Having kids doesn’t mean you need to trade in trendy restaurants for tater tots and fast food. Some of Los Angeles’s most popular restaurants—offering great food and a grown-up atmosphere—are actually kid-friendly. Read on for all the cool, adult-y places the whole family can enjoy. And after you’ve ticked these spots off your list, check out our guide to iconic LA restaurants kids will love.
Petit Trois – Sherman Oaks
Who says you can’t bring your famished family for a bit of fine dining at a French bistro with a classically trained chef at its helm? While you munch on escargot and chicken liver mousse, kids can choose from a few more simplified options from “les enfants” menu like buttered pasta or a basic omelet. This bright and sunny establishment is a delight for any foodie which is why accommodating the younger set truly makes Petit Trois quite the tour de force.
Know before you go: If you’re not sure if the kids can handle dinner here, come for breakfast where their delicious selection of pastries will win over the pickiest of palettes.
13705 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks 91423
818-989-2600
Online: valley.petittrois.com
Birdie G’s – Santa Monica
You won’t find a minimalist menu here. The owner of Birdie G’s (same guy behind the revered Rustic Canyon) feels the dining options should be expansive and comforting so there is a little bit for everyone. And boy is there! Not only does the adult dinner menu have tons of variety, the separate kids' menu is also one of the most interesting we’ve seen! From homemade matzo ball soup and potato crusted chicken fingers to fresh pasta and the "sloppy Jeremy," this westside hotspot takes the whole fam into consideration and is sure to delight diners of all ages.
Know before you go: Forgot to bring something along to entertain your small ones? Not to worry as the fine folks at Birdie G's hands out crayons and wax sticks to keep 'em busy.
2421 Michigan Avenue
Santa Monica 90404
310-310-3616
Online: birdiegsla.com
Pace – Hollywood Hills
Romantic? Check. Classy? Check. Bring the kids? Check. With butcher paper on the tables and jars full of crayons scattered everywhere, this tucked-away gem will keep your tiny tasters happily entertained for most of your meal. There may not be a designated “kids meal” per se, but the very friendly waiters will be more than happy to help accommodate off-menu modifications.
Know before you go: It’s best to make an early reservation here as crowds will be minimal and you’ll be able to get the littles to bed at a reasonable time.
2100 Laurel Canyon Blvd
Los Angeles 90046
323-654-8583
Online: pacerestaurant.com
Kitchen Mouse- Highland Park
Snuggled into the heart of Highland Park is a breakfast/lunch cafe that has locals going gaga over the vegan/vegetarian dishes that leave even meat-eaters happily satisfied! This adorable place has a reasonably priced menu that features a handful of kids' options, as well as ala carte side dishes providing the littles even more of a variety. Squirmy toddler? Show them the small but stocked play area in the corner of the cafe so you can sip your coffee stress-free.
Know before you go: If you don't have time to sit and eat, head to Topo, their sister deli and market next door. Here you can grab-and-go tons of premade vegan dishes or stand-alone ingredients for an at-home nosh fest.
5904 N. Figueroa St.
Highland Park 90042
323-259-9555
Online: kitchenmousela.com
Button Mash – Echo Park
Who doesn't love an arcade (especially when you combine one with a restaurant)? Button Mash serves up old school arcade & pinball games (think Pac Man and Frogger) alongside delicious Vietnamese fusion cuisine that has something for all eaters! Order your gamers the cheeseburger & fries, the gourmet mac & cheese, or some plain ramen noodles before turning them loose on Donkey Kong. This super trendy spot is open to kids of all ages but perhaps better suited to those who have mastered their hand/eye coordination and can reach the controls.
Know before you go: It's probably best to take the family here for an early dinner since this place becomes more of a bar scene after 9pm.
1391 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles 90026
213-250-9903
Online: buttonmashla.com
The Proud Bird - Westchester
This 53-year-old iconic restaurant underwent a massive facelift a few years back and transformed itself into a reimagined high-end food bazaar featuring 6 open-air kitchens all highlighting different types of cuisine. Don't let the sleek design and modern lounge feel put you off though. This place is great for the entire family with its life-size replicas of fighter planes everywhere you look and, with the location of this spot basically at the beginning of the runway, everyone gets a front-row view of actual planes landing at LAX airport. Grab a seat on the outside dining patio and watch your pint-sized pilots burn off steam playing on the newly constructed playground.
Know before you go: Each food stall doesn't have separate kids menus but there are options at most of them that work just fine for your hungry hippos. Try the Italian stand's plain cheese pizza, the mac & cheese side from Bludso's BBQ (to die for), or the fried rice at the Asian Wok.
11022 Aviation Blvd.
Los Angeles, 90045
310-670-3093
Online: theproudbird.com
Highland Park Bowl - Highland Park
Steeped in history, Highland Park Bowl is LA's oldest bowling area, with its origins dating back to the roaring twenties in the middle of Prohibition. Many of the original features and accessories have been preserved which adds to the super cool feel (and attracts the hipsters in droves). Bowl a couple lanes then grab some straight-up cheese pizza for those less daring and the pancetta, egg and black kale pizza for the more adventurous diners. The menu here is upscale Italian but still has family faves like meatballs, sweet potato fries, and Italian sausage.
Know before you go: Because an outing to Highland Park Bowl comes with a bit of a higher price tag than your neighborhood lanes, plan to go Saturdays from 11am - 4pm for lower lane fees and order a pizza to share for lunch.
5621 N. Figueroa St.
Los Angeles 90042
323-257-2695
Online: highlandparkbowl.com
The Front Porch - Redondo Beach
The newest addition to the Redondo Beach Pier, The Front Porch boasts killer harbor views, delicious coastal cuisine, and gorgeous sunsets if the timing is just right. The owners/chefs are parents to small children themselves so they have truly gone to convenient lengths to make this place the epitome of kid-friendly dining without compromising quality. The kids' menu features items like grilled cheese, house-made chicken fingers, mac & cheese, and even fish sticks! They also have chalk on hand for your little landlubbers to draw on the boardwalk as well as some toys/games to borrow in case you leave yours at home.
Know before you go: Mondays kids eat for $1 with purchase of an adult entree which kinda seems like the ultimate win/win!
136 International Boardwalk
Redondo Beach 90277
310-376-9215
Online: eatfrontporch.com
–Jenifer Scott
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