Madison, Wisconsin, the beautiful Midwestern city my family calls home, is rich with family-friendly eateries. There’s something for even the pickiest palate, and if you’re a parent looking for healthy, non-fried and non-processed food options for your little ones, there are plenty of restaurants in Madison to choose from! Here are my family’s top five picks.
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The Roman Candle (four locations throughout Madison)
Best known for its incredible, made from scratch pizzas using all-natural and often locally sourced ingredients, their homemade dough is hand-pressed and their meats and vegetables are hand-cut to ensure freshness and quality. In addition to their endless assortment of artisanal pizzas, The Roman Candle’s menu also features salads, pastas, an all-natural “Sparkler Menu” for children under 12, and a selection of some of Wisconsin’s finest craft beers for the grown ups. My family’s favorite order is a large pepperoni pizza, with a glass of organic milk for my daughter and a pint of Spotted Cow for my husband. Another favorite? The Roman Candle in Fitchburg has a large indoor playroom. No need for the little ones to get squirmy while you’re waiting for your handmade pizza – let them play!
Insider Tip: Get a table at the back of the restaurant for a wide open view of the playroom from your seat. The Roman Candle is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. -
Ella’s Deli, 2902 E. Washington Ave
This is the place that every little kid dreams of. This kosher-style deli features a 20-page menu (two pages specifically for little bellies), so there’s something for everyone; although when you first walk in, you might forget you came to eat! In addition to great food, Ella’s Deli offers unforgettable eye candy with a restaurant covered in vintage-style toys —many of which are animated! From superheroes flying overhead to toys popping out of the ceiling or bursting into song, the surprises are endless. Want to get hands-on? The dining tables have displays built right into them — many of which are interactive. With all that fun and food, be sure to save room for dessert! Ella’s Deli boasts an 11-page dessert menu and makes their delicious chocolate and vanilla ice cream in-house. The fun continues after your meal with a ride on Ella’s Deli’s unforgettable, and beautifully ornate, 1927 Parker Carousel.
Insider Tip: Order a salad and taste the best croutons ever made. Ella’s Deli is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Carousel rides are available spring through fall. -
Cool Beans, 1748 Eagan Rd
If you’re looking for a comfortable spot to enjoy a cup of coffee and a bite to eat while your little one plays happily, Cool Beans is for you. Cool Beans offers a laid-back coffee shop vibe with plush armchairs and a cozy fireplace, yet doesn’t forget about the kids. There’s a little play area up front next to counter and table seating for easy supervision, and a sandbox outside. Their menu features locally roasted coffee, locally sourced pastries and bread, all-natural smoothies, and made from scratch vinaigrettes, pestos, and sandwich sauces.
Insider Tip: The Sir Isaac Turkey Sandwich topped with sweet apple and strawberry mayo is a local favorite. Cool Beans is open Monday through Saturday for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and open Sundays for breakfast and lunch. -
Tex Tubb’s Taco Palace, 2009 Atwood Ave
Offering a casual, slightly rustic, and comfortable dining experience that’s enjoyable for the whole family. Part of the Food Fight restaurant group, Tex Tubb’s Taco Palace has partnered with the local YMCA to create Y-approved kid’s meals offering non-fried foods with less than eight grams of sugar, and fruit and vegetable sides. Their full menu features an assortment of gourmet tacos, burritos, and other southwestern fare, and all of their tacos are made with handmade, locally sourced corn tortillas. The menu is well-marked to note gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options, and staff are well versed on ingredients to answer questions regarding allergy concerns. My go-to order is a Backyard BBQ Taco with shredded pork smothered in house-made Jack Daniel’s BBQ sauce and topped with a fried avocado, and their Crispy Tilapia Taco served on a bed of cabbage slaw. Another hit? The salsa bar! Order a basket of chips and help yourself to endless salsa in a variety of flavors.
Insider Tip: Kids eat free on Mondays. Tex Tubb’s Taco Palace is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, and also open for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Tex Tubb’s turns into more of a bar atmosphere in the evenings so plan to dine early with children.
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Crema Cafe, 4124 Monona Dr
This is how most of us wished we cooked for our families all the time. Their refreshing menu boasts an array of locally-sourced, organic, and all-natural ingredients. Crema Cafe’s breakfast eggs come fresh from a farm outside of town, plated up next to a side of local sausage or ham, and their lunch menu features a selection of artisanal sandwiches with fresh, inventive ingredients. Their kids menu shines with healthy meal options made from scratch using locally sourced, all-natural and organic ingredients at a price you can afford. Crema Cafe also offers bags of pretend food for kids to play with at their tables while their meals are being prepared.
Insider Tip: Kids enjoy a free organic lollipop as an after lunch treat. Crema Cafe is open Monday through Friday for breakfast and lunch, and Saturdays and Sundays for brunch.
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Dusty Rogers is the blogger, mother, maker, decorator and drinker of the wine at All Things G&D - a lifestyle blog where home décor, DIY and organization, healthy meals and kid-friendly snacks, party planning and entertaining all happily play together in the sandbox. Dusty lives in Madison, WI with her husband Greg and their daughter Kate, and she spends her days balancing high maintenance tendencies with a desire to keep things simple.
