Fifteen great restaurants for the whole family

The Coop’s Chicken & Waffles

While most of the dishes and venues honored in this year’s Golden Forks are geared more toward adults than kids, Greater Orlando has an abundance of family-friendly and family-oriented restaurants for a great night out with the entire clan. Here are some of our favorites, ranging from finger food that’s simply delicious to true gourmet fare.

4 Rivers Smokehouse
Starting with a humble barbecue ministry in 2004, 4 Rivers founder John Rivers made his operation a family affair, and they’re eager to please your family. We recommend the brisket, and the kids’ menu should satisfy even your pickiest eaters. Throughout Greater Orlando, (844) 474-8377

Café Tu Tu Tango
This location is a great spot to introduce your kids to world cuisine while exposing them to fun, colorful art. With pizza, flatbreads, tacos, salads and sliders on the menu, as well as hearty meat and seafood plates, you can find something for everyone. International Drive, (407) 248-2222

The Coop
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, this 4 Rivers spinoff focuses on comfort food—and between the main plates, sides, sandwiches and even delicious desserts, everyone in your family will likely be comfortably full by the time you’re done. Winter Park, (407) THE-COOP

Columbia Restaurant
This family-owned and operated Tampa transplant features an upscale-yet-casual atmosphere and quality Spanish fare. Dishes featuring beef, chicken and seafood, including their famous paella, are all available, and many items are kid friendly. Celebration, (407) 566-1505

The Crepevine
Proving that French cuisine doesn’t have to be unaffordable, the Crepevine primarily focuses on—surprise— crepes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. Kid-friendly crepes are also on the menu, as are fresh salads. Altamonte Springs, (321) 972-8999

Garibaldi Mexican Cuisine
A spinoff of one of Orlando’s oldest Mexican eateries, this Sand Lake location adds an entertainment factor with live mariachi performances on weekends. The authentic food is the real attraction, though. Sand Lake Road, (407) 888-2869

Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Café
No passport is needed to visit this authentic German restaurant, which welcomes diners of all ages. They also offer family-style feasts to feed the whole gang, but reservations are required to take advantage of them. Sanford, (407) 321-2204

Johnny’s Fillin’ Station
Johnny’s has been family-owned and operated for more than 30 years, and it stands as an Orlando go-to for burgers and fingers food. The extensive food and bar offerings also include a kids’ menu, where little ones can even opt for a classic PB&J. South Orlando, (407) 894-6900

Linda’s La Cantina Steak House
Children will enjoy this Orlando classic’s robust “young diners” menu, parents will adore the steaks, chops and other dishes, and the no-fuss ambience means everyone can kick back and relax. Orlando, (407) 894-4491

Moon Cricket Grille
Housed in a historic building, Moon Cricket offers seafood, burgers, wraps and flatbreads, and their bartenders know their stuff. Kid favorites are available on the children’s menu, including grilled cheese, chicken nuggets and burgers. Winter Garden, (407) 905-5325

Nona Blue Modern Tavern
With a menu that revolves around American cuisine— and a wood-fired grill— Nona Blue serves gourmet pub-style food, custom cocktails and more. Plus, their extensive children’s menu has something for every taste. Lake Nona, (407) 313-0027

Taverna Opa
Boasting a family-style menu that makes feeding a big group easy, this standout serves Greek fare in an authentic atmosphere. Families with younger children might want to opt for lunch, though, as live belly dancers are on hand nightly. International Drive, (407) 351-8660

Tibby’s New Orleans Kitchen
This local favorite pairs New Orleans grub and bayou-influenced ambience for a fun, festive setting. If you have an extended family to feed, ask about the Napoleon Room, which has a 15-guest minimum. Altamonte Springs, (407) 951-6928

Vito’s Chop House
The dedicated kids’ menu includes pizza, chicken tenders, burgers, hot dogs and pasta. Parents will love the selection, including steaks and seafood that’s flame-broiled over Florida citrus and oak wood in a custom fire pit. International Drive, (407) 354-2467

Yellow Dog Eats
Culinary Institute of America grad Fish Morgan is behind Yellow Dog’s foodie-friendly menu, which offers gourmet sandwiches, salads, barbecue and daily specials. What’s more, the fun, kitschy atmosphere is great for kids. Gotha, (407) 296-0609

This article originally appeared in Orlando Family Magazine’s February 2017 issue.