Best of 28 kid-friendly restaurants in San Diego

Discover our curated list of top-ranked kid-friendly restaurants in San Diego, compiled from extensive research across reputable websites and blogs. Explore outstanding options like Great Maple - Hillcrest, Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, World Famous, Corvette Diner, The Old Spaghetti Factory. Let's explore together!

1. Great Maple - Hillcrest

Modern take on American comfort food

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Personal Celebrations
  • Budget-Friendly Eats

2. Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar

Cozy and inviting atmosphere with a rustic, dog-themed decor

TOPICS

  • Social Gatherings
  • American Cuisine
  • Mid-Range

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3. World Famous

Authentic Indian cuisine in a laid-back beach setting

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Waterfront
  • Social Gatherings
  • Vegetarian Options

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4. Corvette Diner

Family-friendly restaurant with a 1950s vibe and a wide selection of American comfort food.

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • Dinner
  • Social Gatherings

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5. The Old Spaghetti Factory

Features a vintage trolley car in the dining area

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Italian Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • Corporate Events

6. The Crack Shack - Little Italy

Led by renowned chef Richard Blais with a focus on free-range, hormone-free chicken

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Mid-Range
  • Lunch
  • Downtown Spots

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7. Carnitas' Snack Shack - Embarcadero

Known for its high-quality, locally sourced pork dishes

TOPICS

  • Social Gatherings
  • American Cuisine
  • Cheap Eats

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8. Station Tavern

Features vintage train decor and a patio for outdoor seating

TOPICS

  • Social Gatherings
  • Italian Cuisine
  • Vegan Options

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9. Shake Shack Little Italy

Modern take on classic American fast food with gourmet twists

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Mid-Range
  • Downtown Spots

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10. Cafe 21 University Heights

Cozy and community-focused atmosphere with local art displays

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Vegetarian Options

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11. Punch Bowl Social

A unique dining and entertainment experience with games, live music, and events

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Mid-Range
  • Downtown Spots
  • Dinner

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12. Broken Yolk Cafe

Locally sourced ingredients, creative menu options

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Downtown Spots

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13. The Mission/ East Village

Spacious rooftop bar with fire pits and heaters

TOPICS

  • Fusion Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

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14. Swami's Cafe North Park

Popular local chain serving up delicious and health-conscious meals

TOPICS

  • Asian Cuisine
  • Vegetarian Options
  • Vegan Options
  • Downtown Spots

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15. Hob Nob Hill

Fine dining experience with a retro vibe and old-school charm

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • Budget-Friendly Eats
  • Breakfast

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16. Claim Jumper Steakhouse & Bar - San Diego, CA

Extensive menu with options for every dietary restriction

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Mid-Range
  • Downtown Spots
  • Dinner

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17. The Friendly

Local coffee shop with a cozy and friendly vibe

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Budget-Friendly Eats

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18. Jack in the Box

Established in 1951, Jack in the Box is one of the oldest fast-food chains in the US, known for its innovation in food and operations.

TOPICS

  • Cheap Eats
  • Downtown Spots
  • American Cuisine

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19. The Rabbit Hole

Unique and creative dishes, Wine and craft beer selection

TOPICS

  • Mexican Cuisine
  • Hidden Gems
  • Happy Hours

20. Panama 66

Located in the San Diego Museum of Art's sculpture garden

TOPICS

  • Social Gatherings
  • Mediterranean Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • Dinner

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21. Lucky's Lunch Counter

Retro 1950s-style lunch counter

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Budget-Friendly Eats
  • Downtown Spots

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22. Big Kitchen Café

Committed to sustainable and eco-friendly practices

TOPICS

  • Social Gatherings
  • American Cuisine
  • Vegetarian Options
  • Downtown Spots

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23. Albert's Restaurant

Offers stunning views of the San Diego Zoo

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Mid-Range
  • Downtown Spots

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24. One Door North

Features local San Diego beers and hosts trivia nights

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots

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25. Chuck E. Cheese

A unique spot for family entertainment and birthday parties

TOPICS

  • Personal Celebrations
  • American Cuisine
  • Budget-Friendly Eats
  • Downtown Spots

26. Lazy Hippo

Family-owned restaurant serving Southern comfort food with a twist

TOPICS

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Gluten-Free
  • Vegetarian Options

27. Lapper Kitchen + Tap

TOPICS

  • Social Gatherings
  • American Cuisine
  • Vegetarian Options
  • Downtown Spots

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28. Sabertooth Grill

A great spot for families and dinosaur enthusiasts, with life-size dinosaur models and educational exhibits.

TOPICS

  • American Cuisine
  • Downtown Spots
  • Dinner
  • Vegetarian Options

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