Making the Most of Dining Out with Kids While Traveling

As a parent who enjoys fine dining while traveling, I’ve faced the tough choice: leave the kids with a newly met babysitter or bring them along. I firmly support the latter, even if my two children aren’t the ideal dining companions for an upscale meal.

My wife and I take this chance because sometimes we can't miss out on a certain restaurant. Although the finesse of a beautifully arranged dish might escape our kids, my five-year-old still remembers a 'gelato cake with a cherry' from one of the Roman trattorias we visited last year. I can't recall that dessert myself, but I’m glad she will cherish that memory.

Having introduced our kids to more sommeliers than most elementary students, we’ve gathered valuable insights and tips from fellow parents to enhance our dining experiences while traveling.

Consider alternative big-city dining options.

Historically, restaurants in major European cities were known for their kid-friendly atmosphere, but as Daniella Hunt of Mirabilia Urbis Tours in Rome notes, that’s changing. “Many places now focus on swift service,” she explains. Instead, she suggests reserving special dining experiences for smaller towns like Orvieto or Trieste, where families with young kids are still warmly welcomed.

Avoid the kids' menu.

High Hampton Resort in North Carolina is among the increasing number of establishments moving away from the traditional kids' menu. Executive chef Scott Franqueza offers a more refined “family menu,” featuring upscale takes on classic dishes. For instance, their chicken tenders are marinated in buttermilk, and their fish-and-chips highlight the catch of the day, whether it be grouper, snapper, or wahoo. Franqueza shares, “When a parent samples a dish to check its temperature, we want them to crave another bite.”

Dress (and behave) appropriately.

Even the simple act of wearing a dress or a collared shirt can signal to children that dining out is a special occasion, requiring special behavior. For us, preparation also means bringing along fresh coloring books and having a well-timed pre-dinner snack. We also make it a priority to stop by the restroom upon arrival so everyone can settle in together.

Once seated, we quickly discuss the potential scenario if someone were to crawl under the table and tug on the tablecloth. Laughter follows about the ensuing chaos, but the message is clear.

Strike a balance with phones.

Many families turn to screens to maintain mealtime peace. However, Rick Simone, president of the Federal Hill Commerce Association in Providence, Rhode Island, has reached a compromise with his four children. They can use their phones while waiting for their food, but as soon as the dishes arrive, everyone knows it’s time to put them away.

Rethink menu language.

For us, inventive phrasing can make a huge difference. Our son enjoys soup, so at restaurants, we might suggest a root-vegetable curry by dubbing it "coconut carrot soup." Or we could explain that butternut squash is essentially a sweet potato to entice him to try something new.

Remember this.

Small adjustments can lead to significant changes: a crumb-catching bib for toddlers was invaluable for us when our kids were younger. Now, we prefer a corner table—or even better, one on a patio—so our family has more space and can avoid disapproving looks from other diners. 

This story was originally published in the September 2024 issue of Dinogo with the title "How to Truly Enjoy Dining Out with Children."