Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Torrance
Looking for kid-friendly restaurants in Torrance? Whether your family is craving burgers, pizza, seafood, barbecue or ramen, Torrance offers dozens of family-friendly restaurants with kids menus, casual atmospheres and options for even the pickiest eaters. Here are some of the best places to eat with kids in Torrance.
Seafood and Steak Restaurants for Families in Torrance
Torrance is home to a number of excellent restaurants that serve seafood and steak. The establishments include plenty of adult options, as well as a nice selection for young people.
Prime rib or an Australian lobster tail sounds great for Mom and Dad, but The San Franciscan offers kid versions of the surf ‘n turf theme as well. Fish and chips and ground sirloin with fries will probably appeal to your children; if not, the restaurant offers spaghetti with meat sauce as well as chicken filet strips with fries.
Blue Salt Fish Grill is a fast-casual seafood restaurant with a large selection of adult and age-12-and-over entrees. The under-12 choices are more extensive than in many other restaurants. Fish-loving kids can choose from grilled salmon, mahi mahi and shrimp (all with fries), or for a healthier route, they can substitute couscous, broccolini or a garden salad in place of the fries. Will children make that substitution? It could happen.
Known for their burgers, fries and surfer theme, Islands is a fun place for the whole family. “Surfers 12 and under” have a junior-sized wave burger, tiki tenders, mac and cheese and a sandcastle (grilled cheese) to choose from, along with a variety of veggie sides (or the fries).
Kid-Friendly Italian Restaurants in Torrance
A great place for a family get-together, Hank’s Italian Restaurant specializes in pasta, pizza and Italian meats and cheeses. If you’re age 12 and under, you have a variety of pasta and sauce choices, and an ice cream sundae and a soft drink are included. Not into pasta? The good ‘ol chicken fingers with fries is offered as well.
Children 11 and under have plenty of selections to choose from at Gaetano’s Italian Restaurant: lasagna, fettuccini alfredo, cheese pizza, penne meatball and more, all served with a soft drink or lemonade. For those 12 and older, don’t worry. You’ll be quite satisfied with the rest of the menu.
Beg the kids to let you take them to Scardino’s Italian Restaurant and everyone will be happy. The hardest part of the night will be trying to decide which scrumptious-sounding entree you’ll order, and believe us, it will be difficult. The kids’ “menu di bambini,” which is for ages 10 and under, features delicacies such as tortellini, ravioli, pizza and spaghetti.
Other Torrance restaurants specializing in Italian fare include North Italia, a comfortable eatery that offers children choices such as kids’ pasta, cheese pizza and meatball sliders. At Giuliano’s Italian Delicatessen and Bakery, adults have a menu with a variety of hot and cold sandwiches and more, while kids under 12 can partake in spaghetti and meatballs, penne with butter and cheese or a few other selections.
Looking for a fun way to explore Torrance’s Italian dining scene? Follow the Torrance Pasta Path, a self-guided culinary trail that connects some of the city’s favorite Italian restaurants. Along the way, families can discover everything from classic pasta dishes and pizzas to seafood specialties and Italian comfort food.
Family-Friendly American Restaurants in Torrance
There are dozens of restaurants in Torrance that serve a primarily American selection, but some of them branch out to a few other worldly tastes.
Black Bear Diner serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and perhaps that’s why they offer one of the largest choices of kids’ meals in Torrance. “Cubs,” as the restaurant lovingly refers to their child diners, have four breakfast selections to choose from (plus a build-your-own-breakfast option), and four more options for lunch and dinner, such as a biscuit burger and fries and grilled cheese.
Wholesome, made-from-scratch entrees are what you’ll find at Urban Plates, a popular family-friendly restaurant. A mouthwatering choice of burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads and more will make parents happy, and kid-size grilled salmon, steak and chicken will make everyone happy. For fussy children, there’s always macaroni and cheese and chicken tenders.
The menu at Local Kitchen Tavern consists of numerous American classics for adults, while young people ages 13 and under will be pleased as well. Burgers, corny dogs, pasta, grilled cheese and…you guessed it…chicken fingers are on the menu, and all but the pasta come with fries or fruit. Another family favorite in Old Torrance is Red Car Brewery & Restaurant where kiddos can choose from pizza, burgers, pasta, and more, with each entree including a beverage and ice cream.
Other establishments that aim part of their food focus toward children include Hof’s Hut, a restaurant and bakery that features breakfast items, as well as the standard kid fare, plus pepperoni pizza and grilled chicken breast. Truxton’s American Bistro’s kids’ menu includes breakfast items, chicken quesadillas, burgers and sandwiches.
Best Barbecue Restaurants for Families in Torrance
Given the competition, finding the best barbecue in Torrance can be a challenge. Each restaurant has its knock-it-out-of-the-park favorites that guests come back for time and time again.
Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-b-que is certainly in the running for top honors, given its mouthwatering selection of meats, sides and desserts. An extremely popular restaurant, there are often long lines to deal with, but it’s worth the wait. Children have it good — real good — as the kids’ menu is extensive, starting with a quarter-rack of St. Louis pork ribs. Then there’s slow-smoked tri tips, buttermilk fried chicken, chicken corn dogs and plenty more.
The Brews Hall is a one-of-a-kind place; in fact, it was the first ever multiconcept brewery and food hall in Torrance. A great location for watching sports, enjoying good food and drinks and getting together with the community, The Brews Hall offers family friendly breweries and knows how to treat kids with their favorite foods. Children 10 and under can enjoy mini burgers, cheese quesadillas, mini pizzas, mac ‘n cheese and more, with a side, veggies, a choice of milk or apple juice and a toy from The Brews Hall Toy Chest included.
Kid-Friendly Asian Restaurants in Torrance
With one of the most diverse populations in Southern California, Torrance is a destination for authentic Asian cuisine. From Japanese ramen and sushi to Korean barbecue and Chinese specialties, families can explore a wide variety of flavors without leaving the city. That local love for Asian food reflects a broader national trend. According to the Pew Research Center, approximately 12% of restaurants in the United States serve Asian cuisine. In Torrance, however, Asian dining is a cornerstone of the city’s food scene.
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ is fun for the whole family, as everyone shares in the experience of cooking meats over a charcoal grill. Kids ages 12 and under can choose from two combo specials, or select from more than 12 small plates, such as fried pork gyoza dumplings, vegetable spring rolls and cheese fondue.
You can enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine at Ojiya, a comfortable, casual restaurant that’s perfect for the whole family. Kids 10 and under can choose from chicken karaage, fish cakes, tempura and more.
Torrance, by the way, is the Ramen Capital of Southern California. There are multiple restaurants that are perfect for the whole family. Ko Ryu Ramen is one of those, with strong flavors that keep patrons coming back. Kids can choose their favorite soup flavor, toppings, noodles and extras.
Family-Friendly Cafes and Bakeries in Torrance
Many bakeries don’t bother preparing a “kids’ menu” because practically everyone who visits a bakery — especially ones that offers doughnuts, cakes, cookies and the such — is already like a kid in a candy store. Children of all ages get giddy when they’re around the aforementioned yummies.
However, when that bakery also features a cafe, it’s smart to point out additional items that kids will love. King’s Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant does just that with their keiki (Hawaiian for “child”) menu. Already popular with adults, King’s offers items such as a happy face breakfast, pizza pull apart, a chicken rice bowl, cheeseburger sliders and more. But make sure to pick up a cake, pie, and a dozen or two muffins and doughnuts. They’re hard to resist.
Although the kids’ menu at Lisa’s Cafe & Bakery is smaller, your children won’t mind it a bit. Grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese quesadillas, mac ‘n cheese and popcorn chicken tenders all include fresh fruit. However, where there’s a bakery, there’s goodness for all ages. Cupcakes, croissants, cookies — there are even more desserts that start with a “c” — they make any trip to Lisa’s wonderful.
Dietary Preferences
There are hundreds of restaurants in Torrance that cater to dietary preferences. Whether you’re a vegan or vegetarian, or you can only eat gluten-free or dairy-free items (to mention just a few), it’s easy to find the foods you need or desire. We’ve provided a list of some of those restaurants in Torrance.
In addition to excellent kid-friendly restaurants, Torrance offers or is near a variety of things to do and places to see, including sporting events, museums, amusement parks and more. The city also offers quick access to LAX, so take advantage of the many lodging options to fit any budget and start making plans to see what you’ve been missing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Torrance
What are the best kid-friendly restaurants in Torrance?
Some of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Torrance include The San Franciscan, Islands, Gaetano’s Italian Restaurant, Scardino’s Italian Restaurant, Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ and King’s Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant. Each offers a family-friendly atmosphere and menu options for children.
Which Torrance restaurants have kids menus?
Many Torrance restaurants offer dedicated kids menus, including Islands, Black Bear Diner, Urban Plates, Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ and King’s Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant. Options range from burgers and pizza to barbecue, pasta and Japanese favorites.
Are there family-friendly restaurants near the beach in Torrance?
Yes. Families can find a variety of casual, kid-friendly restaurants near Torrance Beach and throughout the South Bay. Whether you’re looking for seafood, burgers, pizza or international cuisine, there are plenty of options a short drive from the shoreline.
Where can I get pizza with kids in Torrance?
Several family-friendly Italian restaurants in Torrance serve pizza that kids love, including Hank’s Italian Restaurant, Gaetano’s Italian Restaurant, Scardino’s Italian Restaurant and North Italia. Many also offer children’s portions, pasta dishes and other kid-approved favorites.
What Torrance restaurants are good for picky eaters?
Restaurants such as Islands, Local Kitchen Tavern, Black Bear Diner and King’s Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant are great choices for picky eaters. Their menus feature familiar favorites like burgers, chicken tenders, grilled cheese, macaroni and cheese, pizza and fries.