The Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in New York City

With multiple bite-sized portions and a bustling environment, dim sum may just be a parent’s dream. At Dim Sum Go Go, you can make a reservation to avoid a lengthy wait, then settle in for a whole slew of good things, like steamed buns (char siu bao), shrimp dumplings (har gow), rice rolls (cheung fun) and sweet treats like sesame balls and mango pudding. The menu also offers a wide selection of Cantonese dishes, like General Tso’s chicken, stir-fried beef with broccoli and fried rice. Another plus: the photo-driven menu makes ordering with kids easy.

You’ll find Gordo’s Cantina in Bushwick, where it has become a much loved neighborhood spot, welcoming families and serving up large portions. The menu is full of expertly prepared hits, starting with hearty homemade tortilla chips and chunky guacamole and moving into classics like quesadillas, tacos and burritas (a duo of smaller burritos prepared without rice). For those looking to go a little rogue, try the signature El Chapo, a bacon wrapped hot dog served with homemade crema and pico de gallo. To finish? A duo of cream-filled churros with cajeta (goat’s milk dulce de leche) and chocolate sauce for dipping.

This Upper East Side saloon has been serving its signature burgers, cottage fries and Bloody Marys since 1972. J.G. Melon is low-key and fun, with green and white tablecloths, an old-time jukebox and an outdoor cafe that beckons when spring comes. There’s plenty more than burgers, too, making this an optimal place to bring a variety of eaters. MICHELIN Guide Inspectors are keen on the chili cup filled to the brim with savory meat chili and topped with onions and cheese, and the turkey club sandwich.

Melba’s is comfort food. And conviviality. And community. This is a place where kids are welcomed with open arms. The meal starts with “comfortizers” (that says it all) like hamburger sliders with Melba’s own smoky-sweet sauce, jumbo lump crab cakes, chicken tenders and fried shrimp. What kid wouldn’t want to try Melba’s signature fried chicken and eggnog waffle, with strawberry butter and maple syrup? Dining at Melba's is like coming home for dinner and bringing the whole family.

An extension of the beloved appetizing shop, the full-service Russ & Daughters Cafe opened in 2014 and brilliantly channels old New York. Here, you can sit down and dig into Jewish comfort food: soups, potato latkes, bagels and lox, smoked fish platters, caviar, baked goods and other classics. No one of any age should skimp on dessert. In addition to challah bread pudding, rugelach and cheesecake, they offer two kinds of French toast: one made with homemade cinnamon babka, the other with chocolate. Note: It’s walk-in only.

A modern take on the neighborhood pizzeria, Seppe Pizza Bar is a win when you want a laid-back meal in a bright, casual dining room. The crowd-pleasing menu offers popular options for kids and adults alike, such as sliders, baked clams, chicken parm and build-your-own pizzas, in addition to a selection of “house red” and "house white” pies. Seppe Pizza Bar opens at noon every day, so stroll in for lunch, a mid-afternoon pick me up, early dinner or evening supper.

Noodles are a kid's best friend, and the freshly made buckwheat soba at Soboya is as slurpable as it gets. Diners can choose between six hot and six cold preparations, each with a choice of soba or udon, and rice eaters can opt for a selection of bowls like katsu-don (fried chicken or pork cutlet over rice) and sake oyako don (salmon sashimi over rice). The dining room has plenty of tables, booths and counter space, and walk-ins are welcomed, even during peak dinner service.