From large groups to diverse tastes and dietary needs, feeding a family in NYC is surprisingly easy. At the best family friendly restaurants in NYC, you’ll find super shareable Spanish tapas in Hudson Yards, California tacos and bowls on the Upper West Side, and fine dining in Midtown West.
Some restaurants specialize in house-made, gluten-free alternatives while others source a bounty of local produce for vegetarian-friendly menus, but all of the top family friendly restaurants in NYC are popular.
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Discover the 10 best restaurants for family friendly dining in NYC today.
For refined comfort American food across Manhattan — book Sarabeth’s (Midtown West, Gramercy Park, Upper West Side, and Greenwich Village)
With four NYC locations, Sarabeth’s draws families for its stellar American comfort food. From chicken pot pie with rainbow carrots to a three-cheese grilled cheese with house-made pickles, the American-inspired menu hinges on grown-up classics of kid-friendly favorites. Locations across the city deliver a familiar charm, with soft lighting and inviting banquettes. The Upper West Side location is situated near family-friendly attractions like the American Museum of Natural History.
For family-style Italian — make a reservation at Carmine’s (Upper West Side and Theater District)
Carmine’s serves up massive portions of Italian American favorites, ideal for hungry families and groups. The chicken parmigiana and penne alla vodka platters are always in demand, while the Titanic sundae brings tables together for a showstopping finish. Retro decor and white tablecloths set the tone for a lively, communal experience in the Theater District and Upper West Side, making it a reliable spot for gatherings over family-style platters of familiar Italian flavors.
For shareable slices
and hearty pasta — reserve a table at La Pizza & La Pasta (Flatiron and Financial District)
La Pizza & La Pasta delivers exactly what the name promises, straight from the beloved kitchens of Eataly. It’s a perfect pick for families, thanks to its welcoming atmosphere, kids’ menu, and open kitchen where little ones can watch pizza being made in wood-fired ovens. Bustling dining rooms in Flatiron and the Financial District capture the energy of a lively Italian pizzeria well-suited for the whole family.
For Detroit-style pizza at one of the top family friendly restaurants in NYC — snag a seat at Emmy Squared (Upper East Side, Hell’s Kitchen, Park Slope, and Williamsburg)
Emmy Squared brings Detroit-style pizza to NYC with a crisp, cheesy edge and thick yet airy crust. Try the colony pie with pepperoni, pickled jalapeños, and honey. The popular pizzeria also serves shareable salads and hearty sandwiches in stylish, laid-back spaces across the Upper East Side, Hell’s Kitchen, Park Slope, and Williamsburg. The fun, casual vibe and spacious seating make it a comfortable spot for kids and adults alike, with menu options to please everyone.
For abundant gluten-free options — secure a spot at Friedman’s (Battery Park, Theater District, Upper West Side, Chelsea, and Hell’s Kitchen)
Friedman’s makes gluten-free American dining easy with dedicated kids’ menus with plates like burgers and chicken fingers. Buttermilk fried chicken with sriracha aioli delivers crunch and spice, while the pastrami Reuben on toasted rye keeps it classic. Breakfast runs all day in some of the locations, with favorites like fluffy blueberry pancakes. Brick walls and wood tables set a casual tone across Battery Park, the Theater District, the Upper West Side, Chelsea, and Hell’s Kitchen.
For fine dining in a world-famous space — book a table at Tavern on the Green (Midtown West)
Tavern on the Green remains a NYC icon, blending historic charm with upscale American dining in Central Park. Expect elegant dishes like chardonnay-braised beef short ribs along with an approachable children’s menu featuring options like pasta and sandwiches, plus a chocolate brownie for dessert. The grand dining room preserves the restaurant’s timeless elegance—a classic choice for celebratory family meals or an iconic New York experience in a legendary location dating back to the 1930s.
For a vegetable-forward menu with meat also available — lock in a spot at Westville (Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, SoHo, Upper West Side, Financial District, East Village, Williamsburg, Dumbo, and Long Island City)
Westville keeps things fresh and unfussy with a deep menu of local vegetables and American staples. The market plate lets you mix and match from seasonal sides like beets with walnuts or asparagus with parmesan, while the burger on a Portuguese muffin is a sleeper hit. Bright interiors and casual counter service provide family-friendly environments in Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, SoHo, the Upper West Side, the Financial District, East Village, Williamsburg, Dumbo, and Long Island City.
For Southern comfort food in a retro-style setting — visit Melba’s (Harlem)
Expect next-level hospitality and hearty portions of Southern comfort food staples at this James Beard-nominated spot in Harlem. Open since 2005, Melba’s is a destination for its hearty portions and crowd-pleasing fare—think fried chicken and eggnog waffles and barbecued turkey meatloaf along with classic sides like mac and cheese and Low Country collard greens. The restaurant is a Sunday brunch favorite—fancy church hat optional.
For an extensive menu of casual Japanese — reserve Zutto (TriBeCa and NoLita)
Zutto blends Japanese flavors with New York style, serving ramen, sushi, and small plates in a relaxed setting. The tonkotsu ramen, rich with pork bone broth, packs deep umami, while the yellowtail jalapeño roll layers heat and freshness in every bite. Ramen and sushi rolls dominate a sizable menu that also includes steamed buns, gyozas, and wings, ensuring the entire family will find something to enjoy at TriBeCa and NoLita locations.
For California cool at one of the best family friendly restaurants in NYC — grab a table at Playa Betty’s (Upper West Side)
Playa Betty’s channels California beach vibes with a menu of Mexican–inspired tacos and bowls. The Baja fish tacos, crisp and golden, bring in zest with a creamy jalapeño slaw, while the quesabirria grilled cheese with braised short rib is a worthy indulgence. Colorful surf decor and communal tables set the tone for easy-going good times with families of all kinds on the Upper West Side. Families are sure to enjoy Taco Tuesday, a fun opportunity to sample and share a variety of stellar tacos.
From family-style Italian to sushi, it’s easy to satisfy families at NYC restaurants. Many of the top family restaurants in the city have several locations, but you’ll still need a reservation to score a table on most occasions.
