If you are looking for a place for a special celebration with your kids, then we suggest heading on over to this list! Looking for dining that is free (or almost free) for the kiddos? Check out this guide!

Best Restaurants for Kids in New Orleans

It seems that just about every day, someone asks us, “Is New Orleans kid-friendly?” Absolutely! New Orleans Mom produces dozens of guides to enjoying New Orleans with kids year-round. If you are looking for a list of the very best restaurants in the New Orleans area for dining with kids, we have got you covered! These 36 Louisiana-owned and operated restaurants capture the hospitality that this city embodies. If you are visiting New Orleans for the holidays, these are the New Orleans restaurants we recommend most often to families. They offer delicious food and an inviting atmosphere for the whole family! Headed to the Northshore? Take a look at these Northshore gems to choose from!  We’ve covered a range of locations, cuisines, and price ranges. We’ve acknowledged some long-time favorites and tossed in a few new names we think are worth a night out in New Orleans with your kids in tow!

New Orleans (Southshore) Restaurants for Kids

Red Dog Diner – Red Dog is now serving dinner in addition to their delectable brunch! Located on Magazine Street, the restaurant is casual, quaint and a little quirky … just how we like it! There is a kids menu, so no worries about those picky eaters! With a full bar and inventive drinks, we love this spot for an easy dinner that will leave both the adults and kids happy!

Reginelli’s – Reginelli’s has the perfect atmosphere for any and all ages and food that pleases every member of your family. And, with locations throughout the New Orleans area, you have to add this restaurant to your eating-out rotation. At many of the locations, kids can make their own pizzas. This is a New Orleans family dining staple for a reason!

Velvet Cactus – A backyard patio, delicious Mexican food, and an extensive Margarita menu for the adults. The Velvet Cactus is the perfect weekend destination for parents wanting to get out of the house, but who need to bring the kids along for the night. It’s fun, delicious, and a crowd pleaser! The Velvet Cactus is located in Lakeview.

The Backyard – The backyard BBQ-inspired menu provides ample options for kids of all ages, so they should be able to please even your pickiest eater. They have a huge “backyard” with plenty of picnic table-style seating where kids have room to be kids. And don’t worry, they make sure to keep the parents happy with some delicious spins on traditional comfort foods, lots of local brews on tap, and an extensive cocktail menu. The Backyard is located in Lakeview.

Juan’s Flying Burrito – The kids’ meals at Juan’s range from $3 – $4, making it a great bargain for a delicious meal for your kids. They have 4 locations throughout New Orleans (Mid City, Lower Garden District, Uptown, and the CBD), and the staff caters to families, making eating out with the kids more stress-free than at other establishments. They have a huge menu and fantastic drinks.  At most locations, you can eat inside or out. You are guaranteed to see other families wrangling kids alongside yours, making it a safe space for meltdowns, screen time, or toddler exploring.

Meril Restaurant – Meril is a great family-friendly restaurant with a kids’ menu to please the littles, and don’t forget about the cotton candy for dessert!

Los Jefes Tortilleria and Grill – Known for its fun atmosphere and authentic Mexican dishes, Los Jefes is a favorite among those looking to dine in the Metairie area.

The Pizza Shoppe – The Pizza Shoppe, in Metairie, is a family favorite because you can make your own pizza, and they offer a delicious cauliflower crust option! It’s so good, your kids won’t even know they are eating something healthy!

Blue Oak BBQ – Blue Oak BBQ has a great location in Mid City, complete with a patio for your littles to explore. The award-winning BBQ has a legion of fans in the New Orleans area, so it’s a great spot when you want to really satisfy your taste buds, but also want to take your kids out to dinner with you. Plus, there is nothing quite as cute as a little one chowing down on some BBQ!

Pizza Delicious – Pizza Delicious, a Bywater treasure, is considered by many to be the best pizza in the city! Their New York-style pizza pies come in one gigantic size, so there is always plenty to feed the whole family. If you don’t want a whole pie, order a slice or two! The interior is not large, so if it’s crowded, get yours to go and take a walk over to Crescent Park across the street for dinner with a view!

Company Burger – Burgers, tater tots, grilled cheeses, milkshakes, and soft serve! Company Burger is sure to be a hit with your kids at dinner time or lunch time. They have an Uptown and a Downtown location, and both are about as family-friendly as you can get. It’s as much a favorite of the kids as it is of the parents!

Fat Boy’s Pizza – Fat Boy’s Pizza quickly gained a reputation as a go-to restaurant for families in the New Orleans area, with 7 locations. The pies, measuring in at 30″, are sure to astound your kids and feed the whole family, and they offer gluten-free pizza, helping to ensure that every member of your family can enjoy a meal here. They have their “2 ft Challenge,” where if you are brave enough, you can win a t-shirt and gift card by eating an entire 2 ft of pizza in less than 7 minutes. I don’t know about your kids, but I feel like mine stand a chance!

District Donuts – District is known for two kid-pleasing categories of food…donuts and sliders! It’s a great stop for a meal or a treat with your kids in tow. And, you can find locations throughout the New Orleans area, making it easy to access. It’s also famous for its delicious coffee, which makes it clutch for parents in need of a boost!

Picnic Provisions – This Uptown restaurant was designed with the community in mind, and they nailed it! They created comfort food that you want to share with family and friends, and the perfect atmosphere to do that. The portions are great for sharing. They offer indoor and outdoor seating. Order the crawfish boil fried chicken and biscuits, the pimento cheese dip, and finish it off with a cookie dough s’more. It’s a true experience the whole family can enjoy!

Blue Crab – Lakefront views, delicious seafood, and live music Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights! The Blue Crab gives you a meal experience that feels like you are on vacation. They have a family-friendly environment and indoor and outdoor seating with beautiful views of Lake Pontchartrain. Come catch the sunset while enjoying dinner and make some special New Orleans memories together! Check out their Facebook page for upcoming live music.

The Rum House – The atmosphere here is loud and fun, meaning your noisy kids will not distract anyone from their meal at The Rum House. This means it’s as relaxing for you as it is for everyone else! The food is delicious and well-priced. The Magazine Street location is happening. The drinks are delightful and refreshing. It’s full of college students, young singles, families, and everyone in between. It’s got a great crowd at virtually any time of the day/week because it’s really figured out how to make dining out fun and delicious for everyone!

The Camellia Grill – Pull up to the counter at this Uptown diner opened in 1946 for a true retro feel! They are known for their burgers, breakfast food, and milkshakes, so your kids will be as excited about the food as they are about the traditional diner experience! Plus, every New Orleans kid has to eat at this landmark location at least once!

Port Orleans Brewing Co. – This Uptown brewery offers its own craft beer and lots of delicious food options. The spacious interior, the patio, and the kid-friendly backyard make this an ideal family outing when you need to get out of the house, but want to ensure that you also get to relax and enjoy your time as well! They also have board games, toys, and coloring books that your kids can play with. This brewery is the perfect destination to catch a game with the family or enjoy a weekend afternoon.

Felix’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar (Lakefront Location) – Come watch the boats from Felix’s deck and enjoy the scenery while eating some of New Orleans’ most famous oysters.

Dat Dog – It doesn’t get more family-friendly than a restaurant that centers around hot dogs! You can get your hot dog any which way you desire and finish it off with loaded fries or tater tots. All of the New Orleans locations offer outdoor seating, but the Freret and Magazine Street locations offer a large patio that offers plenty of space to explore for the kiddos. The interior is spacious as well at all of the locations, and there are TVs inside and out, making it perfect for a quick family dinner or a Saints watch party destination with the kids!

Hummus and More – Hummus and More, located in Metairie, offers delicious Mediterranean entrees. The kid’s menu includes classics like chicken tenders and burgers, but also offers shrimp and gyros if you are looking to give your child’s palate something new!

Frankie and Johnny’s – This Uptown neighborhood restaurant, established in 1942, serves up all the traditional New Orleans feels. The food, the atmosphere, and even the claw machine embody the classic New Orleans family dining experience. This restaurant is full of local families feasting on crawfish, po’ boys, and red beans. Indoor and outdoor seating available.

Superior Grill – Take the streetcar down to Superior Grill to load up on delicious Mexican food and some of the best Margaritas in the city! The restaurant welcomes noise and revelry, and the covered patio is the perfect dining spot for families.

Parkway Bakery and Tavern – Hankering for a po’ boy? Then head to Mid City and order a famous Parkway Po Boy. Most of the seating is outside in a spacious patio that both contains and entertains your children. The food is award-winning, so go early to beat the much-deserved crowds.

Gattuso’s – This Westbank restaurant offers the kid’s menu to beat all kid’s menus. They have appetizers, entrees, and dessert options designed with your youngest family members in mind. The food choices are plentiful, and the courtyard dining makes it easier to let your kids roam free while you enjoy your meal.

RiverShack Gretna – Right down the street from Gattuso’s, you also have the RiverShack! With its huge selection of food, you are bound to find something for everyone. They have a large drink menu, TVs everywhere for game days, and a wonderful turfed area where kids can run and play in front of a beautiful mural or go sliding down the levee on a cardboard box. This is a great place to enjoy a meal and let the kids be kids.

Toast – The Gretna location for this beloved breakfast spot caters specifically to kids! With an amazing menu and fun atmosphere, this is the perfect place to grab a bite and stay a while. They have a large, covered outdoor seating area AND a play place for the kids that is surrounded by a brick mural. You can keep the chaos contained while sipping a mimosa. What else could you need? Find our full review of this great restaurant here.

Ralph’s on the Park – Looking for something a little fancier to help celebrate a special occasion? Ralph’s is the perfect introduction to finer dining for New Orleans children. They offer a kid’s menu and crayons, and they are located steps away from City Park so you can run some of the wiggles out before or/and after dinner.

Ruby Slipper – This restaurant is synonymous with brunch in the New Orleans area, and with over 7 New Orleans locations operating or in the works, you can find one pretty close to your neighborhood! Ruby Slipper caters to families, and its restaurants make brunching with kids delightful at any time of day! We should also tell you that this summer you can order nectar snowball stuffed French toast, and that sounds AMAZING!

Ground Pati – While there are a few locations to choose from, we recommend the Rivertown location. They have indoor and outdoor dining options and games on the front lawn for the kiddos (and adults) to play! And the food as well as the service will not disappoint.

Las Cruces Tex Mex – We all love a good Tex-Mex restaurant! Las Cruces Tex Mex not only serves amazing food, but also a bar for happy hour for the adults and a family-friendly environment for dining with kids! They have both indoor and outdoor seating, allowing families to relax comfortably.

Val’s – Located on Freret Street in New Orleans, Val’s has delicious tacos and margaritas with a happy hour from 4 pm – 6 pm daily. And don’t forget your furry animals! Cats and dogs alike are welcome on their outdoor patio.

Birdy’s NOLA – Birdy’s Behind the Bower is a breakfast, brunch, and lunch serving Southern-inspired cuisine alongside an outdoor courtyard. They also have bottomless mimosas for Mom!

Rumba – Located in Metairie, this bright and lively venue keeps the rum-based libations flowing freely. As for the food, Rumba references the vivid flavors of the Caribbean (and Hawaii, occasionally, too), with dishes like jerk chicken tacos, coconut shrimp, and crawfish rangoons. This fun environment is super family-friendly!

Crazy Hotpot – Crazy Hotpot is an experience for everyone! Kids will get a kick out of preparing their own food right at your table! With their all-you-can-eat option, your family is sure to leave with their bellies full.

Barracuda Taco Stand – This neighborhood taco stand is a family favorite in Algiers. They offer outdoor seating and take-out. Located across from Confetti Park, this is the perfect option to allow your kiddos to run and play before and after you eat your tacos. Fellow New Orleans Moms say that the Tchoup location is pretty great too and perfect for families!

Shimmy Shack – Located in River Ridge, the Shimmy Shack has a vast menu with something for everyone. Their eclectic environment is fun for the whole family. Dine outside on their enclosed patio and enjoy the weather.

That’s Amore Pizzeria – Family-owned and located in Metairie, this is the perfect spot for families to dine together for lunch or dinner. Check out their huge pizzas that kids will love!

La Tia Cantina – This restaurant brings good vibes, great food, and even better memories! And better yet, kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree all summer long, Monday – Thursday!

Zee’s Pizzeria – This family-owned pizza place is perfect for families. And the best part is they have an ice cream shop attached to them!

Acorn Cafe – Acorn Cafe caters to kiddos! Located right next to the Louisiana Children’s Museum, Acorn Cafe overlooks City Park’s “Little Lake”. Their menu boasts all of your child’s favorites as well as some goodies for the parents.

Northshore Restaurants for Kids

El Paso – A favorite of Slidell Parents! El Paso has a playground, so you can enjoy your meal from the patio while they are fully entertained!

The Anchor – This Madisonville gem is perfect for families with kids of all ages (and your four-legged friends, too)! It features an amazing playground, and with its open-air concept, there is plenty of room to relax AND play. Read our full review here!

Pizza Platoon – If you’ve ever eaten out with kids, you know that sometimes you just want something FAST! Well, Pizza Platoon in Slidell manages to deliver super delicious pizza at super fast speeds. And, as an added bonus, they have a gated patio, making it easier to wrangle your kids in the short time you do have to wait. This restaurant has strong Military ties, and it gives a portion of its profits to Camp NORA, a transitional home for Veterans who need a hand. Dining with a purpose is a great example to show your kids!

Middendorf’s – Middendorf’s has been serving Louisiana families for 85 years from its Manchac location, and they have a second location in Slidell! They are famous for their thin fried catfish and family-friendly atmosphere. The experience and the food are worth the drive!

Gilli Fill’s Island – Located in Slidell, this tiki-themed restaurant harbors waterfront canal views, a sandy playground, and a giant pirate playship for the kiddos! While the kids play, the adults can relax in a swing while overlooking the water and sipping a tropical cocktail. Want in on the fun? Start a game of cornhole.

Kelly’s Coastal Cabana – Formerly known as the Beach House, Kelly’s Coastal Cabana is a local favorite. They have a sandbox for the kids and all outdoor seating to enjoy the beautiful weather. Their menu has a variety of foods to choose from, allowing everyone to find something that they like (even those picky eaters)! Bring your pups along as well and order off the “doggy menu”.

Abita Roasting Co. – With two locations – one in Covington and one in Madisonville – Abita Roasting Co. is a go-to spot for coffee for parents and yummy eats for the kiddos!

McClain’s Pizzeria – McClain’s pizza is out of this world! They have such a fun environment that families love! With their crazy atmosphere, kids fit right in! And who doesn’t love a good pizza?

Cafetomas – Their food and drinks are amazing, and with a variety on their menu, there is something for everyone. Their open indoor seating is perfect for families.

The Chimes – Their goal is to provide a relaxed, family-friendly experience while serving the best made-from-scratch menu possible, and they do just that! Located in Covington, they have a delicious menu that will make you come back for more.

La Carreta – This Mexican restaurant has great food and handcrafted margaritas with a fun atmosphere! Dine on their outdoor patio to enjoy the weather.

Rusty Pelican – Their friendly staff and open floor plan create a comfortable, casual dining experience for families.

Pat’s Rest Awhile – They have fresh seafood and a variety in an extremely casual environment. Indoor and outdoor seating are available with beautiful views of Lake Pontchartrain. There is something for everyone on their menu.

Iceburg Charlie’s Grill & Chill – This restaurant is new and offers smash burgers, frozen custard, Italian ice & so much more! It’s great for kids and on the trailhead in Mandeville.

Liz’s Where Y’at Diner – Located on Florida Street in Mandeville, this diner has a fun atmosphere perfect for kids. They are your casual neighborhood diner with delicious, made-from-scratch New Orleans cuisine, affordable prices, and friendly service.

Leonardo’s Trattoria & Pizzeria – They offer the finest authentic Sicilian dining experience. With a warm, friendly atmosphere, top-notch service, and delicious meals prepared by Chef Leonardo Giarraputo, this restaurant is great for families. Note: Go early as it often gets crowded after 6 p.m.

Dine Gnar – With an indoor and outdoor dining area, Dine Gnar is a great space for families to dine while the parents enjoy a cold one!

Blackened Brew – Located in Hammond, this establishment is fun and relaxed with décor like portraits of the Golden Girls, outdoor dining, 12 taps, and an assortment of bottles and cans; this spot is a beer lover’s paradise.

Streetside Market – Also located in Hammond, this restaurant is perfect for the foodies. Everyone is sure to find something they like and their open venue makes it nice and spacious for families.

We hope this list can serve as a guide the next time you find yourself wondering, “Where am I going to take the family to eat in New Orleans tonight?”

Have you tried any of these restaurants? What did you think? What did we miss? Where is your go-to New Orleans family restaurant?