The Best Washington, DC Restaurants for Families
Washington, DC is packed with amazing sights, museums, and historical landmarks, but if you’re traveling with kids, you know that meal times can be just as important as sightseeing. Finding the best Washington, DC restaurants for families—that offer great food and a welcoming atmosphere for kids—can make all the difference in your trip.
On our recent trip to DC, we found great, family-friendly dining spots that catered to both adults and children. From museum cafés to casual pizzerias, we went to some fantastic places that made our trip even more enjoyable. Here’s our ultimate guide to the best Washington, DC restaurants for families!
Best DC Restaurants for Families for Lunch
National Museum of the American Indian
One of the best-kept secrets in DC is the Mitsitam Native Foods Café at the National Museum of the American Indian. A local recommended it to us, and we were so glad we took their advice! Unlike most museum cafeterias that serve typical fast food, Mitsitam features an incredible variety of Indigenous cuisine from North and South America.
I opted for an Alaskan-inspired dish with salmon and beet salad, while our au pair tried a fry bread dish from the American Southwest. My husband and kids picked Mexican and South American dishes, so it was a fun way to explore different cultures through food. The desserts were also delicious!
While the prices were a little higher than a standard museum cafeteria, the experience was absolutely worth it. If you’re looking for a unique dining experience that is also family-friendly, this is a great option.
- Location: National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street SW
- Open Times: 11:00 am to 3:00 pm from Sunday to Friday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturdays.
Inside the museum, you’ll also find the Espresso Bar. It is a great spot for a quick bite, offering a variety of Native-inspired food options like pozole, chili, hatch green chile corn muffins, wild rice salad, and sandwiches. You can also grab pastries and desserts. It’s open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Café du Parc
If you’re in the mood for something a little more elegant but still kid-friendly, Café du Parc is a nice choice. We stumbled upon this French restaurant last minute and were able to grab a reservation on OpenTable. The restaurant is inside a beautiful hotel, and the setting made for a nice, relaxing lunch after a busy morning.
They also have a kids’ menu, and they provided crayons and coloring pages, which helped keep the kids busy. The food was great. I highly recommend the crab cakes, and my husband enjoyed his burger.
- Location: 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
- Open times: Monday to Friday, breakfast from 6:30 am to 10:30 am, lunch from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm, and dinner from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. On weekends and holidays, breakfast from 6:30 am to 11:00 am, Saturday lunch from 12:00 pm to 4:30 pm, Sunday brunch from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, Sunday lunch from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm, and dinner from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm.
Old Ebbitt Grill
For our final lunch in Washington, DC, we decided to dine at Old Ebbitt Grill, one of the city’s most iconic and historic restaurants. This place is enormous and well-known, attracting both locals and tourists alike. With its classic American menu and lively atmosphere, it’s no surprise that it’s a popular dining spot.
Since it was a holiday weekend, the restaurant was packed, and we walked into what felt like total chaos! But despite the crowd, the staff handled everything efficiently. We didn’t have a reservation, so we were a bit concerned about the wait time. They quoted us a 20-minute wait, which seemed reasonable given the number of people, but to our surprise, we were seated in just five minutes!
The menu at Old Ebbitt Grill is extensive, offering everything from fresh seafood and burgers to salads and classic comfort food. The nice setting, combined with quick and friendly service, made it a great choice for our last meal in DC.
If you’re planning to eat here, making a reservation in advance is highly recommended, especially on weekends or holidays. However, if you do walk in, the wait times may not be as long as they seem.
- Location: 675 15th Street NW
- Open times: Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 2:00 am (kitchen closes at 1:00 am), and Saturday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 2:00 am (kitchen closes at 1:00 am).
Best DC Restaurants for Families for Dinner
Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar
Our first dinner in Washington, DC was Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar, a fantastic Peruvian restaurant. Our entire family loves fish, so we knew we were in for a treat! Their menu was extensive, featuring everything from fresh ceviche to classic Peruvian dishes. For those that don’t enjoy fish, there are also many chicken and meat dishes.
Pisco y Nazca also has a kids’ menu including familiar dishes like chicken tenders and pasta, which is great for little picky eaters who may not enjoy trying something new. The restaurant provided the boys with crayons and coloring pages, which kept them entertained while we all enjoyed our meals. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was lively yet family-friendly.
- Location: 1823 L Street NW
- Open Times: Monday to Thursday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, and Sunday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza
One night, we were completely exhausted from our day of sightseeing, so we were glad we had planned something casual and easy—Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza.
This spot turned out to be a fantastic choice for families, though we quickly learned that reservations are a must! Even with a reservation, we had to wait nearly 30 minutes for a table, so make sure you plan ahead. Despite the wait, we still think this is a great choice for families.
The restaurant is kid-friendly, with a kids’ menu and coloring pages available. The pizza was delicious—crispy crust, fresh toppings, and a variety of flavors to choose from. Our kids loved it, and we appreciated that the atmosphere was relaxed enough for a family meal.
- Location: 1507 7th Street NW
- Open Times: Monday to Thursday from 11 am to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 10 pm.
Dinner at Capitol City Brewing Company
For our final dinner in DC, we visited Capitol City Brewing Company, which was conveniently located near our hotel. This was another casual, kid-friendly option that turned out to be a great choice. The restaurant had a laid-back atmosphere, and they provided coloring pages and a kids’ menu, making it a stress-free meal for parents.
The food was classic American fare—burgers, salads, and hearty entrees. Everyone was able to find something they truly enjoyed.
- Location: 1100 New York Avenue NW
- Open times: Sunday to Wednesday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, and Thursday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Other DC Restaurants for Families
If you’re looking for more DC restaurants for families, there are plenty of options to suit every taste and dining preference. We didn’t get the chance to go to these places on this trip, but they made our short-list for offering a welcoming environment for kids.
Founding Farmers
One of the most popular DC restaurants for families, Founding Farmers is famous for its delicious brunch and farm-to-table dining experience. The menu features fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and kids will love the selection of homemade pancakes, waffles, and fresh fruit smoothies. My husband and I dined here for brunch while I was pregnant with my oldest, and it was truly a wonderful experience.
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, making it an excellent choice for families with young children. The restaurant offers many “kid-approved” items on its regular menus, and the service team is happy to assist in selecting the best options for children. Parents will love the wholesome, made-from-scratch dishes. Be sure to make a reservation in advance—this spot is always busy, especially on weekends!
- Location: 1924 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
- Open times: Monday to Friday, breakfast from 7:00 am to 11:00 am. Lunch and dinner from Monday to Thursday, 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, Friday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, Saturday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, and Sunday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.
- Brunch is available on Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm, and on most weekday holidays from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm.
- Dessert is available for lunch and dinner.
- Happy hour at the bar runs Monday to Friday from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm.
Boardwalk Bar & Arcade
If you’re looking for a fun dining experience for the entire family, Boardwalk Bar & Arcade is a great pick. Located at The Wharf, this restaurant offers classic boardwalk-style dishes like burgers, hot dogs, fries, and milkshakes, along with a full arcade to keep the kids entertained.
Families can enjoy a casual dining experience while kids play classic arcade games, Skee-Ball, and pinball. The restaurant also has a kid-friendly menu with easy favorites like grilled cheese, mac and cheese, and chicken tenders.
- Location: 715 Wharf Street SW
- Open times: Monday to Thursday from 11:00 am to 12:00 am, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 2:00 am, and Sunday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.
The Tombs
Nestled in Georgetown, The Tombs is a casual and historic eatery that’s popular with both locals and visitors. Though it has a reputation as a college hangout, it’s actually very family-friendly during the day, offering a diverse menu with something for everyone.
The kids’ menu includes mini burgers, pasta, and chicken tenders, while parents can enjoy classic American fare like sandwiches, salads, and seafood dishes.
- Location: 1226 36th Street NW
- Open times: Monday and Tuesday from 11:30 am to 1:00 am, Wednesday and Thursday from 11:30 am to 2:00 am, Friday from 11:30 am to 3:00 am, Saturday from 11:00 am to 3:00 am, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 1:00 am.
Il Canale and Flavio
If your family loves authentic Italian food, Il Canale and Flavio are two fantastic choices. Both are DC restaurants for families. They are located in Georgetown and specialize in wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, fresh pasta, and classic Italian dishes.
Il Canale is known for its award-winning pizza, which kids will absolutely love. The restaurant offers a kid-friendly atmosphere with a welcoming staff, and the open kitchen lets kids watch their pizzas being made in the wood-fired oven.
Flavio is another excellent choice for family-friendly Italian dining, with a spacious dining area and an extensive pasta selection that kids can enjoy. Their homemade lasagna and spaghetti dishes are a hit with families!
Il Canale
- Location: 1065 31st Street NW
- Open times: Monday to Thursday from 11:00 am to 10:30 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, and Sunday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Flavio
- Location: 1073 31st Street NW
- Open times: Monday to Thursday from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm, Friday from 11:30 am to 11:00 pm, Saturday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, and Sunday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.
The Point
For a beautiful waterfront dining experience, The Point is your spot. Located at Buzzard Point, this restaurant offers scenic views of the Anacostia River and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
The menu features seafood dishes, sandwiches, and salads, with plenty of kid-friendly options like grilled cheese, pasta, and chicken tenders. Families can sit outside and enjoy the fresh air while dining on delicious food.
- Location: 2100 2nd Street SW
- Open times: Monday to Friday, lunch from 11:30 am to 5:00 pm and dinner from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Saturday and Sunday, brunch/lunch from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm and dinner from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Final Thoughts
Finding great DC restaurants for families doesn’t have to be a challenge. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite near the National Mall, an elegant sit-down meal, or a casual dinner spot with a kids’ menu, DC has something for everyone. We had an amazing time exploring these fantastic eateries, and I hope this guide helps make your family trip to DC even better!
Remember to confirm opening times with the restaurant before going, as hours may change. Reservations are highly recommended at a lot of these spots, so don’t forget to call ahead, especially if you’re trying to seat a party of more than four.
Want to read more about Washington, DC? Check out our guide to visiting Washington, DC during Cherry Blossom season.
Have you dined at any of these spots? Let me know your favorite family-friendly restaurants in Washington, DC via email, or send a message on Instagram. Feel free to chat with me if you need further advice—I’m always happy to share more tips and insights to help you travel.
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