Family-friendly restaurants in Toronto’s east end

Whether you’re looking to grab a quick bite with the kids incognito, or dress up and celebrate good grades with the entire fam, there’s no shortage of restaurants in Toronto’s east end that aim please every member of the clan. When it’s time to gather your picky eaters, meat lovers and health-conscious vegetarians, make sure you check out these family-friendly east end restaurants. [Image credit: iStock.com/Imgorthand]

Recipe Unlimited

1
1636 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4L 1G3

Burger’s Priest near quiet Queen and Coxwell is like a contemporary, local A&W for the modern cheeseburger-loving family. You can order your burger smothered in chilli (the Red Sea), or top it with blue cheese and crisp bacon (the Magnum). There are many options, including vegetarian, to choose from.

Beacher Cafe

2
2162 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4E 1E4

With a calming east coast atmosphere, The Beacher Café is a great spot for fancy family gatherings. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a fantastic view of Toronto’s Beaches neighbourhood while the walls showcase new local artists each month. You can order New York sirloin and sip wine while the kids slurp spaghetti bolognese and soft drinks. The menu has a little something for everyone.

Braised Restaurant & Bar

3
896 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1J3

With colourful artwork, booth or window seating, retro lighting, cocktails and Shirley Temples, the whole family will enjoy dining at Braised. Even your pickiest little eater won’t be able to resist the simple penne with butter dish from the kids menu. Adults on the other hand can enjoy the penne with short rib bolognese, or try seared ahi tuna with quinoa and wilted kale. To boot, it’s got a lovely industrial-romantic interior, making this Leslieville restaurant a great place to gather for celebrations and special occasions.

Completo

4
5 Coady Ave, Toronto, ON M4M 2Y9

Fresh and fast best sums up the east end’s Completo restaurant. This little Latin-inspired restaurant in Leslieville features hard-shell tacos with four fillings to choose from, plus organic hotdogs served on a toasted buns, and fries topped with goat cheese and tomato-cilantro salsa. All ingredients are fresh and locally sourced, making both adults and kids plenty of delicious and nutrient-rich options. Cute (but compact) outdoor patio? Check.

For most, the traditional diner is synonymous with greasy food, drip coffee and an overall grungy atmosphere. These old-school establishments are anything but. While these Toronto diners maintain an authentically vintage vibe, they’ve evolved to include fresh, wholesome foods and globally inspired dishes. [Image credit: iStock.com/nickfree]
Be unpredictable and change up your Friday night pizza and movie plans with an order of delicious dumplings. These tasty Cantonese treats are unexpectedly filling and come stuffed with a variety of ingredients. Whether you’re a meat lover or vegetarian, you’ll love it when a box of these steaming dumplings get delivered right to your doorstep. [Image credit: iStock.com/tad1962]
Happy Hour, False Economy Hour, Cocktail Hour, call it what you will, but one thing is for sure: there’s no shortage of daily drink specials or happy imbibers on Queen Street East. These bars, pubs, restaurants and taverns do it best, offering great drinks at reduced prices to make your first few hours after work even more enjoyable. [Image credit: iStock.com/Pekic]
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