ROM Friday lunch

[LexiFirefly]

So sorry in advance for this question but I couldn't find anything recent! I'm heading to the ROM today with my friend and two young children, where can we have lunch? I used to go to pho hung but that and so many other cheap places seem to be gone! Price not that much of an issue but speed and child friendliness is! I hate taking kids to a place where you just feel how unwelcome they are. Any ideas?

[ylsf]

Another suggestion that just came to mind,
Never been to Harthouse because I am never in the area when they are open but heard good things about the restaurant there
http://harthouse.ca/menus/

[peppermint pate]

2 more suggestions - Dynasty for dim sum and Yamato for teppanyaki. My kids love both. Have fun!

[LexiFirefly]

Do they have veggie options at Yamato? One of the kids won't eat meat.

[peppermint pate]

Lots of options - veggie teppanyaki, veggie tempura, agedashi tofu, soup, etc., and tons of fish and seafood (teppanyaki and sushi) if he/she eats the kind of meat that swims...

[julesrules]

Where did you go OP?
I wouldn't personally take (my own) young kids to Gallery Grill. I doubt they'd be snotty about it but it just doesn't strike me as a great place for kids, both menu and atmosphere-wise.
Yeah, Pho Hung was a decent cheap place to warm up on Bloor St. Sigh.

[LexiFirefly]

The kids were a little overestimulated so we decided to walk for a while. We ended up at say cheese a grilled cheese joint I'd never heard of. Cafeteria style and lots of room for the strollers. Food was pretty decent considering the price and location. I'd definitely do it again! Also (surprisingly) good home made soup! It's beside the shoe museum in that little strip mall.

[julesrules]

Sounds like a good option for the area especially with kids in tow!

I love the $1 salad - that is exactly how much (little?) I want to pay for bagged spring mix and a little dressing. And $1.75 for homemade soup??? Not bad at all.

http://www.blogto.com/restaurants/say...

[LexiFirefly]

I agree. When she's in a good mood I can take my 3 year old anywhere but after an exciting morning I really hate spending 30 on the two of us when I'll have to nuke the food later due to a meltdown.

[hungryabbey]

Ive been very curious after walking by many times. Actually, one night I had a very haunting dream (I actually cant stop thinking about it) about grilled cheeses because of this place ha. So weird, I know. I still haven't gone in.
what did you eat?

[LexiFirefly]

I had the bulgogi and kimchi, good but a bit too salty, my friend had the.garden veg, she loved it and the kids had the Mac and grilled cheese. Positive feedback all around. Doesn't compare to sit down resto ones I've had (Hadley's, Gabardine ect.) But good and super reasonably priced!

[hungryabbey]

Good tip. Thanks!

[jo_jo_ba]

LOVE Hart House, that is if theyre open by the time you get there, they have odd hours sometimes

[LexiFirefly]

Thanks for the suggestions guys! I was thinking annex but all I could think of was sushi and my friends a veggie. Museum tavern looks like the best bet my daughter was not impressed by the offerings at the food studio. I miss pho hung, sigh.

[ylsf]

Since it is kind of short notice, I will chime in to mention Museum Tavern across the street. A lot of talk on here about it but I haven't been myself so not sure about the "child friendly" part. It seems like they don't have an attitude though based on previous reviews so should be okay. It is a bit on the pricier side but heard their "torpedoes" are good.

Another option is the Food Studio at the ROM itself. More cafeteria style and a bit pricey but if they kids get hungry and you don't have time to go elsewhere that could work.

Lastly, if you are okay with travelling a bit (15 minute walk according to Google Maps, or, on the subway line), in the Annex area there are plenty of options, one I could recommend that should be family friendly (based on my experience at the Yorkdale location) would be Famoso Pizzeria - http://www.famoso.ca/locations/ontari...

[hungryabbey]

I would check out Museum Tavern across the street. The food is pretty good, and I would say in the day time it is child friendly (though Im not sure if they have an official "childrens menu.. you would have to ask". Regardless, their main menu offerings are very child friendly (sandwiches, fish and chips, snack foods etc)

www.abbeyskitchen.com