When it comes a dinner out with the family, there’s more to the world than the usual chain restaurants. Here are eight restaurants that you can take the whole family to without the worry of a glare from a server or disapproving diners.
Broken Plate
With four suburban-friendly locations, you won’t have to drive too far to enjoy some quality Greek fare. And your kids will be thrilled with the smashing of plates and lively atmosphere. (1829 Ranchlands Blvd. N.W., 403-239-8887, brokenplate.ca, @broken_plate)
Cadence Cafe
This bright, eclectic coffee shop in the heart of Bowness is the perfect place to grab a nice breakfast with little ones. If they’re really well-behaved during breakfast, you can always treat them to a skate around the Bowness lagoon. (6407 Bowness Rd. N.W., 403-247-9955, cadencecoffee.com, @cadence_coffee)
Cibo
The two-level Italian eatery on 17th Avenue has a large menu, resulting in options for any and all taste buds. Since Cibo is such a large space, it can easily accommodate big groups, so you might as well invite the grandparents out for dinner too. (1012 17 Ave. S.W., 403-984-4755, cibocalgary.com, @cibocalgary)
The Fine Diner
Whether you’re an eight-year-old or just a kid at heart, it’s hard to resist a stack of warm chocolate chip pancakes or some banana bread French toast at this Inglewood brunch hot spot. (1420 9 Ave. S.E., 403-234-8885, finedinercalgary.com, @FineDinerYYC)
Kensington Pub
Just because you’ve got some young ones at home doesn’t mean you can’t meet some friends for a pint on the weekend. Pubs (during weekend days) like this Kensington institution make casual get-togethers with friends a kid-friendly affair. (207 10 A St. N.W., 403-270-4505, kensingtonpub.com, @kensingtonpub)
Kinjo
Sushi might not be the first thing that pops into your head when you’re considering taking the offspring out for dinner on a Friday night. However, the energy and excitement that flows through the room here, including the sushi dishes floating by, will mesmerize the young ones and keep them entertained for the duration of your meal. Well, hopefully. (7101 Macleod Tr. S, 403-255-8998, kinjosushiandgrill.com)
Mercato West
Delicious Italian family-style dining is best enjoyed with, well, your family. Full plates of pasta, grilled meats and teaching your children the concept of sharing couldn’t come in a tastier fashion. (873 85 St. S.W., 403-685-0460, mercatogourmet.com)
Without Papers
Skip the greasy delivery pizza and Disney movie night and head to this cozy little place in Inglewood. They may not always be G-rated, but Without Papers projects movies on the wall to keep everyone’s attention while you’re waiting for the pizzas to arrive. (1216 9 Ave. S.E., 403-457-1154, wopizza.ca, @wopizza)