Taverna Mercatto

Taverna Mercatto sits at 120 Bremner Boulevard, right in the thick of Toronto's entertainment district near Scotiabank Arena and the Rogers Centre. It's an upscale Italian restaurant that manages to be elevated without being stuffy, which is exactly the balance you want when bringing kids somewhere nicer.

The menu features handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and classic Italian dishes that lean toward quality ingredients over complicated preparations. For kids, this translates well — a simple margherita pizza or spaghetti from Taverna Mercatto is going to be leagues better than the usual kids' menu fare, and most children recognize that immediately. There's no formal kids' menu, but the kitchen is accommodating about smaller portions of pasta dishes if you ask.

The restaurant is spacious by Toronto standards, with a modern Italian aesthetic that includes warm wood tones and good lighting. Strollers can be managed here without too much difficulty, and high chairs are available. The noise level during busy periods (especially pre-game or pre-concert) actually works in a family's favor — your toddler's outburst won't be the loudest thing in the room.

Timing matters at this location. Before major events at Scotiabank Arena, the restaurant fills up fast and service can feel rushed as the kitchen tries to turn tables. Your best bet with kids is an early lunch or a dinner reservation well before event time. On non-event days, the pace is much more relaxed and better suited to family dining.

The Bremner Boulevard location means you're steps from Ripley's Aquarium, the CN Tower, and the waterfront. It's a natural choice for a nice family meal after a morning at the aquarium or before heading up the CN Tower. The PATH underground system connects to the building, which is a lifesaver in winter with small kids.