Be honest—your dining room table has seen more spilled milk and half-eaten chicken nuggets than who knows what.
Sometimes, the last thing you want to do is cook. But dining out with kids? That can feel like an even bigger challenge.
I get it—believe me. Whenever I take my nieces and nephews out, I silently hope they will like what’s on the menu. But more often than not, they don’t and I’m left stressed out wondering how I can make them eat.
That’s why I made sure to list down all the restaurants we’ve been to that they liked.
If you’ve experienced the same and are currently on the hunt for places that can satisfy even the pickiest eaters, here are some family restaurants in Calgary where everyone in your family can actually enjoy the food.
Table of Contents
1. Blue Star Diner
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Website: http://bluestardiner.ca
Address: 809 1 Ave NE
Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 8 AM to 9 PM
- Monday & Sunday – 8 AM to 3 PM
Phone: +1 403-261-9998
Price: $
Blue Star Diner is a fantastic choice because it genuinely delivers diner favorites but with a surprisingly gutsy and diverse menu.
They hit the sweet spot of serving familiar comfort food while offering fresh, modern twists and thoughtful vegan options, ensuring something for everyone.
What truly makes it a win for parents, though, is their ‘Lil Stars’ kids menu. It’s packed with kid-friendly classics done right. Kids are always happy with the genuinely creamy and cheesy mac and cheese. Meanwhile, the kid’s cheeseburger is made with real Alberta beef.
I can’t resist their fried chicken and pancakes. The crispy, flavorful chicken and fluffy pancakes are a satisfying combination. The chipotle honey garlic and chili butter give it an incredible sweet and spicy kick.
Pro Tip: If you’re there on Wednesday’s ‘BSD Burger Night’ when it launches, families should ask about the weekly feature burger.
2. 4th Spot Kitchen & Bar
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Website: http://4thspot.com
Address: 2620 4 St NW
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Phone: +1 403-984-3474
Price: $$
4th Spot Kitchen & Bar has something for everyone, but their pizzas are the real draw. The variety is impressive, from the simplest cheese pizza kids love to more adventurous options.
If your family loves meat, you could try a unique creation, such as Bruce Lee with teriyaki chicken or the Three Little Pigs.
Personally, I enjoy the Burning Bee pizza. The spicy dry rub chicken gives it a nice kick, balanced by the sweetness of the honey drizzle, and the crispy banana peppers add a satisfying crunch and tang.
But even if pizza isn’t your family’s favorite, 4th Spot offers everything from tacos and pasta to hearty burgers, so even picky eaters will find something they like.
Pro Tip: Consider the spot smokehouse platter if you have older kids or a hungry crew. It features in-house smoked chicken with a delicious jalapeno honey dip, slow-smoked Andouille sausage, and St. Louis ribs slathered in a rich Lumberjack BBQ sauce.
3. Corner Street Diner
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Website: http://cornerstreetdiner.ca
Address: 2400 Centre St N #1
Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 8 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Monday – 11 AM to 8 PM
Phone: +1 403-276-3686
Price: $
Corner Street Diner serves crowd-pleasing classics that everyone enjoys. I can personally vouch for their fish and chips—the fish is perfectly flaky, and the batter is satisfyingly crisp. And yes, their burgers are finger-licking good, juicy, and flavourful.
Their takeout family packs are a lifesaver for a fuss-free family meal at home. They offer generous portions, like the Family 10 Pcs Pollock. It comes loaded with ten pieces of pollock, large fries, coleslaw, gravy, and their homemade tartar sauce—plus a free 2L pop!
Aside from that, don’t overlook their fish burgers. I particularly enjoyed the cod burger; the cod was moist, and the garlic aioli and coleslaw balanced the flavor.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a relaxed weekend family brunch spot, Corner Street Diner also serves breakfast until 3 PM. With options ranging from omelets to bennies, it’s a great way to start a leisurely family day, especially if you have late risers in your crew.
4. Sizzling Grill Indo-Chinese
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Website: http://sizzlinggrill.ca
Address: 4310 104 Ave NE, Unit # 2170
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 12 PM to 12 AM
- Friday & Saturday – 12 PM to 2 AM
Phone: +1 587-620-9494
Price: $$
If you’re looking for a place where the whole family can find something they love, Sizzling Grill Indo-Chinese is worth a visit. They offer a mix of authentic Indian BBQ, regional Indian dishes, and Hakka cuisine.
Families especially appreciate the sheer variety; there is something for everyone, from comforting chicken palak to kid-friendly momos and even fun street foods like aloo tiki chaat.
Many families choose the sizzling non-veg kabab platter. This platter is perfect for sharing and sampling different flavors. It features generous portions of kebabs, shrimp, chicken tikka, and fish tikka.
I personally loved their Szechwan chicken—the eight pieces are perfectly crisp and have a lovely balance of spice and savory notes. If you enjoy noodles, their Szechuan noodles are a must-try; they’re incredibly flavorful and have just the right amount of heat.
Pro Tip: They have an excellent lassi selection! There are flavors like strawberry and mango, but for a unique and refreshing experience, I always go for the masala lassi. The savory, spiced yogurt drink is just a perfect complement to the flavorful food.
5. Santorini Greek Taverna
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Website: http://santorinirestaurant.com
Address: 1502 Centre St N
Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 3 PM & 5 PM to 9 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 3 PM & 5 PM to 9:30 PM
- Sunday – 4 PM to 9 PM
Phone: +1 403-276-8363
Price: $$$
For families seeking a taste of Greece, Santorini Greek Taverna is as authentically Greek as it gets. From the photos of Greek islands on the walls to the gentle music playing, the place creates a warm and serene atmosphere reminiscent of a Greek island.
The menu offers a genuine taste of homestyle Greek cooking. It features simple, fresh mithia (mussels) to hearty, comforting moussaka (a layered eggplant and meat casserole topped with creamy béchamel).
I always order the pastichio. It’s the classic comfort food of Greece: layers of pasta and savory beef topped with a rich, creamy bechamel sauce.
For families, the appetizer platters are a fantastic way to start. They offer a great variety of different Greek flavors to share and sample. You can choose from cold options like pita with hummus and tzatziki or a seafood platter with grilled calamari and prawns.
Pro Tip: If you’re dining with a larger family, consider the Santorini Luncheon Special. It’s designed for sharing between two or more people and includes a bit of everything, from saganaki (fried cheese) to dolmathes (cabbage leaves stuffed with meat).
6. Marko’s Kitchen
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Website: http://markoskitchen.ca
Address: 5708 1 St SE #1
Hours: Tuesday to Thursday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Phone: +1 403-252-8328
Price: $$
Marko’s Kitchen brings families together through food reminiscent of comforting homemade meals shared around a kitchen table. They have everything—from classic comfort food like cordon bleu to simple, satisfying hamburgers.
For families, the BBQ platter is a fantastic option. It’s designed for sharing and available in sizes for 2, 4, or 6 people. It’s piled high with delicious meats: beef cevapi, smoked pork loin, gourmet hamburger patties, smoked chicken breast, and smoked beef/pork sausages.
Plus, you can get the BBQ platter with fries or rice, making it easy to customize for different preferences.
However, I always gravitate towards their burek. The flaky filo pastry is perfectly done, and I especially enjoy the beef filling for its rich, savory flavor.
Pro Tip: Don’t leave without trying Marko’s Rolls, or as they call them, Lovacke Pitice. These crispy, light pastries are filled with a unique mix of seasoned ground beef, spinach, onion, and the homemade cheese dip.
7. The Himalayan
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Website: http://himalayancuisine.ca
Address: 3218 17 Ave SW
Hours:
- Wednesday & Thursday, Sunday – 4:30 PM to 9 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Phone: +1 403-984-3384
Price: $$
The Himalayan serves authentic Nepali dishes, such as momos—flavorful steamed dumplings—and dal bhat, a comforting and traditional set meal of lentil soup and rice.
Families appreciate the generous portions, which are perfect for sharing and ensure everyone gets their fill. This makes dining out with kids more relaxed and affordable.
A popular choice is their poleko grill. It’s a sizzling platter of clay oven-roasted meats and vegetables, such as tomatoes and bell peppers, served over shredded cabbage on a hot plate.
The smoky flavors from the grill combined with the comforting dal (yellow lentils), bhat (rice), and soft plain naan create a satisfying and balanced meal that appeals to different tastes.
Pro Tip: Try their rice pudding. It’s subtly spiced with cardamom and a hint of black pepper, offering a warm, comforting finish that’s not overly sweet.
8. Galaxie Diner
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Website: http://galaxiediner.ca
Address: 1413 11 St SW
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 3 PM
Phone: +1 403-228-0001
Price: $
Walking into Galaxie Diner is like entering a 1940s-style diner. The open kitchen allows you to watch the cooks grill and plate food.
The vintage booths and bar stools add to the nostalgic charm, making it a fun and engaging family spot. They’ve covered you no matter the time of day with their all-day breakfast and lunch menus.
For breakfast, their legendary breakfast burritos are a must-try. I particularly loved the hearty mix of scrambled eggs, cheese, bacon, and savory beef sausage. The sautéed mushrooms, onions, and a bit of a kick from the banana and bell peppers enhance the taste.
Pro Tip: If you like sweets, try their apple pie milkshake. It blends the warm, comforting apple pie spices with a milkshake’s creamy coolness.
9. Pfanntastic Pannenkoek Haus
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Website: http://dutchpancakes.ca
Address: 2439 54 Ave SW
Hours:
- Wednesday to Friday – 9 AM to 3 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 8 AM to 3 PM
Phone: +1 403-243-7757
Price: $
Pfanntastic Pannenkoek Haus centers on authentic Dutch cooking, specifically its world-renowned Dutch pancakes, or “pannenkoeken.”
The variety of its menu and the interactive nature of its savory options genuinely set it apart. I am constantly drawn to the potato, onion, bacon, and cheese pannenkoek.
The combination of hearty potato, sweet onion, and smoky bacon melded together in a thin pancake is satisfying. This is especially true when topped with a dollop of cool sour cream.
Families with kids will appreciate the “build your own pannenkoeken” option. It allows for customizable creations that cater to everyone’s tastes and makes mealtime fun.
For parents looking for a grown-up treat, the specialty sweet pannenkoeken with liqueur offers a sophisticated dessert. The Black Forest is a classic. It has a decadent mix of warm cherries, ice cream, and Kirschwasser in a chocolate cup.
Pro Tip: Don’t overlook their uitsmijter’s open-faced sandwiches. Topped with fried eggs, these sandwiches offer a satisfying and less common Dutch lunch option worth exploring beyond the pannenkoeken.
10. Eggs & More
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Address: 5441 Falsbridge Drive Northeast
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 7:30 PM
Phone: +1 403-280-9488
Price: $
If your family loves eggs for breakfast, Eggs & More is a must-try. They offer a huge variety, from customizable breakfast plates to impressive four-egg omelets, eggs Benedict, and hearty egg hashes.
I’m a big fan of their Diablo omelet. It combines spicy andouille sausage, habanero, and red peppers with fabulous pepper jack cheese. The avocado and blackened seasoning add a delicious creamy and smoky finish.
Plus, all omelets come with a generous side of hashbrowns. For families, the option to build your own omelet is fantastic. It lets everyone get exactly what they want, even the pickiest eaters.
Pro Tip: While eggs are their specialty, don’t overlook their other breakfast options, such as waffles, French toast, and pancakes. Kids will especially love the fun and flavorful fruity pebbles French toast.
11. Paolo’s Dine In
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Website: http://paolosdinein.com
Address: 7070 11 St SE #11
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Phone: +1 403-836-7002
Price: $
Paolo’s Dine In offers authentic Filipino cuisine reminiscent of dishes in Luzon and Davao. Their generous portions are perfect for sharing, and their service is incredibly accommodating. I’ve seen them whip up dishes not listed on the menu when possible.
Families particularly appreciate the large, shareable servings, fostering that communal dining experience Filipinos are known for.
Paolo’s offers many Filipino favorites, such as classic chicken inasal, sizzling sisig, and flavorful pancit bihon. But a must-try for families is its crispy pata. This deep-fried pork knuckle, served with heaps of rice, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Pro Tip: Get their mango float. It’s a refreshing dessert with sweet, ripe mangos, graham crackers, and cream—the ideal light and fruity finish to a rich Filipino meal.
12. Phil’s on 11th
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Website: http://philson11th.ca
Address: 1239 11 Ave SW
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 6 AM to 3 PM
Phone: +1 403-367-7041
Price: $
Phil’s on 11th has an unpretentious, welcoming atmosphere and a menu that satisfies everyone, especially during the often-chaotic breakfast and brunch hours.
Families appreciate that Phil’s offers a wide range of classic diner fare, from fluffy omelets and stacks of pancakes to hearty French toast and satisfying corn beef hash. This ensures that even the pickiest eaters find something they like.
For kids, the “Lil’ Appetite” menu is a winner. It features options like the Lil’ Chubbie or bacon breakfast, which cleverly pairs smaller portions of pancakes or waffles with kid-friendly chubbies or bacon.
I always gravitate toward their chicken and waffles. The crispy fried chicken offers a satisfying contrast to the sweet, fluffy waffle, making for a comforting and flavorful dish.
Pro Tip: If you’re a poutine enthusiast, don’t overlook the hangover poutine. It’s a decadent and savory twist on the classic, perfect for a weekend indulgence.
