A (not-so-short) list of kid-friendly Montréal restaurants

From finicky palates to creeping noise levels to ants-in-the-pants energy, eating out with kids comes with its challenges. To take the stress out of dining out with your brood (no raised eyebrows and baleful looks from fellow patrons), we’ve rounded up some kid-friendly restaurants per neighbourhood. Read on for some good picks to enjoy a meal with your crew.

DOWNTOWN

Bistro Le Balmoral – An upscale eatery in the Quartier des spectacles that specializes in grilled meats and seafoods and fresh Québec produce. Your gang will love being next door to the festivals.

Enoteca Mozza Pizzeria Moderna – Enjoy classic Italian fare in this laid-back eatery. Part of the profits on its of children’s meals go to the Montréal Children’s Hospital Foundation.

The Keg Steakhouse + Bar – Spacious and inviting, with comfy banquettes for kids to squirm around on, from the chain that serves up traditional steakhouse fare.

Le Milsa – A Brazilian churrasco, with lots of ambiance, dance and music and heaps of grilled meat, but don’t fear: there’s a vegetarian menu too.

Brisket – A downtown deli that serves, among others, smoked meat and grilled cheese sandwiches, hamburgers and fries, plus pig’s knuckles, if your little rascals are adventurous.

Chez Cora – A much-loved spot for casual breakfasts, brunches and lunches, with a menu that features delicious stuff like waffles, crêpes and tons of fruit.

Lola Rosa – This cozy little vegetarian restaurant in the heart of the McGill Ghetto is a great choice for brunch or dinner with your brats (okay, we know they aren’t brats).

OLD MONTRÉAL

Jardin Nelson – A haven in our historic district famous for its crêpes also offers fare like pizza and salads. You can choose the pretty front terrasse or lush courtyard in the back.

Café Terrasse Chez Catherine – You can eat crêpes for main dishes or desserts and snack on delicious Coaticook ice cream in a rainbow of flavours.

Vallier – A sweet 1950s-inspired décor, French bistro-style and Québécois fare whose vintage look is a feast for the eyes too.

Cabaret du Roy – A playful pirates’ den from the time of New France where singing, laughing, music and general merrymaking are all on the menu.

Le Bourlingueur – Inspired by Alsatian cuisine, this little French bistro specializes in fish and seafood, and its atmosphere is warm and inviting.

LE PLATEAU

Beauty’s – The iconic luncheonette on St. Urbain Street lets wee ones doodle to their hearts’ content on placemats while slurping down milkshakes.

Byblos – A bright and airy neighbourhood café specializing in Middle Eastern dishes, with toys and books for kids.

La Banquise – With over 30 kinds of poutine offered on the menu, this is the go-to spot for our iconic dish. Kids can unleash their inner artist with crayons while chowing down cheese curds.

Robin des bois – A not-for-profit community-run, market-fresh restaurant whose profits are distributed to local charities. Kids can take advantage of room to run, coloring books and crayons and even toys. Plus, they can take a tour of the kitchen.

Bistro Espace Lafontaine – Nestled in the heart of Parc Lafontaine, this light-filled airy bistro is a good bet for family brunches – and the many pleasures of the park just outside.

La Fabrique Bistrot – Reinvented French cuisine comes out of its kitchen, which is central to the restaurant, giving everyone the chance to watch their meal-in-the-making. A cute spin? The bill is served with cotton candy for the kids.

Prato Pizzeria and Café – Specializing in thin-crust Neopolitan pizza. Kids can play “baby-foot” (table soccer) here and colour with crayons.

Magpie – A rustic pizza parlour with a wood-fired oven and warm brick walls that serves delicious thin-crust pizzas based on the traditional Neopolitan pie.

The Village

1000 grammes – Fresh fare like salads, soups, sandwiches and yummy juices, plus 30 different kinds of cakes for little guys to choose from. Sweet!

LITTLE ITALY

Gema – A gem of a pizzeria that serves 10 different kinds of pies with amazing freshness and straight-up simplicity. Your kids (and probably you) will also go bonkers for the frozen custard dessert.

Dinette Triple Crown – Shining the spotlight on the cuisine of the Southern U.S. (fried chicken, barbecue, collard greens and company, baby), this neighbourhood takeout has a cool, old-timey feel. An excellent pick-up-and-picnic idea.

Outremont

Les enfants terribles – You’ll love the French classics and reinvented comfort food, especially on the lovely terrasse, in one of Montréal’s swisher neighbourhoods.

HOMA

Les Affamés – A cozy-chic neighbourhood restaurant that serves fresh-from-the-market fare. It’s a great spot for brunching, heartily and healthily, with the kids.

Botanical Garden Restaurant – The restaurant features a menu with a wide range of vegetarian and meat dishes and superb views of the outdoors. Take-out lunches available too.

Griffintown, Little Burgundy, SAINT-Henri

Industria Brasserie Italianne  – A pared-down but funky Italian eatery that specializes in sfizi (Italian sharing plates) that little fingers will love.

Le Boucan – A rustic-style smokehouse influenced by Southern flavours. Think pulled pork, ribs, Cajun fries and Alabama-style chicken sandwiches. And for kids, the mac n’ cheese rules!

Sumac – A cool little falafel and shawarma shop that celebrates mouthwatering Middle Eastern cuisine.

NORTH

L’Auberge du Dragon Rouge – Step back in time to the Middle Ages at this festive inn, filled with knights, monks, vagabonds, troubadours and a medieval-style menu.