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Best San Francisco/Bay 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 San Francisco/Bay Area that can please both big and little diners.


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East Bay
Marin County
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SAN FRANCISCO CITY

Barney's Gourmet Hamburgers Burgers
Quick Bite
4138 24th St.
San Francisco, CA 94114
415-282-7770 | Menu
Huge burgers and irresistible fries satisfy at this better-than-fast-food Noe Valley burger bar. More...

Beach Chalet Brewpub
12/20
Dining Room at Beach Chalet, San Francisco, CA Beach Chalet
1000 Great Hwy.
San Francisco, CA 94121
415-386-8439
The draw here is the spectacular 180-degree view of the waves crashing on Ocean Beach. More...

Bill's Place Diner
Quick Bite
2315 Clement St.
San Francisco, CA 94121
415-221-5262 | Menu
No swanky digs and small plates here. Devoted locals come for the straightforward, homemade diner fare and honest, small-town conviviality. More...

Bistro Boudin Seafood
13/20
Boudin at the Wharf
160 Jefferson St.
San Francisco, CA 94133
415-928-1849
Sleek, modern bistro at Boudin Bakery's flagship store offers better food than most restaurants on the Wharf without exorbitant prices. More...

Buca di Beppo Italian
11/20
855 Howard St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-543-7673 | Menu
Large groups always seem to descend on this wacky branch of a Midwest chain that gaudily celebrates everything Italian American. More...

BurgerMeister Burgers
Quick Bite
Dining Room at BurgerMeister, San Francisco, CA 759 Columbus Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94133
415-296-9907 | Menu
Neighborhood charmer serves a top-quality Niman Ranch beef patty grilled to juicy perfection for one of the best classic burgers in town. More...

Chow American
13/20
215 Church St.
San Francisco, CA 94114
415-552-2469 | Menu
Chow is a beloved spot known for affordable comfort food and some eclectic dishes as well. More...

Fuzio Universal Pasta Noodles
Quick Bite
469 Castro St.
San Francisco, CA 94114
415-863-1400 | Menu
Find everything from linguine with meatballs to a bowl of udon with tofu and vegetables at this truly universal pasta house. More...

Fuzio Universal Pasta Noodles
Quick Bite
Embarcadero
1 Embarcadero
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-392-7995 | Menu
Find everything from linguine with meatballs to a bowl of udon with tofu and vegetables at this truly universal pasta house. More...

Gialina Italian
13/20
2842 Diamond St.
San Francisco, CA 94131
415-239-8500 | Menu
The pizza-tossing pride of Glen Park, a family-friendly village sliced in half by I-280. More...

Gott's Roadside Tray Gourmet American
Quick Bite
Dining Room at Gott Ferry Building Marketplace
1 Ferry Plaza
San Francisco, CA 94111
415-318-3423 | Menu
Simple, fast food with a California-style at the Ferry Building Marketplace. More...

Green Chile Kitchen New Mexican
Quick Bite
1801 McAllister St.
San Francisco, CA 94115
415-440-9411 | Menu
Organic salads, rotisserie chicken and burritos are offered at this casual eatery. More...

Kate's Kitchen American
12/20
471 Haight St.
San Francisco, CA 94117
415-626-3984 | Menu
Lower Haight locals line up at Kate's for large plates of Southern-influenced breakfast and lunch fare. More...

The Little Chihuahua Mexican Restaurant Mexican
Quick Bite
292 Divisadero St.
San Francisco, CA 94117
415-255-8225 | Menu
Divisadero taqueria’s devotion to organic, sustainable ingredients means upgraded quality and farm-fresh flavor with plenty of heat. More...

Max's Opera Cafe American
11/20
Pacific Union Condominiums
601 Van Ness Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-771-7301 | Menu
American fare---sandwiches, specials, salads---and generously sized desserts. More...

Mel's Drive-In American
11/20
2165 Lombard St.
San Francisco, CA 94123
415-921-2867 | Menu
American fare like burgers and milkshakes are served up at this Marina eatery. More...

Mel's Drive-In American
Quick Bite
3355 Geary Blvd.
San Francisco, CA 94118
415-387-2244 | Menu
Classic 50's diner serving comfort food favorites. More...

Pacific Catch California
13/20
2027 Chestnut St.
San Francisco, CA 94123
415-440-1950 | Menu
Pacific Catch finds its niche with sparkling fresh seafood served up in casual, healthy dishes that span the Pacific Rim from Mexico to Asia. More...

Pancho Villa Taqueria Mexican
Quick Bite
3071 16th St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-864-8840 | Menu
A local favorite for tacos and burritos, which also means a long line but it moves quickly. More...

Park Chalet American
13/20
Golden Gate Park
1000 Great Hwy.
San Francisco, CA 94121
415-386-8439 | Menu
A garden restaurant and microbrewery near the ocean at the foot of Golden Gate Park. More...

Park Chow American
12/20
1240 Ninth Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94122
415-665-9912 | Menu
American comfort food rules at this homey Inner Sunset restaurant that's an easy walk from the de Young Museum. More...

Pasta Pomodoro Italian
12/20
3611 California St.
San Francisco, CA 94118
415-831-0900 | Menu
Pasta house with multiple locations concentrates on reasonably-priced better-than-average noodles and generous portions. More...

Pasta Pomodoro Italian
12/20
1875 Union St.
San Francisco, CA 94123
415-771-7900 | Menu
Pasta house with multiple locations concentrates on reasonably-priced better-than-average noodles and generous portions. More...

Pasta Pomodoro Italian
Quick Bite
4000 24th St.
San Francisco, CA 94114
415-920-9904 | Menu
Chain pasta house features reasonably priced traditional Italian dishes and generous portions. More...

Pauline's Pizza Pizza
12/20
260 Valencia St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-552-2050 | Menu
Putting California on the map for pizza, this pizzeria offers veggies and artisan cheeses on a crisp and flavorful crust. More...

Q Barbecue
13/20
Dining Room at Q, San Francisco, CA 225 Clement St.
San Francisco, CA 94118
415-752-2298 | Menu
Southern-inspired fare served amid a brightly colored décor. More...

Roadside BBQ Barbecue
Quick Bite
3751 Geary Blvd.
San Francisco, CA 94118
415-221-7428
Family-friendly atmosphere to grab decent barbecue. More...

St. Francis Fountain Diner
12/20
Dining Room at St. Francis Fountain, San Francisco, CA 2801 24th St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
415-826-4200 | Menu
San Francisco's oldest ice cream parlor doubles as a popular brunch spot. More...

EAST BAY

Aunt Mary's Cafe American
13/20
4307 Telegraph Ave.
Oakland, CA 94609
510-601-9227 | Menu
Southern-inspired breakfast, brunch and lunch in a roomy-yet-homey neighborhood space. More...

Bakesale Betty Bakery
Quick Bite
5098 Telegraph Ave.
Oakland, CA 94609
510-985-1213 | Menu
This neighborhood bakery offers Australian desserts as well as cookies, brownies and scones made from the best ingredients. More...

Bette's Oceanview Diner Diner
13/20
1807 Fourth St.
Berkeley, CA 94710
510-644-3230 | Menu
View or not, Bette's is a good spot for a slow morning of pancakes and satisfying omelets. More...

Cactus Taqueria Mexican
Quick Bite
1881 Solano Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94707
510-528-1881 | Menu
The tortillas are lard-free, the chips are fried in safflower oil, and the meat is from high-quality purveyors like Fulton Valley and Niman Ranch. More...

Cheese Board Pizza Pizza
Quick Bite
1512 Shattuck Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94709
510-549-3055 | Menu
Its chewy-crunchy sourdough crust topped with gourmet cheese, this pizza is an East Bay favorite. More...

Chow American
13/20
La Fiesta Square
53 Lafayette Cir.
Lafayette, CA 94549
925-962-2469 | Menu
This location of Chow shares its menu and style with the two San Francisco branches. More...

The Counter Burgers
13/20
1699 N. California Blvd.
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
925-935-3795 | Menu
Thousands of possible combinations for custom built, above average burgers at this lively, modern chain. More...

Fat Apples Restaurant & Bakery American
12/20
1346 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Berkeley, CA 94709
510-526-2260 | Menu
Baked goods and comfort classics at this family-friendly Berkeley institution. More...

Fentons Creamery & Restaurant Ice Cream
12/20
4226 Piedmont Ave.
Oakland, CA 94611
510-658-7000 | Menu
Serving handcrafted ice cream for well over a century, Fentons has delighted generations of dessert-lovers. More...

Gioia Pizzeria Pizza
Quick Bite
1586 Hopkins St.
Berkeley, CA 94707
510-528-4692 | Menu
Foldable, thin-crust pies and slices with seasonal toppings. More...

Home of Chicken & Waffles Southern
12/20
444 Embarcadero W.
Oakland, CA 94607
510-836-4446 | Menu
This Oakland eatery serves crispy fried chicken, waffles and other soul food specialties. More...

Pasta Pomodoro Italian
12/20
5500 College Ave.
Oakland, CA 94618
510-923-0900 | Menu
Pasta house with multiple locations concentrates on reasonably-priced better-than-average noodles and generous portions. More...

Pasta Pomodoro Italian
12/20
Union Landing Shopping Center
32216 Dyer St.
Union City, CA 94587
510-429-1991 | Menu
Pasta house with multiple locations concentrates on reasonably-priced better-than-average noodles and generous portions. More...

Picante Cocina Mexicana Mexican
12/20
1328 Sixth St.
Berkeley, CA 94710
510-525-3121 | Menu
Fine Mexican cuisine off the beaten track. More...

Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe American
13/20
4081 Hollis St.
Emeryville, CA 94608
510-594-1221 | Menu
Fun, punk diner known for satisfying, down-home cuisine; co-owners include a member of Green Day. More...

Saul's Restaurant & Delicatessen Deli
12/20
1475 Shattuck Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94709
510-848-3354 | Menu
A New York style deli that feels like the real thing. More...

Zachary's Chicago Pizza Pizza
13/20
5801 College Ave.
Oakland, CA 94601
510-655-6385 | Menu
Zachary's serves up quality pizza and fresh salads. More...

MARIN COUNTY

Amici's East Coast Pizzeria Pizza
12/20
Dining Room at Amici 1242 Fourth St.
San Rafael, CA 94901
415-455-9777 | Menu
This comfortable pizzeria offers reliable East Coast-style thin-crust pies, a generous antipasto salad and extras such as soy cheese. More...

Buckeye Roadhouse American
13/20
Dining Room at Buckeye Roadhouse, Mill Valley, CA 15 Shoreline Hwy.
Mill Valley, CA 94941
415-331-2600 | Menu
Creative twists on modern American comfort food attract crowds to this hunting lodge-style restaurant. More...

Cafe Gratitude Vegetarian
13/20
2200 Fourth St.
San Rafael, CA 94901
415-824-4652
Here’s the Marin outpost of a privately owned restaurant chain that’s known for innovative vegan and raw dishes. More...

The Club at McInnis Park California
13/20
McInnis Park Golf Center
350 Smith Ranch Rd.
San Rafael, CA 94903
415-491-5959 | Menu
This large, clubby restaurant has a solid menu of American dishes and one of the county's best outdoor patios. More...

Fish. Seafood
Quick Bite
350 Harbor Dr.
Sausalito, CA 94965
415-331-3474
This dockside Sausalito restaurant serves sustainable seafood in all its forms, from fish ‘n’ chips to pristine raw oysters. More...

Phyllis' Giant Burgers Burgers
Quick Bite
2202 Fourth St.
San Rafael, CA 94901
415-456-0866 | Menu
The space may be tiny but the burgers definitely aren't---Phyllis' serves up some of the biggest and best burgers around. More...

Piazza D'Angelo Italian
13/20
22 Miller Ave.
Mill Valley, CA 94941
415-388-2000 | Menu
Piazza D'Angelo offers classic Italian fare, a strong bar scene and friendly, solid service. More...

Pizzeria Picco Pizza
Quick Bite
316 Magnolia Ave.
Larkspur, CA 94939
415-945-8900 | Menu
One of Marin’s hottest “Neapolitan-inspired” pizza spots, Pizzeria Picco specializes in extra-thin crusts topped with often organic ingredients. More...

PENINSULA

AcquaPazza Italian
13/20
201 E. 3rd Ave.
San Mateo, CA 94401
650-375-0903 | Menu
Fun, spirited, family-owned restaurant featuring Italian seafood dishes inspired by Naples and the Amalfi Coast. More...

Applewood Pizza Pizza
13/20
1001 El Camino Real
Menlo Park, CA 94025
650-324-3486 | Menu
An old-fashioned neighborhood pizza parlor that serves some of the Bay Area's best gourmet pies. More...

California Pizza Kitchen Pizza
12/20
531 Cowper St.
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650-323-7332 | Menu
While pizza with cross-cultural toppings is the main draw, the other dishes also merit attention at this Palo Alto location. More...

Il Fornaio Italian
13/20
520 Cowper St.
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650-853-3888 | Menu
For upscale Italian cuisine and weekend brunch in downtown Palo Alto. More...

Mayfield Bakery & Cafe California
13/20
Town & Country Village
855 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650-853-9200 | Menu
Bakery-driven dishes and desserts top the offerings at this quality casual eatery from the owners of The Village Pub. More...

Oak City Bar & Grill American
13/20
1029 El Camino Real
Menlo Park, CA 94025
650-321-6882 | Menu
Oak City Bar & Grill manages to strike the perfect balance of comfort food and high-end cuisine by updating old favorites. More...

Pampas Brazilian
13/20
Dining Room at Pampas, Palo Alto, CA 529 Alma St.
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650-327-1323 | Menu
This luxe Brazilian-style steakhouse presents an edible carnival for carnivores, and redefines the concept of meat on a stick. More...

Patxi's Chicago Pizza Pizza
13/20
441 Emerson St.
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650-473-9999 | Menu
This Chicago-style pizzeria offers four choices of pies. More...

Peninsula Fountain & Grill American
Quick Bite
566 Emerson St.
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650-323-3131 | Menu
A classic soda fountain that serves great burgers and creamy milk shakes. More...

Sam's Chowder House Seafood
13/20
Dining Room at Sam 4210 Cabrillo Hwy.
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
650-712-0245
This seafood eatery overlooking the ocean offers New England-style specialties among other regional seafood dishes. More...

Back to Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants

RESTAURANT AWARDS
RESTAURANT AWARDS

We just published the 2012 edition of our annual restaurant issue, featuring the Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S. and much more. Check it out!

THE BEST BURGERS IN TOWN

Where to find the best burgers across the U.S.Hungry for a hamburger? From simple patties with a pickle to gourmet takes by top toques, we've compiled lists of the Top 10 Burgers in cities across the USA, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco.