Healthy, delicious, and welcoming for the whole family—these local spots make it easy to please picky eaters and parents alike. From brunch specialties to plant-forward menus and seaside seafood, our region’s family-friendly restaurants offer plenty of options to keep meals nutritious and fun for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re steering your family toward plant-based choices, colorful salads, Mexican favorites, or just want a reasonably priced kids’ meal, these local favorites deliver options.
EL COLIBRÍ RESTAURANT & DELI
343 Main St, Salinas
(831) 422-4133 | elcolibrirestaurantanddeli.com
El Colibrí Restaurant & Deli offers homemade soups and sandwiches, along with family recipes for Mexican dishes. The menu has something for everyone, including several Blue Zones dishes that are plant-based.
EL CANTARO
791 Foam St, Monterey
(831) 646-5465 | orderelcantaro.com
Vegan-centric and kid-appealing, El Cantaro in Monterey serves up wholesome plant-based dishes that satisfy even picky eaters—perfect for families exploring meatless meals together.
EMMA’S BAKERY AND CAFE
1182 S Main St, Salinas
(831) 757-7437 | wavestreetcafe.com
A cozy, family-friendly bakery and café serving comforting breakfast and lunch favorites alongside fresh-baked treats. It’s an easy stop for a quick, casual meal with kids—whether you’re grabbing pastries to go or settling in for something warm and satisfying.
FIRST AWAKENINGS
300 David Ave, Monterey | (831) 372-1125
171 Main St, Salinas | (831) 784-1125
firstawakenings.net
With two locations in Monterey and Salinas, this bright brunch spot offers fresh omelets, fruit sides, and kid-friendly pancakes alongside dishes with spinach, lean proteins, and whole ingredients.
HAPPY GIRL KITCHEN CO
173 Central Avenue, Pacific Grove
(831) 373-4475 | happygirlkitchen.com
This vegetarian café and deli is known for fresh salads, grain bowls, house pickles, and organic juices—plus a chilled seaside vibe that makes grabbing a healthy lunch feel like a treat.
JULIA’S VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT
1180 Forest Ave Suite F, Pacific Grove
(831) 656-9533 | juliasveg.com
A Pacific Grove staple for vegetarian and vegan diners, Julia’s offers hearty, vegetable-driven dishes that kids love—from veggie pizzas to savory entrées that introduce plant-based meals in a fun way.
LALLA GRILL DEL MONTE
1400 Del Monte Center, Monterey
(831) 324-4632 | lallagrill.com
This Del Monte Center favorite serves grilled proteins, fresh salads, and more balanced options alongside classics like burgers—perfect for families with mixed appetites. There is no kids’ menu, but portions are large enough to share.
PORTOBELLO’S
150 Main St #116, Salinas
(831) 770-6363
A family-friendly spot in the heart of Salinas that’s great for an easy sit-down meal with kids. Expect salads, sandwiches, and hearty comfort-food favorites that make it simple to find something everyone will enjoy.
SCHOONERS MONTEREY
400 Cannery Row, Monterey
(831) 372-2628
On Cannery Row, this family-friendly choice offers fresh fish, shellfish, and grilled options. The kids’ menu is pretty extensive, and views of Monterey Bay help distract restless kids. It’s a nice option for a family celebration.
TOASTIES CAFÉ
702 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove
(831) 373-7543
toasties-cafe.restaurants-world.net
A laid-back Pacific Grove stop for wholesome breakfast and brunch favorites like breakfast sandwiches made with fresh ingredients. The kids’ breakfast menu is especially worth noting, with options that start at just $3.95. With the Pacific Grove Natural History Museum and Jewell Park right around the corner, it’s the perfect start to a Saturday morning outing.
TURN 12
400 Tyler St, Monterey
(831) 372-8876 | turn12barandgrill.com
Turn 12 has grilled salmon or chicken with broccoli and potato, plus homemade spaghetti with meatballs—both a big hit with one of our Facebook group members. The kids’ menu features all three, along with standard not-as-healthy options.
VEGAN THAI WAY
1219 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove
(831) 901-3963
For families looking to expand their palate with healthy Asian flavors, this Thai spot in Pacific Grove offers plant-based noodle and veggie dishes that kids often enjoy.
WAVE STREET CAFE
550 Wave St, Monterey
(831) 718-8171 | wavestreetcafe.com
Right above Cannery Row, Wave Street serves balanced breakfast and lunch options—think fresh fruit, eggs, grilled sandwiches, and salads. It’s an ideal stop before a day at the aquarium. Their kids’ menu is extensive, and they offer fruit substitution for the less-healthy fries.
THE WILD PLUM CAFE
731 Munras Avenue, Monterey
(831) 646-3109 | thewildplumcafe.com
A local favorite for breakfast and lunch, The Wild Plum Cafe features fresh fare like egg scrambles with greens, hearty sandwiches with veggies, and fruit-centric breakfast plates that appeal to all ages.
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