In Miami Beach, Florida, postcard-perfect palm trees line sandy, sparkling beaches, and the warm ocean is always the perfect temperature for swimming. Although the city has a reputation for a glamorous nightlife scene, it’s also surprisingly family-friendly. Many Miami Beach restaurants are set up to serve kids, so your entire family can enjoy a delicious meal and dining experience. As an added bonus, each establishment is situated within easy reach of the best vacation rentals in Miami Beach.
1. Big Pink
With its diner decor and multiple TVs, Big Pink has plenty to keep your kids busy. Come with your appetite; the restaurant is known for its enormous portions. Kids love the Big Pink TV dinner, which comes on a funky metal tray. Alternatively, opt for red velvet pancakes from the all-day breakfast menu or feast on Nutella waffles. If you have room, end with fried Oreos or a massive piece of carrot cake. For more refined palettes, the restaurant also serves eggs Benedict, breakfast sandwiches, and omelettes.
2. News Cafe
A Miami Beach standby, News Cafe offers casual outdoor dining and excellent people-watching. Situated in the Art Deco District, the cafe is located across the street from the beach. The menu is mind-boggling with dishes for every taste: seafood, steak, pasta, panini, pizza, and more. Keep little ones happy with a burger, or go Middle Eastern with hummus and tabbouleh. For a real treat, indulge in a chocolate fondue or brownie sundae dessert.
3. The Front Porch Cafe
Start your day in Miami Beach at The Front Porch Cafe, which is centrally located on Ocean Drive and convenient to many local vacation rentals. At breakfast, this upscale-casual spot serves everything from migas to granola pancakes. Let your kids loose on a breakfast pizza, or get the perfect portion for light eaters with side orders of cornflakes or fresh fruit. The cafe also has large lunch and dinner menus stocked with salads, seafood, and hearty beef dishes. When visiting with kids, make a reservation online to minimize wait times, particularly on weekend evenings.
4. Segafredo L’Originale
Enjoy the hustle and bustle of Lincoln Road at Segafredo L’Originale. Outdoor tables open up onto the pedestrian mall, so your kids have plenty of room to play. Sip a cool drink to beat the heat, and delight your little ones with fresh pizza or mini burgers. For light appetites, the appetizer menu features small plates of bruschetta, calamari, and sea salt fries. Kids love the dessert options, which include luxurious gelato and fun-to-eat profiteroles.
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5. Lure Fishbar
No trip to Miami Beach is complete without sushi, and Lure Fishbar is a great choice. The restaurant itself is lovely and luxurious, and the staff is famous for their kid-friendly attitude. You’re certain to find a high chair or a booster seat, and DVD players are even available to keep kids entertained. Take advantage of the seaside location with a classic spicy tuna or toro scallion roll, or go all out with a lobster tail or a shellfish platter. For kids who aren’t fans of fish, the menu also includes chicken and sides of mashed potatoes, fried rice, and French fries.
6. Essensia
Surround yourself with Art Deco architecture at Essensia, a farm-to-table eatery inside The Palms Hotel and Spa. The menu, which features seafood and Southern-inspired dishes, uses local ingredients wherever possible. Standouts include the watermelon and tomato salad and the Islander bouillabaisse. The kids’ menu is equally well-developed with options such as Angus beef petite steaks, natural chicken strips, and cheese pizzas. Each kids’ meal includes a main, a side, and a dessert.
7. Shake Shack
For die-hard burger fans, Shake Shack on Lincoln Road is a must. This Miami Beach hot spot is known for its gourmet fast food. Splurge on bacon cheese fries or a loaded Shack-cago dog, and don’t miss out on the thick shakes. For Shake Shack purists, an order of crinkle-cut fries and a Shack burger hits the spot. The best seating area is outside, where shaded tables are surrounded by soothing water gardens, and a large open area creates space for kids to roam.
8. DIRT
For families with multiple dietary restrictions, DIRT is the perfect option. With a kitchen that specializes in organic, vegan, and gluten-free ingredients, it’s easy to find healthy options for everyone. The Little Sprouts menu offers kid-sized portions of eggs, yogurt and granola, and peanut butter and jelly. For adults, it’s hard to beat the curried Bombay quinoa bowl or the matcha protein pancakes. Check out the menu notations for allergens and great substitution options.
9. Yardbird
If you’re searching for an elegant eatery that welcomes kids, look no further than Yardbird. Specializing in Southern cuisine, this trendy spot features dishes such as Chicken ‘N Watermelon ‘N Waffles, Red Pea Succotash, and Black Angus Burnt Ends. For kids, look to the small plates menu for chicken and biscuits, macaroni and cheese, and cinnamon apple hand pies. Yardbird fills up quickly on weekends; for the shortest wait, your best bet is an early weekday dinner.
10. Tongue and Cheek
Don’t let the hip atmosphere at Tongue and Cheek fool you; this stunning restaurant has a friendly staff, a large stock of high chairs, and a great kids’ menu. Simple pasta with marinara, grilled cheese, and mini burgers are great for dinner, and the root beer float is the perfect after-dinner treat. For adults and more adventurous eaters, the main menu offers elevated versions of comfort food such as fried chicken, hand-cut rigatoni, and poutine.
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