Best Family Friendly Favorites Restaurants in Fairfax
32 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Anarkali Indian Restaurant
44-year family legacy with Northern Indian and Bengali specialties
Notable Picks
8.7
One of LA's oldest family-run Indian restaurants since 1980, serving Northern Indian and Bengali-influenced dishes with a loyal following built over four decades. The Choudhury family's hospitality and complimentary discount coupons keep regulars returning for consistently executed classics like chicken tikka masala and lamb rogan josh.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Rogan Josh, Garlic Basil Naan
What Makes it Special: 44-year family legacy with Northern Indian and Bengali specialties
#2
Open Sesame
8.5
Open Sesame’s Beverly Grove location brings the long-running Lebanese brand’s generous plates, halal grilled meats, and mezze-heavy menus to a colorful indoor–outdoor space. With over a thousand reviews and steady 4.0+ ratings across platforms, it’s the reliable choice for shareable shawarma, chicken tawook, and salads before or after a night on Beverly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Tawook plate with spicy garlic potatoes, Open Sesame combo with fattoush salad and hummus, Fried cauliflower with tahini and lemon
What Makes it Special: High-volume Lebanese spot with halal grills, big portions, and a long track record of steady crowds.
8.5
Fratelli Cafe is a Melrose Arts District staple for all-day breakfast plates, croissant French toast, and big salads on a busy corner patio. Thousands of reviews point to consistently solid food and a neighborhood feel that works for everything from solo coffees to group brunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Croissant French Toast, Organic Breakfast Scramble, Buttermilk Pancakes
What Makes it Special: Long-running Melrose cafe where croissant French toast and big breakfast plates headline a deep menu.
8.5
Operating at the Original Farmers Market since 1938, Du-par’s is an all-day diner where hotcakes, coffee, and classic American breakfast plates anchor brunch for tourists and regulars. It leans nostalgic rather than trendy, with big portions and 24-hour energy on busy days.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buttermilk Hotcakes, Patty Melt, Chicken Pot Pie
What Makes it Special: Historic 24-hour diner famous for hotcakes and classic breakfasts.
8.4
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Made in Havana is a compact Melrose spot focused on pressed Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, and rice bowls built around slow-cooked pork and garlicky mojo. It’s where locals go when they want a crunchy, salty, mustardy Cuban on real pan de agua rather than a generic deli interpretation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Cuban sandwich, Medianoche pressed sandwich, Lechon bowl with rice and plantains
What Makes it Special: Proper Cuban sandwiches with crackly bread and deeply seasoned pork.
#6
Blu Jam Cafe
8.4
Blu Jam Cafe’s Melrose flagship is a packed all-day breakfast and lunch spot known for crunchy French toast, scrambles, and bowls, with many items available gluten free via substitutions or clearly marked options. It’s a brunch institution in the Melrose District, so gluten-free diners can eat with mixed-diet friends without feeling limited.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crunchy French Toast (gf variation available), Chilaquiles with gf chips, Power breakfast scramble with gf toast
What Makes it Special: High-volume brunch cafe with clear gluten-free options, substitutions, and staff used to dietary requests.
8.3
LALA'S on Melrose is a neighborhood Argentine grill where skirt steak, chimichurri, and generous combo plates make it easy to share a bottle of Malbec and linger. It is casual enough for a midweek date but still feels special when the room fills with groups celebrating around platters of grilled meats.
Must-Try Dishes:
Entraña Skirt Steak, Lomito Steak Sandwich, Beef Empanadas
What Makes it Special: A long-running Argentine spot where big plates of grilled meats and friendly prices encourage sharing and lingering.
#8
Happy Ice
8.3
Vibes:
Sweet Treats Escapes
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Happy Ice is a Melrose walk-up shop serving vividly colored, dairy-free Philadelphia-style water ice that eats almost as creamy as soft serve. It’s a high-energy stop for families and foot traffic, with mix-and-match flavors and gelati layers that keep regulars working through the menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rainbow Rocket water ice, Layered gelati with mango and strawberry, Sour apple and blue raspberry combo
What Makes it Special: Dairy-free Philly-style water ice with bold, intensely flavored swirls.
8.3
Scooping house-made ice cream at the Original Farmers Market since 1946, Bennett’s is a classic counter known for old-school sundaes, floats, and boozy sorbets. Locals and visitors line up for dense, flavorful scoops that taste straight out of a mid-century soda fountain.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cabernet Sauvignon sorbet, Hot fudge sundae, Frozen banana
What Makes it Special: Decades-old scoop counter serving house-made ice cream and classic sundaes.
#10
Summer Buffalo
8.3
Summer Buffalo is a compact Melrose Thai spot known for punchy curries, wok noodles, and a menu that balances comfort favorites with a few spicier, regional dishes. It works equally well for dine-in or delivery, with steady quality and portions that feel generous for the price.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Thai, Pad see ew, Green curry
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood Thai with bold curries and reliable noodle plates on Melrose.
#11
Pho Saigon Pearl
8.3
Pho Saigon Pearl on Fairfax leans into a nostalgic retro dining room, an extensive pho lineup, and a full bar with Vietnamese-leaning cocktails. Regulars use it for hearty bowls of noodles, garlic noodles, and small plates before or after time at nearby museums and shopping along Fairfax and Beverly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho with Filet Mignon Rare Steak, Oxtail Pho, Garlic Noodles
What Makes it Special: High-volume Fairfax pho house with retro decor, full bar, and broad noodle menu.
8.2
Melrose Burgers ’N Fries is a glatt kosher grill on Melrose serving cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, and breakfast burritos with options for both meat eaters and vegans. It’s the rare spot where you can get a juicy burger with kosher supervision, non-dairy cheese, and gluten-free swaps without sacrificing flavor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Southwestern cheeseburger, Breakfast burrito, Vegan burger with fake bacon and cheese
What Makes it Special: A glatt kosher burger shop balancing classic patties with vegan and gluten-free options.
#13
Chao Krung Thai
8.1
Chao Krung Thai, operating on Fairfax since the 1970s, is one of L.A.’s oldest Thai restaurants and now leans into curries, Northern-style specialties, and small plates. Locals come for dishes like kaeng hung-ley and panang red curry that blend family recipes with a slightly modernized dining room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kaeng Hung-Ley Braised Pork Belly Curry, Panang Red Curry, Lunch Khana Moo Pork Belly Over Rice
What Makes it Special: Decades-old Thai institution pairing family recipes with standout curries and Northern dishes.
#14
BHC Chicken
8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
BHC Chicken at the Original Farmers Market brings a major Korean fried chicken chain to Fairfax with ultra-crispy, made-to-order wings and tenders. It’s a fast-casual stop where people detour for bburinkle-dusted chicken, cheese balls, and sides before or after shopping at The Grove.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bburinkle Fried Chicken (wings or boneless), Gold King Thighs, Cheese Balls with Potato Wedges
What Makes it Special: Korean fried chicken cooked to order with signature bburinkle seasoning in a busy market setting.
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Quick Bites Champions
The West Hollywood/Beverly Grove outpost of Benny’s serves a broad Mexican menu where tacos share space with rotisserie chicken, burritos, and breakfast plates. It’s a colorful, fast-casual spot that works for everything from quick tacos to family takeout and catered platters.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada tacos, Chicken taco plate, California burrito
What Makes it Special: Mixes solid tacos with popular rotisserie chicken and big portions.
Worthy Picks
#16
La Brea Bagel Co
7.9
La Brea Bagel Co serves kosher New York-style bagels, spreads, and omelettes in a casual Beverly Boulevard storefront that doubles as a neighborhood breakfast stop. The menu leans into lox, tuna, and whitefish bagels alongside salads and egg plates, drawing regulars from La Brea, Fairfax, and nearby studios.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked salmon spread bagel, Chunky lox with cream cheese bagel, Jalapeño cheese bagel with custom spread
What Makes it Special: Kosher New York-style bagel counter with extensive lox and spread options.
#17
Pink's Hot Dogs
7.9
An 85-year-old sidewalk institution that built its reputation on loaded specialty dogs—the Pastrami Burrito Dog and celebrity-named creations draw both tourists and Angelenos who know the drill. Expect a line, cash in hand, and the particular satisfaction of eating a chili dog standing up on La Brea at midnight.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pastrami Burrito Dog, Chili Burger, Turkey Burger
What Makes it Special: LA landmark since 1939 where celebrity-named dogs draw locals and tourists to a permanent sidewalk party
#18
Pampas Grill
7.9
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Pampas Grill is a Brazilian churrascaria counter inside the Original Farmers Market where meats are carved from skewers and sold by weight. Diners build plates of picanha, lamb, and garlic beef alongside feijoada, collard greens, and fried plantains, then grab communal seating around the market. It’s a fast, customizable way to eat serious grilled meat before or after shopping at The Grove.
Must-Try Dishes:
Picanha (Sirloin Cap), Garlic Beef, Lamb Leg
What Makes it Special: Brazilian churrasco by-the-pound inside the historic Original Farmers Market.
#19
Fish Grill
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Fish Grill on Beverly is a casual kosher-leaning seafood spot built around grilled fish plates, tacos, and simple salads at approachable prices. Regulars use it for quick weeknight dinners and takeout when they want straightforward salmon, trout, or whitefish without a lot of fuss.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled salmon plate, Fish tacos, Fish and chips
What Makes it Special: Grilled fish plates and tacos with kosher-friendly options and pricing.
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Frank’s is an old-school Fairfax counter spot where breakfast plates, burgers, and generously stuffed burritos share space with Mexican combo platters. Regulars lean on it as an affordable everyday stop, especially for carne asada and breakfast burritos that land well below typical neighborhood prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Burrito, Breakfast Burrito, Chicken Enchilada Plate
What Makes it Special: Classic counter-service charbroiler where hefty burritos stay truly affordable.
#21
Mensch Bakery
7.9
Mensch Bakery & Kitchen is an OK-certified kosher bakery and dairy café on Beverly where an Israeli-led team bakes challah, pastries, and breads alongside a full brunch menu. It draws Fairfax and Mid-Wilshire locals for almond croissants, bagels, and shakshuka in a casual room that doubles as a neighborhood meeting spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Almond croissant, Shakshuka with bread, Bagel with cream cheese
What Makes it Special: Kosher-certified bakery and dairy café blending European-style pastries with Israeli-influenced brunch plates.
7.9
Chicago Stuffed Pizza Co. serves Chicago-style stuffed and deep-dish pies from a compact storefront on Melrose. Its focus on heavy, shareable pizzas makes it popular with families and groups. The atmosphere is simple, but the pizza delivers strong flavor and high value.
Must-Try Dishes:
Stuffed cheese pizza, Deep-dish sausage pizza, Garlic knots
What Makes it Special: Classic Chicago-style stuffed pies in a modest setting.
#23
Prime Pizza
7.8
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
This NY-style slice shop delivers massive 18-inch pies with quality toppings at reasonable prices, though by-the-slice quality varies throughout the day. The Grandma and Sicilian squares earn consistent praise, while the sausage and kale pizza surprises skeptics with its balanced flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grandma Pie, Sicilian Square, Sausage & Kale Pizza
What Makes it Special: Reliable NY-style delivery with generous portions for the price
#24
Hot Wings Cafe
7.8
A 36-year Melrose fixture that built its reputation on lemon pepper wings with enough heat variations to satisfy both cautious eaters and spice chasers. The sports bar setup with multiple TVs makes it a natural landing spot for game nights and late-night cravings when you need reliable wings without pretense.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lemon Pepper Wings, Spicy Wings, Onion Rings
What Makes it Special: LA's go-to wings destination since 1988, known for their signature lemon pepper that dominates the menu
7.8
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Brunch Bliss Spots
Business Lunch Power Players
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Family-owned since 1993 by Stephane and Katy Strouk, this European-style bistro inside the Original Farmers Market serves traditional French classics like beef bourguignon and quiche lorraine. The casual white-tablecloth setting with market energy provides an accessible French dining experience, complemented by their adjacent gourmet market and seafood counter.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Bourguignon, Quiche Lorraine, Steak Frites
What Makes it Special: Thirty-two year LA institution bringing authentic French bistro fare to the Farmers Market since 1993
7.8
Phil's Deli & Grill has anchored a corner of the Original Farmers Market since the 1930s, serving diner-style breakfasts, griddled sandwiches, and pastrami on rye to shoppers and regulars. Counter seating and quick service make it a reliable stop between browsing stalls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pastrami on rye, Patty melt sandwich, Breakfast egg-and-cheese sandwich
What Makes it Special: Long-running Farmers Market counter for classic deli and grill plates.
7.8
Byrdie's Rotisserie is a chicken-focused spot on 3rd Street where pulled rotisserie meat shows up in toasted sandwiches, pita wraps, and warm grain bowls. It leans fresher and lighter than a typical fried chicken joint while still scratching a comfort food itch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original Sandwich, Spicy Original Sandwich, Caesar Wrap
What Makes it Special: Rotisserie-driven sandwiches and wraps that split the difference between comfort food and lighter bowls.
#28
Geshmak
7.8
Geshmak is a kosher restaurant on Beverly that blends New American comfort fare with a dedicated Chinese section featuring tangerine, General Tso’s, and orange chicken. It’s especially popular with the local observant community looking for Chinese-American flavors in a fully kosher setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tangerine Chicken, General Tso Chicken, Chinese Chicken Salad
What Makes it Special: Kosher spot marrying Chinese-American favorites with broader comfort dishes.
#29
Pizza World
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
On Fairfax’s kosher strip, Kosher Pizza World is a casual counter spot where classic dairy dishes like lasagna sit beside pies, salads, and calzones. It’s more about hearty, affordable portions than polish, making the lasagna a reliable option for quick, meat-free comfort.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheese Lasagna, Mushroom Pizza, Garlic Knots
What Makes it Special: Kosher dairy shop serving budget lasagna alongside classic slices.
#30
Pasta Amore
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Pasta Amore is a budget-friendly Italian counter spot known for customizable pasta plates and all-you-can-eat options. Its simple setup focuses on speed and value rather than ambiance, drawing students and locals seeking hearty portions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti with marinara, Penne Alfredo with chicken, Garlic bread
What Makes it Special: All-you-can-eat pasta and customizable combinations at low prices.
#31
Starbird Chicken
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Across from The Grove, Starbird Chicken specializes in crispy chicken sandos, tenders, and salads built for quick counter service and delivery. Its sandwiches emphasize crunchy chicken, house sauces, and sturdy buns that hold up to takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original crispy chicken sandwich, Nashville hot-style chicken sandwich, Elote chopped chicken salad
What Makes it Special: Modern chicken shop focused on crispy sandwiches and app-friendly ordering.
#32
Chill Since 93
7.6
This London-based Roman pizza shop tucked in The Grove's quiet alley serves semi-thick rectangular slices with gooey cheese absorbed into the crust. The patate pizza with charred potato peaks stands out, while the outdoor patio provides rare breathing room at the tourist-heavy shopping center.
Must-Try Dishes:
Patate Pizza, Spicy Soppressata, Prosciutto Pizza
What Makes it Special: Roman-style pizza oasis hidden in The Grove shopping complex