The Kids Menu: Family-Friendly Restaurants in Miami
Miami, known for its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and sunny weather, is also a fantastic destination for fine dining. When traveling with children, however, finding a restaurant that pleases everyone can be difficult. Here's an unofficial guide to kid-friendly restaurants in Miami that promise a delightful dining experience for your family.
There are a few ground rules used to compile this list:
- No tourist traps, which eliminates places like the restaurants on Lincoln Road with pictures of the food out front
- No restaurants that are “too” trendy. Dining with your family on vacation should be about connecting with each other, not sitting in loud, dark rooms with club music blasting.
- Only local places - no national restaurant chains allowed
1. Fresh Catches for the Whole Family: Stiltsville Fish Bar
Location: 1787 Purdy Ave, Miami Beach, FL
Website: https://www.stiltsvillefishbar.com/
What to Expect: A casual neighborhood seafood restaurant in the Sunset Harbor section of Miami Beach with a great kids menu
Do They Take Reservations?: Yes, on the website. This place isn’t huge and fills up quickly, so reservations are highly encouraged!
For the Parents: Great cocktails and delicious seafood. The Crispy Baked Tabasco Oysters are a must-try!
What the Kids Can Eat: The ‘Pirates Grub’ menu for kids 10 and under has typical children’s menu fare with fun names (Scallywag Shell Pasta & Meatballs, anyone?). Some of the meals are served with Goldfish in lieu of fries, and all kids’ meals come with a scoop of ice cream for dessert.
2. Al Fresco Sushi in Sunset Harbor: Sushi Garage
Location: 1784 West Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (additional locations in Coco Walk and Las Olas)
Website: https://www.sushigarage.com/location/miami-beach/
What to Expect: Quality sushi and other Japanese fare in a casual outdoor (and indoor) setting
Do They Take Reservations?: Yes, on their website through Open Table
For the Parents: Delicious specialty rolls, ceviche, and other Japanese staples.
What the Kids Can Eat: While Sushi Garage doesn’t have a kids menu per se, they have kid-friendly options. My picky eater enjoys the steak skewers and rice.They also have chicken and shrimp skewers. My adventurous eater loves the traditional California roll and edamame.
3. Ballpark Eats for the Win: Loan Depot Park
Location: 501 Marlins Way, Miami, FL 33125
Website: https://www.mlb.com/marlins (but cheaper seats can be found on secondary markets such as SeatGeek.
What to Expect: Traditional ballpark food (hot dogs, burgers, etc) along with some options with a Miami twist (Cubanos, empanadas, etc). Even with the price of tickets, this may be your least expensive dinner in Miami!)
Do They Take Reservations: Sort of? You need a ticket to get in! $8-$10 per ticket gets you decent lower level seats.
For the Parents: Typical ballpark fare as well as unique concessions such as SuViche and Bites del Caribe.
What the Kids Can Eat: There are plenty of options for the little ones, such as hot dogs, burgers, and nachos.
4. Southern-Fried Goodness: Yardbird Table & Bar
Location: 1600 Lenox Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139
Website: https://www.runchickenrun.com/miami/
What to Expect: A great place serving American classics that has received props from James Beard and Bon Appetit.
Do They Take Reservations?: Yes, you can make a reservation online through the website or on OpenTable.
For the Parents: An extensive list of bourbon cocktails and Southern comfort food for dinner. Try Lewellyn’s Fried Chicken with Hot Honey.
What the Kids Can Eat: The Yardbird Children’s Menu includes classics like burgers and chicken tenders, and some unique items such as Crispy Chicken Biscuit with Ranch and Grilled Shrimp with Buttered Pasta. Each children’s meal comes with a choice of lemonade/sweet tea (or water) and a post-dinner scoop of ice cream.
- Natural Gourmet Cuisine at the Palms Hotel: Essensia
Location: The Palms Hotel & Spa, 3025 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
Website: https://www.essensiarestaurant.com/
What to Expect: Romantic (but kid friendly) outdoor dining in one of Miami Beach’s nicest hotels. Reserve a table outdoors on the patio and take in the ocean breeze. There is room outside for kids to get up and explore a little bit.
Do They Take Reservations?: Yes, on their website and through OpenTable
For the Parents: A delicious, Mediterranean-inspired menu sourced with local ingredients.
What the Kids Can Eat: While not advertised on the Essensia website, they do have a children’s menu with typical items such as pasta and cheeseburgers.
- Bento Boxes for Kids in Sunset Harbor: Pubbelly Sushi
Location: 1424 20th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Website: https://www.pubbellyglobal.com/location/miami-beach-pubbelly-sushi/
What to Expect: Pubbelly offers a creative menu of sushi and Japanese fare infused with Latin influences by chef Jose Mendin. Bubbelly is both a favorite among locals and a popular spot for those visiting from out of town.
Do They Take Reservations?: Yes, on their website and through OpenTable
For the Parents: Saki and Saki Cocktailsand fun, original offerings such as Lobster Donuts and Crispy Hamachi.
What the Kids Can Eat: The kids menu has several boxes (!), including Chicken, Shrimp, Steak, and California Roll. Each is served with assorted fruit and a side of buttered udon noodles or white rice.
- Brunch in Artsy Wynwood: Zak the Baker
Location: 295 NW 26th St, Miami, FL 33127
Website: https://zakthebaker.com/
What to Expect: An artisan Kosher bakery with a great view of the baking operations. Our kids loved watching the bakers make the bagels and challahs. Combine with a walk through the colorful Wynwood neighborhood for a fun morning away from the pool.
Do They Take Reservations?: Yes, on their website and through Resy
For the Parents: Sweet and Savory options for everyone. The sausage egg and cheese sandwich is made with salmon chorizo (!). Combine with a delicious hand-crafted cortado or another coffee or tea drink.
What the Kids Can Eat: There is no official kids menu, but safe classics like the challah french toast, bagels, chocolate croissants, and muffins are all available.
- Rooftop Al Fresco Dining in Miami Beach: Watr
Location: 2341 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (rooftop of the 1 Hotel)
Website: https://www.1hotels.com/south-beach/taste/watr-at-the-rooftop
What to Expect: Trendy but kid-friendly sushi restaurant with great views of the ocean and Miami Beach.
Do They Take Reservations?: Yes, on their website
For the Parents: Start with sake cocktails from Watr’s unique cocktail list and one of the crudos or ceviches. For a main course, Watr has a variety of maki rolls and entrees such as Hot Pot Rice and Miso Grouper.
What the Kids Can Eat: The kids menu has standard dishes such as chicken tenders and buttered noodles as well as Japanese fare such as California rolls and shrimp tempura rolls.
Other Ideas for Kid-Friendly Dining in Miami:
- Crazy About You, Brickell - American food with kids menu
- Habitat (Mexican) at 1 hotels, Miami Beach - Although pricey, the restaurant has kids menus and may be convenient if you are staying at lodging nearby
- Yuca105, Miami Beach - Cuban restaurant with a kids menu
- Miami Heat or Miami FC games
- “Quick Dinners” at fast casual restaurants, beer gardens, or food trucks
Conclusion
Miami’s culinary scene can be intimidating at first, but there are some really great options for families. Please let us know if you have visited these restaurants or if you have any others we missed. Safe travels and enjoy!