family dining near museum of science

[ScubaSteve]

is there anything near the MOS besdies Paparazzi or The Cheescake Factory that would satisfy a party of 8 with kidz ages 2 thru 12?

[teezeetoo]

Desfina is very kid friendly - i've taken my grandkids there and they like it - but i have to admit, pizza is incredibly reliable with ones this small

[hiddenboston]

I'd say either Desfina on Third Street in Cambridge (Greek restaurant) or, yes the California Pizza Kitchen. CPK isn't all that bad, actually, and it's convenient.

[BostonZest]

There is Mexican, Pizza, burgers and Starbucks right inside the MOS.

http://www.mos.org/doc/1197

[finlero]

Inman Square is pretty close -- maybe the S&S Deli? Big, relatively inexpensive, nothing too weird on the menu.

If by some miracle you have a whole herd of young enjoyers of seafood, I might go for the excellent fish and chips at Courthouse Seafood.

[DavisSquare]

Gah, avoid S&S at all costs. Consistently bad food for large crowds.

Why not head toward the North End (about 1 mile from MOS) where pasta and pizza can satisfy the most picky kids without forcing the adults to eat dreck in the mall or the museum.

[ScubaSteve]

that was an option however this group, of which i am not a part, would probably find the north end a little too overwhelming especially on a saturday night.

[DavisSquare]

Ok, Saturday night with a 2 year old, that thins things out a little. How are they traveling (on foot? by T? by car?). How keen are the adults on a good meal? How picky are the kids? What time are they looking to eat (would a picnic be an option?)?

[ScubaSteve]

actually 2 two year olds. they r gonna b on the T. i think their dinner hour is around 530-6pm. i am actually leaning in the direction of Eastern Standard as long as there is not a sox game. i originally thought they wanted 2 go by foot from the MOS to dinner but i think they are gonna need to get back on the train. as far as picky kids, my son (the oldest) is not, the others, i don't know. the adults don't get out too much so were just talking about good simple food.

[DavisSquare]

Once you're on the T, much of the city opens up, so it's more about family dinner for 8 on the green line in which case, your suggestion is a good one. That said, the North End shouldn't be too crazy at 5:30 on Saturday night, should it?

[MC Slim JB]

I hate to recommend chains, but there's a California Pizza Kitchen, not the worst place of its kind, in the mall. Figs (either the Charlestown or Beacon Hill locales) is better and pricier for gourmet-ish pizza.

Probably too adventurous for toddlers, but worthy and nearby places include The Helmand (Afghani, dinner only) and The Similans (a solid, slightly Westernized Thai place).

A good breakfast and lunch option (weekdays only) is the Second Street Cafe, a counter-service place with fine, fresh sandwiches, soups, and salads. Aceituna Cafe is another good-of-its-kind Lebanese-run pita sandwich/salad/shawarma shop near Kendall Square, and it's open Saturdays.

Artu on Charles Street has excellent, modest Italian sandwiches, salads, and pastas.

[Taralli]

Maybe Florentina at 143 Main serving pizza, pasta & sandwiches might give you the variety that would satisfy your party. http://boston.menupages.com/restauran...