Restaurants featured in the segment:
Pacific Catch Fresh Grill:
Pacific Catch Fresh Fish Grill in Corte Madera and Sunset District wins raves with families.
Their kids menu boasts items interesting items including Fish N' Chips, Fish or Chicken Tacos, Coconut Shrimp skewers or a child-sized Teriyaki bowl. They have great outdoor space and a kid-friendly attitude.
>> Website
Yankee Pier:
Yankee Pier in Larkspur has great outdoor space too, including a sandbox for youngsters. Styled after a New England seaside clam shack, their casual atmosphere lends itself to families.
>> Website
Kyoto Palace:
Kyoto Palace in Campbell is a family-friendly teppanyaki restaurant where chefs "chop, dice and toss" your food right before your very eyes. The entertainment-factor of dinner at Kyoto Palace delights kids and keeps them occupied throughout the meal.
Buca di Beppo:
Buca di Beppo in San Francisco serves family-style Italian meals in a setting perfect for families with young children. The atmosphere is fun and upbeat and the staff is adept at catering too even the smallest diners.
>> Website
Black Angus:
Black Angus Steakhouse, whose locations in Sunnyvale, Pleasant Hill and Blossom Hill were recognized by our diners, is a delicious American-style Steakhouse with a palate-pleasing kids menu to satisfy even the pickiest eaters (Mac & Cheese, Chicken strips, hamburgers, cheese pizza, etc.)
>> Website
Bocce Cafe:
Bocce Cafe is a festive Italian spot in North Beach. Families love the delicious food combined with a casual and fun atmosphere-including live music.
>> Website
McCovey's:
McCovey's is great for a family of baseball fans. With a menu as American as baseball itself, McCovey's is a miniature replica of AT&T Park with as much memorabilia as Cooperstown, NY. The sports-themed restaurant is a winner with families because it offers quality food, exceptional service, and fun atmosphere.
>> Website
To make a reservation at any of these restaurants, go to www.opentable.com
Kid Dining Tips:
- Let restaurants know before you go.Give restaurants as much information as you can before you walk in the door so they can serve you better. Let them know you'll need a high-chair or a booster seat . If you know your children won't tolerate a lengthy meal, limit to an hour.
- Make dining out fun for everyone. Try to include your child in the entire dining experience. Make it fun by trying to get children to sample different dishes.
- Set yourself up for a successful meal. Have a backup plan. Have children order something off the menu, but always carry in something, such as graham crackers, to fall back on. Coloring books and toys also help. Sometimes distraction is the key when you have a longer dining experience than kids are used to.
- Don't be afraid to communicate your family's needs. If there's something you need, a dish that's not on the menu, a bowl of ice cream in the middle of a meal, or some crayons, just ask.
- Dine out as a family more often. Disastrous dining experiences can often occur because parents aren't taking their children out to eat on a regular basis. People shouldn't be afraid to dine out with their children. The more you take your kids to restaurants, the more they'll appreciate and enjoy the experience.
