Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, offers a diverse culinary scene that caters to every taste bud, including families with picky eaters. Whether you're craving classic American fare, international flavors, or kid-friendly options, you'll find a plethora of fantastic family restaurants throughout the city. This comprehensive guide highlights 18 of the best, ensuring your next family meal out is a memorable one. We'll cover everything from casual eateries to slightly more upscale options, making sure there's something to suit every budget and preference.
Diverse Dining Delights: Exploring Philly's Family-Friendly Options
Finding the perfect family restaurant can be a challenge, especially when catering to diverse tastes and ages. This is why we've curated this list, focusing on restaurants known for their welcoming atmosphere, kid-friendly menus, and delicious food. Many of these establishments offer things like high chairs, booster seats, and family-sized portions, making dining out with kids significantly easier. Remember to always check the restaurant's website or call ahead for specifics like hours, menus, and any special accommodations.
Casual Classics: Perfect for a Relaxed Family Meal
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Reading Terminal Market: This isn't one restaurant, but a vast collection of food stalls offering everything from roast pork sandwiches to cheesesteaks to fresh produce. The vibrant atmosphere is perfect for families, and the variety ensures everyone finds something they love. It's a great place to experience diverse Philadelphia cuisine in one location.
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Jim's Steaks: A Philadelphia institution, Jim's Steaks is a must-try for any family visiting the city. Their cheesesteaks are legendary, and although it's a quick-service style, you can usually find somewhere nearby to sit and enjoy your meal. It's a quintessential Philly experience.
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Sabrina's Cafe: This cozy spot offers classic American comfort food with a warm and inviting atmosphere. Their portions are generous, perfect for sharing, and they are well-known for their accommodating service towards families. They often have daily specials.
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Talula's Garden: While slightly more upscale than the other casual options, Talula's Garden offers a beautiful outdoor space perfect for families. Their menu changes seasonally, featuring fresh, local ingredients. While not strictly "kid's menu" focused, they are happy to adjust dishes to suit younger palates.
International Flavors: Expanding Your Family's Culinary Horizons
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Han Dynasty: For lovers of spicy Sichuan food, Han Dynasty offers a lively and flavorful experience. While some dishes may be too spicy for younger children, there are plenty of milder options to choose from. Be prepared for bold flavors!
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Zahav: This Israeli restaurant is a bit more upscale, but it's worth considering for a special family occasion. Their menu features delicious and authentic dishes. Their hummus is a crowd-pleaser.
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El Vez: This festive Mexican restaurant offers a lively atmosphere and delicious food. They have a great selection of tacos and other traditional dishes to enjoy.
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Little Fish: This charming BYOB offers seafood-focused dishes with a sophisticated yet casual atmosphere. Kids can appreciate the tasty fish and chips.
Kid-Friendly Focused Establishments: Designed for Families
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Franklin Fountain: This old-fashioned ice cream parlor is a perfect place for dessert or a light meal. Their ice cream is made fresh daily, and the atmosphere is charming and nostalgic. It's a great treat for the whole family.
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Parc: Located in Rittenhouse Square, Parc offers a charming Parisian-style atmosphere and a menu with classic French dishes and many kid-friendly choices. They have a nice outdoor seating area.
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Shake Shack: A classic burger chain, but their burgers are tasty and consistent. Their shakes are a big hit with kids.
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Federal Donuts: While primarily a donut shop, they often serve other small dishes making it a perfect stop for a quick, sweet, family treat. Their creative donut flavors are worth a try.
Slightly More Upscale Choices: For Special Occasions
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Amada: This Spanish restaurant offers tapas-style dishes, allowing for diverse choices for the whole family. While pricier, the shared plates make for a fun and interactive dining experience.
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Vernick Food & Drink: This award-winning restaurant offers a refined dining experience, but they're generally accommodating to families. Reservations are highly recommended.
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Fork: Known for its seasonal menus and commitment to local ingredients, Fork provides a sophisticated dining experience suitable for special occasions.
Pizza Perfection: A Family Favorite
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Pizzeria Stella: This popular pizzeria consistently serves up delicious wood-fired pizzas, with options for every taste. It’s a solid choice for a satisfying and relaxed family meal.
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Lorenzo's: Lorenzo's is another long-standing Philadelphia institution that offers traditional Neapolitan pizzas, and is generally a friendly environment for families.
Unexpected Gems: Hidden Family-Friendly Spots
- South Philly Barbacoa: While known for its authentic barbacoa tacos, this spot is surprisingly kid-friendly, and the flavorful tacos are a unique and delicious choice.
Finding Your Perfect Family Meal in Philadelphia
This list offers a diverse range of options, ensuring you can find the perfect family restaurant for your next Philadelphia adventure. Remember to check restaurant websites or call ahead to confirm hours, menus, and any special accommodations they may offer. Enjoy your delicious Philadelphia family dining experiences!
