Selecting a spot to eat when you have children can be tricky. If you have multiple munchkins like me, there’s bound to be some squabbling and LOTS of chatting. The last thing you want when you are trying to feed your family is glaring eyes directed your way because your family is too loud or disruptive. And honestly, us parents don’t want to ruin anyone’s meal with our familial brood. So, what are we to do?! Fortunately, there are plenty of the best places to eat in Orlando for families that offer a welcoming atmosphere suitable for diners of all ages. These establishments make the dining out experience not only bearable but actually enjoyable and fun for everyone!
Orlando is a haven for family fun, offering a plethora of attractions and activities that cater to all ages. Amidst the excitement, finding the best places to eat in Orlando for families can enhance your experience even further. Orlando offers family-friendly dinner shows and a variety of family-friendly restaurants with unique themes and entertainment options. Whether you’re seeking interactive dining, casual American fare, or international cuisine, here are some of the best places to eat in Orlando for families.
Hash House a Go-Go
Taste the farm life in the heart of Orlando at Hash House a Go-Go. Serving breakfast and lunch from Sunday to Thursday, with dinner hours on Friday and Saturday, this eatery is one of the best places to eat in Orlando for families, offering a casual atmosphere that is both relaxed and family-friendly. With plenty of spacious tables and an open dining area, it feels like a relaxing barn experience. Kids can enjoy the tractor at the entrance, which is great for keeping them occupied and offers a fun photo op. The menu features a delightful mix of sweet and savory options like Griddled French Toast and Corned Beef with Red
Nauti Lobstah
Nauti Lobstah is a family friendly restaurant offering delicious seafood creations alongside high-quality alternatives like steaks, chicken, and pork. This friendly establishment is perfect for families, with paper-covered tables and lobstah bibs for all. While known for their massive lobster rolls, Nauti Lobstah also provides a kid’s menu with a variety of seafood and non-seafood options, all for $10 each. It’s undoubtedly one of the best places to eat in Orlando for families looking for
4Roots Cafe
4Roots Cafe, a hidden gem located within the Orlando Science Center, is another excellent choice among the best places to eat in Orlando for families. You don’t need a ticket to the Science Center to dine here, as there’s an entrance from Loch Haven Park. Operated by the 4Rivers Smokehouse team, the cafe offers build-your-own rice and salad bowls, grab-and-go wraps, salads, and fresh snacks. The cafe features hands-on play areas that keep kids entertained, making lunchtime both fun and stress-free.
Nick’s Family Diner – Family Friendly Restaurants
Nick’s Family Diner is a hidden gem that stands out as a kid-friendly restaurant, offering a cozy, home-like atmosphere perfect for families with children. This diner serves up classic dishes like burgers, salads, sandwiches, and breakfast items all day, making it one of the best places to eat in Orlando for families seeking comfort food. The diner is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 8 am – 2:30 pm, and offers an affordable menu that won’t break the bank. Just remember to bring cash to avoid the surcharge for card payments.
The Acre
The Acre is a versatile venue known for hosting weddings and private events but also serves as one of the best places to eat in Orlando for families. With multiple outdoor seating areas and some indoor options, there’s plenty of room for kids to play. However, parents should keep a watchful eye, as it’s easy to lose track of little ones. The Acre offers a limited selection of non-alcoholic beverages and kids’ options, making it a great spot for an early family dinner before the adults take over later in the evening.
Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux – Featuring Live Entertainment
Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux is the ultimate destination for sports-loving families. Founded by college basketball player Brandon Landry and co-owned by professional football quarterback Drew Brees, this sports-themed restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Orlando for families. The Louisiana-inspired menu, televisions in almost every corner, and interactive dining experiences like “The Rumble” make it an exciting place for both kids and parents. The sharing menu is perfect for family gatherings, ensuring everyone gets a taste of the delicious offerings.
Mrs. Potato Restaurant
Featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives,” Mrs. Potato is a unique restaurant where the entire restaurant is themed around potatoes. This Brazilian-inspired eatery is among the best places to eat in Orlando for families, offering large portions that are perfect for sharing. Kids will love the Rosti Potato, a hashbrown stuffed with delicious fillings and topped with Brazilian cream cheese. The restaurant also serves burgers, loaded baked potatoes, empanadas, and a variety of kids’ dishes, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Boxi Park
Boxi Park is a family-friendly venue made from repurposed shipping containers, offering a casual atmosphere with a variety of food options. From seafood and chicken to burgers and taqueria, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Parents can unwind in the open-air seating while kids enjoy outdoor lawn games, a playground, and a volleyball court. Boxi Park is one of the best places to eat in Orlando for families looking for a casual, fun dining experience.
The Yardery
The Yardery invites the whole family to enjoy great food and outdoor play. Both children and leashed dogs are welcome to roam and play games like cornhole, pool, ping pong, or ladder toss. With plenty of shaded seating, it’s a perfect spot for families to relax and enjoy their meals. Serving lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Thursday, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner from Friday to Sunday, The Yardery is one of the best places to eat in Orlando for families who love a playful and relaxed environment.
Plant Street Market
Plant Street Market, home to the Crooked Can Brewery, offers a variety of dining and shopping options. With over ten food vendors, it’s ideal for families who can’t agree on what to eat. Seating is available both indoors and outdoors, and pets are welcome on the patio. After enjoying a meal, families can browse artisan goods for something unique to take home. Plant Street Market is undoubtedly one of the best places to eat in Orlando for families who love variety and local flavors.
The Old Spanish Sugar Mill, DeLeon Springs
If you have an extra day in Orlando, a visit to The Old Spanish Sugar Mill in DeLeon Springs is a must. This rustic eatery, set in a rebuilt 1830s sugar mill, offers a unique dining experience where families can cook their own pancakes on a table griddle. The excitement of flipping white and multigrain pancakes will surely be a highlight for your kids. Located within a state park, you can also enjoy swimming in the springs, kayaking, or taking a narrated boat ride.
Artisan’s Table, Downtown Orlando
Located in downtown Orlando, Artisan’s Table is a creative kitchen and bar offering chef-prepared dishes without the fuss. The diverse menu includes options like a Japanese breakfast bowl and a short-rib-and-brisket burger. The kids’ menu offers choices from PB&J to grilled ham and cheese, with sides like sliced bananas and french fries. While the kids color, parents can enjoy craft beers and creative cocktails.
Splitsville, Disney Springs
At Splitsville, located in Disney Springs, you can enjoy a meal while bowling. The menu offers a variety of options like filet sliders, Ninja Crunch sushi rolls, and grilled salmon. Kids have their own menu, and soft drinks are served in fun, transparent plastic bowling pins. With live music every night, Splitsville is one of the best places to eat in Orlando for families looking for a fun and engaging atmosphere featuring live entertainment.
Mama Della’s Ristorante, Universal Orlando
At Mama Della’s Ristorante, located within the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, families can enjoy traditional Italian cuisine with a side of entertainment, making it one of the best family friendly dinner shows in Orlando. An actress portraying Mama Della, along with strolling musicians, will visit your table as you savor dishes like housemade gnocchi and salmon with jumbo shrimp. Kids can choose from options like PB&J and fettuccine Alfredo.
Ohana, Disney’s Polynesian Resort
For a Hawaiian-themed family feast, ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort offers a themed dining experience similar to those found at Orlando’s various theme parks. Dinner starts with the blowing of a conch shell, followed by coconut races and hula music. The all-you-can-eat menu features pineapple-coconut bread, dumplings, sweet-and-sour chicken skewers, and Szechuan sirloin steak.
Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour, Universal Studios Florida
In the heart of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, within one of Orlando’s renowned theme parks, Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour offers unique flavors like clotted cream, Earl Grey & lavender, and sticky toffee pudding. Soft serve options include orange marmalade and Granny Smith, with a variety of toppings to choose from.
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
At Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, guests sit in 1950s-style faux cars while watching clips of old-time scary movies. The menu includes a smoked prime rib sandwich and Buffalo chicken salad, while kids can enjoy milkshakes, chicken tenders, and cheeseburgers.
Tapa Toro, International Drive
Tapa Toro offers a vibrant dining experience with Flamenco dancers performing throughout the evening. Families can enjoy a range of Iberian specialties and share family-style platters. Kids are invited to join the dancers for a memorable experience.
La Hacienda de San Angel, Epcot
Located in Epcot, La Hacienda de San Angel offers a range of Mexican dishes and a view of the nightly fireworks show. The kids’ menu includes cheese quesadillas and mac ‘n’ cheese, while parents can enjoy shrimp tacos and pan-seared snapper.
Three Broomsticks, Universal’s Islands of Adventure
At Three Broomsticks in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, one of Orlando’s renowned theme parks, families can enjoy a rustic British meal. Kids will love trying Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice while parents indulge in chicken and ribs or a smoked turkey leg.
Raglan Road, Disney Springs
Raglan Road offers elevated Irish cuisine and a family-friendly dining experience featuring live entertainment, creating an engaging atmosphere for both kids and adults. Kids can join the costumed performers onstage for a dance lesson while parents enjoy dishes like shepherd’s pie and wild boar burgers.
Boggy Bottom BBQ, Kissimmee
Boggy Bottom BBQ offers traditional Cracker cuisine with dishes like Gator Bites and smoked brisket salad. The entire restaurant is decked out to provide a unique dining experience, complete with activities like airboat tours and gem mining, making it a fun destination for families.
Tony’s Town Square, Magic Kingdom
Tony’s Town Square offers Italian cuisine in a setting inspired by “Lady and the Tramp,” providing a themed dining experience similar to those found in Orlando’s various theme parks. The menu includes lasagna and fettuccine Alfredo, while kids can enjoy chicken tenders and mini pizzas.
4 Rivers Smokehouse, Winter Park
4 Rivers Smokehouse offers a variety of barbecue options, from smoked brisket to pulled pork, all within a casual atmosphere that is perfect for families and kids. Kids can choose from a range of sides, and the bakery offers sweet treats like cupcakes and ice cream sandwiches.
Blaze Pizza, Disney Springs
Blaze Pizza offers a build-your-own pizza experience in a casual atmosphere where kids can choose their toppings. The fast-casual restaurant uses fresh ingredients and cooks pizzas in a wood-fired oven, making it a quick and delicious option for families.
Black Rock Bar & Grill, Orlando
Black Rock Bar & Grill offers a unique and interactive dining experience where the entire restaurant is designed to engage diners, with meals cooked on a 755-degree volcanic rock. Kids will enjoy the interactive aspect, while parents savor dishes like filet mignon and lobster tail.
The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium, Universal CityWalk
The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium offers a steampunk-themed dining experience with a menu focused on chocolate, making it a standout among Orlando’s theme parks. Kids can enjoy milkshakes, sundaes, and other sweet treats, while parents indulge in savory options like pasta and steak.
Orlando offers a diverse range of dining options for families, ensuring that everyone can find something to enjoy. From interactive dining experiences to unique international cuisine, these restaurants provide the perfect complement to your family’s adventures in the city.
From the laid-back atmosphere of Hash House a Go-Go to the playful environment at The Yardery, these are some of the best places to eat in Orlando for families. Each restaurant offers a unique dining experience, ensuring that family meals are enjoyable, stress-free, and full of delicious food. So next time you’re looking for a family-friendly spot to eat, consider one of these top picks in Orlando.
