Best Family Friendly Favorites Restaurants in University Village

Hamburger America is a small SoHo luncheonette from burger historian George Motz, serving historically faithful smashburgers, fried onion burgers, and diner-style sandwiches at a tightly focused counter. Families come for the affordable burgers, egg creams, and key lime pie before or after a movie near Houston Street.

The Dutch is a SoHo American restaurant and oyster room known for fried chicken, seasonal pies, and an all-day menu that works as well for brunching families as for evening celebrations. High ceilings, big windows, and polished service make it feel grown-up, but staff are accustomed to kids at brunch and early dinner, and the menu has plenty that reads as familiar comfort food.

Ananda is a vegetarian, largely kosher Indian restaurant just south of Washington Square, known for giant dosas, thali-style spreads, and a calm dining room with soft music. It draws both neighborhood regulars and vegetarians from farther afield for South Indian–leaning plates and flexible vegan options.

Operating on MacDougal Street since 1918, Monte’s Trattoria is a basement-level Italian-American classic where red-sauce favorites arrive in generous portions under wood-paneled ceilings. The warm, veteran staff are used to tourists and locals alike, and the hearty pastas and cutlets make it a forgiving, family-suited option near the Village comedy clubs.

Husband-and-wife team Ciro and Austria bring authentic Neapolitan soul to this brick-oven pizzeria where the margherita arrives with proper char and chew. Beyond pizza, dig into lesser-known Campanian dishes like paccheri alla Genovese and scialatielli alla scarpariello while Neapolitan music plays overhead.

Family-run since 1976, Villa Mosconi is an old-school Northern Italian restaurant where big bowls of housemade pasta, veal parmigiana, and classic desserts come in portions built for sharing. The sprawling dining room and back garden room make it a comfortable choice for multi-generational dinners and holiday gatherings near Washington Square.

This LaGuardia Place outpost of the better-burger mini-chain focuses on organic meats, plant-based patties, and a big build-your-own menu in a casual, family-friendly room. It’s the most flexible option near NYU for mixed groups juggling vegan, gluten-free, and classic burger cravings.