13 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in NYC

Brooklyn Crab is a casual and lively seafood haven located in the Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. The restaurant features a nautical, laid‑back vibe with outdoor picnic tables, games, plenty of beer on tap, and dishes like crab legs, fried shrimp, and other coast‑style seafood favorites. 

The Odeon opened in 1980 in the Tribeca neighborhood and quickly became a downtown landmark, drawing artists, nightlife figures, and trend‑setters in a retro‑brasserie setting with neon signage and Art Deco styling. The menu offers French‐American bistro classics—think frisée salad with lardons, onion soup, steak frites, and the signature Odeon burger—in a setting that feels both timeless and of its moment.

Jennie Utsinger said:  If you want to introduce your kids to some classic bistro fare, Odeon is a great spot to visit. This Tribeca spot has outdoor seating during good weather - excellent for strollers - and a wide range of family meal options. The menus include the familiar omelette, burger, and pancakes, as well as the classic Croque Monsieur, French onion soup, and steak frites. For dessert, try a scoop of one of The Odeon's house made, all natural ice creams.

Bubby’s Tribeca is a beloved downtown institution that opened on Thanksgiving Day in 1990 and today is celebrated for its cozy, home‑style American comfort food and signature homemade pies. The menu leans into brunch favorites like fluffy pancakes, buttermilk biscuits, fried chicken and gravy, and the space maintains a relaxed, family‑friendly vibe where local families and brunch crowds mingle.

Juliana’s Pizza is the revival of pizza legend Patsy Grimaldi’s craft in the original coal‑fired oven he helped pioneer. The thin‑crust pies, cooked at roughly 800 °F, deliver a signature charred crust with fresh sauce and high‑quality mozzarella that frequent visitors say defines “classic Brooklyn pizza.” And though the vibe is casual, with no slices offered (only full pies) and a steady stream of patrons, it retains a neighborhood feel—making it a worthwhile stop whether visiting with friends or family. 

Jennie Utsinger said:  Pizza is always a favorite with my kids, and where better to find high-quality pizza than NYC? Juliana's was opened by Patsy Grimaldi, who also opened the famous Grimaldi pizzeria in Dumbo, which was sold by Patsy years ago. The delicious thin-crust pizzas feature housemade, local and internationally-sourced toppings, fired in a coal-fired oven. There's often a wait, especially on weekends, but kids can wander around the waterfront while an adult waits in line!

Joe’s Shanghai has earned fame for its signature soup dumplings (xiao long bao) — especially the pork and crab‑and‑pork varieties. While its dumplings are the star, Joe’s Shanghai also serves a full Shanghainese menu including braised pork, Shanghai‑style noodles, and other dishes — making it a solid choice not just for dumpling fans but for a larger group seeking variety.

Alexandra F. said:  Go here for the soup dumplings - you won't regret it, and it's definitely worth the wait for a table! Everything else I've tried here is also delicious, but it's the soup dumplings that make it worth a special trip every time I'm in NYC. The space is tight but not small, and the atmosphere casual and noisy enough that you can feel comfortable eating there with kids.

John's of Bleecker Street has been serving some of the best coal-fired brick oven pizza in Greenwich Village since 1929. But you'll have to sit down at one of their classic wooden booth to enjoy the full experience because one of the hallmarks of John's is that there are "no slices."

Sarabeth's is a Manhattan staple, with several locations around the city. The spacious Tribeca location has a slightly more casual feel, making it a good choice for dining with kids. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but is particularly renowned for its breakfast and brunch offerings. 

Lombardi is credited with developing New York-style pizza and making Lombardi's the first pizzeria in the United States. It is still located in the Little Italy section of Manhattan offering its beautiful, smoky-crusted coal oven baked pizza, topped with purist tomato sauce, fresh whole milk mozzarella, and basil, keeping locals and visitors alike coming back.

Nancy L. said:  There's nothing better than pizza in New York City. And, one of the best spots to enjoy it is Lombardi's, which is America's first pizzeria. Opened in 1905, this Little Italy restaurant will be an experience that kids and adults will enjoy.

Founded in 1998, Café Habana is a Cuban-Mexican neighborhood cafe & bar famed for its grilled corn, Cuban sandwiches, cócteles, and other well-priced eats, based out of downtown New York City & beyond.

Max Brenner’s New York City Chocolate Bar is a whimsical destination where chocolate is celebrated in every form—from decadent fondue and milkshakes to savory dishes with a chocolate twist. The vibe is fun and family‑friendly, with a standout “hug mug” hot chocolate and shareable dessert pizzas that make it a memorable outing for kids and chocolate lovers alike. Whether you visit for a full meal or just for a sweet treat and chocolate shopping, Max Brenner turns dessert into an experience. 

Carmine's is a family-style restaurant offering exceptional value to its guests through the many dishes of Southern Italian cuisine. Platters of homestyle antipasto, pasta, decadent seafood or meat entrees, and of course, homemade desserts are all staples at Carmine's, meant for sharing amongst friends and family.

Carly Follett said:  This place offers a great family experience and along with some excellent Italian cuisine. Food is served family style, with generous portions made for sharing. Carmine's also does a great job accommodating their guests who suffer from food allergies, and have created menus broken down by the different types of allergies, with dishes that comport with your certain dietary restrictions.

The The Meatball Shop in New York City is a casual eatery with a simple vision of “mix‑and‑match” meatballs. Guests can customize their meal by choosing a meatball type (beef, pork, chicken, vegetarian), a sauce (like tomato or parmesan cream), and a side (such as spaghetti or mashed potatoes) — the interactive ordering can help picky eaters feel in control.

This "Alice in Wonderland" themed tea shop is a top destination for locals and tourists alike! It is an especially popular spot for moms and daughters to enjoy a delicious tea time, alongside three-tiered sweets and savories. The tea list is huge, and it also contains many non-caffeinated drinks for kids. As a bonus, "fairy wings" are available to wear while dining (and for purchase). Ask your waiter to sprinkle fairy dust on you, too!