Between little league, ballet rehearsal and whatever new cuckoo class you’ve signed your tikes up for this week (American Foreign Policy for Toddlers, anyone?), it’s hard to pin down the entire crew for a real live family dinner. Remember those? The cherished times when you were gathered at the table, mom passed around the mysterious Jell-O mold, dad recounted stories from his “wild” frat days (again) and the exchange student living with your crazy brood silently contemplated the fastest way to return to the Ukraine. Luckily, some of LA’s tastiest restaurants have tapped into the importance of keeping family dinner nights alive and now make it easier than ever for you to enjoy a delish meal together without the hassle of cooking and clean-up. Here are four of the best in town:
Papa Cristo’s
If you’re looking to introduce your kiddos to some of LA’s tastiest Greek food that will have them yelling “Opa!” after every bite, then hit up Papa Cristo’s Big Fat Greek Family-Style Dinner on Thursday evenings. Starting at 6:30 pm, families gather at this legendary hotspot to enjoy a meal of traditional Greek appetizers, two main courses (usually lemon chicken and roasted lamb) and mouthwatering sides like slow roasted potatoes, Greek salad and string beans in a rich tomato sauce. The cherry on top is the grand finale – a baklava you could die for (although we hope you don’t). Reservations are a must and the cost runs $24.99 per person. It includes a wine tasting, live music and yes…belly dancing. Ah, we see we’ve peaked dad’s interest.
2771 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, Ca 90006
Phone: (323) 737-3571
Online: papacristos.com
Huckleberry
One of our absolute fave kid-friendly joints in town, Huckleberry, also hosts a scrumptious family dinner on Thursday nights. If the warm and wonderful atmosphere doesn’t keep you coming back, the ever-evolving family-style menu will. With seatings beginning at 6:00 pm and ending at 9:00 pm, families can devour a three-course meal featuring such delectable dishes as baby spinach and persimmon salad, braised short ribs and piping hot baked apples. A vegetarian option is available as well. The menu changes weekly, so be sure to check the website for Thursday night’s line-up. Price is $30 per adult, kids 12 and under are half that, and littles 5 and under are free. Free! The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so be sure to snag a table early.
1014 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, Ca 90401
Phone: (310) 451-2311
Online: huckleberrycafe.com
Cecconi’s West Hollywood
There’s nothing more comforting than a cozy Sunday supper with the people you treasure most in the world (even when two of them just called you poo-poo brain for the zillionth time today). And there’s no better place to savor killer Italian fare than Cecconi’s. Every Sunday, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, $50 buys a family of four their choice of some seriously fabulous pizza, pasta and salad. Along with enjoying an incredible meal in a gorgeous setting and uber-friendly service, the restaurant also provides nannies to entertain your rugrats with arts and crafts, as well as a magician to wow the table with some super cool slight of hand. All in all, a memorable night out that will leave tikes singing your praises for days to come. Well done, poo-poo brain. Well done.
8764 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, Ca 90069
Phone: (310) 432-2000
Online: cecconiswesthollywood.com
Farmshop
If you’re looking for a feast that will make you swoon, look no further than Farmshop’s family-style dinners served on Sunday nights from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Tucked inside the Brentwood Country Mart, this Pinterest-perfect eatery utilizes the best finds from Sunday morning’s farmer’s market and transforms them into a culinary masterpiece for supper. The meal starts with something light and moves on to a main course centered around their heavenly crispy fried chicken, including two sides (usually one grain and one veggie), followed by cheese or dessert. Dinner runs $48 per person and kids are half price. Because the menu changes weekly, Farmshop usually posts its dinner rundown online around 11:00 am on Sunday mornings.
225 26th St., Suite 25
Santa Monica, Ca 90402
Phone: (310) 566-2400
Online: farmshopla.com
Foodie Alert: We’re bummed to report that Joan’s on Third recently discontinued its popular $24 family dinner night series, but has plans to relaunch it very soon. We’ll keep you posted!
What are your favorite places in town to enjoy a delicious family-style meal together? We’d love to know!
–Jennifer O’Brien
Photo Credits: USDA Gov via Creative Commons, Papa Cristo’s via Facebook, Huckleberry, Cecconi’s via Facebook and Farmshop via Facebook
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