3 Things to Look for In Ottawa Family Restaurants
Ottawa’s a city with vibrant culture and plenty to do and see. That includes a variety of fantastic dining options, but sometimes finding family restaurants in Ottawa can be a challenge. If you’re looking for a new spot to take your family for a night out, here are 3 things to look for when looking for dining options:
Kid-Friendly Menus
If you’re unsure about the food options a restaurant will offer for children, do a quick search online. Chances are you’ll be able to find the menu online, which will let you plan ahead. If the restaurant doesn’t have a dedicated kids’ menu, don’t worry! Take a look through the full menu and see what’s available. There’s a good chance there’ll be something that your kids will enjoy.
In some cases, a restaurant will be happy to accommodate substitutions, swaps, or even simple kid-friendly orders off the menu. Just be sure to ask beforehand so staff aren’t caught off-guard or scrambling to make something.
Family Atmosphere
Restaurants with a theme are typically catered to children, and will go the extra mile towards keeping kids occupied and entertained. Finding a restaurant with a child-friendly atmosphere doesn’t restrict you to theme restaurants, though.
If you’re looking for a restaurant that is more suited to the entire family, look for restaurants that describe themselves and their food as “down-home” or “comfortable.” This shows you that their atmosphere is a little more relaxed, and will be better suited to provide a dining experience for the whole family, young children included.
Celebrating Children
Many restaurants will claim to be family- and child-friendly. That doesn’t always mean they are! As a parent, one of the most stressful times you can go through is having your child become fussy, picky, and loud in a crowded restaurant that isn’t exactly thrilled to have your child there in the first place. Do your research and check out a few reviews beforehand. These should give you an indication of the atmosphere and service you can expect.
When in doubt, though, make a phone call and ask a few questions. Better still, make a reservation beforehand and indicate you’ll be bringing children. Staff will appreciate the heads-up and can take an extra minute to find the right spot in the restaurant for you and yours.
It can be tough finding family restaurants. The good news is that Ottawa has many to choose from, and by following the advice we’ve laid out here, you can easily find your whole family will enjoy.
