Being so close to my nieces has given me the inside scoop on the best family restaurants in Seattle. My one niece eats enough for two adults while the other hates just about everything, so we’ve had to discover the spots that can satisfy all tastes.
Luckily there are a lot of options to satisfy both adults and kids alike. Whether you’re looking for kid-friendly spots with toys or simply a kid’s menu, here are my favorite family-friendly restaurants in Seattle perfect for your whole crew.
Family Restaurants in Seattle
Save this list to Pinterest for later, as I’ll update it when I find more family restaurants in Seattle!
Cafe Flora
website | get directions | neighborhood: Madison Valley | cuisine: vegetarian
I’ve been going to Cafe Flora ever since I moved to Seattle almost 15 years ago. My sister used to be a pescatarian, so we would go to Cafe Flora regularly because it has one of the best vegetarian menus in Seattle.
It’s also one of the cutest restaurants in Seattle thanks to the floral decor, natural lighting, and live plants. The kid’s menu is also A+, with vegetable-packed dishes like quesadillas and tofu bowls. There’s also a delicious dessert menu that both kids and kids at heart will love.
Portage Bay Cafe
website | get directions | neighborhoods: 4 locations in Ballard, Roosevelt, U-District, & SLU | cuisine: brunch & vegetarian options
Portage Bay Cafe is one of my favorite brunch spots in Seattle, namely for one reason, the breakfast bar.
Yes, you read that right. In addition to a thorough brunch menu with tons of options, Portage Bay has a well-stocked breakfast bar that comes included when you order french toast or pancakes. The bar has everything from organic maple syrup to fresh fruit and whipped cream, making it a kid’s favorite. They also have plenty of gluten-free and vegan options.
Pro tip: Keep in mind there’s always a long wait. Even if you make a reservation, that just means you get to skip the line and wait for the next available table.
CrackleMi
website | get directions | neighborhoods: Ballard & Fremont | cuisine: Vietnamese
My niece gets CrackleMi at least once a week. Hell, I also get CrackleMi just about as often. This fast-casual spot makes consistently good food that travels well, so it’s one of the best takeout restaurants in Seattle.
You’ll find rice bowls, noodle dishes, and banh mis on the menu. My go-to is the Cookout Rice Bowl with grilled chicken and short rib. My one niece is vegetarian so she always gets one of the dishes with tofu, while the other one loves the bowls that come with an egg roll and skewered shrimp.
Agua Verde Cafe
website | get directions | neighborhood: U-District | cuisine: Mexican
Agua Verde is part Mexican restaurant with a cantina-vibe, part kayak and canoe rental spot. It’s prime location right on the water makes it one of the best restaurants with views in Seattle.
Besides the crowd pleasing menu of tacos, quesadillas, and more, it’s a great spot to pass a few hours kayaking. Little ones under 17 will have to ride up front in a double kayak, so if you’re the paddler, get ready for a killer arm workout!
Little Water Cantina
website | get directions | neighborhood: Eastlake | cuisine: Mexican
Little Water Cantina is another cute Mexican spot located on Lake Union. It’s very casual and doesn’t really look like much on the outside, but the view and safely enclosed patio make it a great kid-friendly spot.
The kid’s menu is no frills, which is great if your little one is a picky eater. But even if they want something more elaborate, the whole menu is reasonably priced. The vibe is also lively, with constant chatter and music playing, making it a no-tablets-needed restaurant where the kids always have something to catch their attention.
Shugs
website | get directions | neighborhood: Downtown | cuisine: soda fountain & ice cream shop
This wouldn’t be a thorough Seattle family-friendly restaurant list if there wasn’t a good old-fashioned soda fountain on it. Shugs fits that bill both for its aesthetic and the fact that it serves some of the best ice cream in Seattle.
When you walk inside, you’ll be greeted with classic pastel striped wallpaper, vintage ice cream cups, and even a list of adults-only ice cream cocktails. Even adults will feel like a kid again scarfing down one of Shugs’ delectable sundaes with toasted marshmallows, brownies, and hot fudge.
Bongos
website | get directions | neighborhood: Green Lake | cuisine: Caribbean
Bongos is one of my favorite Black-owned restaurants in Seattle. It has a fun and lively atmosphere, including a huge sand pit and outdoor space. You’ll often also see dogs snoozing under the tables.
Their menu is great for adults and kids alike. I suggest getting a couple plate options. Each comes with black beans, rice, and a side of smashed plantains. After you’ve had your fill, you can walk across the street to Green Lake to let the kids run around.
Little Chinook’s
website | get directions | neighborhood: Interbay | cuisine: fish & chips
Little Chinook’s is owned by the Anthony’s restaurant franchise and is right next door to Chinook’s, which is fancy but still kid-friendly. However, I prefer Little Chinook’s more casual vibe and menu.
You’ll find some of the best fish and chips in Seattle and Seattle’s best clam chowder. The kid’s menu is simple with only one option: a piece of fried cod, chips, soda, and ice cream. If your kids need more food than that, you can add an extra piece of cod for ~$4.
Mox Boarding House
website | get directions | neighborhoods: Ballard & Bellevue | cuisine: game store with a bar cafe
I’m not gonna lie; I’ve probably come to this board game store and cafe more often with friends than kids. That’s because Mox Boarding House is one of my favorite spots for truly unique things to do in Seattle. But it’s also a great spot for families looking to spend some quality time together.
It’s open until midnight, which means the afternoons are often more mellow. They also have a “try before you buy policy,” which allows you to snag a seat and play the games before deciding if you want to take it home or not. There’s craft beer and locally roasted coffee for adults so you can keep up the energy for a few rounds of games.
Marination
website | get directions | neighborhoods: 3 locations in West Seattle, Columbia City & SLU | cuisine: Hawaiian fusion
Marination began as a food truck, but has now expanded to three locations across Seattle. I personally love their Marination Mai Kai location in West Seattle because it has the best view. While all of the menus are pretty similar, the West Seattle location is best for kids thanks to its outdoor seating and chatter perfect for drowning out tantrums.
Food wise, Marination is making some of the best Hawaiian food in Seattle. Don’t miss the fish and chips and kalua sliders.
Due’ Cucina
website | get directions | neighborhood: 4 locations in Capitol Hill, Kirkland, Roosevelt & West Seattle | cuisine: Italian pasta
Due’ Cucina is one of my favorite spots for cheap but delicious eats in Seattle. It’s a fast-casual pasta spot that’s one of the best family restaurants in Seattle given its speed and cuisine (everyone loves pasta, amiright?).
Another reason I recommend Due’ Cucina is for the number of choices to satisfy all palates. I personally love the cacio e pepe, which is simple but nuanced and loaded with flavor. However, picky eaters will prefer the pasta with “kid’s sauce” kept simple with butter or olive oil and a little aged parmesan shaved on top.
Old Stove Brewing
website | get directions | neighborhood: Pike Place | cuisine: pub grub
Old Stove Brewing is one of my favorite Pike Place restaurants. Since it’s less than a minute away from the market, the teenagers can venture off while the adults enjoy the wide-open view of the waterfront and sip on craft brews on the patio.
The kids that stay behind will have fun too, since it’s very much a family-friendly restaurant, despite the fact it’s also a working brewery. Old Stove has great pizzas, burgers, fish and chips, and tons of small bites to share, all of which are surprisingly good for being a pub.
Ciudad
website | get directions | neighborhood: Georgetown | cuisine: Portuguese
Ciudad is one of my favorite restaurants in Georgetown. It’s chic enough for adults with a vibrant mural decorating the walls, plush cushions to sink into, and a skylight. Yet it’s casual enough for kids given the focus on family-style dishes.
They specialize in grilled meats and veggies. If you have a picky eater, you can mix and match grilled items to suit their tastes while letting the adults indulge in the fancier small plates. My favorites are the roasted cauliflower drizzled with date molasses and the delicious grilled haloumi.
Stoneburner
website | get directions | neighborhood: Ballard | cuisine: Italian
I seriously love Stoneburner, hence them being on my list of best Italian restaurants, best pasta, and best restaurants in North Seattle. Of course, with their long list of pizzas and pasta to choose from, it’s not surprising they’re also a great family-friendly spot too.
Stoneburner may be slightly on the fancier side of dining, but sometimes you need a restaurant for a special occasion that you can take the kids to. My nieces have been here multiple times and always find something they enjoy. Plus, the buzz of conversations in the dimly lit space make this restaurant surprisingly lively, so kids disappear in the background noise.
Watson’s Counter
website | get directions | neighborhood: Ballard | cuisine: Korean comfort food & brunch
Watson’s Counter is definitely one of the more funky spots on my list. Their menu alone is part Korean, part comfort food, part cafe, and part brunch spot. It’s one of the few places you can go for a latte, poutine, eggs benny, and a jar of kimchi.
Now, the reason I think Watson’s is a great place for the kids comes down to the breakfast. Their cereal french toast combines whole wheat cider bread with either Fruity Pebbles or Frosted Flakes. Once cooked until golden brown, the whole stack is covered in a rosemary-orange whip cream. It’s a colorful and fun dish kid absolutely love!
Pho Than Brothers
website | get directions | neighborhoods: many locations | cuisine: pho
If you’re in a rush and want something that’s solid, simple, and has plenty of options, definitely pop into Pho Than Brothers. They have some of the best soups in Seattle, and since there are tons of locations, you’ll always be able to pop in one for a quick lunch.
Funny enough, I usually find the kids like the same dish I like, pho ga. It’s pho made with chicken and fairly mild in flavor. Adults can load it up with Sriracha, hoisin, and fresh lime juice if needed, while the kids can sip on a comforting bowl of familiar flavors.
Sam’s Sushi Bar & Grill
website | get directions | neighborhood: Ballard | cuisine: sushi
Sushi is either hit or miss with kids, but Sam’s Sushi is my niece’s favorite sushi restaurant in Seattle, so I had to put it on the list. They’re a super straightforward casual sushi spot with a solid menu of nigiri, sashimi, sushi rolls, appetizers, and plated combos. Service is speedy, which I know from experience can really make or break a kid’s mood when they’re hangry.
While they don’t have a “kid’s menu” per se, their menu is reasonably priced, and they have a variety of simple rolls and teriyaki options that even picky kids will enjoy. My niece’s go-to is edamame and the cucumber roll, while mine is the Paradise Roll and salmon sashimi.
Skillet
website | get directions | neighborhoods: 4 locations in Capitol Hill, downtown, Seattle Center, and Sea-Tac Airport | cuisine: American diner
Skillet is a small local chain that focuses on classic American breakfast/brunch. I consider it one of the best family restaurants in Seattle because of its decently-sized kid’s menu and the fact that they give out crayons, which is something I hardly ever see anymore.
Their adult menu is American brunch/comfort food, with classic breakfast options like scrambled eggs and chicken with waffles. If you’re not a big breakfast food person, they have a big menu of more lunch-type offerings like salads and burgers. My personal go-to is the “Southern Mess,” which is basically their Nashville fried chicken with pimento cheese, served with a sweet cornmeal waffle.
Poke Square
website | get directions | neighborhood: Ballard | cuisine: poke bowls
Poke Square is easily one the best poke spots in Seattle. I love it because the selection is always fresh and I can customize my own bowl depending on what I’m in the mood for.
Even if your kid doesn’t like raw fish, Poke Square has tofu and cooked shrimp. All of the topping options are laid out for them to pick and choose what they want. This gives little ones more autonomy, which often means they’er more likely to eat what they order.
Tutta Bella
website | get directions | neighborhoods: many locations | cuisine: Italian
Since kids can never say no to pizza, I just had to include one of my fave Neapolitan pizza spots on this list of family restaurants in Seattle. They’re a Washington-based chain specializing in pizza and pasta. The South Lake Union location is my fave since it has an outdoor patio and is located conveniently above a Whole Foods, making it a great pit stop if you’re grocery shopping with the little ones.
When you go, be sure to secure some wiki sticks for the kids to play with. Also, if you ask nicely they’ll even give them a hunk of raw pizza dough to play with.
Din Tai Fung
website | get directions | neighborhoods: Downtown, U-District, Bellevue, and SODO inside T-Mobile Park | cuisine: Taiwanese
Din Tai Fung is another one of my nieces’ favorite family restaurants in Seattle. They mainly love going here the dumplings, but the loud atmosphere also makes it great for rowdy kids.
DTF is best known for their xiao long bao soup dumplings. However, insiders know the rice cakes, cucumber salad, and sautéed greens are dishes you should also make sure are on your table. Even the pickiest of eaters will love the flavor DTF imparts on the vegetables.
Harbor City
website | get directions | neighborhood: Chinatown-International District | cuisine: dim sum
Harbor City is one the best Chinese restaurants in Seattle and one of my go-to restaurants in Seattle for dim sum, which kids always tend to like. It’s often loud with fast service, so it’s perfect for kids.
Beyond the dim sum, Harbor City has other classic Chinese dishes. The sheer length of the menu makes this a great spot for large groups since there are simple dim sum and dumpling options for the kiddos along with more adventurous dishes for the adults.
Uneeda Burger
website | get directions | neighborhood: Fremont | cuisine: burgers & shakes
This is easily one of the best burger spots in Seattle. Uneeda Burger has everything from simple single-patty beef burgers to more elevated lamb and bison burgers, making it the perfect spot for all ages. Plus, there are milkshakes. Kids love milkshakes! And ok, us adults do too.
The vibe is super casual so there’s no need to fear little ones making a mess. The kid’s menu is pretty straightforward with a plain burger, grilled cheese, and hot dog. Everything is à la carte, so don’t forget to order a side of onion rings.
More to do in Seattle
Whether traveling solo or you’ve got your kids in tow, Seattle has a ton of epic restaurants to check out. Here are more ideas after you finish trying the family restaurants in Seattle.
