Toronto has always been a cheerful and welcoming city, so it’s only natural that Ontario’s capital offers some stellar spots for a family meal out. With its mix of culinary cultures and diversity, it’s impossible not to find a warm and inviting establishment capable of delighting kids and adults alike. Whether you’re after a healthy brunch spot the whole family will love, or a place to celebrate a birthday or a special occasion, the best family restaurants in Toronto promise a memorable time.
There’s a Mexican spot with a dedicated kid’s menu in the Distillery District, and an Italian restaurant with locations in Danforth and North York serving killer Napolitan-style pizzas and family-size tiramisù. In the Entertainment District, a fun hotspot is home to gaming rooms and tasty Canadian snacks.
Explore the best family restaurants in Toronto to try this year and secure your spot on OpenTable today.
The best family restaurants in Toronto – read on for a guide
For an eye-catching Mexican hotspot with a kid’s menu – discover El Catrin in the Distillery District
Vibrant colors, lively atmosphere, and surprising menu: no doubt, El Catrin is one of Toronto’s best family restaurants. Influenced by flavors from various regions of Mexico, this establishment in the Distillery District promises to awaken your taste buds and take you on a journey through South America. Beneath the stunning mural, come and explore, whether it’s for lunch or dinner, dishes like gorditas with lamb and cotija cheese, or huevos albañil, a traditional dish of scrambled eggs and chorizo are a must try. Signature dishes like the pollo pibil made with marinated Cornish hen served with habanero sauce will transport you to Mexico. For the younger culinary adventurers, El Catrin offers the comida de los niños, a menu with three tasty options like pescaditos, a recipe of crispy battered haddock served with guacamole. Special mention for the drink card, which is filled with excellent cocktails, such as the Horchata Colada, a blend of coconut tequila, rumchata, horchata, and pineapple juice.
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For a fun Japanese BBQ experience for the whole family – head to Gyu-Kaku in North York, Downtown, Mississauga and Financial District
World-renowned for being one of the best Japanese BBQ chains, with locations in North York, Downtown, Mississauga and Financial District, Gyu-Kaku is the ideal spot for a party-style family meal. Inspired by the Nippon cuisine, Gyu-Kaku offers the fun of shared plates around a personal grill where you can cook your favorite meats and fish yourself and enjoy them with the whole family. Meaning “Horn of the Bull” in Japanese, Gyu-Kaku offers a collection of marinated meats that are mouthwatering: harami in secret pot, premium sirloin, chicken teriyaki, spicy pork, or shio duck breast. If you are feeling more inclined towards fried rice, then the spicy beef bibimbap is for you. Made with beef rib meat and rice doused in the signature umakara sauce and garnished with an assortment of bell peppers, green onions, and chilli flakes is a real treat.
📍 North York — Check availability
📍 Downtown — Check availability
📍 Mississauga — Check availability
📍 Financial District — Check availability
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For one of the best family restaurants in Toronto for pizza – book at Pizzeria Libretto in the Financial District, Ossington, Danforth / Greek Town and North York / Don Mills
Go on a jaunty trip to Italy with Pizzeria Libretto. Whether you’re in the Financial District, Ossington, Danforth / Greek Town or North York / Don Mills, you’ll surely find a spot for your family there. Simply-crafted and chef-inspired pizza in Toronto—that’s Pizzeria Libretto’s beloved motto. In its cozy setting, this pizzeria serves up a diverse menu of Neapolitan-style pizzas made with local ingredients and tomatoes grown in Italy. Impossible to resist the duck confit pizza with fior di latte mozzarella and roasted bosc pear. A sweet-salty delight you don’t want to miss. And of course, it’s not just pizzas you’ll find here: start your meal with some prosciutto di Parma and burrata accompanied by tomatoes and basil, move on to braised beef rigatoni with Parmesan, and finish off with a delicious dessert like a traditional tiramisu with mascarpone, amaretto, espresso, and cocoa to share in a family-size serving.
📍 Financial District — Check availability
📍 Ossington — Check availability
📍 Danforth / Greek Town — Check availability
📍 North York / Don Mills — Check availability
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For one of the best family restaurants in Toronto for a special occasion – book at Cluny in the Distillery District
Inspired by Parisian cafés, Cluny is undeniably one of the loveliest places to enjoy a family meal in Toronto. Combining a restaurant, a bistro, and a bakery, this establishment offers a menu inspired by France’s modern food movement with a special card option for children. Nestled in the heart of the Distillery District, share a baked brie brûlé with brioche and some cod fritter doughnuts before moving on to the house’s signature steak frites, a roasted monkfish with lobster jus and crème fraîche, and a Frenchy burger with beef chuck, pain au lait bun, smoked bacon and gruyère. The kid’s menu features cheese toasties and frites, gnocchi, fish and chips and garden veggies. To finish on a sweet noteworthy of great Parisian bakeries, indulge in the pastry-tasting platter, an assortment of petits fours, and macaron with sorbet, ice cream, and cotton candy. Enough to see la vie en rose in the heart of Toronto.
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For a gaming meal on a family night out – try The Rec Room in Entertainment District
For video game enthusiasts, The Rec Room is the spot for your next family outing in Toronto. As one of Canada’s premier “eats & entertainment” hot spot, this establishment offers fun cuisine inspired by Canadian specialties. Whether you’re after a full meal or just some tasty snacks, The Rec Room gives you the choice between its Three10 menu, featuring a variety of dishes, and The Shed menu, offering snacks of all kinds. On the three10 side, there’s a plethora of flavors to share, like the platters for two or more. Among them, the game time platter includes a margherita pizza, loaded nachos, and a local favorite, poutine, all accompanied by beverages of your choice. And that’s just the beginning, there are plenty more options on the menu: bowls, tacos, burgers, fried chicken, pizzas, or pasta—you’re bound to find something to enjoy while playing a game of shuffleboard.
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For a family discovery of Middle Eastern cuisine – book a table at Tabule on Queen in Riverdale / Leslieville
Founded in 2005 by chef Rony Goraichy and Diana Sideris, Tabule on Queen offers stellar Middle Eastern cuisine for all ages. Family of adventurous eaters, this is your new culinary journey. Start with a list of award-winning appetizers, like the famous falafel with a twist, made of crushed chickpeas, split fava, and served with tahini before moving on to the mains. Don’t miss the warak enab (vegetarian home-made grape leaves, stuffed with rice) and pair it with one of the hand-crafted specialty drinks, such as the habibi mojitos, a delicious blend of rum, pomegranate molasses mixed with cassis and fresh lime juice with refreshing mint leaves. For a meat-free option, you will surely fall for the eggplant drizzled with tahini on a bed of mujaddara and topped with fresh pomegranate seeds. Whether you opt for a quiet family evening or a grand celebration, Tabule boasts a modern, trendy atmosphere, for a meal in the dining room, as well as for private parties.
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For one of Toronto’s best family restaurants for plant-based fare – head to Fresh in The Annex, Queen West, St. Lawrence Market, Danforth / Greek Town, Yonge and Eglinton and Etobicoke
Originally a juice bar founded in 1991, Fresh has now become a restaurant company of plant-based food that has establishments all across the Toronto area. Located in The Annex, Queen West, St. Lawrence Market, Danforth / Greek Town, Yonge and Eglinton and Etobicoke Fresh is one of the best family restaurants in Toronto for a vegan or vegetarian brunch, lunch, and dinner there with you family thanks to its innovative and environmentally respectful cuisine. Come enjoy a brunch-time avocado grilled cheese with vegan cheddar or smoked provolone cheese, paired with a refreshing energy elixir juice made with mint, cucumber, kale, grapefruit, and apple. Other highlights include the cobb salad with tempeh bacon, avocado, and marinated farro topped with vegan feta and tomato, and the BBQ ranch burger with vegan smoked provolone cheese, quinoa onion rings, avocado, and a house-made grain burger.
📍 The Annex — Check availability
📍 Queen West — Check availability
📍 St. Lawrence Market — Check availability
📍 Danforth / Greek Town — Check availability
📍 Yonge and Eglinton — Check availability
📍 Etobicoke — Check availability
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For a tasty trip to Italy for the whole family – discover Parcheggio in Bayview
Located in the Bayview neighborhood, Parcheggio celebrates simple and creative cooking. In its stylish dining room, this restaurant offers brunches, lunches, and dinners for all families of foodies. Salads, house-made plates of pasta, steaks, and seafood—a real array of choices awaits both young and old at this restaurant. Discover Italian cuisine during brunch with the full Italian, a plate consisting of three eggs, hash browns, seared greens, and authentic Italian breakfast sausage. If you have a sweet tooth, come taste the traditional cannoli with a rich and creamy ricotta and lemon curd, topped with pistachios, and drizzled with white chocolate sauce. Special mention for the drinks menu, especially the wine selection. With its deep ruby color and dark fruit flavor, the Luccarelli Primitivo Puglia will perfectly complement the braised lamb shank, seasoned with braised Romano beans and gremolata.
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For one of the best Toronto family restaurants for celebrating a birthday – go to Jawny Bakers Restaurant in North York
Canadian cuisine is at the heart of Jawny Bakers Restaurant’s spirit. Proudly located in the North York neighborhood since 1992, this establishment is committed to using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. With its warm welcome, cozy decor, and impeccable service, this restaurant is a great opportunity to rediscover the flavors of Canada with your family. With 30 years of experience under its belt, Jawny Bakers Restaurant boasts numerous signature dishes, such as the succulent chicken parmesan with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, elegantly placed atop a bed of Linguini. For the younger ones, the house-made alfredo sauce pasta and the grilled chicken breast with French fries from the just 4 kids”menu are a must-try. And for sandwich and burger lovers, the Malibu chicken sandwich, featuring grilled chicken, bacon, avocado salsa, and goat cheese on a baguette will surely win you over.
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For a quick lunch with the kids – book at Mattachioni – Gerrard Street in Greenwood-Coxwell
Created by chef David Mattachioni, Mattachioni – Gerrard Street promotes comforting cuisine in a simple and family-friendly setting. You will find a menu that brings together classic dishes and reinterpretations of the Italian cuisine in a convivial, and tasty mix. Appetizers like sauté of rapini with garlic and chilli, large salads like the funghi perosen, a warm salad with roasted mushrooms and Parmesan will open your family’s appetite for the flavorful paninis, and delicious pizzas like the boccadasse with sweet Genoa salami and fresh mozzarella.
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As the capital of Ontario, Toronto is brimming with places to explore and recipes to enjoy as a family. Whether you and your children are fans of Italian cuisine, craving Japanese meats to grill, curious about Middle Eastern dishes, eager to share a fresh vegan meal, or simply looking to enjoy the evening in a game-friendly setting, the beautiful city of Toronto is sure to meet your expectations. Take a journey through Canada, Italy, the Middle East, or Japan by booking a spot in one of these cheerful places now – and embark on a culinary adventure to discover the best family restaurants in Toronto.
