Dining out with kids? In this economy?!

Dining out has always been considered a treat, but lately it’s starting to seem more like a special occasion treat only, especially with kids in tow.  These days its hard to see the value in dining out when you’re a family of four or even five or more. This has been a topic of discussion in our circles, and many others.  Is it worth it to take the entire family out for dinner?  Yes. Yes it is.  Dining out as a family is a great experience and an opportunity to make memories together.  Of course, if you’re going to shell out for the entire family, it has to be good food. We have rounded up seven of our favourite west end restaurants that are both family friendly and budget friendly.  These are a step up (or 2) from the usual chain restaurants, offering an excellent dining experience for the kids and mom and dad.

Queen Margherita Pizza

Our favourite little pizza joint in Baby Point, affectionately known as QMP by the locals. Feast to your heart’s delight at this authentic Italian spot. All pizzas are hand-tossed and wood fired fresh to order. The menu features a very kid friendly selection of pizza toppings, such as the classic Margherita pizza and the fan favourite four cheese pizza.  QMP offers a prix fixe appetizer menu, simply choose any appetizer to pair with your pie at no extra cost.  Not everyone is in the mood for pizza? No problem, they also offer a perfect little pasta menu sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.  Who doesn’t like spaghetti and meatballs? Our favourite part about this spot is definitely the pizza dough but also the wine on tap.  Try a small sip at 1oz. Up to a full litre.  Prices vary though most dishes are between $15 and $24.  Check out their website for the full menu and treat yourself this month!

Queen Margarita Pizza is located in Baby Point at 785 Annette Street

Annette Food Market

Another Italian spot on our list, Annette Food Market is an excellent choice for the foodie family.  If the kids are adventurous eaters, this is the place for them.  Still within the comfort zone of Italian fare, Annette Food Market offers up classic dishes with  touch more flair.  A duck ravioli comes to mind as well as their bowl of mussels with spicy ‘nduja.  We love the cozy interior, the varied menu but most of all, the rotating wine list.  Annette Food Market uses local wineries when ever possible, resulting in over fifty wines available by the glass, good luck choosing.  If you need some advice, the bar staff here is exceptionally knowledgable and will gladly guide you in the right direction.  Prices here range from $8 for sides to about $26 for mains, with a few dishes in the middle price point.  In 2018, Annette Food Market won best pizza in the city according to Toronto Life. This is definitely a place worth checking out.

Annette Food Market is located at 240 Annette Street

Indie Ale House

If you’ve been to The Junction, you’ve definitely seen Indie Ale House, perhaps you’ve even had a drink there.  This place is on our list for family friendly and budget friendly restaurants for its kids menu.  The regular menu is full of pub staples done well.  A burger menu featuring meat, chicken or plant-based, their menu is sure to please everyone. They also have fried chicken, pulled pork and mac and cheese. The kids menu here stands out as its not just noodles with butter or chicken fingers withy plum sauce.  There are kids versions of the fried chicken sandwich, the mac and cheese and even a kids burger.  They also have a delicious pizza menu, truly, you can’t go wrong with Indie Ale House.  As the name implies, this spot has lots of beer.  With a well maintained and curated beer list, featuring many hard to find Belgian beers, Canadian and US craft beers as well as their own cellared bottles Indie Ale House does what it says and says what it does.  Prices range from $9 to about $24 for most menu items.  The kids menu is all $14 or under.  

You can’t miss Indie Ale House at 2876 Dundas Street W in the heart of the Junction

Looking for more things to do in West-End Toronto? Check out these posts next:

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• Where to Buy a Bike in Toronto’s West End

Barque Smokehouse

Located at one of our favourite corners in Roncy, Barque BBQ has been a staple here since it opened it’s doors in 2011. Barque BBQ has a mouth watering menu of classic barbecue dishes all made with the finest, local ingredients available.  Smoked in-house and served fresh do your table.  The menu is designed to be enjoyed family style, though a la carte options are also available.  When they say family style, they mean it.  The commitment to being a family friendly restaurant in the neighbourhood is quite evident. Every child in the dining room receives a colouring book, crayons, occasionally play doh and a special menu. The kids menus is $14 and has choices for mains, including a grilled cheese with the crusts cut off, a side, a drink and also a scoop of ice cream. Yum! They truly believe that just because you have kids doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a fantastic night out together. We wholeheartedly agree.  

Barque BBQ is at 299 Roncesvalles 

Sugo

Sugo is the cool kid on this list.  One o the best new restaurants to open in recent years, Sugo is authentic, no fuss Italian American food you’ll be craving for evermore.  Located on the fine line between Bloordale and The Junction Triangle, this Landsdowne and Bloor spot is always bustling and always has a line up, don’t worry, it moves quickly.  An easy menu to navigate, Sugo has a handful of offerings all big on flavour.  We can’t get enough of the Rigatoni in rose with Grana Padano cheese, their extra garlicky Caesar salad and the to die for chicken parm.  All the portions are exceptionally large, making this the perfect spot to enjoy a family style meal in a fun, chaotic setting.  Sugo moves fast, the servers are quick, witty and really make you feel like you’re somewhere special, because you are.  This is a really fun experience for the whole family and the food is out of this world.  Most dishes come in at under $16 and can easily be shared by a family of four.  The cocktail list is small, well-curated and well priced.  Save room for dessert, the Tiramisu is Michelin Star worthy.  Their sauce is also available for purchase so you can try to recreate that Sugo feel at home.  

Look for the lineup at 1281 Bloor Street West. Sugo doesn’t take reservations, it’s worth the wait.

With amazing neighbourhood places like this, dining out with kids doesn’t have to be a huge expense. Instead, it can be a fun, family-bonding night out with something that suits the adults and the kids.   

The Commoner

The Commoner is one of our go-to faves in Roncy when looking to grab some dinner with the kiddos. This charming and spacious neighbourhood restaurant distinguishes itself with local craft beer and upscale spins on rustic pub favourites. There is plenty of seating and room for the kids to wiggle around without disturbing other people. The decor is relaxed, yet luxe and is decked out with perfectly laid out antiques, a nod to the neighbourhoods past. In the warm weather the street-side patio opens and is the ideal place to enjoy some sunshine and lunch with the fam!

The Commoner Roncy is located at 2067 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6R 1W8

Gatto Pizza

Located in Toronto’s Bloor West Village, this is comfy Italian wood-fired and pasta restaurant will have you drooling. GATTO (pronounced Ga-toh) means Cat in Italian, with a true Italian chef who designed the menu and authentic fresh ingredients in every dish, there is something for everyone here. What kid doesn’t love a good pizza!? This place does not disappoint.

Gatto Pizza is located at 2312 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6S 1P2

For all things West End Toronto, let us be your guide! If you’re thinking about buying or selling in the West End, call us at 416-909-1602 or email hello@getnested.ca!

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