Toronto Family Restaurants

Buddha Dog applies the trend of using locally sourced items to produce its noted hotdogs. Co-owner Andrew Hunter likes to say that "our hot dogs are products and not byproducts." Buddha Dog's franks, despite looking skimpy, a result of not having lots of fat and water, taste great. Choose from 10+ sauces that may include such novel options as garlic aioli, Riesling tarragon mustard and wasabi. For kids' there's all-natural ketchup. If your family craves hot dogs, then this casual and inexpensive eatery in Toronto's Parkdale neighborhood is worth the trip from downtown.

Even if you don't visit the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) -- and you should -- consider Frank, located street level in the AGO, for lunch or dinner. With a wall of windows and colorful Plexiglas tables, the Frank Gehry designed cafe is as inviting as the "Canadian comfort" food that it serves. While the restaurant does not offer a children's menu, kids may like the fries, salads, lentils, daily soups and even the elk burger. (Of course, you should mention the elk after they eat it.) The more adventuresome, can try a Rubens sandwich or mussels for lunch, as well as Cornish hen or skirt steak for dinner.

Located on the lookout level of the CN Tower, 113 stories above Toronto, Horizons Restaurant offers panoramic views of the city as well as good food. Horizons' burgers have won "best in the city." Also noteworthy are the salads and the Ontario lamb shepherd’s pie. The kids' menu has spaghetti and chicken, pasta and chicken fingers.

Even though this faux medieval show could be listed as an attraction, we think this is best considered as an evening meal with entertainment for children craving some fun with their food. While eating chicken and ribs (vegetarian meals available), you watch knights test their jousting and horsemanship skills, which are impressive. The good guy wins, evil is subdued and the prince reappears to claim his princess. Despite the hackneyed tale, kids love the cheering, the horsemanship and the souvenirs. It's best to set a limit before you enter and then go "deaf" to the pleas. Also, skip the $2 extra to see the dungeon. The torture equipment upsets some kids.

Try a peameal bacon sandwich, Toronto's signature in-a-bun item, from Carousel Bakery, select one of 35 mustards from Kozlik's Canadian Mustard or taste the halibut at Buster's Sea Cove (burgers available as well). The market, a Toronto institution, features vendors who also sell cheese, pasta, pates and bread. On Saturdays, a farmer's market adds to the many selections available.