Kid-Friendly Food

We present a monster list of fabulous food spots that appeal to all ages. By no means comprehensive and admittedly heavy on desserts, but still some delicious inspiration for neighborhood explorations.

Also see kid-friendly food by category.

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UPPER WEST SIDE

Levain Bakery

351 Amsterdam at West 77th Street

Everything is baked on-site throughout the day at this legendary bakery, from an array of rustic breads to the world-famous, super-gooey, six-ounce cookies in five flavors: Two Chip Chocolate Chip, Walnut Chocolate Chip, Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip & Oatmeal Raisin (plus a gluten-free chocolate chip option). Other options include sour…

Alice’s Tea Cup

102 West 73rd Street at Columbus Avenue

Enjoy scones in rotating flavors as magical as the decor, sandwiches, salads and treats with optional fairy wings and glitter at a whimsical tea house inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Choose from hundreds of teas served in charming mismatching pots and cups.

Gets crowded on weekends; reservations recommended. Go early to beat the crowds (or…

Storico

170 Central Park West at 77th Street

Feast on antipasti, artisanal pastas, paninis and other Italian-inspired inventive, ingredient-driven dishes, plus mac & cheese and grilled cheese – at a classy yet kid-friendly eatery within the engaging New-York Historical Society (museum admission not required).

Indoor and outdoor seating available. Look for special menu items related to current exhibits.

Kee’s Chocolates

228 Columbus Ave at W 72st Street

Artisanal chocolates, freshly handcrafted by Kee Ling Tong, come in inventive flavors like sesame, green tea, ghost pepper, balsamic and more. Fresh ingredients from around the around world include yuzu from Japan, sea salt from France, and saffron from Spain. Available flavors of bonbons, truffles, pralines and macarons change based on seasonal ingredients.

Tue–Sun…

Ample Hills Creamery UWS

526 Amsterdam Ave between 85th & 86th Streets
The Upper West Side outpost of this popular Brooklyn-based ice cream shop features a this-location-only flavor Night at the Moo-seum, inspired by our neighboring at the American Museum of Natural History – a deep, dark chocolate ice cream with salty pretzel swirl,…

UPPER EAST SIDE

Serendipity 3

Get the famous Frrrozen Hot Chocolate, a creamy secret blend of 14 exotic cocoas, and other decadent, over-sized desserts at this legendary restaurant and store with whimsical antique-store-meets-ice-cream-parlor decor. Heraty burgers, foot long hot dogs, mac ‘n’ cheese variations, salads and sandwiches are also available. A favorite of actors, artists and tourists for the last…

Bel Ami

This small, authentic French café and patisserie tucked away off Madison Avenue serves delicious, not-too-bitter hot chocolate, plus delicious pastries, sandwiches, macarons, hot chocolate and more. Limited seating among cute decor in a pretty historic district

MIDTOWN - 40s & 50s

Krispy Kreme Times Square Flagship

Get hot, fresh addictively delicious doughnuts 24/7 at Krispy Kreme’s Times Square Flagship store. The 4,500 square-foot shop features a doughnut-making theater, a Glazed Waterfall with digital projection, a giant conveyor belt that runs throughout the store and and a doughnut themed seating area. Choose from a variety of flavors, including an exclusive Big Apple…

Angelina Paris NYC

Travel to Belle Epoque France at an outpost of  an iconic Parisian tea room and dessert café founded in 1903.

Get pastries, macarons, the iconic Angelina hot chocolate and the signature Mont-Blanc (meringue, light whipped cream, chestnut cream vermicelli) to go, or sit in the gorgeous dining room for brunch (served all day), afternoon tea,…

Robert

This modern American restaurant atop the Museum of Arts and Design has breathtaking views of Central Park and Columbus Circle with chic, colorful decor.

Kid-friendly options (at adult prices) include pasta, burgers & house-made ice cream.

Tue–Fri 12 pm–8 pm
Sat-Sun 11 am–9 pm

Läderach

Choose from two dozen types of chocolate bark (FrischSchoggi) sold  by the pound and in photogenic assortments- with nuts, dried fruits, honey, caramel, mini m&ms, cornflakes and more – at the 2,500-square-foot NY outpost of a family-run Swiss chocolatier.

Bonbons and truffles available individually or in pretty heart-shaped boxes. Admire a huge, rotating cocoa-bean sculpture…

Neuhaus

The 160-year-old inventor of pralines serves an array of quintessential Belgian Chocolate, crafted entirely in Belgium and imported fresh weekly. Many pretty varieties of milk, dark and flavored bon ons, plus bars and seasonal treats.

Also at Lexington & 51st Street, Grand Central, Hudson Yards, Westfield World Trade Center, Soho (160 Spring Street).

Monday–Friday 10…

La Maison du Chocolat

Choose from two types of hot chocolate at the US outposts of this Parisian legend – kid-friendly milk chocolate and the super rich Caracas. Shop gorgeous bon-bons and bars, all made by hand in an Atelier in Nanterre, on the outskirts of Paris with the finest raw ingredients. Pastries, macarons and ice cream also available.

Gotham West Market

Sample a mix of some of best eats in the city including Blue Marble ice cream, Corner Slice’s square pizza, La Palapa’s fresh tacos and more in an indoor, weather-proof hall with some patio seating.

Monday-Sunday 11 am–9 pm

Tuescher

Extravagant seasonal flowers and decor surround all natural chocolates flown weekly from Zurich. Shop for all sorts of solid chocolate shapes and bonbons featuring marzipan, fruits, nuts and more by the pound or pick up cute packaged collections including unique character boxes. Located in the lovely Channel Gardens of Rockefeller Center.

Mon-Sat 11 am–7…

Food at Bryant Park

To-go kiosks feature favorite savory and sweet treats in one lovely location, plus get unique treats at the seasonal rinkside Lodge. Choose from bureks and chocolate Babka from Bread Bakery, salad and mint lemonade from Le Pain Quotidien and wafels and ice cream from Wafel and Dinges (or all of the above). Lots of…

Ole & Steen Bryant Park

Dine on delicious local takes on Danish classics. Each dish – from sourdoughs to salads – features thoughtfully sourced seasonal ingredients at this acclaimed artisanal Danish bakery and coffee shop with three NYC outposts – sleek yet inviting spaces designed with a sense of Danish hygge and hospitality.
Pick up freshly made bread in…

Rock Center Food

Find lots of fast-casual food options at the concourse level of 30 Rockefeller Plaza include lots of outposts of popular NYC shops. Choose from middle-eastern Samesa, Black Seed Bagels, global rice bowls at FIELDTRIP, Dough Doughnuts, Van Leeuwen ice cream and many more. S

Bring food to tables and chairs around the disco roller rink and watch skaters while you eat. For indoor table service, try kid-friendly Bill’s Bar & Burgers.

Pick up cupcakes and banana pudding at Magnolia Bakery and delicious chocolates at floral explosion Tuescher or classy La Maison du Chocolate.

Urbanspace @ Vanderbilt

Urbanspace brings their popular outdoor markets indoor  two blocks from Grand Central in a cool historic space (with bathrooms).

Sample 20 vendors including Robertas pizza, La Palapa tacos and Dough around a seating area with lots of tables.

Monday – Friday 6:30 am – 8 pm
Saturday 7 am – 5 pm

MIDTOWN - 20s & 30s

Dominique Ansel Workshop

17 East 27th Street

Pastry legend Dominique Ansel’s newest shop is a celebration of croissants,  located inside the pastry production kitchens in Flatiron. Stop in for a taste of all different types of croissants and breakfast viennoiserie – pain au chocolat, ham & Gruyère, Chocolate Hazelnut S’mores Danishes, Pistachio Swirls, Raspberry Riz au Lait Cubes, Brown Sugar DKA…

Eataly Chocolate & Gelato

200 Fifth Avenue at West 24th Street

Try rich Italian hot chocolate and/or some of the best gelato in the city in a range of flavors.

Shop by weight from bins of colorful Venchi bon-bons or pick up artisanal chocolate made in Italy with raw ingredients in a variety of shapes and textures according to traditional recipes, from smooth spread to crunchy…

Venchi Chocogelateria

861 Broadway

Sip decadent Italian hot chocolate by a giant chocolate waterfall at the US outpost of a 140-year-old Italian chocolatier.

Shop a vast selection of flavored bon bons and bars plus try gelato in a variety of chocolate and other delicious flavors. Make it even yummier with creamy base of Suprema chocolate spread or a cone…

Mercado Little Spain

30 Hudson Yards

Experience the delicious diversity of foods and drinks from all corners of Spain. Get a quick bite from the food kiosks around tables in a bustling area inspired by Spain’s historic market halls, go tot he plaza for a picnic or sit down at full-service restaurants.

Eataly Flatiron

200 Fifth Avenue at West 24th Street

This large Italian marketplace has restaurants, food counters, mozzarella making, Italian groceries, housewares and a nutella bar. We love the delizioso pizza, prosciutto, pasta, rotisserie chicken…really just about everything. One of our favorite spots for chocolate and gelato.

The always-lovely rooftop greenhouse restaurant SERRA by Birreria changes seasonally. Seating for take-out is limited,…

SERRA by Birreria

200 Fifth Avenue at West 24th Street

Eataly’s rooftop greenhouse restaurant has transformed into a winter wonderland rooftop. Cozy up under the canopy of flickering lights with our seasonal and traditional dishes and spiced winter drinks.

Reservations recommended. Roof open and closes for any weather.

Several other sit-down and to-go options throughout the Italian…

CHELSEA/MEATPACKING

The Standard Biergarten

A street-level beer garden serves traditional German fare including sausages, pretzels and beer. Swing by Happy Hour Wed-Fri from 4pm-6pm for 25 cent wings. A children’s menu is available every Sunday, and tots under 12 eat free.

Also play Ping-Pong in the open air courtyard plus fuseball, pool and other games in an indoor gameroom.

Food at Chelsea Market

Choose from doughnuts, tacos, hand-pulled noodles, lobster rolls, gelato and many more delicious options at this indoor market housed in a former factory. Covered outdoor tables available along 15th and 16th Streets.

Shopping options include books, chocolate and fun Chinese merchandise & snacks at Pearl River Mart. Find all sorts of sweet treats at a…

Bubble BUMP!

Climb into a bumper car and prepare to collide with pink bouncy balls at an outdoor nostalgic ode to 80s punk culture. Safety pins, mohawks and other renegade symbols along with hot pink “Barbiecore” uniforms suffuse the hip space with a downtown, DIY attitude.

Dine rinkside in cozy rocking chairs with furry blankets on

DOWNTOWN

Cafe Gitane

242 Mott Street

This bright, friendly French-Moroccan is known for its tasty avocado toast and couscous but we always get the all-day waffles. Table-service, expect waits during peak hours.

Max Brenner

841 Broadway at East 13th Street

Select from nine hot chocolates – Italian Thick, Oreo, Peanut Butter and more – at this huge cafe and store that feels like Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, with tubes of liquid chocolate criss crossing the space. Choose from a variety of creative, high-quality chocolate concoctions to fo, gift or to eat on site.

Salads, paninis,…

Levain Bakery NOHO

340 Lafayette Street at Bleecker Street

Everything is baked on-site throughout the day at this Noho outpost of the legendary UWS bakery, from an array of rustic breads to the world-famous, super-gooey, six-ounce cookies in four flavors: Two Chip Chocolate Chip, Walnut Chocolate Chip, Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip & Oatmeal Raisin (plus a gluten-free chocolate chip…

Maman

237 Centre Street

Stop in for brunch or grab a quick bite to-go at this lovely café with rustic décor touches around every corner & beautiful floral installations indoors and in the gorgeous garden.

Warm cookies, including a large legendary chocolate chip, are baked all day. Plus enjoy an assortment of pastries, excellent coffee, hot chocolate (look for special…

Dominique Ansel Bakery

189 Spring Street between Sullivan & Thompson

French bakery Dominique Ansel has delicious classic and post-modern pastries and specular seasonal desserts like hot chocolate with a blossoming marshmallow flower, frozen s’mores and milk in a chocolate chip cookie cup.

If you see a line down the block it’s probably for a cronut, the rightly famous croissant-doughnut hybrid pastry with flavors that change…

Essex Market

88 Essex St

Sample fresh, affordable, and high quality food and other items from 40+ small businesses in this Lower East Side fixture.

Shop vendors with individual stories and distinctive personality for delicious treats like cupcakes from Sugar Sweet Sunshine, cheeseburger empanadas from Dominican Cravings, ube ice cream from  L.E.S. Ice Cream…

Shopsin’s

88 Essex St

This whimsical, family-owned restaurant features a legendary 900-item menu with dozens of wacky (and delicious) pancakes varieties filled everything from s’mores and mac n’cheese. Lots of savory, extravagant egg, sandwiches etc. options also.

Small seating area; expect waits on weekends (but lots to explore in the indoor Essex Market while you wait). The owner…

Ladurée Soho

398 W Broadway

Escape to Ladurée’s pastel Parisian wonderland, where the only stress is choosing among the 25+ colorful flavors, from salted caramel to strawberry marshmallow – plus chocolate covered macarons, fancy French ice cream, macaron ice cream sandwiches, sorbets and more sweet treats.

Get your treats to go or dine on casual yet sophisticated French fare including…

Stick With Me Sweets Bonbons

202A Mott St

Gorgeous bonbons in an array of colors and artisanal flavors taste as good as they look in this small Nolita chocolate shop.

Roni-Sue’s Chocolates

148 Forsyth Street

Try delicious truffles, bars and caramel corn in inventive flavors inspired by specialty and local markets at this women-owned and run shop. All the chocolate is made by local artisans using organic Mayan cacao from Belize-based MOHO Chocolate Company, direct-trade, single-origin and socially responsible.

Favorites include Pig Candy AKA Chocolate Covered Bacon, fruity Razzle…

MarieBelle

484 Broome Street

Sip on thick, delicious signature hot chocolate made from pure cacao shavings instead of chocolate powder to go or in an elegant, antique filled Cocoa Bar. Choose from four different flavors; Aztec, Milk Hazelnut, Spiced Chocolate and White Chocolate.

Bite size bonbons decorated with unique, colorful cocoa-based design and tins of hot chocolate shavings make…

Economy Candy

108 Rivington Street

At this legendary family-owned LES sweets emporium, founded in 1937, shop over 2,000+ items, including international gummies, unique candy bars, a color-sorted jelly belly bar, chocolate covered graham crackers (with and without jelly), bacon and kale lollipops and so much more.  Also find unique toys, Pez, gifts and vintage trading cards featuring fan favorites from…

Koneko

26 Clinton St

Play with roaming (adoptable) cats in three cat-centric spaces: the sunlit Upper Cattery, the warm and cozy Lower Cattery, and a first-of-its-kind outdoor Catio. Food from a Japanese- influenced menu, house-made desserts, plus beer, wine, and sake available for purchase.

The Pickle Guys

357 Grand Street

Try free samples of old-fashioned pickles, barrel cured from an old Eastern European recipe at this unique friendly LES spot. Rows of barrels features pickled turnips, pineapples and other items along with a wide variety of pickled cucumbers.

They even have pickle-flavored cotton candy for sale. Or head next door to Doughnut Plant for…

il laboratorio del gelato

188 Ludlow Street

Choose from 48 classic and creative flavors of creamy, dense gelato and sorbet, as well as sundaes and shakes at a ‘lab’ where flavor creation and recipe development take center stage. This provider of hand-crafted, small-batch gelato for top NYC chefs and restaurants uses high-quality ingredients, from vanilla beans to purple ube to avocado, sourced…

Funny Face Bakery

319 Lafayette St

The artistry is amazing on these pop culture frosted sugar cookies – choose from NYC icons, celebrity faces, pizza rat, iphones, clever phrases and so much more. Custom creations available for anything (or any face- just upload a photo). Watch cookie artists at work behind the counter in the cute purple dream of the store.…

Beetle House NY

308 East 6th Street

Celebrate Halloween year-round in a unique dining experience inspired by horror culture, magic and the artistic, literary and cinematic works of Tim Burton, Alfred Hitchcock, Bram Stoker, Washington Irving, Edgar Allen Poe, and many many more. In short, Halloween party with a Burtonesque feel, curated by Alfred Hitchcock, with a 90s goth band on stage…

Museum of Ice Cream

558 Broadway at Prince Street

Explore a colorful pop-up with 13 interactive installations across 3 floors (plus a 3 story slide) that’s fun for sweet lovers of all ages.

Eat as many ice cream treats as you want in 5 different shapes and forms. Play in a game room with mini golf and jungle gyms, jump or slide into a…

Winter Garden at The Standard East Village

25 Cooper Square

Hunker down in private alpine yurts, or outside (with heaters) among the twinkling evergreens. The cozy menu includes raclette burgers, fresh oysters, orange blossom waffles, spiked hot cider, gooey fondue, freshly baked beignets and more.

Sat-Sun brunch: 11 am – 1:30 pm (no minimum)
Dinner: 4 – 7:30 pm ($100 pp minimum)

Blossoming Hot Chocolate

189 Spring Street between Sullivan & Thompson

A marshmallow flower blooms when it’s placed into a cup of homemade hot chocolate, revealing a little bonbon surprise in the center. One of many delicious classic and post-modern pastries and specular seasonal desserts at legendary French bakery Dominique Ansel.

If you see a line down the block it’s probably for a…

SEAPORT/FIDI

Eataly NYC Downtown

The 40,000 square feet  outpost of Italian marketplace Eataly is focused on bread, but you can also find delizioso pizza, fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, pasta, rotisserie chicken, chocolate, gelato and (post-pandemic) weekend kids cooking classes.

Choose from five restaurants, nine take-away counters (including gelato), two caffès, and one wine bar. Shop more than 10,000 high-quality…

Le District

Mangez on freshly made croissants, crepes, frites and more delicious treats in a French shopping district within happening Brookfield Place. Take your treat to the terrace for a view of the French-in-origin Lady Liberty.

The Greens

Enjoy stunning views on a rooftop overlooking the East River. Indoor and outdoor seating available. Menu includes cheeseburgers, churros, shrimp rolls, salads and more.

See our guide to Seaport.

Adrienne’s Pizza Bar

Eat thin-crust square pies (plus classic round pies, salads, pastas and more) on indoor and outdoor seating overlooking historic, cobbled Stone Street at this casual yet classy pizzeria.

Tin Building by Jean-Georges

Explore an array of culinary experiences at acclaimed chef Jean-Georges sprawling culinary destination located in lower Manhattan’s historic Seaport.

The two-story waterfront building offers houses multiple restaurants with open kitchens, innovative retail concepts including an exquisite candy and gelato shop and an impeccably stocked market.

Sit down at a variety of lovely restaurants, or browse…

Wizard Tea & Potion Making

A two-floor, wizard-themed bar and restaurant with indoor dining and outdoor terrace seating on the cobblestones of historic Stone Street hosts interactive experiences perfect for Harry Potter fans. Don a provided robe and use a hi-tech magic wand to cast a pouring spell to receive a welcome drink from the maw of a magical creature.

The Golden Girls Kitchen NYC

Pull up a chair to a custom, detailed dining experience inspired by the Golden Girls’ favorite iconic Miami hangouts, as well as other memorable moments from the beloved franchise. Be completely immersed in the world of The Golden Girls: snap a photo in Blanche’s Boudoir, complete with shag carpet and a palm print bedspread, or…

Pink Pier

Visit an entirely pink pier. Sit on a Lover’s Throne, stroll down the floral hallway take a photo in a life-size Sweethearts box, and enjoy views of the skyline across the East River.

Kid-friendly (but adult priced) menu items include mac n’ cheese, burgers and heart shaped cheese ravioli. Brunch with options like hot chocolate…

BROOKLYN

DeKalb Market Hall

445 Albee Square

This bustling basement food hall houses 40 diverse food vendors, including old-school & new-school NYC names. Feast on artisanal arepas, noodles, baos, donuts, french pastries, susgi, tacos, sushi, churros, crepes, frites, humus, ice cream and more.

Hours vary by vendor.

Japan Village

220 36th Street

Sample a range of delicious Japanese cuisine from sushi to smoothies in large food hall rooted in “omotenashi,” a Japanese approach to hospitality and mutual respect. Pick up noodles, dumplings, yakatori, Obanyaki stuffed with Nutella and more from variety of booths or sit down in a serene corner for omakase.

On the 20,000-square-foot second floor ‘The Loft,’ step into a representation of Japan with cool shops with items straight from the country as well as fun experiences like tea ceremonies and cultural classes. Shop for inexpensive toys, Hello Kitty and Sanrio home goods, crafting supplies, Japanese treats, items for the home and other kitschy stuff  at Daiso. BookOff, an outpost of Japan’s largest chain of used bookstores, offers a wide range of anime-related products, including manga, novels, CDs, DVDs, video games, figures, apparel, and accessories. 

Industry City Food Hall

220 36th Street

From Korean comfort food to an avocado-focused cafe, Industry City hosts a huge range of Brooklyn-based purveyors. BBQ, pizza, bao buns, French pastries, artisanal ice cream, tacos, Mediterranean mezzes – whatever you’re craving you’ll probably find it here. Most of the vendors or in a central Food Hall but other shops can be found…

Time Out Market New York

55 Water Street

Sample some of the best NYC food: fluffy pancakes from the venerable Clinton Street Baking Co., thin-crust pizza from Patsy Grimaldi’s Juliana’s, Middle Eastern bites from Miss Ada, fried chicken from Jacob’s Pickles, Japanese comfort food from Bessou, cookie dough scoops from DŌ and more amazing eateries—all cherry-picked by Time Out New York. 21,000 delicious…

Jacques Torres Chocolate

66 Water Street

Rich hot cocoas come in classic or spicy ‘Wicked’ and pair well with the large buttery chocolate chip cookies at the original Dumbo location of  Jacques Torres (aka Mr. Chocolate), French chef turned celebrity New Yorker and Reality TV star (‘Nailed It’).

Try truffles, adorable bonbons, chocolate bark, giftable chocolate-covered cheerios and pomegranate seeds, ice…

Williamsburg Market

103 N 3rd St

This 15,000-square-foot market brings together Brooklyn industrial aesthetic with heavy French architectural influences. A 360 degree focal brass and marble bar and cozy dining room provide eating areas for 15+ excellent vendors.

Choose from Harlem Seafood Soul, Malai Ice Cream, legendary pizzeria Di Fara, Alidoro Italian Sandwich Shop and more spots offering vegan comfort food,…

Brooklyn Farmacy

513 Henry Street

Get excellent hot cocoa, ice cream, egg cream sodas, floats, wine, espresso and more at a charming old-fashioned soda fountain in a historic apothecary.

Elaborate ice cream sundaes with unique flavors are made on the spot by friendly soda jerks. Hot cocoa flavors include s’mores (with notes of Nutella), mint, salted caramel and a Fluffernutter…

QUEENS

Dumpling Galaxy

42-35 Main Street

Choose from than 100 kinds of delicious dumplings plus noodles & other Chinese dishes in a striking, modern interior with bold Chinese red across walls. Deep semiprivate booths have individual TV screen showing highlights of the extensive menu.

Sweet Cats Cafe

35-21 Farrington St

Enjoy a selection of bubble teas, sweet treats and arcade games and a cute pink and pastel shop. Play claw machines for $1-$3 for adorable plushie prizes to put in your pink shopping cart.

Try specialty colorful drinks like Tinkle Bell (Kiwi), Purple Paradise (Lychee & Lemon), and Frozen Volcano (Dragonfruit) and a vast menu…