Situated along the rugged coastline of California, Monterey is a sleepy little town that charms visitors with its regular siren calls of the ocean. While here, it is easy to get lost admiring the Pacific Ocean, devouring tasty seafood, and exploring the popular sights such as Monterey Aquarium, Canary Row, Fisherman’s Wharf, and more. Although the town exudes a chill and laid-back vibe, there are plenty of things to keep the tourists on their feet. Even the ones who are taking a trip with the whole family. However, once you take a break from exploring all the fascinating attractions, you must make a pit-stop to recharge your batteries. Check out some of these kid-friendly restaurants in Monterey, California, to gobble up a whole lot of goodness.
If you’re planning a trip to Monterey soon, consider staying in one of the best beachfront hotels and bed and breakfasts.
1. Loulou's Griddle In The Middle
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
One of the most loved family-friendly restaurants in California’s Monterey, Loulou’s Griddle In The Middle is renowned for its several options for breakfast. Most of which are American and large portions of seafood fares. The best part about this charming restaurant is its kid-friendly menu for children of all ages. Nestled in the Municipal Wharf, this venue is great to try out dishes like eggs, crab cakes, fried potatoes, clam chowder, shrimp cocktails, burgers, and many more. While here, you can either sit outside or by the counter and have a great time with your family or friends.
Loulou's Griddle In The Middle
Address: Municipal Wharf 2, Monterey, CA 93940, United States
Website: Loulou’s Griddle In The Middle
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 7:30am - 3pm (closed on Tue)
2. Fin + Field Restaurant and Bar
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Another kid-focused restaurant inside Monterey Marriott, Fin + Field Restaurant and Bar features a fancy beige-hued decor that is perfect to dine and drink amid a casual atmosphere. A hotel bar cum bistro, the meals at the restaurant prepared here are sourced from ingredients using the farm-to-table concept. Take the entire family along either for lunch or dinner and try a variety of snacks, pizza, soups, salads, steak, and desserts. Some of the crowd favorites here include specialty salad, calamari, and pan-seared salmon.
Fin + Field Restaurant and Bar
Address: 350 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA 93940, United States
Website: Fin + Field Restaurant and Bar
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 6:30am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 6:30am - 12am
3. Rosine's Restaurant
A well-renowned family-friendly venue in Monterey, Rosine’s Restaurant has been operating since 1980. This cafe has a casual atmosphere, and boasts an extensive menu of classic American dishes, along with rich desserts that your kids will thoroughly enjoy. While here, make sure to try out the turkey-avocado-and-mushroom benedict, calamari and eggs, and carrot cake with German chocolate which remains quite popular among the kids, as well as the adults. The food is served here in generous portions, and the kids can get smaller portions upon request.
Rosine's Restaurant
Address: 434 Alvarado St, Monterey, CA 93940, United States
Website: Rosine’s Restaurant
Opening hours: 11am - 7pm (daily)
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4. Old Monterey Café
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Take a break from preparing breakfast for once, for your children, and head to Old Monterey Café for some deliciousness that both you and your family will surely enjoy. Situated in a historic neighborhood, this cafe is owned by a lovely family who promises to serve the freshest and best-tasting pancakes, omelets, salads, sandwiches, waffles, and more. Kids can enjoy slurping on a variety of refreshing juices. This made-to-order restaurant also serves a range of healthy options that are absolutely mouthwatering for the health-conscious family.
Old Monterey Café
Address: 489 Alvarado St, Monterey, CA 93940, United States
Website: Old Monterey Café
Opening hours: 6:45am - 2:30pm (daily)
5. Crystal Fish
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you are looking forward to trying sushi or other Japanese fares with your family, here’s your chance. Crystal Fish in Monterey, California, is a storefront venue known for preparing mouthwatering food made from the freshest ingredients. You will be offered daily lunch specials, in addition to being served sake, wine, and beer. Try the unagi sushi, salmon skin hand roll, tempura plate, and Katsune udon. These are just some of the commonly ordered food by the patterns. The restaurant also has plenty of tasty delights for the kids, including Dragon Ball Z, tropical mango roll, and tempura cheesecake, among others.
Crystal Fish
Address: 514 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey, CA 93940, United States
Website: Crystal Fish
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 2pm, 5pm - 9:30pm; Fri: 11:30am - 2pm, 5pm - 10pm; Sat: 1pm - 10pm; Sun: 1pm - 9:30pm
6. Wave Street Cafe
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you are having one of those lazy days where you are lazy to prepare breakfast for the whole family, then why not head to Wave Street Cafe for some delicious breakfast? The charming European-style kid-friendly cafe features an outdoor patio where you and your family can enjoy nice meals while chilling under the Californian sun. You can try a range of sandwiches, benedicts, quesadilla, scrambled eggs, and more. But, if you are confused about the long list of options, you can simply try out the crowd favorites including Jack’s burger, two eggs your way, and buttermilk pancakes for starters.
Wave Street Cafe
Address: 550 Wave St, Monterey, CA 93940, United States
Website: Wave Street Cafe
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 3pm; Sat - Sun: 8am - 4pm
7. El Cantaro Vegan Mexican Restaurant
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
A haven for vegan-friendly people. If you love Mexican, and if you love vegan, there is no place you would rather be than at El Cantaro Vegan Mexican Restaurant. Try the best of tacos, free of meat, and oh-so-delicious, right at this chill, health-conscious venue. But, just because it has several vegan-friendly options, it shouldn’t scare the meat lovers away. Even the ones who love meat will find happiness here once they try out one or many of the options from the menu. This family-friendly eatery serves a range of Mexican classics, which includes a potful of spices, flavors, and many other rich ingredients. Some of the fan-favorites you must-try here are potato tacos, kipes, and taquitos. Rest assured, your kids will absolutely love the many options the restaurant offers.
El Cantaro Vegan Mexican Restaurant
Address: 791 Foam St, Monterey, CA 93940, United States
Website: El Cantaro Vegan Mexican Restaurant
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 4pm - 8:30pm (closed on Fri & Sat)
8. Sea Harvest Restaurant & Fish Market
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you are a lover of seafood and want to support the local fishing community of Monterey, California, then do visit Sea Harvest Restaurant & Fish Market. Operating since 1983, this sit-down cafe is renowned for serving fresh seafood including chowders, lobsters, fish sandwiches, and more. Both adults and kids can enjoy devouring a range of options from the menu such as steamed mussels, crab Louie, grilled salmon sandwiches, veggie pasta, and scallops and chips among others.
Sea Harvest Restaurant & Fish Market
Address: 598 Foam St, Monterey, CA 93940, United States
Website: Sea Harvest Restaurant & Fish Market
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 9am - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 9pm
9. Hula's Island Grill
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
A great venue for a family of all numbers is Hula’s Island Grill. This family-friendly restaurant is a perfect place to cool down under the Californian sun before going back to your hotel. You can sip tasty tropical cocktails and devour island dishes amidst a festive atmosphere. The place is decorated in Hawaiian-style, with tunes of Bob Marley playing in the background. And to eat, you can try out crowd favorites such as the hula burger, calamari steak sandwich, habanero lime chicken tacos, and so many more. This tiki restaurant will satiate all kinds of appetites that also serve a range of kid-friendly delights, so your kids can devour every meal served here.
Hula's Island Grill
Address: 622 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey, CA 93940, United States
Website: Hula’s Island Grill
Opening hours: Sun - Mon: 4pm - 9:30pm; Tue - Thu: 11:30am -9:30pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 10pm;
10. Gianni's Pizza
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you are feeling lazy and just want to have a family dinner in the comfort of your space, then check out Gianni’s Pizza right away. A no-frills Italian restaurant where both adults and kids can enjoy lunch and dinner. Gianni’s Pizza is a modern take-out and dine-in facility, which offers a variety of options on the menu. Some of them you would see are different kinds of pizza, pasta, salads, and more. And the kids would surely devour a range of homemade gelato and pie options available at Gianni’s Pizza.
Gianni's Pizza
Address: 725 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey, CA 93940, United States
Website: Gianni’s Pizza
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 5pm - 8pm; Fri - Sun: 3pm - 8pm
Dine with the whole family in Monterey, California
Monterey is a city in California that is known for family fun. As you and your family explore all the sights, aquariums, and other historic areas, make sure to have a pit stop at one of these aforementioned kid-friendly restaurants in Monterey for a delicious treat. Don’t forget to check out the best hotels with fireplace as well as Airbnb vacation rentals nearby for a place to stay after exploring the city.
Editor’s Note: Due to Covid-19, the business hours of the restaurants may differ from the stated timings in this article. Please be sure to check the updated hours from the websites.
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