Boston’s food scene is diverse and varied, and there are plenty of places to go if you’re eating with kids. Whether you want dinner and a show, an underground Bohemian vibe, or a relaxing meal with your loved ones, you’ll find it at one of the best family restaurants in Boston.
Seaport is home to a legendary seafood restaurant, while in Back Bay you can find Italian comfort food, an interactive grill, and a cafe that doubles as a bookshop. Somerville boasts some of the best wood-fired pizza in town, while you’ll find Creole and Cajun cuisine in the Theater District. Finally, South End is home to an iconic Bohemian venue serving American comfort food with global influences.
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Discover the 10 best family restaurants in Boston.
For seafood with stellar views at one of the best family restaurants in Boston — head to Legal Sea Foods (Seaport)
Waterfront destination Legal Sea Foods is one of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Boston. The main dining room is furnished with blue cushioned chairs and large windows, and you’ll also find a patio outside and a rooftop deck that offers 180-degree views of Boston Harbor. Enjoy a deep menu of elegant seafood favorites, including sushi and New England clam chowder, alongside meats and pastas. There’s also a kids’ menu starring the likes of fried fish fingers, simple pastas, and sides.
For Southern barbecue in a family-centric environment — check out Reunion BBQ (South End)
Reunion BBQ focuses on bringing families together through its sizzling Southern BBQ served in a rustic environment with dark wood furnishings and warm lighting. You’ll find a variety of smoked meat, including brisket, pork belly, ribs, and pulled chicken. The menu also features sandwiches, salads, and a vegan option, alongside classic Southern side dishes. The restaurant also has a kids’ menu, complete with BBQ plates, sandwiches, and sides like fries and cornbread.
For homemade pizza and pasta — visit La Pizza & La Pasta (Back Bay)
La Pizza & La Pasta is a destination for its homemade pizza and pasta. It specializes in pasta fresca made daily, but it also has some options made with pasta imported from Napoli. The Neapolitan pizza dough is also made fresh daily, and you can get over 15 different kinds. Shareable starters are also available. The homey interior has light wood furnishings and red accents, harkening back to the familial atmosphere of Italy.
For Italian-American comfort food — visit Parm (Back Bay)
Parm was founded by MICHELIN-pedigreed chefs Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi alongside restaurateur Jeff Zalaznick. The menu is inspired by the cuisine Carbone and Torrisi ate as kids, and they deliver hearty Italian soul food ideal for families. The restaurant’s most famous dish is the chicken parm, but the rigatoni Carbone is also a fan favorite. Homemade meatballs are also a menu standout, and you can order a Parm family dinner to serve four people.
For wood-fired pizza in a communal atmosphere — visit Josephine (Somerville)
Josephine is the brainchild of James Beard-nominated chef Michael Scelfo and focuses on bringing people together around pizza pies. The interior is cozy and warm, with a geometric floor pattern and red and gold accents. Josephine serves both wood-fired thin-crust pizzas and deep-dish varieties alongside Italian classics kids will love like pasta and meatballs. Try one of the restaurant’s famous desserts, like Jo’s olive oil cake, to finish your meal.
For dinner and a show at one of the best family restaurants in Boston — check out FiRE+iCE Interactive Grill & Bar (Back Bay)
FiRE+iCE Interactive Grill & Bar is best known for its round grill that serves as its centerpiece. The interactive, choose-your-own adventure spot is great for families—choose your internationally-inspired ingredients and sauces, then sit back and watch grill cooks prepare them in a hibachi-style show. Whether you want American, Italian, Mexican, or Asian flavors, this place has them all.
For American fare in a cozy cafe — visit Trident Booksellers & Cafe (Back Bay)
Trident Booksellers & Cafe opened in 1984 and has made a name for itself as the place to study, work, or catch up with friends and family. It serves all-day breakfast alongside soups, salads, sandwiches, and comfort foods like shepherd’s pie and mac and cheese. With the cafe’s varied menu, it’s easy to spend all day here eating and browsing through the selection of books and magazines with your kids. The interior features cushioned booths and a large cafe space.
For Creole cuisine reminiscent of New Orleans at one of the best family restaurants in Boston — head to French Quarter (Theater District)
French Quarter was designed to bring the flavors and atmosphere of New Orleans to Boston. With a fleur-de-lis pattern on the floor, cushioned retro booths, and old movie posters decorating the walls, the vibe is unmistakably NOLA. The menu contains New Orleans classics like jambalaya, etouffee, gumbo, and hot chicken sandwiches. It also has a kids’ menu with favorites like chicken fingers and mozzarella sticks.
For American cuisine influenced by Mediterranean and Eastern European flavors — check out Beehive (South End)
Beehive is a Boston destination, thanks to its underground Bohemian vibe and nightly live music performances. The interior has exposed brick walls and brightly colored curtains. The menu focuses on American comfort food with Mediterranean and Eastern European influences—think crowd-pleasing dishes like chicken wings, meatballs, and spaetzle that even kids will love. Don’t miss the popular weekend brunch.
For New England fare inspired by Boston’s history — check out State Street Provisions (Financial District)
State Street Provisions is a contemporary New England spot inspired by the city’s historic rustic taverns. With a large dark wood bar and cushioned green and brown seating throughout the restaurant, the space has a comfortable, timeless vibe. The American-inspired menu also features New England classics like clam chowder and lobster bisque, as well as a raw bar. Pizzas and burgers are great options for kids.
Eating out with the whole family can sometimes be daunting, but the 10 best family restaurants in Boston make it easy. Whether you’re looking for an interactive experience, you want Southern BBQ, or you want to explore New England cooking, you’ll find it at one of these Boston restaurants.
