Dining out with your little ones can be a stressful and draining, and potentially unenjoyable process. My philosophy is, the more you expose little ones to this type of environment and the earlier, the better. Children are not easy to control (they can be little Neanderthals within seconds) but they can be taught and accustomed to being around people in various environments.
There are a lot of places that welcome kids, and that's great, but not all places are great for kids - high chair available or not. The other thing to consider is the quality of the food. This is the tricky part because finer dinning is often associated with a more trendy environment that is not always suitable for the younger generation. And, let's face it, the last thing you want is 16 pair of eyes glaring at you when you're toddler starts having a melt down because they dropped their knife. Ideally, parents need an environment where they know children are welcome, the fellow patrons are not bothers by the younger patrons, and the staff are supportive. The best places I have found - there are many, are the more 'trendy-young-family' neighbourhoods that have recently become blossoming with little charming restaurants. Breakfast places are the best and probably the most forgiving, not to mention the most fun for your kids.
Traditional fresh pasta, homemade piadina and award winning risotto appeals to adults and children of all ages. Their lasagna appeals to everyone and is a sure winner for even the pickiest eater. This resto welcomes and accommodates people of all ages - they have a change table in the women's washroom.
The newish Caplansky's on College boasts a staff that doesn't blink when kids turn their smoked meat sammies into abstract works of art. (A recent Saturday night visit with a baby in tow was a treat, with a friendly, smiling staff who did their best to accommodate at every turn.) The deli has booster seats and a few bigger tables meant for family-style dining. There's also a small kids menu that includes grilled cheese, a kosher hot dog and an adorable mini breakfast.
This retro diner has something for everyone. The kids menu includes all-day breakfast with French toast sticks, a mini brekkie (with one egg and one toast) and grilled cheese with or without an avocado spread. Thanks to friendly staff, hot drinks (a cup of joe for the parents and cider for the kiddies) and menu items under $10, this resto has many pint-sized regulars.
The healthy pizza, pastas and sandwiches make kids -- and health-conscious parents -- happy. Options include organic spelt pizzas, gluten-free rice flour pizzas and vegan or lactose-free cheese. Kids can pick the size, crust and a choice of vegan, vegetarian, chicken or organic meat pizzas. TIP: The Magic Oven on Danforth has Munchkin Mondays where kids eat free.
This do-it-yourself buffet in North York lets kids get creative with their meals. There's a wide variety of vegetables, meat, seafood and sauces to choose from. The dishes are then grilled by the chefs. TIP: Children three and under pay $1.99 and children four to 12 pay half the price of the adult buffet.
Sit by a cozy fireplace or in the plant-filled solarium at this family resto in Mississauga. The menu for those 12 and under includes dishes like chicken fingers, fish and chips and deep fried shrimp. On the weekends, the eatery offers a breakfast buffet with make-your-own omelettes and an assortment of baked goods.
Lots of options for picky eaters here. Pickle Barrel -- with locations close to main shopping centres across the city -- is a convenient drop-in for hungry diners on a budget. The deli-style resto has an extensive, kid-friendly menu with faves like burgers, chicken fingers, wings, and shakes and most items run about $6 to $7. There's one next to the Eaton Centre for those making a day of it in the downtown core.
A fun, quick and easy pitstop at Dundas Square in the 10 Dundas East building. Chipotle's burritos are fresh and tasty -- and lots of messy fun. Kids will love picking all their own personal toppings like guacamole, rice, salsa and sour cream. Make sure they're not dressed in Sunday best.
Baby mall rats have their own special hangout at Yorkdale Shopping Centre. It's not so much the menu that has kids raving at Rainforest, but the décor. Both little ones and parents will appreciate the revamped children's menu and rainforest atmosphere complete with life-sized alligator, simulated rainstorms, fish and wild animals peeking out from floor to ceiling.
Brunch time equals family time at this casual Annex local. The crowd's a mix of families, urbanites, seniors and couples -- a place where kids can make noise and others won't scowl at the early-morning intrusion. Take a trip over to Honest Ed's after where your little ones can oooh and ahhh at the old building and browse through all the cool stuff they can buy with their allowance.
After an educational trip to the St. Lawrence Market and the Hockey Hall of Fame, Hot House Café makes a great lunch or dinner pit-stop where parents and kids can power up before moving on to the next activity. There's an extensive menu, lots of desserts and a famous brunch buffet to fill tiny bellies before a Sunday afternoon excursion.
The Great One’s restaurant gives pint-sized sports nuts a chance to gawk at all the hockey-themed memorabilia. Kid-approved foods like burgers and pizza are on the menu so everyone will leave happy. Head over to the Hockey Hall of Fame afterwards and make a day of it.
This burgers-and-ice-cream chain is a kid’s Mecca. Singing servers, massive burgers and shakes, balloons and all that cool stuff fill the restaurant. And, if your child happens to have a tantrum during the meal, no one will bat an eye. Kids rule this joint.
The popular Bloor West hangout -- a favourite with families -- has a diner-style atmosphere. Cozy and warm, the reasonably priced restaurant boasts big portions, friendly servers and a kid's menu. Good little boys and girls who finish their veggies get a token to play with at the Dr. G. pinball machine.
This is a somewhat classier version of dining but still child friendly. The food is consistently good and the staff is used to having children around. They have several locations and the one situated in the Beach is definitely used to foodie babies and toddlers.
Mars Restaurant
The greasy spoon on College Street has kid favourites like hamburgers, fries and shakes down to a science. Around since 1951, the retro diner will give children a lesson on what eating out was like decades ago while they wolf down a grilled cheese.
Usually packed, Cora's locations have a fun, country kitchen feel. Expect warm, yellow-painted walls etched with specialty dishes, and families having their morning eggs. Breakfast is served until mid-afternoon and reservations aren’t mandatory in case you're running all over town without a plan as to where to dine.
Hesitations:
Old Spaghetti Factory - recommended for visual stimulation only. The food is not very good, but it may appeal to a more simple palatte.
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