Family-Friendly Restaurants in Ottawa

Dining out is always fun—and avoiding the kitchen mess at home is a bonus! But it can be difficult to manoeuvre with little kids. So here our favourite family-friendly restaurants in Ottawa that make dinner enjoyable for everyone.

Our Favourite Family-Friendly Restaurants in Ottawa

Big Rig Brewery

Sure, parents may know about Big Rig because of the beer they brew, but the kids will enjoy the selections on the kids menu (like pizza, burgers, and grilled cheese sandwiches) as well as the atmosphere. Plus, they’ll love the hockey gear and TVs adorning the walls. We suspect everyone in the family will be making plans to go back to try everything on the menu.

Occo Kitchen

There’s a kids menu that includes poutine and a delicious caesar salad, but the kids may also want to simply choose from their taco menu or the side dishes. We love the laid back and friendly atmosphere at the OCCO Kitchen Orleans location, but don’t forget that if the kids aren’t up for a night out, you can grab items for takeout at their Orleans or at their downtown location.

Oh So Good

Ottawa families can visit Oh So Good at one of their Byward Market location. Sometimes a casual environment where you can grab something that tastes great but is ready quickly, like the sandwiches and paninis on their menu, is just what you need when the kids are in tow (and you aren’t sure how patient they will be). However, we know it’s the dessert that will have the kids going wide-eyed here.

Kettleman’s Bagels

Why make the trip to Montreal when you can get delish bagels right here in town? There’s no better bagel than the chewy, sweet version served up by Kettleman’s. Stop in for a sandwich if you have time, or grab a dozen to take home and pop in the freezer (actually, you’ll probably want to do both). Don’t forget the cream cheese!

Zak’s Diner

We love the feel of this traditional diner and the menu has something no matter what you or the kids are craving – with burgers, poutine and sandwiches available. We recommend everyone save room for dessert, or one of their giant milk shakes. Plus, where else can you go to get a traditional ice cream float? With Zak’s you have four options!

Tennessy Willems

Tennessy Willems in Hintonburg is a little more upscale than the usual kind of pizza joint, but it makes for a great night out and is a popular, kid-friendly destination for families in the neighbourhood. (Take heed: reservations are recommended and there’s no kids’ menu. But that’s ok with us.) This is the home of cracker-thin crust, baked to a light and crispy perfection in a wood-burning oven. They make a fabulous Caesar salad and charcuterie is available, too. Order some local Beau’s beer to round out your dinner. You won’t regret it.

Moe’s World Famous Newport Restaurant

What do we love about the Newport Restaurant? Two words: kid friendly. Yes, they have booster seats but it’s more than that. It’s the ‘ask and we’ll do it for you’ attitude. Need two plates to split one grilled cheese sandwich? Sure. Your sippy cup filled with milk? No problem. Whoops! A cloth! You may not even need to ask. The food is good, simple, filling and generous. Branch out a bit from that famous pizza and you’re sure to find a back-up favourite. The menu is huge so have fun finding your own fave.

The Works

With seven locations around the city, and an excellent burger, it’s no wonder this place is so popular. It’s not fast food—which is why we recommend perusing the extensive menu before you leave and ordering their famous Tower-O-Rings as soon as you sit down. We often crave the Sexy Burger (cream cheese, pineapple, and hot peppers, yum!) and their crispy sweet potato strings. Kids swear by the SK8R Boy (peanut butter, jack cheese, and bacon).

Elgin Street Diner

The Elgin Street Diner (or ESD) has been regularly named Ottawa’s best diner and is famous for its brunch, as well as its poutine. Both locations are great for people watching which can provide entertainment for the younger set while you finish up your meal.