Restaurant Family Meal Ideas for When You Don’t Want to Cook
Eating home-cooked meals as a family is a meaningful, healthy, and affordable routine for many. But sometimes, cooking a meal for the whole family isn’t the most realistic option. Whether it be a stressful day in the household or a special occasion to celebrate, dining out as a family is an exciting, low-stress choice.
If you want to dine out more often while staying within the family budget, this article is for you. We share some filling and affordable restaurant family meal ideas that cater to different dietary needs and preferences. Everyone will leave the table satisfied.
To help you leverage affordable family meal options at restaurants, here are a variety of cuisines and menu items that include shareable portions, family-friendly deals, and kid-friendly perks.
Family-Style Casual Dining Orders
Keep it simple with casual restaurants that welcome the busy energy and laid-back etiquette of families with kids. Instead of navigating individual orders, consider some of these family servings.
Pizza Restaurants: Look for large shareable pizza deals that include a salad bar. Or, check out a pizza buffet that allows everyone to customize slices with their favorite toppings. Many pizza places also offer family deals, weekday specials, or discounts for larger orders.
Mexican Restaurants: Order family-style fajitas or burrito platters to share, complete with all the fixings like rice, beans, guacamole, and salsa. These shareable portions satisfy appetites of all sizes.
Burger Joints: Go for burger combos or value meals that include sides like bottomless fries or onion rings. Many burger places also offer kid-friendly options like sliders or grilled cheese sandwiches.
Sandwich Shops: Order a few party subs or sandwich platters that can be easily shared among the whole family. Look for options that allow you to mix and match different sandwich varieties to cater to everyone's preferences.
Family-Style Italian Restaurants: A classic! Devour impressively large pasta dishes or take advantage of unlimited breadsticks and salad. Many Italian restaurants also offer kids’ menu options like personal pizzas or plain spaghetti with meatballs.
Additionally, you can ask local restaurants if they have special family nights where coupons or discounts are offered. At some casual restaurants, kids under a certain age can even eat for free.
Affordable, Hearty Restaurants for Families
Comfort food, soul food—it’s what you want to eat when your favorite people come together. These hearty, comforting cuisines can go a long way at restaurants for families.
All-You-Can-Eat Buffets: These establishments offer a variety of options to satisfy everyone's cravings, from salad bars and hot entrees to dessert stations. Buffets are often a budget-friendly choice for larger families.
Diners: Hearty breakfast platters or budget lunch specials like meatloaf or chicken-fried steak can be a filling and affordable option for the whole family.
BBQ Joints: Look for family-sized meat platters and to-go catering with sides like baked beans, coleslaw, and cornbread that can be easily shared among the group.
International Cuisine: Many cultural cuisines, such as Indian, Chinese, or Middle Eastern, offer large shareable dishes like curries, stir-fries, or platters that are perfect for families.
Fast Casual Chains: Many fast-casual restaurant chains offer combo meals or family packs that include entrees, sides, drinks, and desserts at a discounted price.
Don't forget to ask about kid-friendly options or smaller portion sizes for little ones to ensure they don't waste food or get overwhelmed by large family portions.
Restaurant Ideas for Family Celebrations
Special occasions are a great opportunity to plan for your family to go out to eat. This reduces the workload of cooks in the kitchen, allowing everyone to be present and enjoy the moments of celebration over some good food.
Steakhouses: While steakhouses can be pricey, consider splitting large steak combination plates or ordering family-style sides like loaded baked potatoes or sautéed mushrooms to share.
Seafood Restaurants: Share large platters or seafood boils that include a variety of shellfish, fish, and sides like corn on the cob or potatoes.
Brunch Spots: Indulge in unlimited brunch buffets or order large shareable dishes like stuffed French toast or breakfast burritos for the table.
Dessert or Treat Destinations: Split large desserts like towering sundaes or get dessert samplers that allow everyone to try a variety of sweet treats.
For special occasions, consider making reservations in advance to save time. You can also ask about any kid-friendly amenities or accommodations, such as high chairs or kid's menus.
Plan Your Next Restaurant Night Out: Shared Family Calendars
Enjoying quality family time over a shared meal doesn't have to be a kitchen hassle—nor does it have to break the bank. By exploring different affordable restaurant options and taking advantage of family-sized deals, you and your loved ones can create memorable dining experiences without the added stress.
Whether dining at restaurants is a rare occasion for your family or you simply want to plan these events in advance, it’s helpful to set up a family meal calendar. With digital calendars like Family Daily, everyone in your family can keep track of what’s for dinner every night of the week.
To make planning your family's shared schedules and activities even easier, download the Family Daily app: the go-to smartphone app for planning family meals, whether at home or at a restaurant.
