Food plays a big part of any family holiday or one-day trip outing. Children can be picky eaters at any age, and finding a family-friendly dining spot to suit all tastes and appetites can be a huge challenge.
Vancouver is justly famous for its wide and affordable variety of dining out options. This multicultural mix has produced some of the best restaurants of their kind in North America, and many of them are kid-friendly. Here are some of our travelling mom best recommendations for eating out with the kids and family - tried and tested by yours truly!
White Spot - Various locations. A Vancouver original and local favourite since 1928. 'Pirate Paks' (created in 1968) for the kids include choice of burger, chicken strips, grilled cheese and fries, arrive in a boat with gold pirate coin treasure. Plus ice cream for dessert. Great shakes too, and a wide selection of multicultural dining choices for adults.
Moderne Burger - Kitsilano. The best burgers in the city. Portions are large, so if your kids are young, splitting an order is a wise choice. Great shakes and floats as well. Decor & music is vintage 1950s era, and you can choose a booth or bar stool to savor your made-fresh-daily Moderne Steak burger.
Earls and Cactus Club Restaurants - Various locations. Local standard-bearers for high-quality, excellent cuisine that appeals to all ages and tastes. Curiously, no high chairs (hint), but fabulous for older toddlers and up. Chicken strips & fries, pizzas, pasta and great service. Always a good bet.
Marcello's Pizzeria - Commercial Drive. Providing delicious pizza baked in the huge wood oven 'Sun God' near the entrance. There's nothing more kid-friendly than sharing different pizza pies or pasta noodles in this warm and boisterous eatery.
Guu with Garlic Izakaya - Robson Street Downtown. Recommended by Seattle Mom Lora S. (@CascadiaKids) as one of her favorite kid-friendly Japanese cuisine choices when they visit the city. Japanese tapas-style plates are meant for sharing, the atmosphere is noisy and happy, and the service is quick. Try the chicken karaage and if you're adventurous, the octopus balls!
Rocky Mountain Flatbread Company - Kitsilano. Organic pizza and pasta offering with a kids menu that includes raw veggie plate and non-pizza favs like mac & cheese. A play area at the back of the restaurant allows kids to roam from the table (staff don't mind) and put on a chef's hat to bake their own pretend pizza. Good food, high-pitched atmosphere.
The Keg - Granville Island. A family-friendly steakhouse with a good kids' menu (including raw veggie plate) and a great selection of steak options for adults. A higher price point, but good value and friendly service.
Kokopelli Cafe - Dunbar (west-side Vancouver). A popular cafe/restaurant with home-baked goods, light lunches and tasty kid-friendly options. A large play area towards the back of the cafe keeps kids happy and busy, and allows parents to sit and chat, enjoy a latte and a slice of their delicious lemon loaf.
The Old Spaghetti Factory - Gastown. A traditional pasta place with all-inclusive kids' menu that offers very good value for money. If you have big eaters or are in a big group, the portions are large and everyone will leave full and satisfied.
Simply French - Point Grey. A delicious taste of Paris, France - kid-friendly style. Croissants, cafe lattes, soups, sandwiches (including Nutella!), and desserts to feed you and your brood. Surrounded by French music, atmosphere, and a kid's activity table to boot, you'll think the Louvre is down the block. Thanks to @yoyomama_van.
Little Nest - Commercial Drive. This charming, very child-friendly restaurant has been open since 2007 just off one of East Vancouver's most eclectic commercial streets. Serving all day breakfast/brunch/lunch between 9AM - 3PM, their kids menu features homemade chicken noodle soup, toasted sandwiches with fillings like ham & cheese, Nutella & ricotta. Parents can enjoy delicious coffee and the Eggs of the Day specials. [ttm tip: Get there early - it is super busy!]
Sushi Sen - Squamish. This small but cozy sushi room on the way to Whistler offers delicious, reasonably-priced and fresh sushi to locals and visitors. It is always bustling, but the great staff keep everyone happy with snappy service and attention to the young ones in your group. Totally worth a stop along the Sea to Sky Highway.
This list is only a beginning. We'd love to hear about your favorites!
[travellingmom tip: For a comprehensive list (and reviews) of all the great restaurants in this city, check out Vancouver Magazine.]