Favorite Family-Friendly Restaurants in Alameda
Foodie Photo Credit: The Star on Park
Trabocco Kitchen & Cocktails
Visit at: 2213 S Shore Center, Alameda, CA 94501
Trabocco Kitchen & Cocktails, nestled in Alameda’s South Shore Center, blends regional Italian cuisine and a family-friendly atmosphere that makes it an excellent choice for those dining with little ones. The space features indoor seating, cozy booths, and outdoor dining with enclosure and heating, giving families flexibility and comfort regardless of weather. Its kid’s menu—with charming Italian names like Pizza Piccolo (small cheese pizza), Pasta Pomodoro, Pasta con Burro e Parmigiana (pasta with butter and Parmesan), and Crocante di Pollo (chicken tenders), alongside vegetables and macaroni & cheese—caters directly to young, picky eaters. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy authentic dishes such as fettuccine Bolognese or handcrafted pizzas.
Cholita Linda
Visit at: 1337 Park St, Alameda, CA 94501
Located in downtown Alameda, Cholita Linda brings a vibrant, Latin‑American flair with a welcoming, casual atmosphere that suits families with small kids. The restaurant offers kid‑friendly options like a Kids Quesadilla (around $4.95) and sides such as French fries, sweet‑potato fries, and rice & pinto beans, all at approachable price points. Adults (and adventurous little eaters) can enjoy flavorful Baja Fish Tacos, Pollo or Carne Asada Tacos (~$4.25 each) and heartier plates like Pollo Cholita or Pescado Frito served with rice, beans, salad, and plantains. The downtown location's airy and relaxed “tropical vacation‑vibe” décor adds to its appeal.
Monkey King Pub & Grub
Visit at: 1315 Park St, Alameda, CA 94501
Monkey King Pub & Grub is a lively, family-owned Asian fusion pub offering a warm, casual setting—great for families with small kids. The menu features approachable items like chicken wings, disco fries (fries with black pepper onion sauce), egg rolls, kimchi fried rice, Monkey King fried rice, spicy string beans & tofu, and Chinese or American broccoli—all flavorful yet familiar enough to appeal to younger palates
Wild Ginger
Visit at: 1239 Park St, Alameda, CA 94501
Fresh ingredients and modern ingenuity combine with classic Chinese cuisine to create Wild Ginger. The restaurant offers an incredible selection of malatang (Chinese street food) from spicy dishes guaranteed to melt your tongue off to some of the most outstanding noodle dishes in the area. Their traditional malatang dishes come in 23 varieties, with soup and sandwiches making up the rest of the menu. This is also one of the few places that offer spicy duck from the feet to the head. Most kids enjoy the noodle dishes, but don’t be afraid to order them a malatang dish if you spot an ingredient they love.
Speisekammer
Visit at: 2424 Lincoln Ave, Alameda, CA 94501
You’ll find plenty of families filling the tables of Speisekammer Speisekammer, offering authentic German cuisine in a welcoming casual setting, is an excellent choice for families with small kids. The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor seating, making it easier to accommodate energetic little ones. Its kitchen offers a dedicated kids menu ("Kinderkarte") with appealing, familiar choices such as fried pork cutlet with mashed potatoes, mini sausages with mashed potatoes, mac and cheese (Überbackene Käsespätzle), and potato pancakes with applesauce. Low-priced, shareable sides like mashed potatoes, fries, or vegetables are also available, offering flexibility and variety for little ones.
Roll & Bowl
Visit at: 2302 Encinal Ave, Alameda, CA 94501
Roll & Bowl’s main attraction is rolled ice cream. If you’ve never tried it, then it is an absolute must. Their menu features classic flavors that everyone loves as well as unique variation like durian fruit, purple yam, and matcha tea. Each dish offers unlimited toppings and a free drizzle.
The menu also includes familiar, kid-friendly dishes like Honey Chicken with Rice, Basil Chicken with Rice, Popcorn Chicken, Fried Veggie Spring Roll, and Wonton Soup, which tend to appeal to younger palates and are easy to share or pair with sides like rice or simple noodle options.
Lola’s Chicken Shack
Visit at: 1417 Park St, Alameda, CA 94501
Lola’s Chicken Shack is a family-friendly spot that serves up crave-worthy, made-from-scratch comfort food in a casual, welcoming setting. The menu features fresh, hand-breaded chicken tenders—available in mild “Classic,” zesty “Signature,” or grilled “Fire-Grilled”—perfectly portioned and easy to share or dip with sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ . Kids can enjoy hearty and familiar choices such as Chicken & Waffles (crispy tenders on a cheddar–green onion waffle drizzled with maple mustard), Lola’s Mac (a rich four‑cheese macaroni comfort dish), simple Tater Tots, French Fries, or Curly Fries, all of which cater well to young palates
Burma Superstar
Visit at: 1345 Park St, Alameda, CA 94501
A popular Alameda outpost of the legendary San Francisco restaurant, Burma Superstar offers a warm, vibrant taste of Burmese cuisine in a welcoming, casual environment—making it a solid choice for families with small children. The restaurant features approachable dishes that are easy to share and adapt: for example, Coconut Chicken Noodle Soup, a comforting, mild soup with noodles, chicken, coconut milk, and familiar garnishes like hard-boiled egg and cilantro; and Platha, a layered buttery flatbread that’s simple yet satisfying and often a kid-friendly favorite. Adults and parents will love the menu options just as much, including their famous tea leaf salad.
Spinning Bones
Visit at: 1205 Park St, Alameda, CA 94501
Spinning Bones is a casual, Michelin Bib Gourmand–recognized rotisserie restaurant that delivers thoughtful, high-quality meals in a warm neighborhood setting—perfect for families with small children. It offers a Kids Bento option (around $12) where little ones can choose from chicken, pork, tsukune (chicken–pork meatball), or beef served with rice, vegetables, fruit, and edamame—a balanced plate that’s both familiar and fun for young eaters. Reviews highlight the family-friendly ambiance, noting they provide games, coloring activities, and a relaxed atmosphere.
The Star on Park
Visit at: 1400 Park St, Alameda, CA 94501
The Star on Park is a family-friendly pizzeria in Alameda that balances flavorful Chicago-style deep-dish and thin-crust pizzas with a welcoming, casual atmosphere. The restaurant explicitly confirms it provides high chairs for babies and toddlers and is fully family-friendly. Kids are sure to enjoy accessible menu staples such as build-your-own plain cheese pizzas and the “Little Star” vegetarian deep-dish—featuring spinach, ricotta, and garlic—which are both tasty and approachable for young palates.
Mosley’s Café
Visit at: 2099 Grand St, Alameda, CA 94501
Mosley’s Café is a charming and cozy waterfront spot that welcomes families (and even pups), offering a peaceful setting just by the harbor. Reviews consistently praise the setting: a "cute little café on the water" with “friendly & laid-back” service and a menu that features comforting breakfast and lunch items like tuna melts, croissant sandwiches, avocado toast, scones, muffins, and quiches. Ideal for a leisurely bite and beautiful views.
