11 Fun Restaurants to Take Kids To in San Diego

Take a trip back to the days of Rock N’ Roll at the Corvette Diner in Liberty Station. Stepping inside this diner transports guests right back to the 50s, complete with antique decor, golden oldies playing on the jukebox, and a menu full of classic diner staples. There’s no better pairing than a burger and a milkshake, so stop by between 12 pm-8pm from Monday-Thursday and open till 9 pm on Friday and Saturday.

Corvette Diner isn’t just a place to grab a meal. It’s one of the Best Things to Do with Kids in San Diego thanks to its pervasive 50s theme and arcade. Parents and grandparents can feel nostalgic about the halcyon days of poodle skirts and checkerboard patterns, and kids are sure to find the throwback theme fun and exciting too!

Keep the fun going at the diner’s Gamer’s Garage, an arcade with over 60 games to play. Selections include arcade cabinets, skee ball, pinball, and air hockey alongside more recent releases common to boardwalk arcades.

Many of San Diego’s best hotels, especially the best picks for families, offer guests complimentary breakfast! But if your hotel doesn’t offer this amenity, or you’re looking for a change of pace, there are few better ways to start the day than with a heaping stack of pancakes at Richard Walker’s Pancake House.

This is a family-owned and family-operated business that prides itself on serving up an array of breakfast staples, from their famous baked pancakes and french toast to omelets and hash browns. Light lunch fare including sandwiches, salads, and quiches are also available.

Richard Walker’s Pancake House has 6 locations in total, 4 of which are located in San Diego. These can be found in La Jolla, Del Mar, Carlsbad, and the Gaslamp Quarter close to Downtown San Diego.

All locations are open daily from 6:30 am-2:30 pm. Both breakfast and lunch are served from open to close, so even picky eaters will have no problems.

San Diego County is highly culturally diverse with influences from around the globe. Nowhere is that easier to see than in Little Italy, where families can feel like they’re really walking through the streets of Italy, all without ever leaving the country. If you’re in the mood for Italian, head to Filippi’s Pizza Grotto.

Filippi’s Pizza Grotto is part of a family-owned line of businesses that date all the way back to the 1950s. There are 10 locations around San Diego but the Little Italy location is the best in my opinion. This restaurant chain is currently owned by family members of the original founders, so you can be sure you’re getting authentic Italian recipes that have been passed down through generations!

Kids can try real Italian pizza with an array of toppings sure to catch the eye of even the pickiest eaters. Other options on the menu include pasta, sandwiches, and salads, plus Italian desserts like cannolis and tiramisu.

Filippi’s Pizza Grotto is open Sunday-Thursday from 11 am-9 pm and Friday-Saturday from 11 am-10 pm.

San Diego’s year-round sunny weather makes it ideal for outdoor dining with views of the Pacific Ocean, especially in beachy neighborhoods like La Jolla. In fact, why not dine right on the beach? At The Shores restaurant, you and the kids can relax by the beach while eating breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Enjoy delicious seafood and Baja-inspired options with locally-sourced and farm-fresh ingredients. The Shores Restaurant seasonal menu ensures there’s always something new to try. Stop by for weekend brunch and treat the family to an upscale, hacienda-style dining experience.

Parents can enjoy a variety of drinks from the beachside bar including cocktails, wine, spritzers, and craft beer. Nibble on happy hour bites from 2-5 pm each day or order off the full menu. There’s also a kids menu with child-friendly options and smaller servings.

The Shores is open daily from 7 am-8:30 pm. If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, make a reservation for dinner in the early evening so you can watch the sunset over the beach.

Southern California’s shared border with Mexico and the state’s early roots as a Spanish colony have contributed to a lively Mexican culture in many cities. As a result, San Diegan neighborhoods like Mission Beach are a great place to get authentic Mexican food at spots like the La Playa Taco Shop.

Eat delicious tacos made with delicious tortillas and filled with a variety of meats, cheeses, beans, and more. La Playa Taco Shop also serves up Mexican favorites like burritos, quesadillas, chile relleno, nachos, and of course the classic breakfast burrito. This is in my opinion the best Taco Shop in San Diego!

If you’re looking for a delicious and affordable place to eat with the family, La Playa Taco Shop is an excellent choice. It’s one of our picks for the Best Things to Do with Kids in San Diego because of its quality of food and its beachside location in Mission Beach.

There are plenty of options for outdoor dining in San Diego, from beachside patios to sidewalk cafes. If you’re looking for a restaurant with outdoor seating and classic pub-style eats, head over to Station Tavern in South Park.

Station Tavern’s menu is filled with American classics, from burgers and fries to salads, sandwiches, and quick bites. Vegan and vegetarian dishes are available, and the restaurant has a full bar complete with cocktails, beers on tap, craft beers, and wines.

Bring the whole family, as pets are allowed in the outdoor dining area too! If you’re coming from Dog Run Beach at Coronado Island or staying at a dog-friendly hotel, Station Tavern is an excellent place to grab lunch where everyone is invited.

After you eat, let the kids run around in Station Tavern’s outdoor play area. The attached playground is within view of the patio, so you can chat over drinks while still keeping an eye on your little ones.

On a hot day, there’s nothing better than cooling off with a refreshing ice cream cone. If you’re in Pacific Beach and looking for something sweet, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Handel’s serves up a variety of ice cream flavors, from staples like Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Rocky Road to unique options such as Blue Monster, Horchata, and Taro. Their menu features over 100 different flavors that rotate seasonally, with both ice cream and sorbet options.

While you can get a classic cup or cone at Handel’s, many people like their Sundaes, Shakes or Hurricanes.

It’s always time for dessert at Moms Pie House! With two locations in Julian, California, this quaint bakery has made a name for itself with its delicious pastries, pies, cakes, and other desserts. Stop in after dinner to satisfy your sweet tooth, or pick up something to go that you can enjoy later.

All of the desserts at Moms Pie House are made with high-quality ingredients, including fresh, locally-sourced fruits. Their famous apple pies are baked with apples grown right in Julian. Additionally, full lists of ingredients for each dessert can be found on their website, so parents of children with allergies can dig in without any worries.

Pies are the star attraction here, with both full pies and slices available. Most days, you can even see the owner rolling out a homemade pie crust from the front window. There are plenty of other confections available too, plus coffee, tea, and fresh-pressed cider. Lunch options including chicken pot pie, sandwiches, and soup are also offered for dine-in meals.

Solana Beach surfers know that when they’re in the mood for pizza, Pizza Port is the place to go. This pizzeria serves up classic California-style pizzas with dozens of topping combinations to choose from, including a specially selected pizza of the month. They also offer salads and munchies like mozzarella sticks and mac and cheese bites.

What makes Pizza Port a favorite among families is its dedication to exceptional customer service. This is reflected in its motto of, “Good food and good beer bring good cheer!” Whether you choose to visit the original Pizza Port or any of its four other locations across Carlsbad and Ocean Beach, good vibes are ahead!

The Carlsbad location in particular is one of our favorites as it’s not far from great shopping in Carlsbad, LEGOLAND California and a fantastic San Diego water park we love, that of LEGOLAND® Water Park!

Parents are sure to enjoy Pizza Port just as much as the kids do, especially for fans of San Diego’s craft beer scene. This pizza place has its own brewery, Port Brewery, and it’s some of the best beer San Diego has to offer. Wash down your pizza with ice cold beer on tap, or pick up a few cans for home.

Pizza Port is open 11 am-9 pm Sunday through Thursday and 11 am-10 pm on Friday and Saturday.

Hodad’s is a beloved burger joint that’s been in operation in the San Diego area for over 50 years. Originally opened in 1969, the restaurant has remained a family business passed down to its current third-generation owners. Through these years, Hodad’s has remained a local favorite, serving hot and juicy burgers alongside cold, refreshing milkshakes to thousands of loyal customers. Hodad’s was actually featured on Food Networks Drive in Diners and Dives with host Guy Fieri!

In addition to its classic and specialty burger menu, Hodad’s also brews award-winning craft beer. Parents can chat over ales, hard ciders, and lagers while kids sip shakes made with heaping scoops of ice cream.

Hodad’s original location is in Ocean Beach, but there are also locations Downtown San Diego and in Snapdragon Stadium. There’s even a Hodad’s in PETCO Park, so you can watch a ballgame or take the Petco Park tour before grabbing a burger.

Consider picking up a Go City San Diego pass to save on the park tour. With the pass you’ll also receive admission to dozens of other nearby family-friendly attractions such as the USS Midway Museum and Maritime Museum, both right along San Diego Bay!

Big Kitchen Cafe in South Park has all the hallmarks of a hidden gem of a diner: great food and even better company.

This cozy cafe has won recognition as one of San Diego’s best restaurants and an excellent spot for families. It’s been featured on the Food Network and named as one of the best breakfast spots in San Diego by multiple magazines.

While the food is outstanding, that’s not all this spot has to offer. Big Kitchen has become a hub for the community, with a welcoming atmosphere of camaraderie that invites people of all ages and backgrounds to dine together. Its local fame has even made it the inspiration for its own performance, Big Kitchen: A Counter-Culture Musical back in 2015.

Big Kitchen Cafe is open Thursday to Monday from 8 am-2 pm and closed from Tuesday to Wednesday. If you’re looking for some entertainment while you eat, plan to stop by on the weekends, as Big Kitchen Cafe has live bands in the outdoor seating area on Saturdays and Sundays.