Trying new foods is a great way to introduce kids to cultures from around the world. Whether your kiddos love trying new flavors every chance they get or you’re looking for restaurants that offer a kids menu to make things easier, Cedar Park has it all when you know where to look. So, Crème de la Crème of Cedar Park put together this list of restaurants to check out right here in our area. Let these five restaurants serve as inspiration the next time you’re looking for a great place to eat.

Cielito Lindo

Someone holding a chicken taco, wrapped in a corn tortilla against an all black background.

Image via Unsplash by miguel_pembo

If you’re searching for authentic interior Mexican cuisine, Cielito Lindo is one of the best. Better yet, this restaurant is located right in Cedar Park, making it incredibly easy to try their fresh, tasty Mexican fare. The family-owned and -operated restaurant has treated Cedar Park residents to delicious meals since 2015.

Don’t let the plain exterior fool you. Inside, you’ll find a relaxed setting and traditional favorites like enchiladas, tacos, and Cochinita Pibil, a savory pork dish served with onions, rice, beans, and tortillas. The restaurant is open every day for both lunch and dinner, and you can also order fresh takeout if you want to enjoy these tasty dishes from the comfort of your home.

Start the meal off with an appetizer like guacamole or nachos before diving into the main dishes. There’s something for everyone at this local spot. You can order from the family menu to take the guesswork out of feeding a bigger group, or choose from seafood plates, chiles rellenos, and much more. They even offer a kids menu complete with kid-friendly favorites like quesadillas and arroz con pollo, or chicken with rice. All in all, if you’re looking for authentic flavors that will keep the whole family happy, you can’t go wrong with a meal at Cielito Lindo.

Taco Shack

When you’re craving an easy-to-access classic taco served fresh, head over to Taco Shack’s Cedar Park location. This Austin-based chain turns breakfast tacos (plus burritos and more) into a delicious treat. You can also stop by this casual spot for lunch or dinner, or just about any time you’re in the mood for tacos.

The husband-and-wife team opened the first Taco Shack in Austin in 1996, and the shacks have been an area mainstay ever since. If you want a quick, fun, and fresh bite to eat, you can’t go wrong with a family business like this one. Build your own breakfast taco from mouthwatering classics like eggs, cheese, and refried beans, and add tasty extras like guacamole or jalapeños. There’s also plenty of suggestions on the menu if you don’t know what to pick and are looking for some inspiration.

A kids menu with soft and crispy tacos as well as enchiladas means it’s easy to keep the whole family happy here. From taco salads to fish dishes to veggie options and more, Taco Shack takes fast food to the next level.

Soto

Jet off to the other side of the globe without ever leaving Cedar Park. Soto offers a real treat when you’re in the mood for sushi or other Japanese fare. Start with a simple miso soup or house salad, or try out new flavors with Chilean sea bass soup, fried tofu, and more. Then, treat yourself to specialty dishes like fried rice with wagyu beef and veggies, or go for the makimono (sushi rolls), nigiri (seafood packed onto rice), or sashimi (delicious raw fish all on its own). 

There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re feeling adventurous (think: pasta with sea urchin and poached egg) or you want to go with a classic favorite like teriyaki chicken. You can even order online and enjoy your meal at home.

Daichi Sushi & Grill

Daichi Sushi & Grill offers another great option if you’re looking for sushi or other Japanese entrees right here in Cedar Park. The restaurant prides itself on serving traditional, Japanese-style dishes. The restaurant is warm and welcoming, and with both lunch and dinner menus available, you’re sure to find a reason to stop by here and introduce the kids to delicious flavors.

Choices like teriyaki beef, chicken, or salmon, gyoza (pan-fried dumplings), and seaweed salad are just the start. You’ll find an assortment of unique rolls as well as standard options to try. From udon or soba soup to ginger pork and more, this spot offers a range of Japanese dishes. Mix and match from the a la carte menu to sample a range of interesting flavors.

Chada Thai Traditional Taste

Then there’s Chada Thai, a Cedar Park restaurant serving up tasty Thai cuisine. Chada Thai Traditional Taste got its start in 2015 and has been introducing Austin-area families to unique global flavors ever since. With a wide assortment of menu items available, this restaurant makes it easy to introduce the kids to a new cuisine. You’ll find soups, salads, and other appetizers here, not to mention a range of entrees including stir-fried noodle dishes, rice and fried rice options, curries, grilled dishes, and much more.

A kids menu makes it even easier to head out for a family meal here. Find kid-friendly versions of classic meals like Pad See Ew (stir-fried flat rice noodles) and Pad Thai (stir-fried rice noodles), both with a mix of meats, veggies, and different special sauces. Kids can also enjoy noodle soup or fried rice, or order right from the regular menu if they’re looking to expand their tastes even more.

At Crème de la Crème of Cedar Park on Lakeline Blvd., we know how enriching it can be for kids to try out cuisines they’ve never tasted before. We hope you’re inspired to try new foods with the kids now that you’ve read our list of Cedar Park restaurants! These eateries can make it easy to take a trip to another place, even if you can’t get out and travel. Do you already have a favorite spot in town that we missed? Drop us a line with your go-to Cedar Park spot so we can check it out and add it to our list.