Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Southern California: A Dietitian’s Review

San Diego and the “O.C” are arguably my favorite places in the world. The sunshine, the lack of the humidity, the SoCal vibes, the peaceful breeze, the “vitamin sea,” and of course…the food.

I usually am with my children when I go here – so I am not eating at 5 star restaurants (and I am on a small business owner dietitian’s budget too), but I wanted to share with you some places we have gone that we all enjoy.

Pictures below show a few of the meals I am going to highlight. I want to also preface what I am going to say: I LIVE while traveling but I also try to have fiber and protein at most meals to avoid the dreaded vacation constipation. That is my main criteria: where is the fiber, where is the protein, and most importantly where is safe, ultra filtered water?

Most tap water in the USA is legalized slow poisoning in my opinion; just check out www.ewg.org/tapwater to see the garbage in your drinking water narrowed down by zip code. We have a Berkey water filtration system at home, but when on the road, I look for Starbucks as most locations use triple filtered reverse osmosis systems – fun fact! Or glass bottled water if I can find it.

Pictures below in order are explained, where we were exactly, and menus linked too:

1) Disneyland: chicken with broccoli and mac & cheese (like the true inner child that I am). This was in the Star Wars land area at a place called the Docking Bay. I like the kid sized portions at many Disney Quick Service locations because 1) they fill me up, 2) usually the kid meals are somewhat balanced, 3) but not too much food for roller coasters, 4) cheaper and then we can have snacks too throughout the day too. We even tried their very eccentric mousse (pictured) dessert – so yummy!

2) Carmelita’s in Laguna Beach. This authentic Mexican restaurant looks out at Main beach so you can see lots of the action. The food is reasonably priced, and there are lots of beef, seafood, and vegetarian entrees. I love black bean dip (fiber source) so this was my pictured appetizer and we had just been swimming for 3 hours so we were getting hangry. Not pictured because we inhaled it when it hit the table: grilled steak cheesy quesadillas and fish tacos with slaw, rice and beans. And a mexican coke to top it off! Not a fan of high fructose corn syrup but Mexican bottled Coke uses cane sugar.

3) “The Hotel Del” . The Del is soooo iconic. It was built in the 1800s and she is a beauty! Lots of Presidents have stayed here. She is located on Coronado Island right by Downtown San Diego. If you can handle driving over the creepy bridge, you will enter into the most quaint island with lots of dining options – but the Del is a cliche somewhat touristy fan favorite because of all her history. The Sun Deck is my favorite place at the Del to eat due to the view of the ocean and the food is fresh. Pictured is a massive burger (and a side salad) after an 8 hour travel day right after we had landed. Food costs here are slightly outrageous but you are definitely paying to be at the Del so it’s an experience wrapped up into the cost. I have dined before at a more upscale place located on the property called Serea….two thumbs up! Best seafood ever and oh so romantic.

4) Harry’s Coffee Shop. This actually has been voted the best diner in San Diego and has made it on the Food Network too. It gives me 1950s diner vibes. The pancakes were melt in your mouth good. And I love eggs – that is a breakfast staple for me. Prices were reasonable and they had a kid’s meal too. Technically I was at the Del Mar location. Downtown Del Mar (queue beach boys song) is the epitome of California – convertibles, surfers, slow paced, palm trees, walk around barefoot….I love Del Mar!

If you ever visit the area, check out these restaurants! Dietitian stamp of approval.