WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA – Fine dining and farm to table food run deep here in the Lamorinda area. Just because you’ve got a bunch of kids or grandkids in tow, you should still be able to eat well!
For that reason, we’re rounding up some of the best family friendly restaurants in the Lamorinda, Walnut Creek and Danville area. By “family friendly”, we don’t mean kid-oriented places like Chuck E Cheese (although we’re not opposed to a visit there…)
Instead, we mean places that welcome families, but where both kids and adults can get quality, fresh-made, locally-focused food.
A note on methodology: we have our own favorites here at the Bay Area Telegraph, but for this list, we went broader. We looked at everything from food critics’ opinions in news articles to forum posts, Yelp/OpenTable reviews, and each restaurant’s menus and self descriptions. This list thus integrates hundreds of sources to bring you the places that the community feels are best for families! We’ve also personally visited all the restaurants listed.
Here’s the top 7. Think we missed a place? Email tom@bayareatelegraph.com
1. Sideboard (Danville and Lafayette) – American Comfort Food, $$
Address: 90 Railroad Ave, Danville, CA 94526 and 3535 Plaza Way, Lafayette, CA 94549
Family-Friendly Highlights: Sideboard is a cozy neighborhood kitchen that feels like dining at grandma’s house, complete with an upscale take on home-cooked comfort meals.
Families love the warm, cottage-like atmosphere and the kids’ menu loaded with classics – think burritos, quesadillas, mac & cheese, grilled cheese, and PB&J.
Parents appreciate that the comfort-food menu is made from scratch using local ingredients, offering everything from hearty breakfast plates to burgers and seasonal salads. And no one can resist Sideboard’s signature side: the “impossibly fluffy and crispy” house-made tater tots – a must-order for both kids and adults. A pastry case filled with fresh baked goods and desserts adds an extra treat at the end of your meal.
In Lafayette, you can place your order as a picnic and eat it on the lawn in front of the restaurant while the kids run around.
Best Bets: Little ones often go for the gooey mac & cheese or grilled cheese, paired with those famous tater tots. Grown-ups enjoy the delicious burgers and sandwiches or daily specials (like slow-cooked pork enchiladas or big entrée salads).
And everyone, of all ages, loves the fried chicken!
2. Gott’s Roadside (Walnut Creek) – Casual American Burgers, $
Address: 1275 S Main St, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Family-Friendly Highlights: Gott’s Roadside brings Napa Valley’s famed burger stand experience to downtown Walnut Creek, and it’s ultra kid-friendly.
This modern diner-style eatery serves up tasty burgers, hot dogs, and creamy milkshakes. There’s a dedicated kids’ menu that won’t disappoint – offering mini burgers, grilled cheese, chicken tenders and more, each with fries or veggies and a drink.
Parents love the quality ingredients and gourmet twists (like the ahi poke tacos or kimchi burgers), while kids adore the classic flavors. The vibe is energetic but welcoming: ordering is at the counter, and there’s plenty of casual picnic seating (including a large outdoor patio) where kids can wiggle around freely.
Best Bets: For kids, a plain cheeseburger with a side of fries or the crispy chicken tenders are perennial favorites (all sized just right for small appetites). Adults might opt for the California Burger topped with local cheddar and avocado or the juicy Ahi Burger, and everyone can cool down with a hand-spun milkshake or Strauss soft-serve ice cream.
3. Sauced BBQ & Spirits (Walnut Creek) – Southern Barbecue, $$
Address: 1410 Locust St, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Family-Friendly Highlights: If your crew loves BBQ, Sauced is a lively, family-friendly spot. This spacious restaurant features rustic decor, large-screen TVs, and even an arcade area – so kids stay entertained while adults catch the game.
The atmosphere is relaxed and boisterous, meaning no one will mind a little noise from your table. Sauced prides itself on authentic slow-smoked barbecue (think St. Louis–style ribs, Texas brisket, and Carolina pulled pork) served alongside comfort sides like mac ’n’ cheese and baked beans.
The BBQ itself isn’t quite on the level of places like Horn BBQ in Lafayette. Still, the laid back atmosphere and the restaurant’s sheer size makes it a good choice for family dining.
Best Bets: Kids love the mac & cheese (ultra-cheesy and baked to bubbly perfection) or the chicken tenders with fries – simple and satisfying. The kitchen will also do pint-sized portions of their smoked meats, so little barbecue fans can try tender pulled pork or brisket.
4. The Coop (Cooperage) American Grille (Walnut Creek) – American Grill, $$$
Address: 1342 Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (formerly in Lafayette)
Family-Friendly Highlights: A longtime local favorite, The Cooperage (also referred to now as just The Coop, though this hasn’t caught on with locals) has the feel of an upscale American grill with a family-friendly heart. (It was originally in Lafayette and recently moved to Walnut Creek, but it remains popular with Lamorinda families.)
The restaurant offers a polished yet comfortable dining room and heated patio, so parents can enjoy a nice night out without worrying if the kids tag along. The Cooperage’s menu is broad and approachable – from steaks and rotisserie chicken to fresh salads and flatbreads – ensuring there’s something for all ages.
In fact, the “family-friendly bar and grill menu” even includes classic kid favorites to keep younger diners happy. High chairs, crayons, and a welcoming staff are all part of the package, making families feel right at home. It’s frequently recommended in local forums as a go-to spot where adults get a quality meal and kids are genuinely welcome.
Best Bets: For kids, The Cooperage offers classics like a cheesy pasta, crispy chicken tenders, or mini burgers (“Cooperage Cubs” menu) that come with fries or fruit.
Grown-ups might start with the famous prime rib French dip sandwich or the skillet cornbread, then enjoy entrées like the grilled fish tacos or a juicy signature burger.
5. Cocina Hermanas (Danville) – Mexican (Modern & Traditional), $$
Address: 501 Hartz Ave, Danville, CA 94526
Family-Friendly Highlights: Located in the heart of Danville, Cocina Hermanas is an inviting Mexican restaurant that blends gourmet flair with family appeal. The vibe is upscale-casual – you’ll find rustic wood tables, a festive tiled bar, and a spacious patio- yet kids are absolutely part of the scene (the staff will happily provide high chairs and coloring sheets).
In fact, Cocina Hermanas features a dedicated kids’ menu with Mexican favorites like cheese quesadillas, chicken & cheese tacos, bean & cheese burritos, and even pasta for the less adventurous. The kitchen embraces fresh, local ingredients and traditional recipes, so adults can enjoy authentic flavors (handmade tortillas, slow-braised meats, vibrant salsas) presented in a modern way.
Best Bets: For the niños: you can’t go wrong with the melty Kids’ Cheese Quesadilla or the mini Chicken & Cheese Tacos – both are simple, filling, and come with rice and beans on the side. (They’ll even do buttered noodles if that’s your child’s comfort zone.)
Adults rave about the braised carnitas tacos and the enchiladas suizas, as well as rotating seasonal specials like grilled elote (Mexican street corn) and ceviche. The fresh guacamole is a must-order for the table.
6. Pinstripes (Walnut Creek) – Italian-American Bistro & Bowling Alley, $$$
Address: 1115 Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Family-Friendly Highlights: Pinstripes isn’t only a restaurant. It’s got great Italian food. But it’s also an upscale bowling alley and bocce place!
This expansive two-story venue in Broadway Plaza is designed for family fun: you can enjoy a made-from-scratch meal and then head right into a game of bowling, all under the same roof. You can even start bowling right away and order food and drinks right to your bowling lane.
The dining area is stylish and comfortable, and the noise of bowling balls rolling nearby only adds to the lively, kid-friendly buzz. Pinstripes hosts weekend family brunches, offers a kids’ club with crafts events, and has an attentive staff used to accommodating young guests.
The menu features familiar favorites – wood-fired pizzas, pastas, sliders – ensuring even picky eaters find something yummy.
In the evenings, you get more corporate groups doing team building outings and people on dates. But if you go at off hours, it’s especially kid friendly (and cheaper).
Best Bets: Kids are thrilled by the wood-fired pepperoni pizza (personal-sized and perfect for one) or the spaghetti and meatballs, which comes in a manageable portion. The chicken fingers and fries are another reliable option during bowling if they want to eat lane-side.
Adults often start with shareables like the garlic cheese bread or bruschetta, then enjoy heartier dishes such as the house specialty lasagna or the grilled salmon.
7. The Hideout Kitchen & Cafe (Lafayette) – Californian Comfort Bistro, $$
Address: 32 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette, CA 94549
Family-Friendly Highlights: We already highlighted the Cooperage, which moved from Lafayette to WC. But there’s another great restuarant that moved into its former space and is also very family friendly: The Hideout.
It’s got the same indoor/outdoor vibes as the Cooperage, and a nice heated patio. Chef JB Balingit’s seasonal menu serves up “elevated comfort food” with California flair, meaning you might find ube (purple yam) pancakes at brunch or honey-fried chicken alongside classics like meatloaf.
Importantly, The Hideout genuinely caters to kids: they have a “Little Hiders” kids’ menu with favorites such as crispy chicken bites, buttered noodles, and mini waffles. The staff goes out of their way to provide personalized, caring service – high chairs are available, and it’s not unusual for the chef to send out a little extra fruit or a cookie for younger diners. The ambiance is warm and not too loud, so parents can actually converse while kids enjoy their meals.
Best Bets: For a weekend family brunch, kids flip for the Ube Hotcakes – bright purple pancakes that are as fun as they are tasty (topped with fruit and whipped cream) – or the classic buttermilk waffles.
During lunch and dinner, the kids’ mac & cheese and the chicken tenders with house-made ranch are go-to items for younger palates. Grown-ups can’t go wrong with the Hideout’s famed mascarpone French toast at brunch or the savory honey fried chicken plate.
