Top 10 Best Baby and Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Vancouver

Located in British Columbia, Vancouver is a Canadian coastal city that is known for its mild climate, picturesque views, and down-to-earth locals. It is ethnically diverse and very safe, making it the perfect place to visit with small children. Another highly-acclaimed thing about Vancouver is its vibrant food scene. Because it’s located on a major seaport, one of the city’s biggest claims to fame is its fresh seafood. Vancouver’s moderate climate also provides a long growing season, which means there’s always a plethora of produce in season. In most cities with a major foodie scene, it’s not always easy to find restaurants that are geared toward people with small children or babies. Yet, you can still explore the food scene and find a number of kid-friendly restaurants in Vancouver.

So what exactly makes a restaurant kid-friendly? A few things, in our opinion. A kid-friendly restaurant is one with a substantial children’s menu that will satisfy your child’s palate. The atmosphere is also laid back, so you don’t have to worry about your child’s enthusiasm disturbing other diners. These family-friendly restaurants in Vancouver offer a multitude of activities to keep your children busy; some places even have games or play areas for the ultimate child-friendly experience! Despite their kid-friendly atmospheres and menus, these kid-friendly restaurants in Vancouver don’t compromise on quality food.

And once you’ve had your fill of delicious Vancouver food and your wallet starts getting a bit too light, be sure to check out our article on saving money on food while traveling. But until then, here are the top ten kid-friendly restaurants in Vancouver.

1. Pizzeria Barbarella

Let’s face it, what kid doesn’t love pizza? Pizzeria Barbarella offers a kid-friendly menu and environment while still boasting some amazing adult options to keep the parent’s palates pleased. The kids’ menu offers a choice of personal pizzas with three choices of toppings – plain cheese, pepperoni, or ham and pineapple. These entrees include a drink and a treat at the end, so you don’t have to worry about your kid asking for dessert. There are even vegan options available to accommodate every family’s needs. For mom and dad, the place offers an impressive selection of wine and beer, including a refreshing summer sangria!

Website: Pizzeria Barbarella

Address: 654 E Broadway

Hours: Monday – Sunday from 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Price Range: $$

2. Sal y Limon

Offering an excellent selection of Mexican-themed dishes, this place features take-out service, but it’s also one of the most family-friendly restaurants in Vancouver. Sal y Limon is owned by two couples who are close friends. Since both couples have children, they made it their mission to create a restaurant with authentic Mexican food served in an environment that is geared toward keeping children busy and happy during the dining experience. There’s a play kitchen where they can pretend to create their own culinary masterpieces as well as a wide array of colorful artwork. The loud, upbeat atmosphere means you don’t have to worry about shushing your kids every few minutes since loud talking and joviality are highly encouraged here. This is certainly not an uptight, conservative place but somewhere that encourages parents and children to have a good meal and create memories together. Of course, there are adult beverages for mom and dad, but your children will be happy sipping on authentic horchata or a wide selection of Mexican sodas!

Website: Sal y Limon

Address: 701 Kingsway Street

Hours:  Monday – Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Sundays from 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Price Range: $

3. Bells and Whistles

If your kid tends to get antsy in restaurants, this is a great option since there’s so much to keep them entertained while they wait for the food. They can do everything from play skee-ball to shoot basketball hoops, and the fun kids’ menus have plenty of activities as well. Complete with ample room for strollers and a family-friendly picnic area, your kids will be happy with the cuisine offered as well. There’s everything from hot dogs to grilled cheese to fish sticks, French fries, and onion rings.

There is also an impressive rotation of beer on tap, so mom and dad can enjoy a brew or two while letting the little ones play. Of course, every kid has a sweet tooth, and there is no shortage of sweet treats to finish off the experience here. From simple soft-serve ice cream to elaborate sundaes topped with fresh berries, sprinkles, and even birthday cake crumbles, every child can experience a perfect end to their dining and play experience here. Please be advised that Bells and Whistles does not accept reservations, so everything is on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Website: Bells and Whistles

Address: 3296 Fraser Street

Hours: Monday – Thursday from 11:30 a.m. – Midnight; Fridays from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.; Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.; Sundays from 10:00 a.m. – Midnight. 

*As one might imagine, the atmosphere in the final hours before closing is decidedly less kid-friendly, but during the day and for dinner time, it’s an excellent choice.

Price Range: $$

4. The Old Spaghetti Factory

Eating out while you’re on vacation can be expensive, and this is a great option for giving you the most bang for your buck. Every entree is accompanied by freshly baked warm bread and a choice of soup or salad as well as delicious spumoni ice cream at the end! It’s no secret that kids love pasta, and this place offers a number of selections for small children in a family-friendly environment. Of course, you can always go with the classic stand-by of plain noodles with butter and cheese and other favorite dishes, such as spaghetti with meat sauce, with a few meatballs thrown in for good measure. The décor here is whimsical, and the professional staff is jovial, often making a point to go out of their way to crack a joke with the kids. It is, however, a very popular place to eat, so you might have to wait a minute or two for a seat.

Website: Old Spaghetti Factory

Address: 53 Water Street

Hours: Monday – Saturday from 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Sundays from 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Price Range: $$

5. Rocky Mountain Flatbread

This place offers an awesome and affordable three-course kid’s meal for only $13.50! Your child can choose between an appetizer of fresh-cut organic veggies with dipping sauce or chicken noodle soup before moving on to the entrees. Entree options include plain cheese and tomato sauce flatbread that can be customized with any two choice of toppings, plain pasta, and creamy mac and cheese. For the final course, there’s a brownie sundae or just plain ice cream. As an extra bonus, Rocky Mountain Flatbread place can easily accommodate allergies to gluten, nuts, and dairy. This is also a very family-friendly environment, equipped with high chairs and a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere.

Website: Rocky Mountain Flatbread

Address: There are two different locations in the city. One is at 1876 W 1^st Avenue, and the other is at 4186 Main St.

Hours: Monday – Thursday from 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Fridays from 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Sundays from 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Price Range: $

6. Sophie’s Cosmic Café

This place has a vibrant, easy-going atmosphere complete with a huge array of original, colorful works of art from local and international artists. Sophie’s Cosmic Café focuses on producing delicious comfort food, and they certainly don’t skimp on the kid’s menu. If you come for breakfast, your little one can choose anything from French toast and pancakes with or without strawberries or a classic little lumberjack meal, which consists of one egg, bacon, hash browns, and toast. Lunch options include chicken tenders, grilled cheese, or cheeseburger accompanied with a choice of fries or a fresh fruit cup. Mom and Dad can indulge in some of the tastiest Eggs Benedict to be found anywhere in the city along with Cajun oysters and one of the house specialties, a turkey meatloaf.

Website: Sophie’s Cosmic Cafe

Address: 2095 W 4^th Avenue

Hours: Mondays and Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.; Wednesday – Sunday from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Price Range: $$

7. Savio Volpe

This Italian eatery offers a number of options to keep the young ones entertained while the adults enjoy a delicious, elegant meal. While the place is quite classy, it is still remarkably kid-friendly. Volpe translates into “fox” in Italian, and each child is given a cardboard fox mask made from sturdy cardboard that they can decorate however they like and take home as a memento. While there is a separate kids’ menu that offers plain pasta with the option to add sauce and/or meatballs, one of the best things about this place is the family-style meals, which start at $25 per person.

Website: Savio Volpe

Address: 615 Kingsway

Hours: Monday – Sunday from 5:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Price Range: $$$

8. YEW Seafood and Bar

Yes, this restaurant is located in the Four Seasons Hotel, a place synonymous with luxury and elegance. What you might be surprised to know is that this restaurant prides itself on its ability to flawlessly serve people of all ages, including small children and infants. Not only will they give your kid a plate of fresh-cut fruit to munch on while you wait for the main course to arrive, but the children’s menu is also full of so many selections. It will please everyone from the pickiest eaters to those with more sophisticated palates. Only the freshest ingredients are used in everything from macaroni and cheese to grilled cheese or grilled chicken tenders. More adventurous children can even choose pan-seared salmon with rice or a pint-sized beef tenderloin accompanied by mashed potatoes and carrots. 

Website: YEW Seafood and Bar

Address: 791 W Georgia St.

Hours: Monday – Sunday from 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Price Range: $$$

9. Circus Play Café

This place is an awesome choice for families traveling with small children, as it provides plenty of healthy meal options combined with a large play area that keeps kids wonderfully entertained. Your little ones can snack on their very own junior tapas boxes, which contain everything from fresh fruit, turkey roll-ups, and other finger foods. There’s an impressive coffee menu coupled with soups, salads, and sandwiches for mom and dad as well. For ten dollars or less, your kid can purchase a two-hour block of playtime in the play gym, where they can do everything from climb on a jungle gym to cook in a faux kitchen. For children who prefer less energetic activities, there are also dollhouses, countless books, and many activity corners as well.

Website: Circus Play Cafe

Address: 1650 E 12^th Avenue

Hours:  Monday – Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Closed on Sundays.

Price Range: $$

10. Café Deux Soleils

Café Deux Soleils places emphasis on comforting soul food with a healthy flair. It is host to many open mic events, featuring everything from music to poetry. The same stage that is used for these events at nighttime doubles as a play area for children during the day, complete with plenty of books, blocks, and coloring activities. There’s also a giant chalkboard for doodling. The kids’ breakfast menu offers classic favorites like French toast or a plate with one egg, toast and hash browns. For lunch, there are other kid-friendly options, including a grilled cheese or a burger that’s the perfect size for smaller appetites.

Website: Cafe Deux Soleils

Address: 2096 Commercial Drive

Hours: Monday – Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.; Thursday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. – Midnight; Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – Midnight; Sundays from 9:00 a.m. –  11:00 p.m.

Price Range: $

Vancouver is one of the ultimate foodie destinations in Canada. However, finding a restaurant that welcomes, celebrates, and accommodates children isn’t always easy. We hope you found this list helpful, but if you know of any other kid-friendly restaurants in Vancouver, we’d love to hear from you!