Archie MontroseRemember those dreaded family dinners at fancy restaurants? The awkward silence, the fussy kids, and the constant worry about whether they’d touch their food?
It can feel impossible to find a place where everyone—kids and adults—can enjoy good food without stress. That’s why I’m excited to share my insider list of the best kid-approved restaurants in Vancouver!
These spots serve delicious meals that satisfy your cravings and offer fun atmospheres and menus that cater to even the pickiest eaters. Dive into this guide to discover where to dine out with your family.
1. Bells and Whistles
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Website: http://bellsandwhistlesyvr.ca/
Address: 3296 Fraser St, Vancouver, BC V5V 4B9
Contact details: +16046207990
Operating hours: 11:30 AM–11 PM
Pricing: $$
Bells and Whistles has a cool Americana theme and serves seriously delicious comfort food. It offers made-to-order burgers, fried chicken, and the creamiest soft ice cream, making it a go-to spot for families.
One of the things that sets Bells and Whistles apart is their special kids’ brunch menu, “the mini,” which is available on weekends. It includes eggs, bacon or sausage, hash browns, and toast—a real hit with the little ones.
The ambiance is awesome, with a lively bar/pub vibe on one side and a cozy dining space on the other. Plus, there’s an outdoor terrace to enjoy your meal in the fresh air.
Oh, and here’s the best part for the kids – arcade games are tucked away in one corner, so they can have a blast while waiting for their food. The restaurant also hosts special events like game days, adding to the lively atmosphere that kids find so exciting.
Pro tip:
Ask about their weekday kids’ meal deal. For a limited time, kids can enjoy a free kids’ meal by purchasing an adult entree. This is a great way to save money and make your dining experience more enjoyable.
2. Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co.
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Website: http://www.rockymountainflatbread.ca/
Address: 4186 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P7
Contact details: +16045669779
Operating hours: 12–9 PM
Pricing: $$
Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co. is one of the best family-friendly restaurants I’ve visited. The atmosphere there is so warm and inviting, with wood accents and an open kitchen where you can watch your meal being prepared.
One of the things that stood out to me was the build-your-own pizza option for kids. They also have special events like Pizza Making Night on Sundays, where kids can roll out the dough and add their toppings.
They specialize in pizza, pasta, salads, and desserts, and let me tell you, the food is delicious! The best part is that they use local and organic ingredients and are 100% nut-free. They even have gluten-friendly and vegan options.
I also love that they support over 50 local farmers and suppliers. It’s great to see a restaurant that’s so committed to the community.
Pro tip:
I highly recommend the Mediterranean flatbread with roasted vegetables, feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s a delicious and healthy option for the whole family.
3. Sal y Limon
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Website: https://www.salylimon.ca/
Address: 701 Kingsway #5, Vancouver, BC V5T 3K6
Contact details: +16046774247
Operating hours: 11 AM–10 PM
Pricing: $
Sal y Limon is vibrant and lively, and the food is delicious! They serve classic Mexican dishes, and let me tell you, everything is authentic and flavorful. The restaurant has a cozy and friendly vibe, perfect for families.
The service is super welcoming, and the colorful decor adds to the inviting atmosphere. I especially love their happy hour from 3 to 6 PM – you can get awesome drinks and snack deals.
And here’s the best part—it’s a great spot for families. The menu has many options for kids, like cheesy quesadillas and customizable tacos. They also have special events and promotions, making dining there even more fun for the little ones.
Pro tip:
Ask for a side of guacamole and chips. Kids love dipping their chips into the creamy guacamole, a healthy and delicious way to satisfy them.
4. Circus Play Cafe
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Website: http://www.circusplaycafe.com/
Address: Canada, 1502 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5L 1S5
Contact details: +16045582545
Operating hours: 9 AM–3:30 PM
Pricing: $
Circus Play Cafe is a fantastic spot for families with young kids, especially those aged five and under. The whole place is designed to encourage imagination and creativity in kids through play, and let me tell you, it’s truly a gem.
The atmosphere there is warm and inviting, with bright colors and play areas that encourage exploration. They even have structured classes and workshops tailored for young children, which was great.
One of the coolest things is the “Playspace,” where kids can play without any distractions, like food or shoes—only socks are allowed, which keeps the area clean and safe.
And let’s talk about the menu! They offer healthy snacks like fruit cups, yogurt parfaits, and veggie sticks, perfect for little appetites. Oh, and they also host special events, including customized birthday parties, which is a fantastic idea.
Pro tip:
Consider booking a private party at the cafe. Your child and their friends will have a blast celebrating in this fun and festive setting.
5. The Old Spaghetti Factory
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Website: http://www.oldspaghettifactory.ca/locations/gastown
Address: 53 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1A1
Contact details: +16046841288
Operating hours: 11 AM–10 PM
Pricing: $$
The Old Spaghetti Factory has been a family favorite for years, and I can see why. The menu is so inclusive—they have everything from pasta dishes to pizzas and classic Italian entrees. The ambiance is charming and whimsical.
The antique lighting, colorful booths, and beautiful stained glass displays give it a unique character. Plus, they have an old-fashioned trolley car you can dine in, which is super cool for kids and adults.
The restaurant is designed to cater to families, with spacious seating for large groups and a welcoming atmosphere. They even have special events and promotions, like kids-eat-free nights and discounts for larger groups.
The kids’ menu is great, too—it has all the favorites tailored to their tastes. It uses fresh ingredients and house-made sauces, and it’s even adapted to offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Pro tip:
Be sure to save room for dessert! Their famous chocolate lava cake is a decadent treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
6. Fable Diner
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Website: http://www.fablediner.com/
Address: 151 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5T 1W1
Contact details: +16045633463
Operating hours: 10 AM–10 PM
Pricing: $$
Fable Diner & Bar is all about farm-to-table goodness, and they’ve been around since 2016. The menu is diverse, from juicy burgers to refreshing brunch options. They even got featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives!
The atmosphere there is super relaxed and family-friendly. The inside is cozy with a mix of modern and rustic vibes, and they’ve got a great outdoor patio, too. Plus, they’ve got a full bar and even offer gluten-free options.
I had the best time at their Prohibition Brunch, where they had live music or comedy every Thursday night. It was such a lively and fun experience. Your kids will love the Fable Breakfast, which includes choices like pancakes, waffles, and classic diner fare.
Pro tip:
Ask the staff for recommendations if you’re visiting with a picky eater. They always suggest kid-friendly options to please even the fussiest appetites. They also provide crayons and coloring sheets to keep little ones entertained.
7. Chickpea
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Website: http://www.ilovechickpea.ca/
Address: 4298 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P9
Contact details: +16046200602
Operating hours: 10 AM–10 PM
Pricing: $$
Chickpea is a Mediterranean-inspired vegan spot founded by two friends, Rotem and Itamar, who are passionate about healthy, plant-based food. The restaurant started as a food truck and quickly became so popular that it became a full-fledged restaurant.
I love that they use organic ingredients to make their delicious hummus plates, falafels, and vegan shawarmas. The Chickpea vibe is welcoming and family-friendly, which you’d appreciate.
The restaurant can seat up to 93 guests and has a lively atmosphere with funky decor and upbeat music. It feels cozy yet energetic, and I enjoyed the place’s communal feel.
If you have kids, they’ll love the chickpea fries – they’re crispy and flavorful, perfect for dipping! Chickpea also has customizable pitas and burritos for kids to choose their favorite fillings.
Pro tip:
For a unique dining experience, I highly recommend trying Chickpea’s outdoor patio during the warmer months. It’s a great place to enjoy the Vancouver sunshine while savoring your meal.
8. Red Robin
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Website: https://locations.redrobin.com/bc/vancouver/273/
Address: 803 Thurlow St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1W1
Contact details: +16046628288
Operating hours: 11 AM–9 PM
Pricing: $$
Red Robin is a family-friendly restaurant with a great atmosphere and delicious gourmet burgers. I love that they’ve been around since 1969 and have honed their menu perfectly.
They offer over 25 burgers, including my favorites, the Whiskey River® BBQ Burger and the Savoury Steakhouse Burger. They also have bottomless steak fries and a variety of appetizers.
The extensive kids’ menu offers classic options like mac and cheese, chicken tenders, and grilled cheese sandwiches. I also love that they have special promotions like 50% off kids’ meals every Wednesday, making it affordable for families.
The ambiance is vibrant and welcoming, and it’s perfect for families. The colorful decor and playful elements make it appealing, especially to kids.
Pro tip:
Try their bottomless fries. It’s a kid-friendly indulgence that’s sure to be a hit. You can savor crispy, golden fries with endless refills to your heart’s content.
9. Pepino’s Spaghetti House
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Website: http://pepinos.ca/
Address: 631 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3W3
Contact details: +16042545633
Operating hours: 5–10 PM
Pricing: $$
Pepino’s Spaghetti House has this wonderful blend of old-school charm with a modern twist. The name “Pepino” is a nod to a character from a classic 1950s song, which I thought was a nice touch.
The food there is incredible, with traditional comfort dishes giving a fresh spin. They make their pasta in-house and use organic meats and locally sourced produce, so you know you’re getting quality.
The restaurant has a cozy, inviting atmosphere that resembles a trip back to classic Italian-American dining. The decor, which includes dark wooden tables, plush red seating, and vintage artwork, adds to the nostalgic feel.
If you have kids, they’ll love the menu, too. Classic options include spaghetti meatballs and cheese ravioli. They even provide large plastic bibs for messy eaters, which adds a fun touch that kids enjoy.
Pro tip:
A must-order at Pepino’s is their classic spaghetti with meatballs. The spaghetti is cooked to perfection, the meatballs are tender and juicy, and the sauce is rich and flavorful. It’s a classic dish that never disappoints.
10. Pizzeria Barbarella
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Website: http://www.pizzeriabarbarella.com/
Address: 654 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5T 1X7
Contact details: +16042106111
Operating hours: 11:30 AM–10 PM
Pricing: $$
Pizzeria Barbarella has a cozy, rustic vibe that makes you feel at home. They specialize in artisanal pizzas, and what’s great is that they have options for everyone, including vegans.
I love their outdoor seating, which is perfect for enjoying a meal in the fresh air with the family. The service is super friendly and attentive, which adds to the whole dining experience.
And here’s something cool: you can watch the chefs making the pizzas in the open kitchen! Kids also have customizable pizza options, which your kids would love. They get to choose their toppings and make their little pizzas.
Pro tip:
Ask about their “Build Your Own Pizza” option. This allows kids to get creative and design their personalized pizza. It’s a fun and interactive way to excite them about trying new flavors.
