According to the National Restaurant Association, nearly 60% of families say dining out is one of their top bonding activities. Research published in the Journal of Family Psychology also shows that shared family meals improve communication and build long-term resilience in children. Choosing restaurants that balance quality with kid-friendliness allows parents to savor a great meal while reinforcing those important rituals.
Dining out in Los Angeles is always an adventure. The city is home to some of the most dynamic, diverse, and creative food scenes in the country. From Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden neighborhood gems, there’s something for every palate. But if you’re a parent, you know the struggle: finding restaurants that balance upscale food with a welcoming vibe for families.
Too often, “family-friendly” means crayons and chicken nuggets while “upscale” means quiet dining rooms where kids are frowned upon. What if you want both? Parents deserve a place where they can sip a glass of wine, enjoy beautiful plates, and still have their kids feel comfortable.
That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate guide to 10 Los Angeles restaurants parents love for upscale family dining. These restaurants strike the perfect balance: elevated menus for parents, approachable options for kids, and atmospheres where the whole family feels welcome.
Why Upscale Family Dining Matters
Family meals aren’t just about food. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health stresses that regular shared meals support better nutrition, academic outcomes, and emotional well-being in children. Upscale family dining in LA combines those benefits with cultural enrichment, teaching kids to appreciate flavors, manners, and experiences beyond the everyday. Before diving into the list, let’s acknowledge why this balance is so important.
- Parents Need a Break: Dining out should feel like a treat, not just survival.
- Kids Deserve Exposure: Children benefit from trying new foods and learning restaurant etiquette.
- Family Memories: Meals are moments of connection—why not make them delicious and memorable?
- LA Lifestyle: In a city as diverse as Los Angeles, it’s possible to enjoy world-class dining without leaving kids at home.
✅ Culinary Passages Tip: Don’t wait for a “special occasion.” Upscale family dining can be a monthly ritual that both kids and parents look forward to.
1. Spotlight: ORLA – Santa Monica
A Mediterranean-inspired restaurant by Michael Mina, located at the Regent Santa Monica Beach, ORLA delivers oceanfront elegance with family-friendly warmth. The Michelin Guide has recognized ORLA’s ability to pair a resort-style setting with family accessibility.
Why Parents Love It: Elevated mezze, fresh seafood, and hand-crafted cocktails with breathtaking ocean views. Signature dishes like the phyllo-crusted sole and Kona Kampachi flown in from Hawaii create a truly unique experience.
Why Kids Love It: A dedicated kids’ menu featuring macaroni, chicken fingers, and fries makes it approachable for even the pickiest eaters.
Parent Hack: Time your visit for sunset and consider arriving in a Waymo for a stress-free evening. (Read our Waymo experience here).
2. FIG at Fairmont Miramar – Santa Monica
Located inside the iconic Fairmont Miramar Hotel, FIG offers a farm-to-table menu that shines with California ingredients.
- Why Parents Love It: Beautiful coastal atmosphere, craft cocktails, seasonal dishes like wood-fired flatbreads and locally sourced seafood.
- Why Kids Love It: The hotel’s relaxed vibe makes kids feel welcome. Menu highlights include house-made pastas and flatbreads that even picky eaters enjoy.
- Parent Hack: Arrive early for their famed FIG at Five happy hour (5–6 PM) for discounted dishes and drinks—ideal for families.
3. The Golden Bull – Santa Monica
The outside patio and casual options on the menu makes this spot great if you want to bring kids.
- Why Parents Love It: Elevated classics with casual fare options to pick from as well.
- Why Kids Love It: They have a kids menu!
- Parent Hack: Book an earlier seating. Upscale restaurants are often quieter around 5:30 PM—perfect for families.
According to Eater Los Angeles, heritage steakhouses like Golden Bull remain beloved because they adapt for modern families while keeping tradition alive.
4. STK – Various Locations
For hip families that want upscale and trendy. This restaurant has everything from fancy steaks to a casual happy hour. Either one can be turned into a fun trendy experience with you and the kids.
- Why Parents Love It: There are a lot of options for both kids and adults, even with the Happy Hour.
- Why Kids Love It: While not a “kid’s menu” kind of spot, older kids or adventurous eaters can enjoy dishes here and feel like an adult.
- Parent Hack: Call ahead to see if the kitchen can adapt. Many fine dining chefs are more flexible than parents assume.
5. The Rooftop by JG – Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
Dining with a view doesn’t get better than this. Sweeping city views set the backdrop for upscale but approachable cuisine.
- Why Parents Love It: A Jean-Georges–curated menu with elegant small plates, handcrafted cocktails, and unparalleled ambiance.
- Why Kids Love It: Flatbreads, burgers, and fresh fruit make it easy for kids to find something they like.
- Parent Hack: Go during daylight hours so kids can marvel at the views without needing to “sit still” for too long.
The Michelin Guide and Condé Nast Traveler both recognize Jean-Georges restaurants worldwide for excellence in service and food — including family accessibility.
6. Terranea Resort – Mar’sel (Rancho Palos Verdes)
Terranea is a resort in the “broader LA area” that blends coastal luxury with family-friendliness. Mar’sel offer upscale dining with comfortable touches.
- Why Parents Love It: Seasonal California menus, oceanfront views, and great wine selections.
- Why Kids Love It: Space to roam. Kids can explore the property’s open lawns between courses.
- Parent Hack: Time dinner to coincide with sunset—it’s breathtaking, and kids will love the natural “show.”
Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure consistently rank Terranea among top U.S. family resorts thanks in part to dining programs designed with children in mind.
7. Telefèric Barcelona – Brentwood
A Spanish tapas restaurant with vibrant energy, Telefèric Barcelona is family dining elevated.
- Why Parents Love It: Authentic Spanish tapas, paellas, and sangria.
- Why Kids Love It: Small plates make it easy for kids to nibble and try new things. Favorites include croquetas and patatas bravas.
- Parent Hack: Order family-style. Kids feel included when they get to “pick from the table.”
8. AJA Vineyards Tasting Room – Santa Monica
While known as a wine tasting room, AJA doubles as a kid-friendly destination thanks to its casual, welcoming atmosphere.
- Why Parents Love It: Estate wines, charcuterie boards, and a cozy, intimate vibe.
- Why Kids Love It: Light bites like pretzels, pizza (from North Italia), and chips make it approachable.
- Parent Hack: Pair the outing with dessert at Turn Dough nearby for a complete family experience.
9. Benihana – Encino & Other Locations
The hibachi experience is theater for kids and adults alike.
- Why Parents Love It: A mix of entertainment and solid Japanese-inspired dishes.
- Why Kids Love It: The chefs’ tricks—onion volcanoes, flying shrimp, and heart-shaped rice—keep kids mesmerized.
- Parent Hack: Book a private hibachi table for your group—it keeps the evening more relaxed and tailored.
The American Psychological Association emphasizes that shared experiences with novelty and laughter — like teppanyaki shows — enhance bonding and memory retention.
10. Katsuya – Brentwood
Trendy but family-welcoming, Katsuya combines Japanese tradition with LA flair.
- Why Parents Love It: Signature sushi rolls, robata dishes, and stylish ambiance.
- Why Kids Love It: Options like teriyaki chicken, rice bowls, and crispy rice with spicy tuna (for adventurous eaters).
- Parent Hack: Go during weekday early dinners. The energy is lively but not overwhelming for kids.
How Parents Can Make Upscale Dining with Kids Stress-Free
Choosing the right restaurant is half the battle—your mindset and preparation make up the other half.
Parent Hacks for Dining Upscale with Kids
- Book Early Reservations: Less crowded, quicker service, calmer vibe.
- Bring Entertainment: A small coloring kit, puzzle, or card game can buy you 20 extra minutes of calm.
- Order Kids’ Food Early: Keeps hunger meltdowns at bay.
- Set Expectations: Talk to kids about restaurant manners before arriving.
- Know the Menu: Check online menus ahead to avoid surprises.
✅ Culinary Passages Tip: Praise your kids for good restaurant behavior—positive reinforcement goes a long way.
The Magic of Family Upscale Dining
Upscale family dining isn’t just about “fancy food.” It’s about:
- Introducing kids to new flavors.
- Modeling social skills.
- Creating family traditions.
- Giving parents a chance to indulge.
When done right, it transforms a meal into a memory.
Final Thoughts
Los Angeles is full of restaurants where parents don’t have to choose between great food and a welcoming atmosphere for kids. From beachfront bistros to glamorous rooftops, the city offers plenty of spots where you can order truffle pasta while your kids happily dig into pizza.
By choosing restaurants that balance quality with inclusivity, dining out becomes less about “managing kids” and more about sharing experiences as a family.
So next time you want a night out that feels indulgent but still family-focused, try one of these 10 spots. Because parents deserve more than chicken nuggets—and kids deserve to see what great dining looks like.
FAQ: Upscale Family Dining in Los Angeles
1. Are upscale restaurants really kid-friendly in Los Angeles?
Yes. Many LA restaurants now design menus and dining environments that cater to both adults and children. For example, Pizzana offers butter noodles for kids alongside artisanal pizzas for parents. The National Restaurant Association notes that nearly 60% of parents prioritize family-friendly options when dining out, even at upscale venues.
2. What should parents look for in a family-friendly upscale restaurant?
Look for three key features:
- Menu Flexibility (à la carte kid options or half portions)
- Atmosphere (not overly formal, but still refined)
- Service (staff who understand family needs)
According to the James Beard Foundation, restaurants that thrive long-term are those that adapt their service and menus to modern families while maintaining culinary standards.
3. How do I balance nutrition with indulgence when dining out with kids?
The Mayo Clinic recommends sharing plates or ordering smaller portions so children can taste new flavors without excessive sugar, salt, or fat intake. Pair indulgent dishes with healthier sides like salads, grilled vegetables, or fresh fruit.
4. Is upscale dining worth the higher price for families?
Yes — especially for milestones and family bonding experiences. Research from the Journal of Family Psychology shows that shared “special meals” help build long-lasting family traditions. While more expensive, these outings create memories that children often recall into adulthood.
5. What’s the best time to take kids to upscale restaurants in Los Angeles?
Early evenings or late afternoons are ideal. According to Stanford Children’s Health, avoiding heavy, sugary meals too close to bedtime helps children sleep better. Dining earlier also reduces wait times and ensures a calmer experience for both parents and kids.
Related Reads on Culinary Passages
- The Science of Pizza: Why Pizzana’s Crust Works
- A Morning at La Provence Patisserie and Café
- Benihana Encino: A Family Teppanyaki Experience
- Kazan Beverly Hills
- Farmers Markets in Southern California
About the Author (Ginger Graham):
Ginger Graham is a Los Angeles–based food and travel writer who believes that dining with kids doesn’t have to mean sacrificing sophistication. With a passion for exploring restaurants that blend elegance, comfort, and hospitality, this writer highlights experiences where parents can enjoy exceptional meals while kids feel genuinely welcome.
“10 Los Angeles Restaurants Parents Love for Upscale Family Dining” was inspired by the author’s own family outings — evenings filled with great food, laughter, and the joy of discovering restaurants that understand what modern family dining can be. Through Culinary Passages, the author continues to share curated guides and honest reviews that help families eat well, travel beautifully, and create lasting memories together.
