060 | Menu
Family-run Lebanese kebab house boasting vibrant Mediterranean flavors. More...

Da Pasquale Italian
13/20
Dining Room at Da Pasquale, Beverly Hills, CA 9749 S. Santa Monica Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310-859-3884 | Menu
Crispy, thin-crusted pies are among the highlights at this charming family-run trattoria. More...

The Gumbo Pot Cajun
Quick Bite
Farmers Market
6333 W. Third St., Stall 312
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323-933-0358 | Menu
Great Cajun/Creole food in the Farmers Market. More...

Jack n’ Jill’s of Beverly Hills Southern
13/20
342 N. Beverly Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310-247-4500 | Menu
Renowned breakfasts, savory crêpes and a solid bowl of gumbo make this an inviting, unpretentious spot in downtown Beverly Hills. More...

Loteria Grill Mexican
Quick Bite
Farmers Market
6333 W. Third St., Ste. 322
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323-930-2211 | Menu
A tiny stall in the center of the Third Street Farmers Market, Lotería offers authentic, Mexican flavors at a very nice price. More...

Milk Café
Quick Bite
7290 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323-939-6455 | Menu
You’ll find sandwiches, salads and baked goods at this upscale ice cream parlor-café, as well as ice creams and sorbets. More...

Mulberry Street Pizzeria Pizza
Quick Bite
240 S. Beverly Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
310-247-8100 | Menu
New York-style pizza, topped with everything from pepperoni and cheese to chicken Parmesan. More...

Papa Cristos Taverna Greek
Quick Bite
2771 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90006
323-737-2970 | Menu
Reasonably-priced Greek fare in a raucous market setting. More...

Roscoe's House of Chicken `n' Waffles Southern
Quick Bite
1514 N. Gower St.
Hollywood, CA 90028
323-466-7453 | Menu
Always-jumping soul food café specializing in a unique combination, chicken and waffles. More...

U-Sushi Sushi
Quick Bite
168 S. Beverly Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
310-777-7655
Design-your-own-sushi is fast, fun, cheap and kid-friendly. More...

Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill Barbecue
13/20
Dining Room at Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill, Los Angeles, CA The Grove
189 The Grove Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323-937-6800 | Menu
Barbecue and seafood fans alike will enjoy the authenticity of tri-tip roast and other buttery, grilled treats at Wood Ranch. More...

Zankou Chicken Chicken
Quick Bite
5065 W. Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
323-665-7845 | Menu
Part of a small, family-owned chain, this fast-food outlet clips the wings off its big corporate competitors. More...

SANTA MONICA/MALIBU

Border Grill Mexican
14/20
1445 Fourth St.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310-451-1655 | Menu
Funky and colorful spot for Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger’s Latin American cooking. More...

Gladstone's Seafood
13/20
Dining Room at Gladstone 17300 W. Pacific Coast Hwy.
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
310-454-3474 | Menu
While still providing sweeping views of the Pacific, the institution now offers a pleasant casual seafood cuisine. More...

Malibu Seafood Seafood
Quick Bite
25653 Pacific Coast Hwy.
Malibu, CA 90265
310-456-3430 | Menu
This funky little place is a genuine slice of California beach culture. More...

DOWNTOWN

Casa Bianca Pizza Pie Pizza
13/20
Dining Room at Casa Bianca Pizza Pie, Los Angeles, CA 1650 Colorado Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90041
323-256-9617 | Menu
One of SoCal's stand-out pizzerias. A casual, old-fashioned dining room serves some decent pastas, too. More...

Empress Pavilion Chinese
14/20
Dining Room at Empress Pavilion, Los Angeles, CA 988 N. Hill St., Ste. 201
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-617-9898 | Menu
This big, bustling Hong Kong-style restaurant offers a wide array of classic Southern Chinese dishes, as well as Szechuan-Mandarin cuisine. More...

Engine Co. No. 28 American
12/20
644 S. Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90017
213-624-6996 | Menu
Perfect for pre-theater dining, this century-old firehouse features all-American comfort food classics. More...

Fred 62 Coffee Shop
12/20
1850 N. Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323-667-0062 | Menu
This hip version of the classic American coffee shop, open 24/7, offers twists on all the traditional favorites, and is plenty of fun. More...

Langer's Deli Deli
Quick Bite
704 S. Alvarado St.
Los Angeles, CA 90057
213-483-8050 | Menu
Its neighborhood has seen better days, but Langer's continues to be one of L.A.'s top delis. More...

Larkin's Soul Food
13/20
1496 Colorado Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90041
323-254-0934 | Menu
Contemporary restaurant serving distinctive soul food in a beautifully restored century-old Craftsman cottage. More...

Nickel Diner Diner
13/20
524 S. Main St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
213-623-8301 | Menu
A hipster haunt with upscale diner eats. More...

The Original Pantry Cafe Coffee Shop
Quick Bite
877 S. Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90017
213-972-9279 | Menu
Former mayor Richard Riordan is the proud owner of this downtown landmark. More...

Philippe The Original American
Quick Bite
Dining Room at Philippe The Original, Los Angeles, CA 1001 N. Alameda St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-628-3781 | Menu
One of L.A.’s oldest and most beloved eateries, this is the place for French dip sandwiches, devoured at communal tables. More...

Taix French Restaurant French
12/20
1911 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
213-484-1265 | Menu
Longtime spot for traditional French fare in Silver Lake. More...

The Oinkster American
Quick Bite
Dining Room at The Oinkster, Los Angeles, CA 2005 Colorado Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90041
323-255-6465 | Menu
Chef Andre Guerrero’s fast food venue serves up tasty pastrami sandwiches, rotisserie chicken and Belgian fries. More...

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Art's Deli Deli
11/20
12224 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604
818-762-1221 | Menu
Gargantuan deli sandwiches whose inflated prices are worth the money. More...

Du-par's Restaurant Diner
12/20
12036 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604
818-766-4437 | Menu
Hip Valley spot for good coffee, french toast, pancakes, egg dishes and pies. More...

Les Sisters Southern Kitchen Southern
13/20
21818 Devonshire St.
Chatsworth, CA 91311
818-998-0755 | Menu
A neighborhood spot offering soulful gumbo and jambalaya, cornmeal-crusted catfish and barbecue with all the sides. More...

Maria's Italian Kitchen Italian
12/20
16608 Ventura Blvd.
Encino, CA 91436
818-783-2920 | Menu
Accessible, reasonably-priced Italian fare. More...

Spark Woodfire Grill Italian
12/20
Dining Room at Spark Woodfire Grill, Studio City, CA 11801 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604
818-623-8883 | Menu
Wood-fires fuel the rotisserie, grill and pizza oven at this hot Valley foodie haunt. More...

The Stand Hot Dogs
Quick Bite
17000 Ventura Blvd.
Encino, CA 91316
818-788-2700
One of the more elaborate hot dog eateries you'll ever encounter, this place offers nice digs in which to enjoy a variety of dogs. More...

SAN GABRIEL VALLEY/PASADENA

 

Big Mama's Rib Shack Southern
12/20
1453 N. Lake Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91104
626-797-1792 | Menu
Big Mama's offers a vast menu of barbecue and Southern standards in a smartly set room. More...

Carousel Armenian
13/20
Dining Room at Carousel, Glendale, CA 304 N. Brand Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91203
818-246-7775 | Menu
A lavish Armenian/Middle Eastern restaurant with a dizzying array of meze, kebabs and shwarma. More...

Chang's Garden Chinese
14/20
627 W. Duarte Rd.
Arcadia, CA 91007
626-445-0707 | Menu
Modern Shanghai-style restaurant that elevates Arcadia strip mall dining through inspired cooking. More...

Eat Well American
13/20
1013 S. Brand Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91204
818-243-5928 | Menu
Hearty American fare like steak ’n’ eggs and root beer floats plus some healthy-minded options as well. More...

Elena's Greek Armenian Cuisine Greek
13/20
1000 S. Glendale Ave.
Glendale, CA 91205
818-241-5730 | Menu
Sophisticated preparations of Greek and Armenian classics, served in a simple setting at affordable prices. More...

Fair Oaks Pharmacy & Soda Fountain Ice Cream
Quick Bite
1526 Mission St.
South Pasadena, CA 91030
626-799-1414 | Menu
Nostalgic ice cream parlor where you will be transported to the '50s over classic sundaes, shakes and sodas. More...

Fosselman's Ice Cream Ice Cream
Quick Bite
1824 W. Main St.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-282-6533 | Menu
Your taste buds are in for a treat with flavors like green tea and the seasonal pumpkin at this family-owned ice cream parlor. More...

Green Street Restaurant American
13/20
Dining Room at Green Street Restaurant, Pasadena, CA 146 Shoppers Ln.
Pasadena, CA 91101
626-577-7170 | Menu
This breakfast destination for locals offers salads and burgers come lunchtime; dinner looks to steaks, seafood and chicken options. More...

Gus's Barbecue Barbecue
12/20
Dining Room at Gus 808 Fair Oaks Ave.
South Pasadena, CA 91030
626-799-3251 | Menu
Reinvented barbecue classics in South Pasadena. More...

Hamlet Restaurant American
12/20
214 S. Lake Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91101
626-449-8520 | Menu
The Hamlet is still worth a visit for solid burgers, lobster bisque and standards like meatloaf and fajitas. More...

Heirloom Bakery & Cafe Bakery
Quick Bite
807 Meridian Ave., Ste. C
South Pasadena, CA 91030
626-441-0042
In the artsy Mission West district of South Pas, this colorful café features breakfasts, quiches, salads and pizza, plus freshly baked breads and scones. More...

La Grande Orange Cafe American
13/20
Del Mar Station
260 S. Raymond Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91105
626-356-4444 | Menu
Occupying a historic train depot, LGO Café offers satisfying renditions of comfort foods. More...

Luscious Dumplings, Inc. Chinese
14/20
704 W. Las Tunas Dr.
San Gabriel, CA 91776
626-282-8695 | Menu
Tiny family-run restaurant offering some of the best dumplings and noodle soups in the San Gabriel Valley. More...

Marston's American
Quick Bite
151 E. Walnut St.
Pasadena, CA 91103
626-796-2459 | Menu
Charming cottage with an airy patio and satisfying American comfort food. More...

The Peach Cafe American
13/20
141 E. Colorado Blvd.
Monrovia, CA 91016
626-599-9092
Southern-tinged café that produces unique breakfast items, pastries and coffee drinks. More...

Porto's Bakery Cuban
Quick Bite
315 N. Brand Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91203
818-956-5996 | Menu
From Cuban to French to Danish to Italian---the pastry selection is endless at this Glendale institution. More...

Robin's Woodfire BBQ & Grill Barbecue
Quick Bite
395 N. Rosemead Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107
626-351-8885 | Menu
Pasadena mainstay Robin's now serves up strictly barbecue. Enjoy special sauces and meats cooked only with wood or wood coals. More...

Roscoe's House of Chicken 'n' Waffles Southern
Quick Bite
830 N. Lake Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91104
626-791-4890 | Menu
What seems like a crazy combination works like magic, especially since both the chicken and waffles are top-drawer. Also find great breakfasts, fried chicken livers, and sweet potato pie. More...

Saladang Thai
12/20
363 S. Fair Oaks Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91105
626-793-8123 | Menu
Modern interpretations of Thai dishes served amid sleek industrial décor. More...

The Slaw Dogs Hot Dogs
Quick Bite
Dining Room at The Slaw Dogs, Pasadena, CA 720 N. Lake Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91104
626-808-9777 | Menu
Offering some of the most innovative hot dogs anywhere, with specialties like a Reuben dog and Thai slaw dog. More...

Zelo Pizza
Quick Bite
328 E. Foothill Blvd.
Arcadia, CA 91006
626-358-8298 | Menu
The pizzas at Zelo, served in deep dishes with crispy cornmeal crusts, are among the best in town. More...


SOUTH BAY/LONG BEACH

 

Al-Noor Pakistani
13/20
15112 Inglewood Ave.
Lawndale, CA 90260
310-675-4700 | Menu
Skillfully prepared, authentic Pakistani and Indian cuisine at bargain prices. More...

Al-Watan Indian
13/20
13619 Inglewood Ave.
Hawthorne, CA 90250
310-644-6395 | Menu
Bare-bones Indian-Pakistani restaurant features knockout tandoori dishes and curries. More...

Benley: A Vietnamese Kitchen Vietnamese
14/20
8191 E. Wardlow Rd.
Long Beach, CA 90808
562-596-8130 | Menu
Benley's French-accented Vietnamese cuisine warrants a special trip to dine at this out-of-the-way café. More...

Farm Stand Mediterranean
14/20
Dining Room at Farm Stand, El Segundo, CA 422 Main St.
El Segundo, CA 90245
310-640-3276 | Menu
A hearty mix of Italian, Persian and American cuisine, served in a funky setting near LAX. More...

San Pedro Fish Market & Restaurant Mexican
Quick Bite
Ports O’ Call Village
1190 Nagoya Way
San Pedro, CA 90731
310-832-4253 | Menu
A wide selection of you-pick-’em, they-cook-’em seafood in the bustling Ports O’ Call Village, plus lobsters to-go. More...

Uncle Bill's Pancake House American
Quick Bite
1305 Highland Ave.
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
310-545-5177 | Menu
The South Bay's most celebrated breakfast hangout has spent over four decades perfecting pancakes and omelets. More...

INLAND EMPIRE

 

Anchos Southwest Grill Mexican
12/20
10773 Hole Ave.
Riverside, CA 92505
951-352-0240 | Menu
A big festive place for free-flowing margaritas and mesquite-grilled meats and seafood. More...

Centro Basco French
12/20
13432 S. Central Ave.
Chino, CA 91710
909-628-9014 | Menu
This rambling restaurant offers hearty, wholesome country cooking at tremendous values. More...

Eureka! Burger Burgers
12/20
345 W. Pearl Ave.
Redlands, CA 92374
909-335-5700 | Menu
A slickly packaged reinvention of the old-fashioned burger joint, complete with some good wines. More...

Vince's for Spaghetti Italian
12/20
1206 W. Holt Blvd.
Ontario, CA 91762
909-986-7074 | Menu
This sprawling old-school Italian---going strong after 60 years---offers big plates of red-sauced pasta dishes at prices that reflect a bygone era. More...

Back to Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants

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