Favorite family restaurants

Photo courtesy of Baciccia

There is surely no shortage of restaurants in and around Park Slope.  But which are the best choices when we go out with our babies and children? We’ve spoken to several parents in the neighborhood and have rounded up some of the favorite family spots.  FUN FACT: Did you know Dr. Cao is totally obsessed with Italian food? His top 3 restaurants are featured at the top, with his family’s favorite menu choices!

#1) Baciccia - True Italian cuisine (everyone there is from Italy).  They have Nutella Pizza (YES, it’s a thing - and Hai learned this from Matteo’s nephews back in Italy)!

#2) Piccante - AMAZING Italian (not in Park Slope but close enough in Bay Ridge).  Osso Buco is to die for but definitely come hungry...it’s huge! A real gem of a restaurant and very accomodating for children.

#3) Piccoli - Bolognese della Nonna is Hai’s daughter’s favorite dish.  They start preparing it as soon as she walks in, they don’t even ask what she’s having!  Mouth watering homemade risottos, and more simple pasta dishes for the littles make it a win-win for the whole family.

Photo courtesy of Piccante

More favorites:

Bogota -If you’re looking for a more lively spot, this restaurant will deliver a more fun experience and great Central/South American food.  Children’s menu and fried yucca, cornmeal cakes (arepas), black bean empanadas...lots for them to choose from. Definitely go early if going for dinner as it gets very crowded!

Brooklyn Crab - Mini golf, bean bag toss, sandbox….and plenty of room for kids to run around and play outside while you enjoy the seafood in this crab-shack vibe in Red Hook.  A perfect way to spend a Saturday or Sunday afternoon with the family!

Cafe Steinhof - Casual Austrian restaurant, where kids can enjoy some schnitzel or spaetzle.  Great choice for a brunch and high chairs are available. It’s a little tight indoors for strollers, FYI (easier to sit outside)!

Calexico - Sometimes it is hard to get a seat, but when you do it's worth the wait at this restaurant with a “cool, California vibe” (NY Mag). Affordable, and fun - can’t really go wrong here, kids menu and all!   Folks love their burrito bowls with the “crack sauce” (spicy mayo).

Dizzy’s - A “finer diner”, a PERFECT brunch spot for the family and it really doesn’t get any more baby or kid friendly than this.  Food is always solid, and the staff could not be any friendlier!

East Wind Snack Shop - This spot in Windsor Terrace has the yummiest Chinese dumplings, and kids will often agree.   Large communal table inside and bench outside, and the website even states “we love kids and dogs”!

Guiseppinas - Many think this is the best brick oven pizza in the Slope, true NYC pizza.   The owner often comes by each table to greet guests. You can see the brick oven from your table and can watch them make your pizza.

Greenwood Park - This open picnic table setting outdoors is a fun spot for kids (during daytime hours only).  Be sure to keep track of their holiday events, like pumpkin carving in October and the tree lighting in December.

Haab - A large menu includes more traditional tacos to tacos with duck confit, or cactus with avocado and queso fresco.  Accommodating wait staff, definitely appropriate for babies and children.

Hugo & Sons - Super family friend restaurant, where children’s menu includes organic chicken nuggets, hot dogs and fries and rigatoni.  They’ll even prepare any pizza or pasta as gluten-free if requested! Crispy artichokes...yum.

J'eatjet - If you or your kids love burgers, this gastropub is for you (beef, lamb, veggie, and more)!  Not sure there are many kids (or adults) who would turn down their mac-and-cheese balls. Their backyard is lovely for the summer.

Johnny Mack's - For more traditional American comfort food,  and you can play pinball while you wait. This restaurant has been there for 23 years, which says a lot.  

Korzo - A Slovakian restaurant where kids are always welcome and can help you eat the yummy pierogies, potato latkes, and the infamous “fried burger”.

Krupa Grocery - The food here is delicious, specifically the panko-crusted shrimp burger and the Korean pickles.  High chairs available, even “higher high chairs” for the high tables! Beautiful outdoor area is a great spot to enjoy brunch too.

Le French Tart - For lighter lunches and dinners, like quiches, crepes and salads, this new cafe is the place to go.  The owners have young kids who are often there behind the counter. They also have an amazing selection of baked goods (and everyone must try their chips)!

Le Paddock - In addition to classic French food at a good price, this restaurant  also offers brick oven pizza which always seems to work for kids! It's a smart option if you are in the park and want to go closeby for brunch or dinner (located in Windsor Terrace).

Miriam - Another great brunch spot, this Israeli restaurant is a pleaser for both kids and parents alike.  Includes more simple foods (french toast) and then a more traditional Israeli dish like the Burekas, a puffed pastry pocket stuffed with feta & olives.

Patsys -  If you find yourself in northern Park Slope, this old-school pizzeria has a big back patio.  Thin crust pizza is amazing. They also offer to do kids’ parties, where they learn to make their own pizza!

Pita & Sticks - Good  Greek food option and family-owned and therefore very welcoming of families. Large platters are fun to share with the kids!  For the more picky eaters, the menu include burgers and chicken nuggets and  the unisex bathroom has a changing station for babies.

Prospect Bar & Grill - The French Toast is a favorite with little ones, and it has ample space should they get antsy and want to walk around!  The staff is so accommodating and friendly, an easy choice for brunch on a Sunday morning.

Sidecar - Buttermilk fried chicken.  The best. That is all. And yes, kid friendly and a charming little outdoor space.  

Ten - While many young children might not be so adventurous to try sushi, there are more “kid friendly” options like gyoza and edamame. Lots of vegan options as well!


Don’t see your favorite restaurant listed? Please comment and share!










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