12 of the best family friendly restaurants in New Orleans
New Orleans is known for its brass bands, street parades and unforgettable late-night energy. However, the Crescent City is also welcoming to families, offering plenty to travellers with little ones, grandparents and even pets in tow. Whether you’re catching a bite near your hotel, venturing out from a holiday home or searching for lunch between museum stops, there are family friendly restaurants in New Orleans that have a table waiting for you.
1. Sneaky Pickle & Bar Brine (Bywater)
Located in the Bywater Historic District, Sneaky Pickle serves up creative comfort food. During the day, it’s a family friendly café with hearty veggie bowls, crispy fries and tangy pickles. Come evening, it morphs into Bar Brine, a dinner spot with fermented twists and seasonal dishes.
The industrial-style dining room has ample space for prams or high chairs and the large outdoor patio is perfect for groups. If you’ve just landed at Louis Armstrong Airport and are still adjusting from your flight to New Orleans, this is a low-stress, high-reward place to start your culinary tour.
Location: 3200 Burgundy Street
Best for: Relaxed meals and creative plant-based options
2. Mo’s Pizza (Westwego)
A short drive across the Mississippi River, Mo’s Pizza dishes up classic Italian-American comfort in generous portions. Its slices are enormous, the cheese is gooey and the service is fuss-free – a win-win for parents with hungry kids in tow.
With plenty of parking and quick seating for large groups, it’s an easy choice if you’ve hired a car and want to explore beyond the city centre. The casual setup means no stress over noise or mess and the classic menu (pizza, pasta and subs) is always a hit.
Location: 1112 Avenue H, Westwego
Best for: Low-key lunches and pizza that’s easy to share
3. Dat Dog (Freret Street and Frenchmen Street)
Dat Dog is big on personality. With customisable hot dogs, neon decor and outdoor seating, this spot is consistently ranked among the most kid friendly restaurants in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Try the classic beef dog or branch out with andouille (spicy sausage) or crawfish varieties. Kids will love choosing toppings and you can enjoy the atmosphere and the variety of drinks on offer. It’s especially convenient if you’re staying near Frenchmen Street.
Locations: 5030 Freret Street and 601 Frenchmen Street
Best for: Flexible meals and outdoor fun
4. The Camellia Grill (Uptown)
If your crew includes early risers or breakfast lovers, The Camellia Grill is a retro diner worth making time for. Its counter-only seating and famously charismatic staff turn a simple meal into a lively, interactive experience. The fluffy pancakes, juicy burgers and chocolate freeze drinks are all crowd-pleasers, especially for families who love comfort food.
The quick service keeps things moving and the friendly banter from staff brings an extra dose of fun. Open early and late, it’s a convenient, no-fuss stop for families looking to soak up some old-school New Orleans charm, with a side of hash browns.
Location: 626 South Carrollton Avenue
Best for: Big breakfasts and kids who like watching their food being cooked
5. Café Amelie (French Quarter)
Hidden within a historic 19th-century carriage house, Café Amelie offers a peaceful courtyard setting that feels a world away from the city bustle.
The Creole-inspired menu features dishes such as shrimp and grits and seared fish, accompanied by crisp salads. Visitors can count on the staff to be helpful and kids will love the garden setting. It’s also a popular pick for families staying near Jackson Square.
Location: 912 Royal Street
Best for: Courtyard lunches and multi-generational meals
6. High Hat Café (Freret Street)
A true neighbourhood gem, High Hat Café serves up Southern staples in a bright, diner-style space. The menu features fried catfish, étouffée (a seafood stew) and buttermilk-fried chicken along with ice cream floats and banana pudding.
High Hat is a local go-to for those with children and a great stop if you are exploring the Freret Corridor (a revitalised stretch of Freret Street in the Uptown neighbourhood of New Orleans). It’s not far from Audubon Park, so consider pairing your meal with a post-lunch stroll.
Location: 4500 Freret Street
Best for: Comfort food and casual dining
More to eat in the Freret Corridor
As there are so many family friendly restaurants to enjoy in this area, here are some bonus suggestions:
- Good Bird: Get quick, tasty chicken sandwiches, wraps and salads with a local twist.
- Origami: A laid-back sushi restaurant with kid friendly rolls and a calm vibe.
- Bearcat Café: A brunch favourite with great options for vegans and vegetarians.
7. Pizza Delicious (Bywater)
Pizza Delicious is a favourite among locals and visiting families alike. The menu features thin-crust New York-style pizzas, available by the slice or whole pie, as well as fresh salads, pasta and arancini (fried rice balls). It offers a low-key environment with plenty of space. There’s more than enough outdoor seating and lots of highchairs, so it’s sure to fit the whole family.
Location: 617 Piety Street
Best for: Casual group meals and reliable favourites
8. Acorn Café (City Park)
Part of the Louisiana Children's Museum, Acorn Café is a great stop if your day is likely to include playgrounds, swan boats or art installations. The food is light and nutritious, featuring options like grain bowls, wraps and smoothies. There's also an interactive art wall and play area for the kids.
You don’t need a museum ticket to eat here, which makes it a handy option for families staying near City Park. It’s a calm, enriching environment that serves great coffee.
Location: 15 Henry Thomas Drive
Best for: Lunch with learning and kid-led exploration
9. Willie Mae’s NOLA (Downtown)
Willie Mae’s NOLA is a must-visit restaurant in New Orleans, especially for lovers of fried chicken. The recipe is crispy, juicy and perfectly seasoned, with generous portions that are ideal for sharing with the whole family.
The dining room is modest but spacious, with quick turnover and friendly service. With its simple menu and relaxed atmosphere, it’s easy to settle in with kids and enjoy a casual meal.
Location: 898 Baronne Street
Best for: Southern flavour and culinary heritage
10. Miel Brewery & Taproom (Irish Channel)
At first glance, a brewery might not seem family focused, but Miel breaks the mould.
With rotating food trucks, picnic tables, outdoor games and a pet friendly patio, this is a spot where everyone can relax. Children can run between chalkboards and play games on the grass while you can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and the drinks menu under string lights.
It’s an easygoing stop if you’re picking up a hire car and heading out toward the Garden District. It’s also a good place to catch your breath after a busy day of sightseeing.
Location: 405 Sixth Street
Best for: Unstructured afternoons and space for all
11. Jack Rose (Garden District)
For families looking to pair a memorable meal with a little grandeur, Jack Rose inside the Pontchartrain Hotel delivers just the right amount of spectacle.
The eclectic dining room is filled with eye-catching artwork and the menu balances upscale favourites with crowd-pleasing classics – think truffle fries, chicken tenders, Gulf seafood and signature cocktails. The staff are accommodating, with high chairs available upon request. It’s a great pick for families staying near the Garden District.
Location: 2031 St Charles Avenue
Best for: A splash of elegance and wide-ranging menus
12. Elizabeth’s (Bywater)
This Bywater favourite serves indulgent Southern comfort food, including praline bacon, fried chicken biscuits and generous cinnamon rolls. The funky, mismatched decor and friendly staff make it feel like you’re dining in a quirky aunt’s kitchen.
There’s ample indoor and outdoor seating and the relaxed vibe means it’s great if you’ve got a family with little children. Portions are large and easily shareable and the location is just steps from Crescent Park, making it easy to walk off your meal with a trot along the riverfront.
Location: 601 Gallier Street
Best for: Hearty breakfasts and a laid-back brunch vibe
Family meals in the Big Easy
Travelling with family doesn’t mean missing out on New Orleans’ incredible food scene. From kid friendly restaurants in the New Orleans French Quarter to hidden gems across Uptown and Bywater, there’s a table ready for you – high chair included.