Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in San Francisco

This is a guest post from Margaret Wong, a mom of a one-year-old and co-founder of Enrout, a revolutionary alternative lodging search engine where you can discover charming family-friendly vacation rentals, hotels, and bed and breakfasts off-the-beaten-path.

Cafe Zazie

Eating through San Francisco with my baby son has been one of the biggest joys of parenthood for me because there are so many restaurants to explore that offer delicious food that appeals to both baby and mommy taste buds.

When Amie asked me to share my picks for five family-friendly restaurants in San Francisco, it was really tough to pick my favorites out of so many amazing eateries in the city. Nevertheless, here are the five restaurants that I consider the best places to take your kids to eat in the city:

American Grilled Cheese Kitchen in SOMA

My son loves the grilled cheesy goodness, and the kid-sized stools in the side of the restaurant. The staff is incredibly friendly and accommodating, and there is plenty of outdoor seating that makes for a pleasant atmosphere in the sunny side of San Francisco.

The only caveat is that they have only one high chair and there is no changing table in the bathroom.

Park Chow in Inner Sunset

Sunset moms in the neighborhood love bringing their kids here for weekend brunch. This eatery is very kid-friendly with lots of high chairs, and serves food made of only the finest local organic ingredients.

If you look around during your meal, I guarantee you that half of the tables in the restaurant will be families with young children.

Shanghai Dumpling King in Outer Richmond

Shanghai Dumpling King is a family favorite, and our go-to restaurant for Friday night dinners. They are known for their “Xiao Long Bao,” or Shanghai Soup Dumplings, which everyone in my family loves … especially my son!

A lesser known but equally amazing dish it the powder sugared cream puffs that you can order for dessert. Those puffs are so fluffy and light, it almost reminds me of the best beignet I ever had in my life in New Orleans. Like most Chinese restaurants, Shanghai Dumpling King is ideal for kids because there are plenty of high chairs, and the staff doesn’t even blink an eye if the little one is just a tad messy when he eats.

Il Cane Rosso in the Ferry Building

The Ferry Building is perfect for kids because there are lots of interesting things going on and plenty of space to run around. And the best place to eat in the Ferry Building is Il Cane Russo … why, it’s where I had the best warm egg salad sandwich in my life!

My son loves the beef brisket sandwich there. You can order your food to go and sit on a bench overlooking the bay, or you can opt for outdoor seating.

There is an amazing farmers market at the Ferry Building on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, so you and your kids can wander around and taste samples of the freshest local produce in the city!

Cafe Zazie in Cole Valley

I love this Cole Valley establishment because it’s so homey, not too pricey, and I’ve had some of my best meals in San Francisco here. The restaurant is small, but my son and I often see other young children or infants here.

I recommend getting the pancake sampler, poached eggs, or French toast. Get there early though, because this place gets packed quickly!

Photo Credit: Cafe Zazie

Relevant Links:

Ciao Bambino recommended San Francisco family hotels

Things to do in San Francisco’s Presidio with children

Things to do in San Francisco with kids (locals version)

Favorite San Francisco attractions with kids

Angel Island San Francisco