Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants
SAN DIEGO
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 Diego that can please both big and little diners.

Alfonso's of La Jolla Mexican
10/20
Dining Room at Alfonso 1251 Prospect St.
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-454-2232
If fun finger food and cocktails are your pleasure---this is the place. If serious Mexican cuisine is your goal---look elsewhere. More...

Beaumont's Modern American
13/20
5662 La Jolla Blvd.
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-459-0474
A charming La Jolla eatery---with one of the best burgers in San Diego. More...

Big Kitchen American
11/20
3003 Grape St.
San Diego, CA 92102
619-234-5789
Long before the hip decided to settle here, Judy More...

Bread & Cie Bakery
Quick Bite
350 University Ave.
San Diego, CA 92103
619-683-9322
Bread & Cie offers crusty peasant-style loaves, delicious muffins, scones and brownies plus a laundry list of specialty coffee options. More...

The Brockton Villa Restaurant California
12/20
1235 Coast Blvd.
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-454-7393
This charming historic cottage, overlooking La Jolla Cove, serves up simple fare in a romantic setting. More...

Café 222 Breakfast
12/20
222 Island Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-236-9902
Functional, funky-industrial atmosphere that compliments Terryl Gavre's quirky, eclectic style of cooking. More...

Café Chloe French
13/20
721 Ninth Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-232-3242
Café Chloe continues to win us over with its earthy, non-pretentious French fare. More...

Cantina Panaderia Asian
12/20
966 Felspar St.
San Diego, CA 92109
858-272-8400
Food Girl strikes again! Breakfasts and lunches are hearty, yet healthy, but dinner is the main attraction. More...

Cody's An American Place American
12/20
8030 Girard Ave.
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-459-0040
Located in a renovated 1940s cottage, Cody’s serves a menu of updated California-American fare. More...

Corvette Diner Bar & Grill American
11/20
3946 Fifth Ave.
San Diego, CA 92103
619-542-1476
Corvette Diner serves juicy burgers, crispy fries, dreamy milkshakes, hearty sandwiches and even vegetarian selections in a 1950s-inspired setting that is pure fun. More...

The Cottage Contemporary
12/20
7702 Fay Ave.
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-454-8409
Classic La Jolla bistro featuring California cuisine on one of the village’s most charming patios. More...

D. Z. Akins Jewish
12/20
6930 Alvarado Rd.
San Diego, CA 92120
619-265-0218
An East County institution for over 20 years, D.Z. Akins is a refuge for those searching for a true Jewish deli. More...

Fugu's Asian
12/20
915 Pearl St.
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-456-1414
A delicious blend of Japanese, Chinese and Korean food. More...

Island Prime Steakhouse
12/20
880 Harbor Island Dr.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-298-6802
The menu sports creative appetizers, while the main courses are more straightforward---think steak and seafood with a choice of sides. More...

Lotsa Pasta Italian
11/20
Pacific Plaza
1762 Garnet Ave.
San Diego, CA 92109
619-581-6777
A family-style mix-and-match pasta joint that offers lots of ways to tailor your meal to your specific tastes or needs. More...

The Mission Latin American
12/20
2801 University Ave.
San Diego, CA 92104
619-220-8992
Latin- and Asian-inspired recipes with a healthy bent. More...

Parkhouse Eatery American
12/20
4574 Park Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92116
619-295-7275
Experience “American ethnic grub,” a combination of coastal cuisine accented with a variety of world flavors. More...

Phil’s BBQ Barbecue
12/20
3750 Sports Arena Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92110
619-226-6333
Nothing beats Phil's brougham sandwich---tender shredded pork sauced with Phil's barbecue potion, served on an onion bun and topped with creamy coleslaw. More...

Pizza Nova Pizza
11/20
3955 Fifth Ave.
San Diego, CA 92103
619-296-6682
This casual joint serves non-traditional gourmet pizzas, massive salads and fresh pastas. More...

Pizzeria Arrivederci Italian
12/20
3739 Fourth Ave.
San Diego, CA 92103
619-542-0293
Authentic Italian pizza in San Diego---at long last! More...

Ranchos Cocina Mexican
11/20
3910 30th St.
San Diego, CA 92104
610-574-1288
Fun and funky, Ranchos Cocina is the type of Mexican restaurant that appeals to just about everyone. More...

Rimel's Rotisserie Seafood
12/20
Dining Room at Rimel 1030 Torrey Pines Rd., Ste. E
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-454-6045
Kid- and pet-friendly, Rimel’s has a comfortable atmosphere and hometown feel. More...

Saffron Chicken and Saffron Noodles & Sate Thai
12/20
3731 India St.
San Diego, CA 92103
619-574-0177
The menus focus on the foods of Thailand, but meander into Korea, India and Vietnam too. More...

Sammy's Woodfired Pizza Pizza
11/20
702 Pearl St.
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-456-5222
Dependable wood-fired pizzas are joined on a revamped menu by intriguing tapas from around the world. More...

Soleil@K California
13/20
Dining Room at Soleil@K, San Diego, CA Marriott San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
660 K St.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-696-0234
With chef Scott Leibfried and modern American cuisine, the Marriott Gaslamp Quarter's restaurant is no longer just for tourists. More...

Spice & Rice Thai Kitchen Thai
12/20
7734 Girard Ave.
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-456-0466
Future restaurateurs would do well in studying the poetry in motion that is Spice & Rice Thai Kitchen. More...

Super Cocina Mexican
10/20
3627 University Ave.
San Diego, CA 92104
619-584-6244
At Super Cocina, one can eat true Mexican “casera comida” (home cooking). More...

Trattoria Acqua Italian
14/20
Dining Room at Trattoria Acqua, La Jolla, CA Coast Walk Center
1298 Prospect St.
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-454-0709
Casual and family-owned, this La Jolla Cove spot serves traditional Cal-Ital dishes and a few adventurous standouts. More...

Veranda Bar & Grille California
12/20
Rancho Bernardo Inn
17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr.
San Diego, CA 92128
858-675-8500
Casual diners will be pleased with the friendly, comfortable atmosphere of the Veranda. More...

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