Patch Picks: Family Friendly Restaurants

Orchestrating a meal out with little ones in tow must not be easy. I remember vividly a few tense breakfast outings my parents took my young siblings and I on. My brother, as a toddler, was a royal terror, and meal times were his moments of glory. He would sit in his high chair rolling his eyes for laughs and emitting a screeches loud enough to break glass, should anyone not notice a single eye-rolling antic, or fail to retrieve the sticky sippy cup he had hurled from his throne.

The only breakfast food he would eat at that time was Cheerios, and the only way he would agree to eat them was to stick them, one by one, on the end of his pudgy finger, which he would then shove in the general direction of his mouth. Needless to say, it was a long and grueling process that usually ended with a a ring of soggy cheerios around his chair. 

We were often given the stink eye when my mother pulled out the Tupperware of dry cheerios she learned to carry on her at all times. Waitresses cringed when we sat in their section, and probably paid generous bribes just to avoid taking the Cheerios family. On one occasion, we were forced to leave before the pancakes my sister and I had ordered even hit the griddle.

The good news is that kid-friendly restaurants do exist in Santa Cruz County. Here is a list of the good ones, compiled from the recommendations of friends with children as well as a meticulous comb through Yelp. 

1. - I have not yet met a child who does not like pizza, and any pizza place knows this. That's why they always have crayons on hand and are a popular sight for childrens’ birthday parties. Tony & Alba’s is family owned and their food has been recognized by various newspapers and reviews as being top-quality. They use brick ovens for their pizza and breads, and pledge that their vegetables are freshly cut each day, with many of them locally grown. Their homemade pizza dough rises for three days, and is infused with herbs for a uniquely delicious taste. Tony and Albas is located at 1501 41st Ave., Capitola, next to the movie theater and , 831-475-4450.
2. Star Bene - Eating out as a family doesn’t have to always mean going casual. Star Bene is a fine Italian restaurant that serves gourmet pasta and seafood dishes and boasts a full wine list as well as primarily organic produce. They provide a fancy enough atmosphere to celebrate a special occasion, but are hardly pretentious. The large paper sheets that cover the tables provide kids with a fun surface for doodling. Star Bene is at 2-2145 East Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz. 831-479-4307 
3. - Your kids will love the mini cable car ride that gets you from the parking lot area down to the restaurant, which is nestled on a slope of gardens. There is a casual bar area as well as formal dining rooms, and this place is recommended for any sort of special occasion brunch or dinner. The chef usually orchestrates a special brunch menu on holidays, and kids are a welcomed part of their plans. It’s the kind of place to take Grandma for her 80th birthday, and it’s the kind of food and ambiance to dress up for. The food is gourmet American fare, with a wood-fire pizza oven, which is likely to please most kids. Shadowbrook is at 1750 Wharf Rd., Capitola. 831-475-1511.
4. - Recommended as one of the more affordable and kid-friendly sushi restaurants in town, Miyako doesn’t skimp on its quality. The fish is fresh, the sushi rolls are delightful and they don’t mind making custom rolls. If your children are not yet fans of raw fish, they also serve delicious chicken and pork katsu, as well as chicken and beef teriyaki. Miyako is at 1320 41st Ave. #G, Capitola. 831-462-5288.
5. - Gayle’s boasts an impressive display of cookies, pastries, cakes, pies and sandwiches that run the entire length of the place. It’s a great spot for breakfast sandwiches and coffee, as well as in-house roasted chickens and vegetarian options for lunch and dinner. Their outside patio with a fireplace is a casual and fun atmosphere for yourself and the family, and the order-at-the-counter style of service is quick and easy. Gayle’s Bakery and Rosticceria is at 504 Bay Ave., Capitola. 831-462-1200.