Best-of Guides New York

Best Restaurants to Take the Kids in New York City

5 Restaurants
We've pulled together a list of MICHELIN-approved spots where children can expand their palates while remaining firmly within their comfort zones, and parents can indulge in grown-up conversations and perhaps even a well-deserved glass of wine.

New York City by The MICHELIN Guide

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Updated on 16 September 2024

New York may be synonymous with buzzy restaurants and late nights, but it's equally well suited to families with children in tow. There are plenty of places where strollers are welcome and little ones are encouraged to be their gloriously boisterous selves. Dining out with your kids doesn't have to be relegated to spots with coloring books and chicken fingers, either. 

Whether you want to slurp ramen or soba, snack on comfort food, tuck into gourmet pizza, or munch on mezze, there's a restaurant that's perfect for you and your whole crew. 

Check out the list below. 

Ivan Ramen
25 Clinton St., 10002 New York
$$ · Japanese

After opening a series of successful ramen shops in Tokyo, Ivan Orkin could not have picked a better location for his NY flagship. Indie rock beats, designer tees, and murals of manga cutouts come together seamlessly at this Clinton Street spot; and from solo stools along the wall to counter seats facing the kitchen, the snug little space has packed in the crowds since opening in 2014.

Inspector notes: "Starters like crispy eggplant with tahini and charred garlic or cold sesame noodles with roasted peppers showcase the chef's preference for flair and flavor."

Mile End
97A Hoyt St., 11217 New York
$ · Deli

Boerum Hill’s most bodacious deli serves up killer smoked meats among other treats whose caloric content rivals a week’s worth of eating. This is Montreal Jewish fare, the stuff comfort food dreams are made of.

Inspector notes: "Think of thin slices of corned beef piled high, topped with kraut and Russian dressing, blanketed in melted Swiss and wedged between toasted pumpernickel."

Sobaya
229 E. 9th St., 10003 New York
$ · Japanese

There are a ton of Japanese restaurants that line this stretch of the East Village, so why Soba-Ya? Why not Soba-Ya, its ultra-dedicated patrons would argue, for the buckwheat soba, as well as the hearty udon on tap here, are consistently off-the-charts good. Co-owner and mini-mogul, Bon Yagi, favors authenticity over flash in his establishments. And here he employs that traditional aesthetic to sweet perfection—along with a graceful, but simply appointed dining space; and quiet, well-timed service.

Inspector notes: "A meal might begin with uni and grated mountain yam, kissed with wasabi and crispy, toasted nori."

Speedy Romeo
376 Classon Ave., 11238 New York
$$ · Pizza

The owner benefited from years at Jean-Georges’ empire, and that intelligence and experience is conveyed through the smart accents and whimsical menu that begins with Italian ingredients. Look to the wood-burning oven for smoky, meaty artichoke halves topped with lemon aïoli, sourdough crumbs, mint and peppery arugula.

Inspector notes: "Take a chance on the non-traditional but utterly fantastic pizza combinations, such as the St. Louis, layering a proper crust with meats, pickled chillies and Midwestern Provel cheese."

Al Badawi
151 Atlantic Ave., 11201 New York
$$ · Middle Eastern

Scale is everything at this bustling Palestinian charmer, which stands out on Atlantic Avenue because of the colorful faux floral display that graces the front entrance. These flowers again make a statement inside, hanging above the kitchen and on the wall. Such vibrancy and boldness also extends to the cooking.

Inspector notes: "Start with all of the dips by ordering the enormous mezze platter, served with thin, unleavened saj bread that arrives hot out of the domed oven by the door."