Diners' Choice: Kid-friendly restaurants in California Central Coast

OpenTable

Updated April 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are kid friendly in California Central Coast? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Arnoldi's Cafe

4.8

4.8 (783)

$31 to $50

Italian

Santa Barbara

About the restaurant

Oldest Italian restaurant in Santa Barbara! We have two bocce courts on our patio with outdoor dining. Lots of pasta, appetizers, salads, chicken dishes and homemade desserts...Italian wine and local wine on our wine list...indoor or outdoor seating. We are a true local's secret and kid friendly. Open for dinner 7 days a week! We also host rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, and large birthday parties.

Top review

Velma

Dined 6 days ago

Food, service and setting are excellent. It’s been a small, family-owned restaurant for decades. The staff is friendly and accommodating and have worked there for years.

Pizza Heaven

4.7

4.7 (39)

$30 and under

Pizza Bar

Carmel

About the restaurant

Tucked away in the charming coastal town of Carmel-by-the Sea, Pizza Heaven entices both locals and tourists with its welcoming atmosphere and delightful menu.

Our delightful restaurant features a dog-friendly heated patio, where four-legged friends are invited to join their owners in indulging in a variety of culinary delights. From specialty pizzas brimming with distinctive flavors to timeless favorites that never disappoint, Pizza Heaven caters to all tastes.

In addition to pizza, the menu offers an enticing selection of options including pastas, salads, and Mediterranean pies, ensuring there's something for everyone. To elevate the dining experience, carefully chosen local and regional wines are available, adding a touch of sophistication to every meal.

Whether you're in search of a laid-back lunch spot or an intimate dinner setting, Pizza Heaven guarantees a taste of culinary delight amidst the coastal allure of Carmel, California.

Top review

patrickVIP

Dined on Apr 8, 2025

the restaurant was very busy (5pm) , which is good and shows that the restaurant is successful. however , that resulted in the service being a little slow, but the wait staff were all pleasant and friendly. the place was noisy, but that is to be expected with a pizza restaurant where all tables are full. because of construction, you have to go around the block to access the bathroom, but i am sure this is temporary. the chicken wings were very good. and the pizza was not bad but also not really very special. however, i would go again, but maybe after the construction is finished and maybe at a quieter time of day when the restaurant is less busy.

Kona Steak and Seafood

4.7

4.7 (167)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Monterey

About the restaurant

KONA Steak & Seafood was voted the "Best New Restaurant" winner on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula for 2023. Located in the popular Del Monte Shopping Center in Monterey, just minutes from Carmel, Pacific Grove, & all Peninsula cities.
A fabulous menu! Enjoy fresh seafood, lobster, Hawaiian loco moco, fresh ahi tuna, a great bacon cheeseburger, bone-in rib eye, miso-glazed seabass, filet mignon, macadamia nut crusted halibut, entree salads, cioppino, seafood pasta, Maui onion soup, coconut curry soup, and a large host of enticing appetizers. Enjoy KONA's generous portions, good value, & free abundant parking! The house baked desserts are worth a trip on their own..... incredible!! The gorgeous "ZenDen Bar" features full bar & "Tiki Bar" style concoctions curated with house made ingredients, and nightly Happy Hour from 3:00-9:00pm. Local wine list, craft draft beers, kid's menu, dog-friendly lanai/patio dining, continuous lunch & dinner service 7 days a week from 11:00am.

Top review

LaurenVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Great service from our waitress and the staff, large menu with lots of options for everyone, great cocktails, and good food in generous portions. Kona is a place you can take your family and everyone will be happy. It's a fun place that transports you to Hawaii, even if it's only for an hour or two. I will continue to return to this cheerful restaurant that is not only conveniently located with lots of parking, but a pleasure to visit.

Mama's Meatball

4.5

4.5 (1145)

$30 and under

Italian

San Luis Obispo

About the restaurant

There are many Italian Restaurants in San Luis Obispo, but if you're looking for a truly authentic Italian dining experience, then you should consider Mama's Meatball Restaurant. Rated among the best San Luis Obispo restaurants, Mama's Meatball uses the freshest, quality ingredients grown locally to create some of the most outstanding dishes you could find in San Luis Obispo eateries. For your convenience, Mama's Meatball offers dine-in, takeout and delivery service. Mama's Meatball is one of the few restaurants near Mission San Luis Obispo, and a block away from hotels in downtown San Luis Obispo to offer private dining options and banquet accommodations for corporate parties and family celebrations. Click here to request a quote for your next private event. Check Out Charity Water! https://www.charitywater.org/mamas-meatball

Top review

JamesVIP

Dined on Apr 16, 2025

always great Italian food. One of our favorite restaurants in SLO.

Discover more

Popular dish

Tiramisu

Baja Cantina - Carmel

4.5

4.5 (612)

$30 and under

Mexican / Southwestern

Carmel Valley

About the restaurant

Baja Cantina is a fun and energetic place that is known for its exceptional automotive memorabilia collection and excellent food. We have a large outdoor patio that is perfect to sit and relax on a sunny afternoon with one of our award winning margaritas. We have special events all year round, including our famous classic car gatherings, holiday parties, tequila tastings, and sporting events. ****We only accept online reservations during off-peak times. If you can’t find a time you want online, please give us a call.***

Top review

Kelly

Dined 1 day ago

Food was great!! A really convenient option when staying at the Quail Resort as well. Probably the best enchiladas I’ve ever had!!

Corazon Comedor

4.5

4.5 (195)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Santa Barbara

About the restaurant

Corazon Comedor emerged from the longing of nostalgic food from the streets, markets, and homes of Mexico. We look forward to bringing this experience in each dish.

Top review

StephanieVIP

Dined on Feb 23, 2025

A delightful and special take on Mexican favorites with good wines and cocktails. The salads are fantastic as are the fish dishes and the enchiladas Suiza which I just had tonight.

Moby Dick Restaurant

4.4

4.4 (287)

$30 and under

Seafood

Santa Barbara

About the restaurant

At Moby Dick Restaurant, in Santa Barbara, you'll get not only fresh seafood and excellent service, but an amazing view along with your meal. Situated on the pier itself in Santa Barbara, Moby Dick Restaurant is a fantastic place with a fantastic atmosphere to get something to eat.

Whether you're after breakfast, lunch or dinner there�s sure to be something on the menu to please. Fried favorites at Moby Dick Restaurant include clam strips and chips, chicken wings and chips and many others. You can also order burgers, sandwiches and vegetarian fare. Fresh seafood specialties include grilled Cajun swordfish, bacon wrapped shrimp and grilled fresh salmon.

Top review

Donna

Dined on Apr 15, 2025

Great location and view overlooking Santa Barbara wharf.

Louie Linguini's

4.3

4.3 (359)

$30 and under

Seafood

Monterey

About the restaurant

Louie Linguini's is the finest Italian and Seafood restaurant on historic Cannery Row. We offer a large variety of food from seafood to pastas and pizzas. Louie Linguini's provides a fun and family friend atmosphere that is located directly on the water and has some of the best ocean views in the Monterey area. Come and enjoy great food and great service while you learn about Louie's wonderful life.

Top review

MarissaVIP

Dined on Apr 3, 2025

Comfort seafood, delicious cocktails with an amazing view

Abalonetti Bar and Grill

4.2

4.2 (545)

$30 and under

Seafood

Monterey

About the restaurant

Abalonetti Bar and Grill is one of the original restaurants on Monterey's Historic Fisherman's Wharf. Famous for Monterey calamari, we now feature more than 20 different preparations from local squid processed in-house. With ample ocean views, the Wharf's largest waterfront pet-friendly patio, a full bar, cocktail menu and local wine list, Abalonetti has been a favorite of locals for decades, providing a fun and casual waterfront dining experience.

Top review

amanda

Dined 5 days ago

Lovely family meal Attentive staff Lovely views Would definitely recommend

Discover more

Popular dish

Calamari Tacos

L'Antica - Santa Barbara

4.0

4 (177)

$31 to $50

Italian

Santa Barbara

About the restaurant

Experience Authentic Italian Cuisine at L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele in Santa Barbara Indulge in a slice of Italy at L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele in Santa Barbara, where authentic Neapolitan pizza and Italian dishes await. Using only the finest ingredients, each dish showcases the traditional flavors of Napoli, from the perfect Margherita pizza to sumptuous pasta and indulgent tiramisu. The rustic ambiance creates a cozy setting for any occasion. Dedicated to sustainability and local sourcing, L'Antica brings the essence of Italy to California for an unforgettable dining experience.

Top review

MicheleVIP

Dined on Apr 5, 2025

Love eating at L’Antica. Great atmosphere and service and the food is amazing at reasonable prices. A favorite and good for groups.

Discover more

Explore Diners' Choice best of California Central Coast