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Kid-friendly food in University City

You want to enjoy a meal out without having to leave your kids behind or sacrifice the quality of the food.

Based on 702 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
VIET NOM image 1
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Vietnamese restaurant

Small space with modern Vietnamese decor featuring colored lanterns and fans creates an inviting atmosphere. Music plays a lively R&B throwback playlist, adding energy to the cozy setting. The vibe is welcoming and comfortable, ideal for conversation and enjoying meals.

Food here is consistently amazing and really delicious. The combination of phenomenal service enhances the overall dining experience.

Kids enjoy the pho and eat it quickly. Staff are attentive and friendly to children's needs. Parking and seating are easy to find early on.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here has amazing pho with rich, flavorful broth."

"The food here was delicious and really good."

"The kids loved the pho here; it's so Kid Friendly."

Good to know

1

Parking is available nearby, but it can fill up quickly during peak hours.

2

Expect longer wait times on weekends due to limited staff.

3

The menu has limited options for gluten-free diets.

02
Parfait Paris image 1

Parisian cafรฉ style bakery with cozy atmosphere and bistro tables outside invites calm and warmth. Colorful pastries and authentic French treats like macarons and croissants draw steady interest. Nearby kids play area adds family-friendly convenience.

Food features authentic French cuisine with delicious pastries and consistently great quality at reasonable prices.

A children's playground sits close to the bakery, making it easy to keep kids entertained. Staff stay friendly and attentive even when toddlers explore near the counter.

People are saying

"The French food, especially the croissants and crepes, is delicious."

"The food here is amazing."

"It's really kid friendly, my son was thrilled!"

Good to know

1

Breakfast is served starting at 8am daily.

2

Parking is free for the first 2 hours.

3

The bakery offers a variety of pastries, crepes, and cakes.

03
SilverLake image 1
Ramen restaurant

Ramen restaurant inside a mall offers bright, clean space with minimal decoration and high noise levels. The atmosphere feels sterile and cold, with small outdoor seating that is dog friendly. The vibe is functional but lacks warmth, catering to quick dining rather than leisurely meals.

Classic tonkotsu ramen stands out with rich flavor. Sushi, rice bowls, and fried chicken also deliver delicious and well-priced options.

Kids enjoy the karaage chicken and the garlic truffle ramen impresses young ramen fans. Service is fast and clear when items are unavailable.

People are saying

"I thought the ramen here was the best I had ever tasted."

"This ramen spot is so Kid Friendly, the pork was so tender."

"The food's broth is so creamy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The food is prepared in less than 10 minutes.

2

Vegan options are available on the menu.

3

Each dish costs $15, and no refills are provided without asking.

04
Round Table Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Pizza restaurant offers a kid-friendly atmosphere with a small arcade featuring games like pinball and air hockey. The space feels old school and spacious, attracting many locals and community groups. Pizza is consistently well-liked, complementing the casual, friendly vibe.

Food here is consistently good and often described as great for a pizza chain. Staff call customers promptly when to-go orders are ready.

A small arcade with air hockey, video games, and a pin-ball machine entertains kids well. The space feels lively with kids playing and people ordering, though the line can get a bit confusing.

People are saying

"The pizza here feels like a childhood memory."

"The food here feels like a nostalgic trip back to childhood."

"The arcade games here are a hit with kids."

Good to know

1

There is ample parking available for guests.

2

The restaurant offers options for dine-in or take-out.

3

Expect a short wait time during peak hours.

05
Lucrezia La Jolla image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers beautiful outdoor patio and lovely bar with live music and romantic lighting. Atmosphere feels crowded yet lively, attracting diners seeking an authentic and vibrant experience. Dog-friendly outdoor seating adds a relaxed, inclusive touch.

Food features amazing flavors and consistent quality. Service matches the food with outstanding attentiveness.

Beautiful setting welcomes families with kids. The menu includes Alfredo pasta for kids that tastes good and appeals to young diners.

People are saying

"The food here was amazing and fresh."

"The service during dinner was attentive and warm."

"The pizza here is so good, my 3-year-old loved it!"

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-price appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Live music is featured on Wednesdays, enhancing the dining experience.

3

Reservations are recommended for special occasions like birthdays.

06
Somisomi image 1
Dessert shop

Outdoor setup includes high top tables and standing long tables with no indoor seating, creating a casual and bustling vibe. Soft serve features Asian-inspired flavors and dairy-free options, attracting those seeking unique dessert experiences. Attention to food allergies and consistent quality add to a reliable, approachable atmosphere.

Food shows good quality and considerate allergy attention. Staff clearly marks orders for allergies, making it safer for sensitive eaters.

Kids enjoy upside-down ube with fruity pebble toppings and Takayi with red bean. Small tables near the entrance fit children well, making it easy for them to reach and enjoy their treats.

People are saying

"The ice cream here is delicious and not too sweet."

"The soft serve here is amazing and kid friendly."

"I thought the food here was delicious."

Good to know

1

There are no tables inside, but plenty outside to enjoy the treat.

2

The mall allows the first 2 hours of parking free.

3

All their soft serve is dairy free.

07
Lorna's Italian Kitchen image 1
Italian restaurant

Casual Italian trattoria atmosphere with cozy seating and an open kitchen visible from the dining area. The vibe feels like an authentic family dinner, welcoming to families and couples alike. Outdoor seating includes heated tables under a lighted awning, adding to the relaxed setting.

Food offers large portions with great quality at a reasonable price. Dishes come out delicious and consistently satisfying, often leaving enough for leftovers.

Kids' menu options suit picky eaters well. Staff stays patient with boisterous children. The spot works for families and kids without losing food quality.

People are saying

"The Italian food, especially the tagliatelle bolognese, is super good."

"I highly recommend the pizza; the crust was baked to perfection."

"I thought the food here was delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure seating.

2

Happy Hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

3

The restaurant is kid-friendly with a suitable kids' menu.

08
UTC ICE Sports Center image 1
Ice skating rink

Ice skating rink sits beneath a food court with firepits and many restaurants, creating a lively atmosphere. Music blends contemporary hits and 70โ€™s disco tracks, energizing the space. Crowds gather for social skating, with families and kids often using skate-assist seals for support.

Food court offers plenty of choices with quality good food. Seating overlooks the rink, making it fun to eat while watching skating.

Ice skating lessons engage kids with interactive referees who toss snow and build snowmen. The facility offers a family bathroom that fits multiple kids at once, making visits easier for parents.

People are saying

"I found the experience extremely fun for the kids."

"I had a great time ice skating here."

"It's so kid friendly; my daughters love skating here weekly."

Good to know

1

Expect high prices for ice skating sessions, around $30 for a single day.

2

The hockey team practices at 3:30 PM, blocking part of the rink.

3

Parking can be frustrating on weekends due to high visitor numbers.

09
Menya Ultra UTC La Jolla image 1
Ramen restaurant

Ramen restaurant offers a small, clean space with traditional Japanese decor and smooth music creating a welcoming atmosphere. Seating includes an outdoor patio option that adds variety. The vibe is calm and organized, with quick service and no wait times typical.

Food here is authentic with a rich, creamy texture and served hot and fresh in under 10 minutes. The taste matches or exceeds what you'd find in Japan, reflecting care and quality in every dish.

Kids enjoy ramen and fried chicken here. The restaurant features character-themed elements that appeal to children.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced."

"The ramen's taste was good, but the broth was oily."

"It's so Kid Friendly; my daughters and their friends devoured the ramen."

Good to know

1

Expect a fast-moving line, making wait times shorter than other locations.

2

Payment is required before receiving food, typical of a counter service setup.

3

Prices are around $15-$17 for a bowl, which some find expensive.

10
Crepe Delicious image 1

Open kitchen with crepes made behind a glass partition creates a transparent cooking experience. Calm atmosphere with smiling staff suits casual visits and watching sports. Crepes and gelato stand out for freshness and quality among offerings.

Food here is consistently fresh and delicious. Watching the food being made shows the care and quality in every dish.

Sweet crepes like Dulce, banana, and banana split appeal to kids here. The place feels kid friendly, and gelato comes in small cups priced around $7 per scoop.

People are saying

"These crepes are amazing and delicious!"

"The food here is great and always super fresh."

"The gelato and crepes here are delicious and awesome."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $15 for a crepe with toppings.

2

Gelato flavors change frequently, so ask for the current options.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is recommended for smaller purchases.

11
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego La Jolla image 1

Open design with spacious suites and koi fish pond creates a family-friendly atmosphere. Loud music and voices echo through thin walls, especially near the ballroom, contributing to a noisy environment. Amenities include heated indoor pool, 24/7 gym access, and dog-friendly policies.

Food comes with gorgeous presentation and tastes delish. The Prestige restaurant offers a dining area with an indoor garden full of koi, adding to the atmosphere.

A koi pond inside the property lets kids feed the fish by asking at the front desk. Rooms have a separate living space with a door, offering the perfect size for families traveling with kids.

People are saying

"The breakfast here was awesome and delicious."

"The rooms here are surprisingly spacious, like a mini apartment."

"Nate made us feel like family, looking out for us."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers two free drinks and snacks daily at 5pm.

2

The hotel provides complimentary breakfast; just mention your room number.

3

Parking can be a challenge, especially on weekends and holidays.

12
Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine image 1

Hotel offers spacious rooms and an upscale, relaxing atmosphere with beautiful grounds. Outdoor areas include a large pool, fire pits, and games like ping pong and Connect Four. Noise levels vary, with some nights being quiet and others loud due to the on-site bar and guest activity.

Food tastes delicious on-site, especially at the DRIFT restaurant and the market. Breakfast by the pool offers amazing options, though prices run on the higher side.

Staff give kids cookies at check-in and offer birthday cards and special cakes for celebrations. The pool stays comfortably heated with a hot tub and games designed for children.

People are saying

"The breakfast food tasted great and was well-priced."

"The staff here are so kind and genuinely care about your family."

"The food here tasted great and was a decent price."

Good to know

1

Parking fees are $40 for self-parking per night.

2

Breakfast buffet is available on weekends.

3

The hotel hosts movie nights at the pool for guests.

13
Panini Kabob Grill - Westfield UTC image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Large space with glass wall seating and art on the walls creates a fresh, inviting vibe. Atmosphere feels casual but vibrant, welcoming with friendly energy. Generous portions highlight well-seasoned kabobs and flavorful Mediterranean dishes.

Food here stands out for its amazing taste and generous portions. The combination of excellent quality and value makes every meal satisfying.

Kids enjoy the vegetable linguine and often eat more than usual here. The kid's meal comes with a noticeable saltiness that affects its taste.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and perfectly cooked."

"The food at these dinner spots is amazing, especially the tender chicken kabobs."

"It's so Kid Friendly; my kids love the food here."

Good to know

1

Parking is convenient as the structure is right around the corner.

2

The restaurant is located next to the parking lot, not inside the mall.

3

Expect generous portions with a moderate price range.

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University City, San Diego

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