Whether you need a place to celebrate a special occasion with the family or simply don’t want to make dinner, it’s helpful to know which local restaurants are both yummy and kid-friendly. Thankfully, Port Potomac, Virginia, and the Woodbridge area have lots of great restaurants with welcoming, relaxed atmospheres and menu options for kids. Here are five nearby spots worth checking out.

Presto Pizza

Image via Flickr by Christian Steen

A family-owned pizza joint in Merchant Plaza in Woodbridge, Presto Pizza is a local favorite for pies, wings, and more. Started by a small Italian family from Sicily, this place has all the charm and authenticity of a traditional Italian pizzeria. Order online for pickup or delivery, or enjoy a meal in their cozy dining room any day of the week between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. Keep Presto Pizza in mind for your catering needs, as well.

If you’re craving pizza, choose from a 10, 12, 14, or 16-inch pie with over 20 different topping options and create your own. Presto also offers a gluten-sensitive crust option. The restaurant’s gourmet pizzas come with creative toppings and a wide range of delicious options. Try the Maui Wowi topped with ham, bacon, pineapple, and extra mozzarella cheese or the Shrimp Scampi alla “Diavola” covered in fresh garlic, crushed tomatoes, deviled shrimp, hot peppers, and fresh parsley.

Other classic Italian menu options include homemade Focaccia, stuffed shells, signature paninis, bruschetta, and calzones. Don’t forget to add a few Sicilian cannoli to your order for dessert. Kids will enjoy almost everything on the menu, but some of the most kid-friendly items include spaghetti and meatballs, cheese pizza, and lasagna rolls.

CHIYOSHI

Another family-owned and operated restaurant in Woodbridge, Chiyoshi specializes in Japanese and Chinese cuisine. They offer delivery and takeout from their location on Jefferson Highway Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. and on Sunday from 4 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. Place your order by phone, online, or through their app. Chiyoshi is a great option for parents who don’t want to go to a restaurant to eat but want someone else to prepare their meal.

Start with some of their snack bites like fried butterfly shrimp or popcorn shrimp. Japanese Teriyaki is made with tofu, chicken, salmon, shrimp, or kabob and served with white rice and steamed broccoli. Kids typically enjoy fried rice options with chicken or a combination of chicken, shrimp, beef, and vegetables. Lo mein is also very kid-friendly. For the adults, Chiyoshi offers lots of interesting and flavorful dishes, including Bourbon chicken, seafood udon soup, and Mongolian chicken. If you have a big family to feed, consider one of their party trays that come with enough food to feed six people.

The Secret Garden Cafe

Nestled in Historic Old Town Occoquan on Mill Street, just about 10 minutes from Woodbridge, The Secret Garden Cafe has a rich history and a relaxing atmosphere. The building was built in 1840 and was originally owned by the town’s pharmacist. Surrounded by a beautiful garden, this home-turned-restaurant is perfect for romantic evenings and family gatherings. Patio dining is available during nice weather for some fresh air. The Secret Garden Cafe is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.

Come by for a relaxing breakfast or brunch and choose from a menu full of favorites like French toast, a Monte Cristo sandwich, and shrimp and grits. The lunch and dinner menus are the same and feature salads, sandwiches, entrees, and appetizers. Order some beef pot stickers to start or a warm goat cheese and spiced pecan salad. Try the lump crab cake sandwich or bahn mi to spice up your lunch a bit. Dinner favorites include a 10-ounce rib-eye steak, fresh Atlantic salmon, and a Penne Rose pasta dish. 

Kids can enjoy several options from their kids menu, like French toast and fruit for breakfast or grilled cheese for lunch or dinner. There are also gluten-free and vegetarian menus available upon request. You can even order ahead online for easy pickup if you want to enjoy a meal at home.

Dixie Bones

Located on Occoquan Road in Woodbridge, Dixie Bones is a great spot for kids. They are open every day from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. and also offer take out and online ordering. First opened in 1996, Dixie Bones still operates under three of its four founding owners in a welcoming, family-friendly environment.

Daily lunch specials are always changing, so keep an eye out. Their lunch and dinner menu offers the same options daily, making it easy to find a favorite dish. Enjoy a hot sandwich like pulled pork or fried catfish for lunch. If you’ve come for some barbecue, you’ll have the choice of several classic Southern plates, including ribs and cornbread, brisket, pork shoulder, and sausage. Kids can choose a beef, chicken, pork, or grilled cheese sandwich with fries and an apple. If you’re ordering to enjoy at home, check out their sides in quarts and pints and meats by the pound.

Siam Bistro Thai Cuisine

For something a little different but still family-friendly, check out Siam Bistro Thai Cuisine in Merchant Plaza. Order takeout or delivery from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. any day of the week. Try a little spice with the tom yum soup or spicy beef salad to start. The pad kra paow is also great for those who want some serious kick. Other menu favorites include pad Thai, Thai fried rice, and Chinatown egg noodles. Kids can enjoy jasmine rice with the Chicken Rama dish and fried dumplings.

There you have it. Our preschool Woodbridge‘s recommendations for family-friendly dining. We understand the importance and sometimes the difficulty of finding restaurants that welcome kids and big families. Does your family have a favorite local spot that we didn’t mention? Let us know, and we’ll check it out and add it to our list.