Kid-friendly restaurants in Toronto that don't suck do exist. Let me explain.

I am so sick of cooking the same six meals for my kids and I am beyond bored of watching them eat cheese pizza (but never the crusts) or chicken fingers when we go to the same two restaurants.

Before I became a parent, I loved exploring Toronto. Finding the best and most delicious dining destinations, trying hole in the wall spots, and spending nights bar hopping from dirty dive to the newest nightclub.

I am raising kids in one of the most culturally diverse and entertaining cities in North America, so why have I been sequestering myself to the comfortable confines of my home? Because until recently, it was all I thought I could handle with three young kids and another on the way.

Making the choice to spice up our routine, well I certainly won't pretend it's been easy. But that’s why I'm writing this article, to make Toronto the Good more accessible to parents like me.

Parents who feel stuck between keeping the caring of their littles manageable and satisfying their own need to leave their comfort zone and get back to loving their city. Parents like you?

During the quest to reintegrate our family back into taking advantage of all Toronto has to offer, I was faced with an unfortunate amount of backlash online.

Unsurprisingly. Moms everywhere understand the "mom-shaming" that comes with seeking advice on any subject. It's sad, but it's the reality.

My favourite comments were along the lines of "Well, if you raised your kids to be well-behaved you could take them anywhere," super helpful, right?

Fact is, no matter how "well-behaved" your kids are, as a parent, you undoubtedly understand the reality around the various challenges when going out - especially somewhere new.

Among the mom-shaming and standard recommendations of East Side Mario's or the Old Spaghetti Factory, you know, places with booster seats and kid's menus that (in my opinion) don't properly represent Toronto's diverse culinary options, were a few recommendations for spots that you maybe wouldn’t associate with being kid-friendly, like Hibachi Teppanyaki.

This got my partner and I thinking about what kid-friendly means to us. Turns out, it just means an actual, authentic experience that our kids will love just as much as we will.

Diversifying our kids' palettes and exploring different cultural pockets of Toronto became Priority 1 in our mission to reacquaint ourselves with a city we'd lost touch with.

And you know what, it's going great. We're lucky to have kids that are willing to try something new, at least once, and they've fallen in love with dining out.

They can't wait for our family date nights, and Dad and I are grateful to have found our back to romanticizing the city that we fell in love in.

If you're ready to step outside your comfort zone and explore new tastes and experiences with your kiddos, I highly recommend you start by hitting up these spots.

Dim Sum King

Some of my own favourite childhood memories were Sunday Dim Sum trips with my parents; the aromatics of traditional Cantonese cooking paired with the noise of tables packed with people chattering and laughing over a meal.

Cart service is a great way to get your kids involved in the dining experience. Let them look, ask questions about foods, and pick out dishes that excite their senses.

Lahore Tikka House

Decorated with traditional and vibrant handcrafts like wall hangings and tapestries, watch your kids' eyes widen as you enter this iconic restaurant in Little India.

A view inside the kitchen at Lahore Tikka House. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

The smell of spices used in Pakistani and Indian cuisine waft from the kitchen, which is visible from the dining area - adding an authentic and exciting entertainment for your little ones to be entranced by.

Wazema

Our family loves family-style dining, so experiencing Ethiopian food with traditional communal eating, where we all shared from one or two dishes was amazing.

Having a variety of options on the table, also made it easier for our kids to freely explore different tastes and textures. Each gravitating more towards certain dishes and leaving others.

Eating these flavourful dishes, by hand, was obviously fun for all of us, but it also really created a sense of togetherness and a great learning experience about Ethiopian culture through food.

Glad Day Bookshop Church

This Sunday drag brunch sells out quickly so be sure to book tickets in advance. Many kids are naturally drawn to drag culture due to the over-the-top colourful and creative performances and costumes.

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Ticket costs include the show, an all-you-can-eat brunch, and gratuity. Drag celebrates self-expression, and individuality through enthusiastic entertainment and our kids love it.

Spring Sushi

With more than 80 choices on the all-you-can-eat menu, your kids are bound to find a dish that they love as they explore Japanese cuisine. Each table is set up with a tablet housing an image-heavy menu, making it easy for your kids to choose items that appeal to their senses.

Pro tip: Book ahead for a table with a view over Dundas Square and let your littles imaginations run wild as they watch the hustle and bustle of Downtown Toronto from the sky.

Windsor Arms

Though a bit pricey due to the fee being per-seat, Afternoon Tea is such an enchanting outing if you have children who have expressed an interest in the finer things that life has to offer. Put on your fanciest clothes and treat your kids to a royal experience they won’t forget.

The decadence of high tea at the Windsor Arms. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Since 1927, this traditional English tea has been held in the hotel’s unique, Parisian-inspired tearoom. Enjoy hand-crafted pastries, traditional tea sandwiches, decadent English scones served with a variety of preserves, and of course a wide selection of teas.

Rodeo Brazilian Steakhouse

Parents, you know how valuable entertainment is for your kids. That's why I was so happy to stumble on this unique restaurant just a couple minutes walk from Broadview Station.

Eat as much Brazilian cuisine as you want with their fixed price menu, and on Fridays and Saturdays revel in table-side traditional Brazilian entertainment.

El Catrin

This restaurant gives big energy vibes, often with live music or DJs. So, if you and your kids appreciate a crowded, vibrant atmosphere with adventurous dining options and a range of specialty cocktails for you parents, add El Catrin to your dining bucket list.

The interior at El Catrin. Photo by Jesse Milns.

The menu here showcases a wide range of Mexican dishes, highlighting diverse traditional dishes like ceviche, tacos, enchiladas, grilled meats, and more.

Pizzeria Libretto

Just a few blocks from one of Toronto's favourite parks, Trinity Bellwoods, your kids will love this pizza joint.

With an emphasis on family-style dining, pizzas here are typically served in larger sizes, perfect for sharing. Promote your kids' sense of exploration by letting them participate in selecting toppings and antipasti for the table.

Mezes

Our kids love Greektown, especially on a warm evening. Bustling and vibrant into the night, it’s always a great trip to walk, shop, and of course - eat! Mezes is a must-go if you haven't already. Enchanting smells, great ambiance, and delicious food.

The dips at Mezes. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Order the Saganaki (a rich cheesy appetizer) and treat your little ones to a brief but exhilarating table-side fire display. Can you say 'Opa'?!

Sultan's Tent

Not necessarily ideal for younger or very restless children, this restaurant is probably best experienced with your kids eight and up.

Alongside a range of Moroccan dishes, diners will be entertained by captivating live belly dancing performances and traditional Moroccan music - creating a very memorable cultural experience for the whole family.

Mapo Korean BBQ

Korean BBQ might not be ideal for your smaller children, but it's a great experience for your kids once they can handle themselves safely around hot plates and oils.

This restaurant located in the heart of Koreatown offers a great Korean dining experience. Each table is equipped with a grill which allows diners to cook a variety of marinated meats to their preferred doneness.

Your kids will love the freedom to take charge of their own cooking and explore these diverse taste and textures.