Want a thumbs-up from your
pickiest food critic?
The Old Spaghetti Factory
We say: Take the antique elevator up to the dining room, slurp spaghetti in an old streetcar, and be entertained by a 100-year-old carousel. The traditional fare is done well and there's something for everyone on the ample menu. Finish your wine in leisure as the kids are entertained by the incredible carnival artifacts.
They say: May I have some more spaghetti, please? – Jacob, age 6
56 The Esplanade | 416-864-9761 | OldSpaghettiFactory.net
TTC: Union Station subway station
Hot House Café
We say: Famous for its Sunday brunch, this icon on the corner of Church and Front streets in Toronto's historic St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood offers an extensive menu to suit all tastes. Thin-crust gourmet pizzas, a variety of pastas, sandwiches and delectable desserts will have mouths of all sizes watering. The upbeat atmosphere means little spills are smiled upon.
They say: Try the waffles! They're yummy. - Keira, age 7
35 Church Street | 416-366-7800 | HotHouseCafe.com
TTC: King subway station
Mr. Greenjeans
We say: For 30 years families have been visiting MR. GREENJEANS, Toronto Eaton Centre eating healthy, having fun and seeing what's new. Special menu for the under 10 crowd.
They say: Nice to eat where mom ate when she was 10...save room for dessert! - Lindsay, age 10
220 Yonge Street | 416-979-1212 | MrGreenjeans.ca
TTC: Queen subway station
Magic Oven
We say: Living proof that "healthy" doesn't mean "boring." Not only is there a diverse selection of healthy pizzas with fresh, local and organic ingredients, this family-run business also offers a selection of pastas and sandwiches for the whole family to enjoy. Comfy seating and crayons keep the kids busy while you enjoy a second (or third) slice.
They say: Mom, can you get the recipe for this pasta sauce? - Taylor, age 11
798 Danforth Avenue | 416-462-0333 | MagicOven.com
TTC: Pape subway station
Joe Badali’s
We say: Just like home. With food prepared from scratch in a100-year-old brick and stone building, adults can kick back with a beverage at the bar by the fireplace, and families can enjoy the tastes of their favourite Italian dishes in a homey atmosphere. Fresh pizza, pasta and sauces, not to mention their famous tiramisu for dessert, capture the charm and flavours of Italy, leaving you feeling like you've eaten a home-cooked meal.
They say: I've never had tiramisu before, but I like it - a lot. - Simone, age 8
156 Front Street West | 416-977-3064 | JoeBadalis.com
TTC: Union Station subway station
7 Numbers
We say: Just imagine, a family meal out without french fries! Instead, savour pastas dressed in Tony’s famous red sauce, calamari, eggplant parmigiana and even Sexy Duck Leg. No, there isn't a kids' menu, but then you won't need one. The staff at this family-friendly Italian bistro are happy to accommodate pint-size, pasta-loving palates (and may even line up some milk shooters on the bar for them).
They say: Yum! The pasta is the best in the world. Great chocolate cake, too. - Liam, age 9
307 Danforth Avenue | 416-469-5183 | SevenNumbers.com
TTC: Chester subway station
Richtree
We say: Wander from station to station loading up your plate with antipasti and salads, a variety of grilled meats, seafood, stir-fries or the signature rosti and sausage. The bustling atmosphere and self-serve food stations make this dining experience more fun than fine, but the groaning pastry table more than compensates.
They say: Yay! I don't have to sit still. And the ice-cream station rocks! - Daniel, age 9
220 Yonge Street | 416-351-8783 | Richtree.ca
TTC: Queen subway station
Il Fornello
We say: Gnocchi with spiced-fennel sausage ragu, penne with wild mushrooms and beef tenderloin tips, pizza with smoked chicken and caramelized onion (on regular, multi-grain or gluten-free crust) - we could go on. The ample wine list rounds out the adult pleasures, while the spaghetti and meatballs keeps little mouths busy. Sigh.
They say: The pepperoni pizza is pretty good, but my sister made a mess of her spaghetti. - Ava, age 10
214 King Street West | 416-977-2855 | IlFornello.com
TTC: St. Andrew subway station
The Mandarin
We say: Consistently rated one of the best ethnic buffets in the area, this all-you-can-eat Asian feast is also ranked high for family friendliness. Grownups can gorge on wonton soup, teriyaki chicken and Shanghai noodles while less adventurous palates are sated with thin-crust pizzas and plain noodles.
They say: The fortune cookies are cool. But who's Confucius? - David, age 5
2200 Yonge Street | 416-486-2222 | MandarinBuffet.com
TTC: Eglinton subway station