Top 15 Family-Friendly Restaurants in North County San Diego
I have two toddlers, so I am always looking for new places to try with my kids that offer food I will enjoy too. North County offers a dining scene that easily accommodates families. From casual favorites perfect for lunch after the beach to lively spots for weekend dinners, these restaurants reflect the local lifestyle — relaxed, high-quality, and fun for all ages.
1. The Crack Shack – Encinitas
📍 407 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas, CA 92024
📞 (877) 230-1871
🌐 crackshack.com
Chef-driven fried chicken and fresh salads served in a vibrant open-air setting with a kids’ sand play area. It’s casual but distinctive in flavor.
Why I Go: The chicken is great, a nice selection of beers and cocktails, and kids are welcomed and the norm. Tables are first come, first served. Arrive early - finding a table at peak times can be a challenge.
2. Hamburger Hut – Leucadia
📍 576 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
📞 (760) 230-1999
🌐 hamburgerhut.com
Classic smash burgers and a great back patio for outdoor dining. The patio is dog friendly.
Why I Go: I love the vibe, the food is delicious and their tiki cocktails are some of my favorites in North County. Great live music and DJs on Fridays and Saturdays. Check their schedule online.
3. Chief’s Burgers Brew & Spirits – Solana Beach
📍 124 Lomas Santa Fe Dr, Solana Beach, CA 92075
📞 (858) 755-2599
🌐 chiefsburgersandbrew.com
A neighborhood burger and brew classic with hearty comfort food — burgers, wings, rotisserie chicken, and more.
Why I Go: Great spot for sports, casual American fare, and a great beer list. Don't miss the chili fries!
4. Marufuku Ramen – Del Mar Highlands
📍 Del Mar Highlands Town Center
📞 (619) 866-6117
🌐 marufukuramen.com
Authentic Hakata-style ramen and rich broths that appeal to noodle lovers of all ages — a fun choice for a casual dinner after shopping or exploring.
Why I Go: They have a simple noodle soup for kids and I love the tonkatsu ramen and bao buns. My kids love the edamame, yuzu "soda", and they have big booths for families. It is located in a food hall, so if you bring your kids and they don't want to go, you have plenty of other options nearby.
5. Windmill Food Hall – Carlsbad
Windmill Food Hall Web Address: 890 Palomar Airport Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92011 Phone: +14422878485
📍 890 Palomar Airport Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92011
📞 (442) 287-8485
🌐 windmillfoodhall.com
A vibrant food hall inside the iconic Carlsbad windmill with 14+ vendors, from tacos and Thai to smoothies and sushi. There’s live music, trivia nights, and even a games area for kids.(The Windmill Food Hall)
Why I Go: Everyone can choose what they want but still eat together — perfect for families with varied tastes.
6. Claire’s on Cedros – Solana Beach
📍 246 N Cedros Ave, Solana Beach, CA 92075
📞 (858) 259-8597
🌐 clairesoncedros.com
A beloved bakery and café with a spirited breakfast and lunch menu, vegetarian and gluten-free options, and a large dog-friendly patio.(Claire's On Cedros)
Why I Go: The all-day breakfast and creative sandwiches make it perfect for a relaxed family brunch or lunch. There can be a line on busy days.
7. Tanner’s Prime Burgers – Oceanside
📍 Oceanside, CA
📞 (760) 231-5376
🌐 tannersprimeburgers.com
High-quality burgers with crisp fries and a laid-back setting make this a dependable family meal after a day at the beach or local adventures.
Why I Go: I l love the spicy burger with chopped chilies. Delicious Dutch chocolate milkshakes and great tallow fries. There is a line to order, but I've never had issues getting a table. You can order shakes at the bar without waiting in the food order line!
8. Rosemarie’s Buns & Brews – Oceanside
📍 Oceanside, CA
📞 (760) 433-6416
🌐 rosemariesbunsandbrews.com
Casual and crowd-pleasing, this spot delivers hot dogs, sausages, and casual bites with local brews — perfect for a spontaneous meal.
Why I Go: Low-stress, fun food that fits perfectly after beach outings. Great outdoor space for the stroller crowd.
9. Pizza Port – Carlsbad and Solana Beach
📍 135 N Hwy 101, Solana Beach, 92075 and 571 Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008
📞 (760) 720-7007
🌐 pizzaport.com
A local institution known for handcrafted pizza and a buzzing, family-oriented atmosphere — a staple for casual nights out.
Why I Go: A classic choice where kids always feel at ease and can play games while adults hang at the table (or join them!). Outdoor seating is available.
10. Birdseye Kitchen – Leucadia
📍 Leucadia, CA
🌐 birdseyekitchen.com
Delicious Thai Food in a charming Asian bistro setting.
Why I Go: While it may seem odd for kids, mine love the shrimp pad Thai.
11. Buona Forchetta – Leucadia
📍 Leucadia, CA
📞 (760) 452-9329
🌐 buonaforchetta.com
Lively, wood-fired Neapolitan pizza and Italian favorites that feel like a celebration — reliably delicious and kid friendly.
Why I Go: Pizza night here always feels like a small event worth repeating. Customized pastas (I like the cacio e pepe bucatini with sausage). There is a private dining room in the back if you have a large group - just call ahead.
12. Encinitas Fish Shop
📍 1010 S Coastal Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
📞 (760) 436-4665
🌐 thefishshops.com/encinitas
Delicious fresh seafood in a variety of customizable preparations
Why I Go: Awesome food - I particularly love the tacos and fish shop shrimp. They have a separate kids menu. Mine tend to get popcorn shrimp.
13. Herb & Sea – Encinitas
📍 131 W D St, Encinitas, CA 92024
📞 (760) 704-8300
🌐 herbandsea.com
More refined but still welcoming, especially for families with older kids.
Why I Go: A step-up dinner that doesn’t feel stuffy. Beachy vibe and quite a large space. I usually come here with friends with older kids, but mine can easily eat a pizza while the adults have something nice.
14. Monarch Ocean Pub – Del Mar
📍 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014
📞 (858) 925-6047
🌐 monarchdelmar.com
Ocean views with a broad California menu that works for all ages.
Why I Go: Cheap Eats - take your kids to happy hour! You can have a great meal for low $. Outside of that, it's still family friendly and connects to the amazing roof top for firepits, sunsets, ping pong, and space for kids to play.
15. Viewpoint Brewing Company – Del Mar
📍 2201 San Dieguito Dr, Del Mar, CA 92014
📞 (858) 356-9346
🌐 viewpointbrewing.com
A scenic Del Mar brewpub with a good food menu and indoor-outdoor space overlooking the lagoon.
Why I Go: I like the beer flights. You can walk directly out to the lagoon and the Coast to Crest hiking trail is very close. The setting, large tables, and menu make it great for family gatherings or laid-back dinners.
