Toronto is a foodie haven. Even if your foodie only likes grilled cheese, there’s plenty of family-friendly restaurants in Toronto with menus to please everyone at your table (and it doesn't have to break the bank!).
Toronto is known for their food. Anything you want is basically at your fingertips depending on the neighbourhood you visit or the craving that you have. And while some kids stick to beige, other kids have more mature palates. This roundup of family- friendly restaurants hits the mark for both and keeps your budget in mind.
LEGEND PER PERSON: $ – $10-20 $$ – $20–$40
GRANDMA LOVES YOU $
40 St. Clair Ave W | 111 Richmond Street W | 846 Sheppard Ave W
After you stop saying “awww” about the name, sink your teeth into some delicious cold cuts and gourmet hot dogs. What started as a small sandwich shop has expanded into three locations across the city and is on the Yelp Top 100 Places to Eat. Founded by a German couple, the family-run shop slings gourmet hot dogs (plus standard ketchup, mustard and relish for the less discerning clientele), a bevy
of cold-cut subs, hot sandwiches, club sandos and sweet and savoury croissant selections (some with decadent German chocolate cream!). If you get a sub, don’t forget to snap a pic of the cross section.
grandmalovesyou.ca
IL FORNELLO ON DANFORTH $$
576 Danforth Ave
Dubbed the GTA's best pizza, Il Fornello must be doing something right to have seven locations spanning as east as Ajax and as west as St. Catharines. But for our roundup, we're focusing on the Danforth. Adults can choose from Italian favourites like meat lasagna or gorgonzola pizza, or choose from the surprisingly full plant-based list. And because kids will be kids, the pasta burro is how to say buttered noodles in fancy. Adults can choose from a well-rounded Italian menu that has a surprisingly full plant-based list along with non-vegan selects like meat lasagna and gorgonzola pizza. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.
ilfornello.com/danforth
THE SKYLINE RESTAURANT $
1426 Queen St W
Classic old-school diners are sadly becoming few and far between. Transport the kids back in time with a trip to Queen West’s iconic Skyline Restaurant, a Parkdale staple for more than 60 years. There’s everything you’d expect to find in a throwback establishment right down to the neon sign, padded booths, classic glass-bottle ketchup and greasy spoon fare, including classic breakfasts, burgers, fries with gravy and club sandwiches. The special kids’ menu features grilled cheese and fries, mac and cheese, a 3 oz burger with fries and more. But whatever you do, don’t skip the house-made cream pie, sold whole or by-the-slice.
instagram.com/theskylinerestaurant
THE OLD SPAGHETTI FACTORY $-$$
54 The Esplanade
Okay, so you’ve heard of it. But that doesn’t make it any less exciting. The Old Spaghetti Factory has it all, from iconic cheesy decor to a robust menu that includes soup or salad, bread and dessert with each entree. (The menu also features kid-favoured items like Shirley Temples, veggies and dip, chicken tenders or spaghetti with a choice of sauces). And, of course, there’s always ice cream (our vote goes to spumoni) to finish. Conveniently located downtown, it’s close to Union Station, Rogers Centre and the Museum of Illusions.
oldspaghettifactory.ca
AVLING $$
1042 Queen St E
When we say “brewery,” you might think it can’t be kid-friendly. But Avling perfectly dovetails family-friendly with not- cringeworthy for the adults. The spacious and bright venue has stroller parking and dinner offerings that include kid-approved dino nuggies, buttered noodles and mini beef burgers. Parents can sink their teeth into a rotating menu that sometimes includes things like fish and chips using Fogo Island cod and the house terrine. After grazing, hit the bottle shop to purchase some take-home beers.
www.avling.ca
THE GREATER GOOD $$
229 Geary Ave
New York-style pizza and vintage arcade games—need we say more? Nestled into the ever-evolving Junction Triangle, Greater Good is also a bar, but it is certainly a terrific and welcome place to enjoy pizza and pinball from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Let the kids play games while you watch on with one of the many on-tap brews or cocktails in-hand.
thegreatergoodbar.com
