20 Fun Family Food Joints in Toronto

Finger food, kid food or casual fare—whatever we call it, these fun family food joints in Toronto are sure to delight on these hot summer days when there are adventures to be had and delicacies to try.

Walking though the doorway of this cute Little Italy café feels like taking a step back in time—the soda jerks are in white paper hats and red bow ties, Buddy Holly is on the stereo, and everything, right down to the sodas is handmade. Our mini taste testers loved the savoury butter chicken pie and the apple pocket pie, and adored being able to pick their own ice cream flavours for their milkshakes and floats—which look pretty as a picture with whipped cream and a cherry on top. Parents will appreciate that the ‘bean' in their name refers to the full service espresso bar tucked next to the soda fountain. Hang out on the shop's red vinyl bar stools and take in the retro luncheonette atmosphere, or take your treats outside to enjoy a beautiful summer day—the shop is conveniently located next to Bickford Park.

We have long drooled over Mad Mexican's fabulous guacamole and authentic nacho chips, and we're psyched they've moved into a bigger space near Bloor West Village. Located in Baby Point, we're thrilled that we can have a low-key and super tasty meal or snack when out with the minis. The chicken tostada taco is perfect for tiny tummies and developing taste buds, or try some wee tacos without the spicy sauce (caution—this is still Mexican food! If your kids don't like spice at all, perhaps wait a bit for this culinary adventure). The wee folk are also enamoured of the tortas—a Mexican take on the sandwich—especially the ham variety. And when we all want to eat from the comfort of home, we can shop from the ready-made items or order take out.

When quick and tasty plates for sharing are in order, we head to trendy new resto Little Sister at Yonge and Manor. Since kids are the sultans of snacking, we decided to make things more flavourful with the Indonesian tapas on offer. Now lest you think this is too spicy or out there for your peeps' palates, think again. Our gang loves the chicken satay in peanut sauce (PB and cluck, as we call it) and the Balinese chicken tacos that are flavourful, not fiery. The watermelon salad is a good way to get the fruit course into wee bellies, and the shrimp crackers and wontons are always popular. Beef croquettes are a hit when billed as burger bites, and the adults love the fried cauliflower salad.

We are of the mindset that brunch is the most perfect meal ever. Which is why we are so stoked to have found Fanny Chadwick's in the Annex, a spot that has bistro-class cooking with a comfortable vibe suitable for the kiddos. And because the urchins know what they like, the 'build your own benny' option is particularly tantalizing. Decadent Finnish pancakes with mango and passion fruit compote are also a hit and the Colonial Sticky Bun makes everything ooey-gooey and perfect. Food quality is off the charts with ethically raised meats, poultry, fish and eggs while the cheese comes from Mennonite farms. We like this brunch a whole bunch.

We didn't know that there was a New Zealand pie-shaped void in our lives until we found Wiseys Pies and Bakeshop. Expert in all things pie—from sweet to savoury—this Leaside spot is big on flavour, skimpy on pretension and perfect for times the thought of cooking has us cowering. There are mini sized meat pies perfect for wee hands, and be sure to try the New Zealand delicacy known as the raspberry cream bun—part cream and fruit-filled donut, part sweet roll. Traditional cherry pies, tempting muffins and cookies round out the bill of fare. And the egg and bacon family-sized pie practically screams ‘take me to the cottage for a leisurely breakfast on the dock'.

We (well, our kids) subscribe to the theory that waffles make everything better. That's not a problem at Starving Artist on Lansdowne, where everything on the menu—from Eggs Benedict to smoked salmon, has a waffle component. And yes, we might try our kid's dessert s'mores waffle. Just a bite.

When shopping at the Eaton Centre, we head to a food court that's more fun than frenzied. Located by the Queen subway, the new Richtree Market has absolutely every food type that our family could crave, from the best burgers, burritos and stir fry bowls to sushi and awesome turkey quinoa soup. 'Play' soccer with the projected images on the ground and be sure to try one of the many cake samples often on offer.

Leslieville Pumps is the most eclectic restaurant we've visited in a while. The working gas station out front, the a general store-esque interior, and the gourmet BBQ, coffee, and baked goods are an usual but winning combo. The smoked hickory chicken delights, as does the monster grilled cheese, and grabbing a coffee and butter tart to go is a grand idea.

Looking for something nutritious and delicious? At Bolt Fresh Bar in West Queen West we are grabbing and going with our health happily in hand. Acai fruit bowls are beloved by the whole crew, and the smoothie menu is seriously beyond anything we would ever attempt at home (hint: medjool dates and chocosol chocolate make cameo appearances.) Yum.

For a more indulgent lunch, there's the Queen West malt shop charm of The P&L Burger. With delicious burgers and even better milkshakes, plus counter seats galore, we love hanging out here as part of a visit to the Queen West strip. Pack some Archie comics to read while munching on Philly-cheesesteak inspired burgs and indulging in some darn fine fries.

Call us crazy for crustaceans, but we can't get enough of creamy lobster salad on top of a doughy white roll. And Uptown's new Fish Street Market and Open Kitchen has got us covered. While there, why not dive into the incredibly fresh fish and chips?

We like our wieners steamed, not grilled, thank you. Aside from skipping the carcinogenic potential as well as the burnt bits disdained by kids, steaming actually locks in the flavour better and makes for a nice little meal or snack. This Little Italy joint has four different varieties and an ice cream shop next door. It's The Little Dog all the way!

Small, slightly messy, grab-and-go tacos from Seven Lives in Kensington are just what the rumbling stomach ordered. With an ever-changing menu, there is always at least one 'grown-up' offering and one basic variety that's good for the kiddos. With fresh ingredients and passionate cooking, you can't go wrong with these babies before a trip to the AGO.

Nobody likes marshmallows more than our kids—so the Marshmallow Factory on the Danforth is definitely a popular bet. The delicious Marshmallow Cream is fat free, gluten free, dairy free, gelatin free, peanut free and vegetarian friendly. And the selection of chocolate or cookie cups plus toppings galore make this one fun decision matrix.

Best put on your jelly shoes to browse the offerings at any of Jelly Modern Doughnuts' three downtown locations, where the most arduous task will be choosing between maple bacon, banana chocolate chip or vanilla birthday cake. Plus, there are gluten-sensitive offerings. Tim who?

Trinidadian doubles, steamed pork buns and Korean fried chicken! Queen West's 416 Snack Bar is a snack-lovers paradise and the little bites are perfect for sampling. Yum.

No snow cone here—Sweet Snow Shave Ice is more like sweetened snow, made with natural organic cane sugar and pure agave nectar. With homemade fruit flavours, such as coconut, lychee, green tea and watermelon, the unique treats served from this food truck make for some serious refreshment. Good to know: You can track the truck on their twitter feed.

Finger food, kid food or casual fare—whatever we call it, these fun family food joints in Toronto are sure to delight on these hot summer days when there are adventures to be had and delicacies to try.

We're heading to Barque in Roncy for the best ribs and sausages ever (don't tell our grill man at home). The sides are equally drool-worthy, with creamy smoked cauliflower vying for attention with the crushed potatoes. Sunday nights feature family dining specials—go before catching a big blockbuster at Queensway Cinema.

El Catrin, the best new Mexican restaurant in town, is finally NOT in the west end, but firmly ensconced in the Distillery District. The thing that sets them apart is the amazing kids menu: corn, Mexican grilled cheese, quesadillas and melt-in-your-mouth churros. A fun and funky vibe makes it good for family dining.