Family dinners are one of the most precious memories one can have.
There’s nothing quite like sitting down with the people closest to you and enjoying a delicious meal!
Recent studies have shown that 84% of families consider family meals to be very important, but only 50% get the chance to eat dinner together. Also, 62% of parents with young children wish they could have family dinners more often.
Chances are that you want to enjoy a good dinner with your family, but you don’t quite have the time to prepare a meal. This is where a good restaurant for family dinners comes in!
Going to a restaurant for family dinners means you won’t need to prepare the food yourself—you just have to sit back and enjoy the evening with your family. That being said, you shouldn’t just go for any old restaurant, you need to find one that has the winning qualities of a family restaurant—let’s explore.
1. Welcoming Atmosphere
The atmosphere is everything regarding family dinners; it ties the whole experience together!
Family restaurants usually have a very warm and calming atmosphere. This kind of atmosphere is welcoming to both parents and children, making the dining experience better.
Ideally, the restaurant shouldn’t be too noisy. This is an important aspect to look into if you have infants or toddlers who may not feel comfortable in loud places. Also, a good family restaurant will have comfortable seating and a pleasant ambiance that will make families feel like they’re at home.
2. Kid-Friendly Features
A restaurant for family dinners should have kid-friendly features like high chairs, ramps for strollers, and booster seats.
Some restaurants may also offer activities for small children, like coloring pages and puzzles. Kids tend to get bored quickly, so this is a huge plus if you want to keep your kids entertained during your time at the restaurant
Also, family restaurants may provide separate play areas where children can enjoy themselves before the meal.
3. Family-Friendly Service
A good family restaurant should offer an efficient and family-friendly service. The staff should be courteous, and polite and they should be able to communicate effectively with your children.
Also, the restaurant should be capable of getting food onto your table quickly without having to make you wait for a long time.
4. Expansive Menu
If your children have different preferences when it comes to food, a restaurant with an expansive menu should be your go-to. A good family restaurant will have different menus, offering all kinds of dishes. This will be a big advantage if you have picky eaters in your family.
Also, a restaurant with a dedicated children’s menu will be a bonus. Most small children aren’t big eaters, so these menus have small portions that are suitable for them.
On a side note, if the restaurant doesn’t have a dedicated children’s menu, you should ask them if any of them have common allergens like nuts or gluten, in case your kids have specific food allergies.
5. Cleanliness
The restaurant should have a reputation for cleanliness and they should prepare their food cleanly and safely. The restaurant staff should be well-groomed and the tables and other furniture should be sanitized.
Make sure to check online reviews and see what people are saying about the cleanliness of restaurants in your area to find one that’s clean and hygienic for you and your family.
6. Accessibility
Traveling with children can be challenging, so the ideal restaurant should be very close to where you and your family live. Also, the restaurant should have enough parking space and the parking lot should be well-lit to make it easy to navigate safely.
Also, the restaurant should have accessibility features for people with disabilities. These include wheelchair ramps and mobility assistance equipment. The restaurant should have accessible toilets too for handicapped individuals.
7. Reasonable Pricing
You want to enjoy your dinner with your family without having to worry too much about the cost. Reputable family restaurants usually have fair-priced menu items but also offer reasonable portions.
If you have a big family, you’ll be able to save money on your family dinner if the restaurant has an affordable pricing structure.
8. Private Spaces
Sometimes, it can be tough trying to keep kids from getting into mischief when they’re out in public places like restaurants. Fortunately, some restaurants offer private dining areas where you and your family can dine away from everyone else.
These private dining areas can be booked for a few hours for you and your family alone. In these private rooms, it will be much easier to keep an eye on your kids and they can freely play and enjoy themselves without causing a disturbance to other diners.
Also, these spaces are small, cozy and quiet, making them ideal for family dinners, away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the eatery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some commonly asked questions about family dinner restaurants:
1. Are family restaurants a good place to hold a children’s birthday party?
Of course, they are! These restaurants may even make the cake and set up decorations for your child’s birthday. But make sure to let them know at least a week in advance if you want to make reservations for the party.
2. Are there age restrictions for kids’ menus?
In most restaurants, the kids’ menu is only allowed for children under 12 years of age.
3. Do restaurants give discounts to senior citizens?
This depends on the restaurant’s policies, not all restaurants may give discounts like this. If you have an elderly member of your family joining you, try asking the restaurant about these discounts in advance.
Book a restaurant for family dinners today
Moments like family dinners are priceless and you should enjoy them whenever you get the chance. By booking a restaurant that has a banquet menu with a selection of private spaces, you can treat your family to a beautiful memory that they’ll look back at fondly for years to come!