Finding a restaurant that caters to both parents and kids can be a challenge. NoHo, with its charming streets and unique atmosphere, offers several excellent choices for family dining. This guide highlights the top 11 kid-friendly restaurants in NoHo, NYC, ensuring your next family meal is a delightful experience for everyone. We'll consider factors like kid-friendly menus, atmosphere, and overall family-friendliness.
Kid-Friendly Eats: NoHo's Best Family Restaurants
This list focuses on restaurants that understand the needs of families, offering a balance of delicious food, accommodating service, and a welcoming ambiance.
1. Rubirosa: Classic Pizza Perfection
Rubirosa is a NoHo institution known for its incredible pizza. While not explicitly a "kid's menu," their classic pies are generally a hit with children. The lively atmosphere is usually family-friendly, and the large portions mean there's plenty to share.
- Kid-Friendly Factor: High (classic, simple food)
- Ambiance: Lively, classic pizzeria.
- Price Range: $-$$
2. Carbone: Upscale Italian (with a caveat)
Carbone is a splurge, but its elegant setting and delicious Italian-American dishes can make for a special family occasion. While not specifically designed for kids, their attentive service can often accommodate younger diners. Important note: This is a pricier option, and the upscale atmosphere might not be ideal for very young children.
- Kid-Friendly Factor: Medium (upscale, but accommodating)
- Ambiance: Elegant, sophisticated Italian-American.
- Price Range: $$
3. Via Carota: Charming Italian Gem
Via Carota provides a charming, more casual Italian experience compared to Carbone. Its rustic atmosphere and delicious pasta dishes are often a hit with families. They are usually quite accommodating to children.
- Kid-Friendly Factor: High (casual, charming atmosphere)
- Ambiance: Rustic, charming Italian.
- Price Range: $$
4. Balthazar: Grand and Generous
Balthazar is another upscale option, known for its grand scale and extensive menu. While it's a pricier choice, the extensive menu offers choices even picky eaters will find appealing. The bustling atmosphere might be overwhelming for very young children, however.
- Kid-Friendly Factor: Medium (grand atmosphere, extensive menu)
- Ambiance: Grand, bustling brasserie.
- Price Range: $$
5. Jack's Wife Freda: Mediterranean Flavors
Jack's Wife Freda offers a vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean menu with options for both adults and children. The menu is diverse enough to satisfy most palates.
- Kid-Friendly Factor: High (diverse menu, vibrant atmosphere)
- Ambiance: Vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired.
- Price Range: $-$$
6. La Esquina: Fun Mexican Food
La Esquina is a fun and festive option with delicious tacos and other Mexican fare. The lively atmosphere is typically well-suited to families, although it can get noisy.
- Kid-Friendly Factor: High (festive atmosphere, delicious food)
- Ambiance: Lively, festive Mexican cantina.
- Price Range: $-$$
7. Prince Street Pizza: Another Pizza Favorite
Prince Street Pizza offers another great pizza option in NoHo. Their classic New York slices are a simple and satisfying choice for families.
- Kid-Friendly Factor: High (simple, classic pizza)
- Ambiance: Casual, classic pizzeria.
- Price Range: $
8. Dimes: Casual and Healthy
Dimes offers a more health-conscious menu with lots of fresh, seasonal ingredients. While not a traditional kid's menu, many of their dishes are appealing to children who enjoy simple, fresh food.
- Kid-Friendly Factor: Medium (healthy options, casual atmosphere)
- Ambiance: Casual, trendy café.
- Price Range: $-$$
9. Sadelle's: Classic Deli Delights
Sadelle's is a classic New York-style deli with all the favorites. They offer a large menu with plenty of options for kids, like sandwiches and sides.
- Kid-Friendly Factor: High (classic deli fare)
- Ambiance: Lively, classic deli.
- Price Range: $-$$
10. ZZ's Clam Bar: Casual Seafood
ZZ's Clam Bar offers a relaxed seafood experience with options suitable for kids. The casual atmosphere is generally welcoming to families.
- Kid-Friendly Factor: Medium (casual, seafood options)
- Ambiance: Relaxed, casual seafood.
- Price Range: $-$$
11. Freeman Alley: Unique and Hip (with caveats)
Freeman Alley is a unique restaurant hidden away in a secluded alley. The ambiance is trendy and hip, but it might not be the best choice for very young children due to its more adult-focused atmosphere.
- Kid-Friendly Factor: Low (unique, trendy atmosphere, limited kid-friendly options)
- Ambiance: Trendy, hidden gem.
- Price Range: $-$$
Choosing the Perfect NoHo Restaurant for Your Family
This list provides a good starting point for finding the perfect family-friendly restaurant in NoHo. Remember to consider your children's ages and preferences, as well as your budget and desired atmosphere when making your selection. Making a reservation, especially during peak hours, is always recommended. Enjoy your NoHo dining experience!