Pizza nights are great and all, but you don’t have to settle to make your picky eaters happy. And you especially shouldn’t settle when you’re vacationing in the foodie land of Newport Beach! That’s why we’ve rounded up our favorite kid friendly restaurants in Newport Beach that are parent-approved and delicious!
Local Restaurants with Large Outdoor Patios
We find that restaurants with spacious outdoor patios are typically better babysitters than a tablet. At these local joints, kids have plenty of room to let out their wiggles while the adults finish up their food and conversation.
The Beachcomber Cafe
A 15 minute drive from the peninsula, this cottage-turned-restaurant is a must-visit when you’re in town. Located right on the sand in the idyllic Crystal Cove, the Beachcomber serves American classics with a side of ocean views. Expect to find kids playing in the sand at the foot of the restaurant while their families dine in the timeless ambiance.
Pro tip: Parking for the restaurant is located off-site (unless you have a handicap placard). Guests must either walk 10 minutes to the restaurant or take the trolley, which is $1.50 each way for ages 12 and up. Parking, however, is free for 3 hours with restaurant validation, otherwise it’s $15.
Sabatino’s Sausage Company
Sabatino’s is a hidden gem and longtime local favorite that sits adjacent to a large dry-slip boatyard. An easy walk from the peninsula, this family-owned Italian restaurant doesn’t skip a beat when you bring the entire family. We especially love their outdoor space, because kids can play in the car-free area while the adults tuck into amazing, housemade Italian cuisine.
Bluewater Grill
Bluewater Grill is our go-to when we’re craving seafood but are dining with people who have diverse palates and preferences. While they specialize in fresh seafood, Bluewater Grill also offers plenty of other options for the seafood-averse. We absolutely love their gorgeous wrap-around porch located right on the bay, for picturesque yet casual waterfront dining. They even have a fun and easy-to-customize kids menu (including a just-for-kids dessert menu!)
Restaurants as Lively & Fun as Family
We firmly believe that our visiting guests should only go to local restaurants that are stupid-delicious and make dining feel like one big celebration! We know you’ll have a ball at any of these kid friendly restaurants in Newport Beach.
Ruby’s Diner
Take a stroll to the very end of the Balboa Pier, and you’ll find Ruby’s Diner. The 1950’s American diner is in full swing here, with a giant gumball machine, laminate booths, and a jukebox. But the best part is the 360 degree view of the ocean you’ll have as you munch on refillable french fry baskets and burgers.
Mama D’s Italian Kitchen
It’s typical to see a long line of people waiting their turn to eat at Mama D’s. And boy is this place worth the wait! The service is hyper-friendly and the prices for giant plates of Italian food can’t be beat! In fact, waiting for a table is part of the fun, with servers passing out fresh-out-of-oven garlic knots every few minutes. Put Mama D’s on your trip’s itinerary and don’t be surprised if you come back to Newport just for more of their food!
Avila’s El Ranchito
El Ranchito will whisk you and your family into full fiesta-mode. Both their indoor and outdoor seating is bedecked in Mexican-inspired decor for a fun and festive dining experience, right on the peninsula. We are admittedly obsessed with their crispy chicken tacos, tangy ceviche, and perfectly mixed margaritas. Kids, too, are nicely accommodated with their own menu of Mexican food classics. And if you’re dining here on Taco Tuesdays, expect to wait your turn, because this place gets busy!