With its rugged coast and enticing shoreline, it’s no surprise that the beautiful seaside community of La Jolla in San Diego is a popular spot with travelers. Be it the tidal pools of Shell Beach, or the growing colony of harbor seals that have set up home on Children’s Pool Beach since the 1990s, there is plenty of nature to enjoy. However, if you plan on bringing your little ones to this corner of California, it’s better to plan accordingly. You’d want to find good child-friendly restaurants in which to recharge your batteries after all the exploring. Well, consider yourself lucky, for there are plenty of options in La Jolla. Read on for some of the best kid-friendly restaurants in La Jolla, San Diego.
Family-friendly places to visit:
- Treat your kids (and yourself) to over 70 flavors of saltwater taffy at Balboa Candy, a delightful old-fashioned candy store. You can even get a free sample of saltwater taffy here when you visit.
- Those with young ones will love visiting Birch Aquarium, which has over 60 habitats for fishes and invertebrates and an oceanographic museum. Visitors will be able to learn more about the ocean while admiring it's fascinating residents.
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1. The Cottage
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Enjoying a glowing reputation, and boasting numerous food awards, The Cottage will likely appeal not just to families but to food fans in general. Packing in the punters for close to three decades its menu features a range of dishes influenced by US and Southern Californian dining. What’s more, your children won’t have to feel left out during a visit to this smart eatery, for it offers a special kid’s menu featuring everything from oatmeal pancakes to chicken fingers, and from fruit plates to cheeseburger sliders. And if you and the little munchkins enjoy dining out in the open air, the restaurant also has a large patio complete with sunshades to protect their delicate skin.
The Cottage
Address: 7702 Fay Avenue, La Jolla, CA 92037
Website: The Cottage
Opening hours: 7.30am - 3pm (daily); Tue & Sat: 7.30am - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm
2. Barbarella
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This full bar and restaurant’s eclectic art and smart decor should make for a memorable eating experience. Past diners were big fans of the welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff and tasty European-style menu. There’s also plenty of outdoor seating should you and the young ones prefer to take in the sun while eating. And, as with the previous entry, it also offers a kid’s menu that includes Bambini pasta, cheese pizza and chicken tenders - all of which comes with ice cream and sprinkles.
Barbarella
Address: 2171 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037
Website: Barbarella
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 8.30am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 8.30am - 10pm
3. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse is a chain of popular eateries that includes several outlets in San Diego - including this one in La Jolla, which opened as recently as 2016. It prides itself on an atmosphere that “is friendly and inviting” and “perfect” for dining with the “whole family”. This is reflected in its “extensive” kids menu, which includes everything from sweet sundaes to grilled chicken breasts. The chain also offers family feasts of varying sizes that can accommodate up to 12 people and feature everything from tasty pizzas to healthier salads.
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
Address: 8785 Villa La Jolla Drive, San Diego, CA 92037
Website: BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 12am; Fri: 11am - 1am; Sat: 10am - 1am; Sun: 10am - 12am
4. California Pizza Kitchen
If your little one fancies turning their hand towards a little culinary creation then you may wish to opt for booking a special experience at La Jolla’s California Pizza Kitchen outlet. This chain offers special ‘CP kids’ birthday party’ packages, that include behind-the-scenes tours of the kitchen and a chance for the kids to make their own pizzas. You can even pick up special child-size chef hats or jackets for a little extra fee. The kid’s menu includes such pizza fare as barbeque chicken and pepperoni.
California Pizza Kitchen
Address: 3363 Nobel Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037
Website: California Pizza Kitchen
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm
5. Ocean Terrace at George's at The Cove
A restaurant that’s child-friendly may be one of your top priorities when picking an eatery for a family meal. But what if that restaurant also happens to boast a world-class view? Well, this happy coincidence is exactly what you’ll find if you visit Ocean Terrace at George’s. Its elevated bar, restaurant and open-air terrace enjoy fine sea panoramas. It also boasts a special ‘Little Bites’ menu specifically tailored towards the children. Dishes include grilled cheese sandwiches, crispy chicken strips, junior burgers and spaghetti with parmesan. Come for the child-friendly dishes, stay for the “million dollar view”.
Ocean Terrace at George's at The Cove
Address: 1250 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037
Website: Ocean Terrace at George’s at The Cove
Opening hours: Varies
6. Rimel's Rotisserie
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This small but very popular eatery has been running for well over 20 years, and its success has seen it spawn several other sites. This original location, however, is where it all began. The tiny cafe is so popular that a number of diners simply opt for takeout. However, if you reserve or find a spot, its fish dishes are a particular highlight among past diners. It also makes a point of producing dishes from locally-sourced ingredients, and all meat is organic. Naturally, kids dishes are available, although if you want an even bigger selection, the other sites offer such options as grass-fed hot dogs and quesadilla.
Rimel's Rotisserie
Address: 1030 Torrey Pines Road, Suite E, La Jolla, CA 92037
Website: Rimel’s Rotisserie
Opening hours: 11.30am - 9.30pm (daily)
7. Brockton Villa
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Another for fans of the coast, the Brockton Villa Restaurant enjoys strong word-of-mouth and is located within a beach cottage that enjoys mesmerising views of La Jolla Cove. There’s even a patio terrace from which to enjoy the vista. Its menu includes a range of seasonal dishes, meaning that you’ll find something different at alternate times of the year. And that menu contains all-important child menu options - and a large selection at that. Options include grilled chicken breast, and kids’ split sweets. There’s even a range of breakfasts for the little ones.
Brockton Villa
Address: 1235 Coast Boulevard, La Jolla, CA, 92037
Website: Brockton Villa
Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)
8. The Spot
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Spaghetti and meatballs, grilled cheese, and chicken strip meals are just some of the children’s menu options available for the little ones when families dine at this popular sports bar and restaurant. Located on Prospect Street, The Spot has been delighting diners in La Jolla since the 1970s and prides itself on its “friendly atmosphere and excellent cuisine”. And parents looking to enjoy some wildlife spotting with their children should note that the street is not far from Children’s Pool Beach, which got its name from the breakwater that was designed to create calm bathing waters but is today home to a harbour seal colony.
The Spot
Address: 1005 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037
Website: The Spot
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 1am; Fri - Sat: 11am - 2am; Sun: 10am - 1am
9. Burger Lounge
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This popular burger chain boasts more than two dozen outlets including one in La Jolla which has been winning fans since 2007. Promising “refreshingly uncomplicated” grass-fed burgers, it has a “pure and simple” menu. Its menu features everything from traditional beef to veggie and turkey burgers. The options include its Kid’s Lounge Meal. These feature chicken bites, cheeseburger and grilled cheese options and all include fries or salad, ice cream and soft drink. And those looking after the good of the planet will be pleased to note that all the take-out packaging is recyclable or made from recycled items.
Burger Lounge
Address: 1101 Wall Street., La Jolla, CA 92037
Website: Burger Lounge
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10.30am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 10.30am - 10pm
10. Piatti
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This Italian food chain has been producing tasty treats for diners for more than 30 years and has grown to nine separate outlets - from Seattle in the north to La Jolla in the south. Located not far from La Jolla Shore Park, the eatery enjoys one of the best reputations out of any restaurant in the area. It features smart interior decor and a charming outdoor terrace that is sheltered beneath the leafy branches of a large central ficus tree. Its wide array of Italian-style dishes are also popular with past diners, and there are kid’s menu options too.
Piatti
Address: 2182 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037
Website: Piatti
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri: 11am - 11pm; Sat: 10am - 11pm; Sun: 10am - 10pm
Other kid-friendly restaurants in San Diego
Aside from the ones in La Jolla, San Diego has plenty of great kid-friendly restaurants in other neighborhoods. Check these out if you need some more options for your little ones!
11. Tribute Pizza
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This cozy family pizza place serves brunch, lunch, and dinner with a variety of choices for everyone in the family. Their kids’ menu is intended for those under the age of 10 and offers cheese pizza with an option to add pepperoni, mac and cheese, and vanilla soft serve for dessert. The efficient and friendly service adds to the experience.
Tribute Pizza
Address: 3077 North Park Way, San Diego, 92104
Website: Tribute Pizza
Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 4pm - 9pm; Thu - Fri 4pm - 10pm; Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 9pm (closed on Mon)
12. Station Tavern
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Known for its all-American burgers and tater tots, this casual dining place has a tavern-like vibe true to its name, perfect for a leisurely lunch with family or friends. Kids are sure to enjoy dining at the communal picnic tables. The kid’s menu has hot dogs with a tofu option and grilled cheese besides the different types of fries. There is also a play area for the little ones with a half-scale trolley and chalkboards. The open dining area is also pet-friendly so your child don’t have to leave their four-legged friend out in the car.
Station Tavern
Address: 2204 Fern St San Diego, CA 92104
Website: Station Tavern
Opening hours: 11am - 12am (daily)
13. The Crack Shack - Little Italy
Known for its interesting twist on Southern California fried chicken and eggs, this restaurant uses meat that is antibiotic-free. The open-air dining combined with lawn games makes for a fun ambiance. The kids’ section, their menu aptly titled, “Little Cluckers” offers a choice of grilled chicken or grilled cheese, nuggets, a side of carrots or petite fries, juice, and a cookie. They also have Happy Hour specials for the adults.
The Crack Shack - Little Italy
Address: 2266 Kettner Blvd San Diego, California
Website: The Crack Shack - Little Italy
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 9am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 11pm
14. Corvette Diner
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This 50s style diner is complete with waitresses in bouffant hairstyles and poodle skirts. If the cotton candy platter, root beer floats, handmade shakes, and malts are not enough of a draw for the children, the Corvette car in the middle of the diner should be! Balloon animals and a section for gaming sweetens the deal. Their kids’ menu is quite extensive with options like spaghetti and meatballs, grilled chicken strips, and crunchy peanut butter and jelly apart from the staples.
Corvette Diner
Address: 2965 Historic Decatur Rd., San Diego, CA
Website: Corvette Diner
Opening hours: Sun: 11am - 9pm; Mon - Thu: 11.30am - 9pm; Fri: 11.30am - 11pm; Sat: 11am - 11pm
15. Puesto At The Headquarters
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Famous for their tacos and other Mexican delicacies, this restaurant promises authentic cuisine, founded and managed by first-generation Mexican Americans. Even kids who are not taco fans are bound to find the ice cream taco that features on their kids’ menu, irresistible. They offer mix and match options for children who can choose from tacos and quesadillas. This menu also provides allergy and diet details.
Puesto At The Headquarters
Address: 789 W Harbor Dr Suite 155, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: Puesto At The Headquarters
Opening hours: 11am - 10pm (daily)
16. The Old Spaghetti Factory
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This unique Italian restaurant features antique lighting, exquisitely stained glass displays, big, colorful booths and a trolley car to dine in. Their three-course meals are not just for adults, kids 12 and under get to enjoy it too. The young ones can choose an entrée of applesauce or salad, juice, milk, or a soft drink, and vanilla ice cream or spumoni for dessert.
The Old Spaghetti Factory
Address: 275 Fifth Avenue San Diego, CA 92101
Website: The Old Spaghetti Factory
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11.30am - 10pm; Fri: 11.30am - 11pm; Sat: 12pm - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 10pm
17. San Diego Pier Café
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Sitting right on the water, this is a great place to enjoy the sunset along with your meal. This quaint, New England-style full-service restaurant offers a choice of seafood specialties. Their kids’ menu caters to those under the age of 12 and features pizza, grilled chicken or fish with rice, burger, and fries, and popcorn shrimp among others.
San Diego Pier Café
Address: 885 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: San Diego Pier Café
Opening hours: 11am - 9pm (daily)
18. Filippi's Pizza Grotto Little Italy
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Parking lots are now open plus big changes coming for our outside Café Style dining. Come visit Filippi's Pizza Grotto Little Italy Little Italy San Diego, California
Posted by Filippi's Pizza Grotto Little Italy on Wednesday, January 12, 2022
From a family line of restaurants that dates back to the 1950s, this place serves authentic Italian cuisine for all. Kids get to choose from spaghetti, ravioli, or lasagna with choice of meatball or sausage. The delicious food is prepared using family recipes that date back more than half a century.
Filippi's Pizza Grotto Little Italy
Address: 1747, India St, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: Filippi’s Pizza Grotto Little Italy
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm; Sun: 11am - 10pm
19. Panama 66
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Situated at the San Diego Museum of Art at Balboa Park, this counter service restaurant uses only quality-sourced ingredients and offers live music. Sandwiches and soups are the choices on their kids’ menu. The bread used is country white loaf with ample amounts of fruits or vegetables.
Panama 66
Address: The San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: Panama 66
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 11am - 3pm; Wed - Fri: 11am - 9pm; Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 10am - 7pm
20. Chuck E. Cheese (San Diego)
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Fuel up for #AllYouCanPlay fun with a slice of your favorite fresh-made pizza.
Posted by Chuck E. Cheese on Tuesday, 28 August 2018
Do your kids love arcades? Then, they will surely love this place. Chuck E. Cheese is a nostalgic pizza restaurant and a family favorite. This place has a big arcade with a lot of interesting and interactive games — ranging from alley bowling to foosball, dancing, and racing simulators. This restaurant accommodates every kid’s ultimate wish: an “All You Can Play” option where parents can book a certain amount of time for their kids to play with no exclusions or exceptions. The place also hosts birthday parties and throws some nice shows of their famous Chuck E. mascot who loves kids. This restaurant has a loyalty program called “More Cheese Rewards” for returning visitors. With lots of fun promised within its doors, this place is a must-visit for families with children.
Chuck E. Cheese (San Diego)
Address: 3146 Sports Arena Blvd San Diego, CA 92110
Website: Chuck E. Cheese
Opening hours: Sun - Thur: 11am - 9pm, Fri: 11am - 10pm, Sat: 10am - 10pm
21. Ajisen Ramen
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Get warm up with this Spicy Ramen Come to Ajisen and enjoy our delicious food
Posted by Ajisen Ramen - San Diego on Sunday, 2 December 2018
If you haven’t tried Japanese food before, then you should. Japanese cuisine could be your kid’s next favorite with the cuisine’s variety. And what could be a better place for your Japanese experience than Ajisen Ramen located at 7398 Clairemont Mesa boulevard. This restaurant is a kid-friendly, homey restaurant serving a list of delicious ramens. Ramens are wheat noodles usually served in beef broth, flavored with soy sauce or miso, and topped with scallions, eggs, seaweed, or sliced beef. The place is also famous for its beef ramen, volcano ramen, ABC ramen, fried chicken ramen, and of course, fried tofu. Ajisen Ramen also has a kid-friendly menu, where parents can choose from ramen, udon (a simple Japanese soup), Japanese desserts, California rolls, fried chicken, or dumplings.
Ajisen Ramen
Address: 7398 Clairemont Mesa Blvd San Diego, CA 92111
Website: Ajisen Ramen
Opening hours: Sun - Thur: 11am - 10pm, Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm
22. Grater Grilled Cheese
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Can you imagine the burst of cheese in a bite of each of these dishes?! ? Take us back to a spread like this! Hunger level is now to the extreme.. ? : @hangryfoodie_
Posted by Grater Grilled Cheese on Tuesday, 21 August 2018
At 5618 Mission Center Road sits a nice, cozy traditional American restaurant, Grater Grilled Cheese. With a passion for grilling cheese sandwiches and a motto of “Making the World a Grater Place,” this restaurant does serve the best sandwich in town. Besides, they are famous for their lobster mac and cheese, Pomme Frites, chicken cordon blue, lobster bisque, and grilled avocado. The place guarantees that you will come back here for more. There is also kids’ menu and a lovely outdoor area for children to play. They have delightful Halloween offerings too, so always stay tuned to their announcements.
Grater Grilled Cheese
Address: 5618 Mission Center Rd Ste 1002 San Diego, CA 92108
Website: Grater Grilled Cheese
Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)
23. BO-beau Kitchen + Garden
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
When “French” and “food” come together in one sentence, an image of a satisfying and well-presented dish comes to mind. That image is real at BO-beau Kitchen + Garden. The place features a mix of French and American dishes presented with quality, attention to detail, and good customer service. If you are looking for a real sense-indulging plate, try their grilled salmon and Brussel sprouts. Also, they serve fantastic onion soup, pomme frites, goat cheese, and Boeuf Bourguignon — beef with baby carrots, haricot verts, mushrooms, pearl onions, fingerling potatoes, and pancetta. On top of that, they serve burgers and fried chicken. The place has a kid’s menu and an outdoor playing area. There’s also a happy hour from 4:30pm to 5:30pm from Tuesdays to Fridays. Sunday brunches are from 10:30am to 1:30pm.
BO-beau Kitchen + Garden
Address: 8384 La Mesa Blvd La Mesa, CA 91942
Website: BO-beau Kitchen + Garden
Opening hours: Tues - Thurs: 4:30pm - 9pm, Fri - Sat: 4:30pm - 10pm, Sun: 10:30am - 9pm (closed on Mon)
24. Casa de Reyes
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you are an outdoor lover, you will love this place. This place is a Mexican outdoor restaurant that is full of life and music. It also features excellent decoration and Mexican-dressed waiters. Casa de Reyes is also known for its kid-friendly patio. Enjoy San Diego’s pleasant weather with a well-prepared menu ranging from tortillas to enchiladas, shrimp ceviche, and marinated shrimps in fresh lime juice. Get your taste buds tingling with the restaurant’s cilantro, tomato, and avocado served with fresh corn chips. Also, dig into their burritos, as Casa de Reyes’ serving gets it with the right seasoning, texture, and mix. The stage right in front of the place features live entertainment every night, with live music to entertain you and your kids.
Casa de Reyes
Address: 2754 Calhoun St San Diego, CA 92110
Website: Casa de Reyes
Opening hours: Mon - Thurs: 10am - 9pm, Fri - Sat: 10am - 10pm, Sun: 9am - 9pm
25. Officine Buona Forchetta
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If a crusted Italian pizza can’t make your day, then what food could possibly be? Officine Buona Forchetta is an Italian restaurant at 2865 Sims Road, which is famous for its heartwarming Italian pizza varieties. From the simple Margherita to their gluten-free pizza, fried pizza fries, calzoni, risotto, and satisfying Bruchetta starter, the menu is loaded with delights. They also have a pizza-by-the-meter, which is a two-feet long pizza with three toppings of your choice. This enormous pizza serves up to three people. In addition to the great food, they have a nice outdoor area with a swing for the kids to enjoy a happy day-out. The place is both kids and stomach-friendly.
Officine Buona Forchetta
Address: 2865 Sims Rd San Diego, CA 92106
Website: Officine Buona Forchetta
Opening hours: Mon - Thus: 11:30am - 3pm, 5pm - 9:30pm, Fri: 11:30am - 3pm, 5pm - 10:30pm, Sat: 11:30am - 10:30pm, Sun: 11:30am - 9pm
26. Classics Malt Shop
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Classics Malt Shop on Thursday, 4 February 2010
Classics Malt Shop could be one of the best kid-friendly burger shop in town. Here, you can enjoy a nice, warm casual place for the whole family to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. They are also famous for their classic cheeseburger, mushroom burger, western burger, turkey burger, hotdog, and banana split. Plus, the place takes pride in its superb food quality and customer service.
Classics Malt Shop
Address: 3625 Midway Dr Ste B San Diego, CA 92110
Website: Classics Malt Shop
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 8:30pm (closed on Sun)
27. Ruby's Diner (San Diego)
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
It’s the First Day of Fall, which means soups are back in season! ? Come to Ruby's Diner for all of your favorite warm comfort foods. Get directions https://www.rubys.com/locations/
Posted by Ruby's Diner on Monday, 23 September 2019
Ruby’s Diner is an American diner with a variety of tasty burgers. The kid’s menu is packed with several kid-friendly options — mac & cheese, chicken fingers, corn dog, peanut butter and jelly, shakes, and burgers. If you can’t visit this place, then you should keep an eye for its food truck that bring all goodies right to where you are.
Ruby's Diner
Address: 1640 Camino Del Rio N #360P San Diego, CA 92108
Website: Ruby’s Dine
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 8am - 10pm, Fri - Sat: 8am - 11pm
Keep the children happy at meal times
Ensuring your kids’ happiness is important, especially when traveling or sightseeing. A hungry child can be cranky and throw a damper on what was to be some quality family time. Keep this list of kid-friendly restaurants in San Diego handy so you never have to face this issue while in the area!
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