Best Family Friendly Restaurants in Long Island City (11101)
11 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Casa Enrique
Michelin-recognized Mexican cooking anchored by mole, braises, and bigger plates.
Notable Picks
#1
Casa Enrique
8.6
A Mexico City–leaning neighborhood anchor where the kitchen’s strengths show best in composed, full-plate mains rather than just tacos. It’s a lively room that still works for families if you go early and order the table a mix of shareables and one “big plate” to split.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mole de Piaxtla, Braised lamb shank, Branzino “al pastor”
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized Mexican cooking anchored by mole, braises, and bigger plates.
#2
Vert Frais
8.5
A bright, café-feeling Japanese spot that quietly delivers serious bowls and comforting rice dishes, making it surprisingly good for families who want “nice” without formality. Come earlier with kids, order one signature ramen plus one rice dish, and add the soufflé pancakes if you want an easy shared finale.
Must-Try Dishes:
Matcha soufflé pancake, Omurice, Matcha French toast
What makes it special: Aesthetic café brunch with soufflé pancakes and real savory depth.
8.3
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Business Lunch Power Players
A long-running neighborhood Italian spot where wood-fired pizza and hearty pastas anchor the menu. It’s the kind of place locals return to for familiar favorites, a comfortable room, and an easy dinner rhythm that works for groups or low-key dates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Eggplant parmigiana, Gnocchi
What makes it special: Wood-fired pizza and classic pastas in a true LIC local standby.
8.2
A dependable, vegetable-forward neighborhood restaurant that’s easy with kids because you can build a meal from simple proteins, market sides, and comfort staples. The format is flexible for mixed appetites and picky eaters, and the pacing is usually smooth for families.
Must-Try Dishes:
Market plate (all-veg build), Plant-based entrée, Seasonal vegetable sides
What makes it special: A menu built around vegetables, making vegan ordering unusually easy.
8.0
A classic all-day diner that’s family-friendly by default: big menu, quick turnaround, and plenty of crowd-pleasers. It’s especially useful when you need something reliable with kids—breakfast any time, straightforward sandwiches, and portions built for sharing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Belgian waffle, French onion soup, Tuna melt
What makes it special: A true all-day diner with proven reliability at massive local volume.
#6
Takumen LIC
8.0
A cozy izakaya-leaning spot that can work well for families when you order share-style and keep the table on sushi, salads, and ramen. It’s best for older kids who’ll enjoy variety—small plates first, then a restorative bowl to finish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wantan Men, Tsukemen, Karaage
What makes it special: Broth-forward ramen and tsukemen with sides that actually matter.
Worthy Picks
#7
Gulp
7.9
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
A small Taiwanese comfort-food spot that’s best for families as takeout or a quick, early meal—big flavors, fast service, and straightforward bowls. Keep it simple with a rice set and one snack-y side so everyone has something familiar to latch onto.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Noodle Soup, Lu Rou Fan (Braised Pork Rice), Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken
What makes it special: Authentic Taiwanese comfort food with complimentary chicken broth greeting and free noodle refills
7.8
A straightforward neighborhood pizzeria that works well for families because it’s simple, quick, and built around shareable pies and easy sides. It’s best as a casual dinner or takeout night when you want something everyone can agree on without a long decision cycle.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Spicy salami pizza, Arugula salad
What makes it special: Modern Italian energy with a tight, focused pizza menu.
#9
JACX&CO
7.7
A modern food hall that’s ideal for families because everyone can pick their own lane—quick bites, sit-down breaks, and low-stress variety under one roof. The best move is to choose one or two vendors and keep the order simple so the meal feels coordinated, not chaotic.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gluten-free sandwich option (when available), Rice-bowl style plate from a vendor counter, Salad + protein plate (confirm dressings)
What makes it special: Multiple vendors make gluten-free decision-making more flexible.
#10
Cannelle LIC
7.7
Vibes:
Sweet Treats Escapes
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
A French bakery-café that’s a reliable family stop for pastries, coffee, and an easy sweet treat break. It’s best for daytime wins—grab a few baked goods, share at a table, and keep it moving without a full restaurant commitment.
Must-Try Dishes:
Almond croissant, Fruit tart, Macarons
What makes it special: A true neighborhood patisserie for polished pastries and tarts.
7.6
A Hong Kong–style comfort-food counter inside LIC Food Hall that’s family-friendly in the most practical way: fast ordering, generous portions, and nostalgic carb-forward plates. It’s a smart pick when you want something warm and filling without a long sit-down.
Must-Try Dishes:
Macaroni soup, Bolo bao (pineapple bun), Black pepper beef spaghetti
What makes it special: Cha chaan teng comfort food that’s fast and kid-friendly.