Best places to eat in Orlando for families--the ultimate food guide

The BEST Family-Friendly Restaurants in Orlando

Orlando, Florida, is not only known for its magical theme parks but also for its diverse culinary scene. When dining out with your family, finding a restaurant catering to the needs of children and adults can sometimes be a challenge. However, we have compiled a list of the best family-friendly restaurants in Orlando that will make your dining experience enjoyable and memorable. From playful atmospheres to mouthwatering dishes, these restaurants have it all.

10+ BEST Family-Friendly Restaurants in Orlando

1. Hash House a Go-Go: A Twist on Farm Food

Variety of food on table featured at Hash House A Go Go in Orlando--best family-friendly restaurants in Orlando

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience that combines comfort food with a playful atmosphere, look no further than Hash House a Go-Go. Located in the middle of Orlando, this restaurant serves breakfast and lunch, with weekend dinner hours. The spacious dining area gives families plenty of room to spread out, and the entrance features a fun photo op with a tractor.

The menu at Hash House a Go-Go offers a twist on traditional farm food, with dishes like Griddled French Toast and Corned Beef, Red Onions, and Swiss Cheese. Whether you want something sweet or savory, this restaurant will satisfy the whole family. So, gather your little lambs and head to Hash House for a Go-Go for a delightful dining experience.

2. Nauti Lobstah: Seafood Delights for the Whole Family

If your family loves seafood, Nauti Lobstah is the perfect spot for you. This family-owned restaurant offers delectable seafood creations and high-quality alternatives such as steaks, chicken, and pork. The casual and friendly setting, complete with paper-covered tables and lobster bibs for all, creates a fun and relaxed atmosphere for the whole family.

While Nauti Lobstah is known for its HUGE lobster roll, they offer a kid’s menu with multiple seafood and non-seafood food options. So, whether your little ones prefer fish or chicken, there’s something for everyone. Take the chance to indulge in fresh and flavorful seafood dishes at Nauti Lobstah.

3. 4Roots Cafe: A Hidden Gem at OrlandoScience Center

4Roots Cafe located at Orlando Science Center--best restaurants in Orlando for families

Tucked away inside the Orlando Science Center, 4Roots Cafe is a hidden gem that offers a unique dining experience for families. This restaurant is particular because you don’t need a ticket to the Orlando Science Center to enjoy their delicious food. With an entrance from Loch Haven Park, 4Roots Cafe welcomes visitors with its build-your-own rice and salad bowls, wraps, salads, and fresh snacks.

Run by the 4Rivers Smokehouse team, 4Roots Cafe offers healthful and fresh options for families. The hands-on play areas inside the restaurant add an extra element of entertainment, making it a perfect spot for a fun and educational lunch. Remember that the cafe is closed on Wednesdays when school is in session, but it’s open seven days a week during the summer.

4. Nick’s Family Diner: A Comfy Home Away from Home

For a cozy and affordable dining experience, look no further than Nick’s Family Diner. This hidden gem in Orlando feels like you’re sitting in a comfy home, serving tasty food with friendly service. The menu boasts a variety of options, including burgers, salads, sandwiches, and breakfast dishes, which are available all day.

Nick’s Family Diner is open from Tuesday to Sunday, making it an excellent spot for breakfast or lunch. Remember that there is a surcharge for card payments, so it’s best to bring cash to avoid additional fees. So, gather your family and enjoy a comforting meal at Nick’s Family Diner.

5. Buca di Beppo: Italian Delights for the Whole Family

Regarding family-friendly dining, Buca di Beppo is a go-to restaurant for many. With multiple locations in Orlando, this Italian eatery is known for its emphasis on family-style dining. Every menu item is designed for sharing, making it a perfect option for families of all sizes.

From traditional favorites like lasagna and chicken parmigiana to mouthwatering alfredo and spaghetti dishes, Buca di Beppo offers something for everyone. They even have a kid’s menu for the picky eaters in your family. Each restaurant boasts different dining rooms adorned with decorations, providing endless distractions as you wait for food. So, gather your loved ones and enjoy a feast at Buca di Beppo.

6. Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux: Where Sports and Family Fun Collide

If your family loves sports, Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux is the perfect spot for you. Founded by college basketball player Brandon Landry and co-owned by professional football quarterback Drew Brees, this sports-themed restaurant brings Louisiana culture and cooking to Florida. With televisions posted in almost every space, including the bathroom, you and your team never have to worry about missing a second of the game.

At Walk-On’s, diners can join the staff in “The Rumble” during shift changes, where employees get pumped for their shift to win the walk-on. You can even drumroll on your table and join in their chants. Their shared menu sets Walk-Ons apart from other sports pubs, which is excellent for family gatherings.

7. Mrs. Potato: A Potato Lover’s Paradise

Mrs. Potato Restaurant in Orlando hash brown--best family restaurants in Orlando

If your kids are fans of potatoes, Mrs. Potato is the place to be. Featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” show, this unique restaurant serves up dishes that all involve…you guessed it, potatoes! The owner, Rafaela, came to America from Brazil as a child and missed the potato houses from back home, so she started her unique restaurant in Orlando.

One of the crowd favorites at Mrs. Potato is the Rosti Potato, a hashbrown outside stuffed with delicious fillings and topped with Brazilian cream cheese. The Rosti Potatoes entrees are big enough to share with a family of three. The menu also features burgers, loaded baked potatoes, empanadas, and kids’ dishes.

8. Boxi Park: A Unique Dining Experience in a Reimagined Space

Boxi Park in Lake Nona--best family-friendly restaurants in Orlando

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind dining experience, look no further than Boxi Park. This innovative dining concept is made from repurposed shipping containers turned into a vibrant corporate space. The open-air seating allows parents to relax while the little ones have plenty of space to wiggle and move around.

Boxi Park offers a wide variety of food options to satisfy every palate. From seafood and chicken to burgers and taqueria, there’s something for everyone in the family. And if the grown-ups need a refreshing beverage, several bars offer liquid libations. Plus, the outdoor space features lawn games, a playground, and a volleyball court, ensuring the whole family can have fun before or after enjoying their tasty bites. Remember that well-behaved four-legged pups can roam free in the fenced dog park.

9. The Yardery: Where Food and Play Come Together

The Yardery invites the whole family to eat and play. This family-friendly restaurant in Sanford offers a fun and relaxed atmosphere where children and pups on a leash are welcome to romp around the yard while the adults sit back and enjoy their dishes and drinks. The Yardery features a range of games, including cornhole, pool, ping pong, and ladder toss, ensuring that the whole family can have a great time together.

The outdoor space is shaded by large trees and offers covered seating for sunny Florida days or unexpected thunderstorms. The fenced-in yard gives it a neighbor’s gathering vibe. The Yardery serves lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Thursday and breakfast, lunch, and dinner from Friday to Sunday.

10. Plant Street Market: A Food Lover’s Paradise

Plant Street Market in Winter Garden, Florida--family places to eat in Orlando

Located in Winter Garden, Plant Street Market is a must-visit for food-loving families. Hosting the Crooked Can Brewery, this market is a place where you can not only dine but also shop. With over ten eating vendors inside, many options suit any food craving. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza, tacos, sushi, or barbecue, Plant Street Market has got you covered.

Seating is available inside and outside, with a patio welcoming pets. After enjoying your meal, stroll through the market and explore the artisan goods for something special to take home.

11. The Kitty Beautiful: A Purrfect Outing for the Whole Family

For a unique and heartwarming dining experience, visit The Kitty Beautiful, a cat cafe that combines delicious food with adorable feline companionship. Upon entering the cafe, you’ll be greeted by a menu that offers a variety of cat-themed dishes, such as grilled cheese in the shape of a cat head, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, tomato soup, cinnamon sugar toast, and cookies. They also serve coffees and teas prepared by their talented “purristas.”

After enjoying your meal, head through the double doors to play and cuddle with adoptable cats. This is an excellent opportunity for kids to learn about responsible pet ownership and potentially find a new furry family member. The cafe is free to enter, but visitors must pay a fee for an hour of playtime with the cats. Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends. So, if you’re a cat lover or simply looking for a unique dining experience, The Kitty Beautiful is the purr-fect place for you and your family.

12. Grill’s Lakeside Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar: A Waterside Delight

Even though Orlando is not located on the seashore, you can still enjoy a waterfront dining experience at Grill’s Lakeside Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar. This restaurant overlooks Lake Fairview and offers both indoor and outdoor seating options. The large windows in the dining room provide a stunning view of the sprawling deck and the picturesque lake. If you have access to a boat, you can even arrive at the restaurant via the dock.

Grill’s Lakeside Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar specializes in locally sourced seafood, ensuring you get the freshest ingredients in every dish. While seafood is the show’s star, the menu also features plenty of options for land lovers, including beef and chicken dishes.

One of the highlights of dining at Grill’s Lakeside Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar is the small playground next to the outdoor patio. Their play area allows kids to have fun and burn off energy before or after meals. So, gather your family and enjoy a delightful waterside dining experience at Grill’s Lakeside Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the best family-friendly restaurants in Orlando that offer unique and memorable dining experiences for the whole family. Each restaurant brings its charm, atmosphere, and delicious food. So, whether you’re in the mood for farm food, seafood delights, or international cuisine, Orlando has something for everyone. Embark on a culinary adventure with your loved ones and create lasting memories at these family-friendly restaurants. Families can also discover even more delicious eats at Disney Springs.

Each of these restaurants offers a unique dining experience that caters to families. Whether you’re looking for a playful atmosphere, seafood delights, or the opportunity to cook your pancakes, these restaurants have it all. So, plan your Orlando vacation and visit these family-friendly restaurants for a memorable dining experience.

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The Comments

  • Val
    March 9, 2024

    Saving this post for our family trip to Disney, can’t wait to check a few of these restaurants out!