Family Living


TGS Parent Picks: Favorite Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Nashville

Family Living | August 16, 2022
The Frothy Monkey

The Nashville food scene is iconic, featuring some of the best restaurants in Tennessee. With so many spots to choose from, there’s hardly time to try them all! That’s why we asked our TGS families for the top kid-friendly restaurants in Nashville. We hope that you see some of your favorites or find a new go-to spot. 

1. Nectar Urban Cantina

For a nutritious take on Mexican classics, Nectar Urban Cantina has a wide selection of fresh and colorful foods for your family to choose from. Try favorites like the huevos rancheros for breakfast or tortilla soup for lunch, and for the little ones, cheese quesadillas and the Kids Bowl are big hits. On top of the beautiful menu available, you’ll also find that Nectar has a variety of smoothies and juices for the whole family.

2. The Grilled Cheeserie

For all the cheesy goodness, head over to The Grilled Cheeserie! As you can imagine, there is melty cheese on just about every dish here, making it a  favorite among Nashville’s little ones. Try a specialty grilled cheese, or go with the classics. Everything on this menu is decadent and delicious. 

3. The Pfunky Griddle

When you’re looking for an experience, as well as a delicious meal, look no further than The Pfunky Griddle. Here, you get to be the cook, using a table-top griddle to make pancakes, French toast, grilled cheese, and more! The kitchen mixes up your ingredients and adds all of the yummy extras you order to go with it, and the rest of the fun is left to you and the family. Your little cooks will love this “pfunky” restaurant. 

4. MAFIAoZA’s

Pizza is a popular dish in Nashville restaurants. It’s so popular, in fact, that we received several responses from TGS parents who love taking their children to the local pizza joints. MAFIAoZA’s is high on that list thanks to its specialty pies, pasta, and desserts. For the little ones, they’ll love building their own pizza or pasta to fit their tastes. Inspired by 1920s New York, this Italian restaurant will be a favorite for sure.

5. Sunflower Cafe

For vegans and vegetarians, or those who simply love veggies, Sunflower Cafe should be on your list! This cafe touts the most extensive plant-based menu in the Nashville area. Perfect for families with dietary restrictions, Sunflower has several soy-free, oil-free, and gluten-free options. Plus, this location’s garden views make for beautiful outings.

Sunflower Cafe
Photo by Sunflower Cafe

6. Nashville Jam Co.

Cozy days aren’t complete without southern comfort food. Nashville Jam Co. has all the classics such as biscuits, omelets, and fried green tomatoes. When you’re feeling adventurous, you might try the Bronut, which is a cheesecake-stuffed biscuit that has been battered and deep fried, served with a blueberry compote. Decadent doesn’t even begin to describe some of the treats your family will find here. 

7. Frothy Monkey

One of Nashville’s favorite coffee shops, Frothy Monkey’s locations are conveniently placed around the city to accommodate every neighborhood. Stop by for rich, locally-roasted coffee or creamy hot chocolate, yummy pastries, and brunch every day until 5 PM. Frothy Monkey’s cozy and welcoming atmosphere is a good choice for any time of day! 

Frothy Monkey restaurant Nashville
Photo by Frothy Monkey

8. Five Points Pizza

To say that Nashville loves pizza would be an understatement. Five Points serves a wide selection of New York-style pizzas, salads, stromboli, and more, with two convenient locations in East and West Nashville. For the plant-based diner, Five Points can substitute vegan cheese for any whole pie! We’re sure you’ll find something for everyone at this simple pizza joint that’s all about flavor and good service. 

9. Biscuit Love

Ask any Nashvillian where to get a top-notch biscuit, and an overwhelming majority will tell you that Biscuit Love is the place to be. With a selection of biscuit beignets, sandwiches, and biscuit-less options, you’ll love trying everything on the menu. The children’s menu is a favorite, too, with French Toast and Cherry-On-Top Oatmeal.  

Biscuit Love
Photo by Biscuit Love

10. Double Dogs

For a lively atmosphere and sports-bar favorites, head over to Double Dogs. The dog-bowl nachos are a fun appetizer, as they actually arrive in a dog bowl! Sure to bring a smile to your child’s face, Double Dogs’ kids’ menu features a gooey grilled cheese, ballpark hot dogs, and crispy chicken fingers. An extra special treat, the Double Dogs Famous Milkshake is sure to become a must-have every time you go.

We Love Nashville Parents

Family meals are such an integral part of bonding with your child. The Gardner School loves helping you create those memories. We enjoy partnering with parents to enrich their children’s education and experiences in and out of the classroom. We hope you enjoyed this list of favorite kid-friendly restaurants in Nashville. To learn more about The Gardner School of Nashville and The Gardner School of Midtown, please visit our website to schedule a tour! We’d love to chat about our engaging classrooms, Kids’ Cafe, indoor and outdoor playscapes, enrichment classes, and more.

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