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Brooklyn Bowl boasts some serious eats and kid-friendly entertainment. Photo by Ken Spielman

Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Williamsburg

1. Brooklyn Bowl

Yes, we realize this is a bowling alley, not a restaurant. However, if you're looking for a playful option for weekend brunch, you won't strike out here. In addition to the finger-food-heavy menu, there are extensive kids' options like burgers, French bread pizza, Blue Ribbon's famous fried chicken, a hummus and veggie platter, shakes, floats, and malts. For adults, there's also beer on tap. Score! Brooklyn Bowl has boosters and bathroom changing tables. Check the calendar for regular special family events, including a residency from Rock and Roll Playhouse on Sunday mornings.

2. Allswell

With its colorful vintage wallpaper, big communal table, and cozy booth seating, casual pub Allswell is a favorite brunch destination for my family. Cinnamon toast, pancakes, and granola: easy sell for my two kids. While there are high chairs, there is no changing table. As with most popular Williamsburg spots, arrive early if the little ones are hungry and you don’t want to wait too long because this spot gets mobbed.

3. Cafe Mogador

Even if your kids aren't into Middle Eastern food, they should find something that satisfies at this spacious Williamsburg outpost of the family-owned East Village mainstay. The lunch, brunch, and dinner menus feature a variety of options, from basic bagels to more lively fare like bastilla, a Moroccan filo pastry packed with chicken, almonds, and cinnamon served alongside a salad. Main courses include variations on grilled chicken and lamb as well as yummy couscous platters. There are high chairs at Cafe Mogador, but no changing table. Sit in the greenhouse-like back room for a cozy family meal.

4. Diner

The name may be generic, but this isn't your run-of-the-mill hash house. This restaurant is set in a renovated 1926 dining car next to the Williamsburg Bridge, and the menu changes daily. Selections include pastas, sandwiches, salads, and burgers, plus eggs and pancakes for weekend brunch. Diner does not have high chairs, but it does offer a classic diner booth or counter seating. It gets mobbed for brunch and dinner, so try to visit on the earlier side. Limited outdoor seating is available during the warmer months, too.

Chinese food stars at Kings County Imperial, where booths and high chairs add to the family vibe. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

5. Kings County Imperial

With a few roomy booths, larger tables for big groups, and enough space to comfortably seat kids in high chairs, Kings County Imperial offers a laid-back vibe and family-style eats. From the team behind Park Slope brunch-favorite Stone Park Cafe, this spot delivers tasty Chinese food with creative twists, including local ingredients (some from the restaurant’s backyard garden), its own soy sauce, lots of veggie options, and an intriguing cocktail menu. As quite a few dishes run spicy, be sure to check with the waitstaff for milder options—unless your family digs serious heat. Also, Kings opens at 5:30pm and can get pretty busy, so plan accordingly.

6. Teddy’s Bar & Grill

Teddy’s is a Williamsburg institution that’s been around since the 1880s, and today it remains a go-to for casual, family-friendly dining. The menu is stacked with reliable crowd-pleasers—think burgers, chicken tenders, pasta, and fries—plus there’s a solid kids’ menu with smaller portions and crayons to keep little ones occupied. The restaurant offers ample indoor seating, plus an outdoor patio in warmer weather. The staff are used to families, making it a low-stress choice for weeknights or Sunday brunch.

7. Anna Maria Pizzeria

Sometimes you just need pizza fast—and Anna Maria delivers. This classic, no-frills pizza joint is ideal for families looking for quick slices, calzones, and basic pasta dishes without a long wait. Kids love watching the pizza guys toss dough behind the counter, and parents appreciate the straightforward, affordable menu. The vibe is busy but relaxed, and everything is served on disposable plates, which takes the pressure off when spills or messes happen.

Roberta's Domino Park location is bright, airy, and totally kid-pleasing. Photo courtesy of the restaurant

8. Roberta’s

Roberta’s Domino Park location offers a slice of Brooklyn’s best with a view the whole family will love. The beloved pizzeria brings its famous wood-fired pizzas to the Williamsburg waterfront in a relaxed, kid-friendly setting. With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, space to roam, and easy access to the park’s playgrounds, splash pad, and ice rink, it’s the perfect stop for families looking to enjoy great food and fresh air. From the classic Margherita to the sweet-and-spicy Bee Sting, there’s something on the menu for everyone—big and small.

9. Afuri Ramen + Dumpling

Known for its yuzu-infused ramen broth and clean, modern design, Afuri is a great option if your kids are a little adventurous (or already love noodles). The ramen comes in kid-sized portions, if requested, and there are also gyoza, rice bowls, and edamame for side options. It’s a bright, sleek space with friendly staff, and the open kitchen makes for an engaging dining experience. If you’re looking to broaden your child’s palate beyond burgers and pizza, this is a great entry point.

10. Casa Publica

Located just a short stroll from McCarren Park, Casa Publica is a polished yet laid-back Mexican restaurant with a friendly vibe and a great mix of seating—indoor banquettes and outdoor tables are perfect for families. The menu includes delicious tacos, grilled corn, churros, and more shareable options that work well for all ages. Bonus: After dinner, you’re only a block from the park’s playground, turf fields, and spray areas, making it easy to turn dinner into an extended evening out.

11. Sage Thai Bistro

Sage is a neighborhood Thai bistro with a secret weapon for families: a big backyard garden complete with decorative tuk tuks (mini Thai taxis) that kids can explore while waiting for their food. The kids' menu includes basics like fried rice, dumplings, and pad see ew with tofu or chicken, while grown-ups can enjoy bolder dishes like massaman curry or crispy duck salad. It’s a colorful, relaxed, and spacious setting that feels genuinely accommodating to little diners.

Van Leeuwen is one of the best spots in the city for a scoop. Photo courtesy of the ice cream shop

Best Kid-Friendly Dessert Spots in Williamsburg

12. Van Leeuwen

What started as a simple food truck (albeit a fancy one) has become a mini-empire with trucks and shops across the country, grocery store distribution, and even a cookbook. The Williamsburg location is large and bright, with lots of booth seating, high chairs, and a changing table in the restroom. My son swooned for fluffernutter crunch, while we adults worked our way through the house sundaes menu (more rum-soaked cherries, please).

13. Patisserie Tomoko

For the little ones who love sweets and the grown-ups who appreciate artistry, Patisserie Tomoko is a gem. The desserts here combine Japanese finesse with French patisserie traditions—think green tea cheesecake, yuzu mousse, delicate mochi, and macarons—all beautifully plated on Japanese ceramics. It’s perfect for a special treat or a slower afternoon dessert stop. Seating is cozy, so it feels intimate, and the presentation of the dishes makes the experience feel even more magical.

14. OddFellows Ice Cream Co.

OddFellows Ice Cream Co., located in Domino Park, is modeled after old-school ice cream parlors with a cheery vibe, striped walls, and lots of knick-knacks and curios behind the counter. With a rotating lineup of 14 ice cream and sorbet flavors, a menu of classics like banana splits, floats, milkshakes, and sundaes, my kids are big fans of this place. There’s bar and table seating, high chairs, and a bathroom changing table.

Tips for Dining Out with Kids in Williamsburg

• Go early: Before 6pm is often more forgiving in NYC restaurants. You’ll avoid the dinner rush and get more flexibility with seating.
• Call ahead and reserve when possible, especially for groups or weekend evenings.
• Scout for stroller-friendly seating, including booths, wider aisles, and space to park the stroller.
• Bring small distractions—a coloring book, stickers, or small toys can smooth over the “waiting for food” phase.
• Scope the bathrooms early—if there’s no changing table or very little space, you may want to plan accordingly.
• Mix it up: If a formal sit-down is too much, split your outing with dinner at a calm spot, a walk to a dessert place, then some playground time nearby (Domino Park, McCarren Park, etc.).
• Use dining as part of the outing: Pick restaurants near parks, the waterfront, or walking routes, so mealtime doesn’t feel disconnected from exploring.

Originally published in 2016.