This post is an ode to our favorite family friendly restaurants in our hometown, Seattle. If you are planning a visit or a local too, I hope you enjoy these amazing restaurants the whole family can enjoy.
1. Bakery Nouveau
With three locations, Capital Hill, West Seattle and Burien, Bakery Nouveau is a perfect spot for breakfast or lunch with young kids. A French inspired bakery with a large selection of breakfast pastries, sandwiches, pizza, quiche, breads and a coffee bar. You order at the counter and all the locations have a few tables to sit and enjoy your food. The line can wind out the door of each location, but it always moves fast. Our favorites are the twice baked almond croissant, the coffee cake, any of the daily pizzas and the ham and cheese on baguette, but you really cannot go wrong.
2. Ben’s Bread Co.
Ben’s Bread Co. is a light and bright bakery on Phinney Ridge we love. Breakfast sandwiches and a unique and delicious pastry selection that is changing weekly. There are crayons and menus to color for the kids while you wait in line. Don’t forget to grab a sleeve of their famous English muffins for the road!
3. Portage Bay Cafe
Portage Bay Cafe is a Seattle classic with locations in all the best neighborhoods around Seattle. The best sit down brunch with a large menu for the adults and a cute menu for kids. The shining star of the experience is getting a trip to the “toppings bar” which comes with any of the sweet items like pancakes, French toast, etc. Our kids love getting the pancake on the kids menu and loading it at the toppings bar with fresh fruit, whipped cream, chocolate chips and lots of other fun items. Reservations recommended, it is always buzzing with lots of families, making it a perfect spot to have a great breakfast with young children.
4. Volunteer Park Cafe & Pantry
Volunteer park Cafe in Capitol Hill is not only delicious but perfectly cute! We travel across town just for their breakfast sandwiches, that have that perfect melty American cheese (only better replicated in New York City). There is also a great assortment of pastries, delicious coffee and a curated selection of pantry goods to take home. This spot is busy on the weekends but tables turn pretty quickly and there are some great outside tables for when the sun is shining.
5. Deru Market
If you find yourself on the eastside, go to Kirkland for lunch at Deru. Our families favorite sandwich in the area – turkey, green apple and garlic aioli on homemade focaccia. Their all day menu is fantastic, from Pizza to great salads and a full bakery. They are well-known for their monster sized and delicious cakes – we definitely recommend getting a slice for the whole group to share!
6. Marination Mai Kai
Head to West Seattle for amazing Hawaiian-Korean food with a gorgeous view looking at Seattle. Easy to access from the water taxi if you are arriving in West Seattle from downtown. Order at the counter and find a seat at one of the picnic tables outside with picturesque views of downtown Seattle. My boys usually split the fish and chips or get a few of the pork sliders to share. Highchairs available and always buzzing with lots of other families.
7. Shake Shack
I know this is not unique to Seattle but a great option if you are shopping around U Village or staying downtown and want an easy win with kids. Consistently great burgers, fries and milkshakes. We love sitting outside at the U Village location on a nice evening and then visiting some of our favorite shops or the small playground to get out any remaining wiggles before bedtime.
8. Uneeda Burger
This Fremont burger spot has a great “roadside” vibe and serves some delicious food! All grass-fed meats with a great kids menu, milkshakes, gluten-free and veggie options. You order at the counter and find a place to sit at one of the inside tables or on the covered terrace. Perfect for a nice day but also somehow cozy in the winter. I typically go for the Classic Burger or the Lamb burger, but you cannot go wrong! The kids menu is well priced and includes a burger, grilled cheese, chicken strips and a hot dog.
9. Beer Star
A White Center staple. This tap room has over 40 local taps and a large selection of other drinks. A Zeeks Pizza and Lil Woody’s share the space, making it easy to grab whatever food the family is in the mood for. There are some round tables at the entrance perfect for pulling up a highchair and you will see often see young kids playing near their tables as their parents relax with a beer.
10. Bar Del Corso
This highly awarded Seattle restaurant is suited perfectly for a date night or with the family. Bar del Corso has the effortless Italian feel which makes it feel cozy and welcoming, all while serving incredible food. Better known for their pizzas, don’t forget to get a little bit of everything including items from the seasonal sheet on the wall. We always order the supli al telefono (fried risotto balls) for the table, and the kids love their margarita pizza with a side of meatballs. They offer high chairs and the constant buzz of chatter in the restaurant makes you feel more than welcome with littles. Make reservations in advance.
11. Mio Posto
With multiple locations around Seattle (Mt. Baker, Mercer Island, West Seattle and Ravenna), this pizza-focused restaurant always has the best energy. Bustling with families and locals meeting for dinner, just walking in is a mood booster. We especially love the Mio Posto happy hour, which is an amazing value and runs Monday-Friday from 4-6PM. If you want an easy dinner or brunch with a fun neighborhood vibe, I would definitely recommend.
12. Sunny Hill
This cute spot just above Golden Gardens is one of our newest obsessions. Detroit-style pizzas, a delicious burger, creative vegetable dishes and a fun cocktail menu – you really can’t go wrong. My kids go for the pizza and the adults love sharing as many different things as we can justify. If you find yourself a sunny day, grab a spot on one of their two patios for the ultimate al fresco.
13. Fonda La Catrina
Fonda La Catrina is our favorite Mexican restaurant in the city. Authentic and delicious food served in a vibrant setting the whole family will enjoy. Georgetown is a fun neighborhood to walk around and easy to access from downtown with good, free parking. Tables are first-come, first serve so head there early in the evening if you don’t want to wait. Order the guacamole and homemade chips for the table, margaritas for the adults and tacos dorados or quesadillas for the kids.
14. Din Tai Fung
I almost didn’t include Din Tai Fung on the list since I saw it on every other webpage devoted to family friendly restaurants in Seattle, but it’s too good to exclude. There are a couple of locations around Seattle, all situated near shopping center which helps ease the pain of the sometimes hours long waits. Our favorite is to head to University Village, put in our name upon arrival and then walk around until our table is ready. We always have a backup plan in case the wait is unreasonable! In addition to high chairs, children are also given silicone plates and kids utensils which I think is such a sweet touch. We typically order for the table and let the kids pick what they want once it arrives. My boys typically love the noodles, fried rice, and pork dumplings!
15. Milk Drunk
Last, but not least, is Milk Drunk, a fried chicken sandwich spot in Beacon Hill. A wide selection of sandwiches, from Nashville hot to General Tso’s and more, plus a delicious selection of sides like curly fries, mozzarella sticks and a kale salad. Kids will love the chicken strips and the soft serve, plus all the toppings (think fruity pebbles or cinnamon toast crunch). A few tables inside but we picked a nice day and snagged a picnic table outside.
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