5 Charlotte Restaurants That Keep Your Family Happy…and Full, a guest blog by Kavitha T.

When I’m craving something truly delicious and don’t feel like washing dishes, I head to one of these five restaurants with my toddler in tow. I’ve highlighted some favorite dishes, but each one of these family friendly restaurants has a wonderful menu.

1. Bistro La Bon
http://bistrolabon.com/
The Sunday Brunch Smorgasbord (official name) at Bistro La Bon is a wonderful way to make even the pickiest eater happy. I try to save room for the french toast, which has an almost bread pudding-like consistency. My two-year-old can’t keep her hands off the crispy bacon. My husband always has a generous pile of swedish meatballs on his plate. Between all that and the buttery scones, chocolate waffles, house cured salmon, and roasted vegetables (just to name a few dishes) – this buffet is a hard place to practice self-control.

2.Café Nirvana
http://www.cafenirvana.net/
The lunch buffet at Café Nirvana does all the classic Indian dishes very well. My daughter prefers the samosas – stuffed with potatoes and peas, vegetable fritters (pakoras), and buttery naan dipped in a tomato and cream style chicken curry (tikka masala). The yogurt and spice marinated chicken (tandoori) and rice cooked with meat (biriyani) along with a cold Kingfisher beer make my husband a very happy man. I love any dish featuring paneer (homemade style cheese). The dishes do change on the buffet, but I’m especially happy when I see gulab jamun on the line. This dessert is reminiscent of fried donuts – except these are submerged in sugary syrup – yum!

3.Cantina 1511 Restaurant
http://www.cantina1511restaurant.com/Home/
The Mexican Chopped Salad at Cantina 1511 is my favorite salad in the city. The chipotle ranch dressing is so good I use it as a dip for chips. The small salad – because the small is plenty big – is jam packed with more than romaine – tomato, onion, avocado, scallions, chickpeas, cucumbers, sweet corn, and cotija cheese. The highlight is the jicama – which adds a crunchy, sweet note. The salad can be topped with protein for an additional charge. Though not on the menu, I request the slow cooked, braised and shredded pork and they’re usually happy to oblige. Although my husband always tells me that he’s going to order this salad the next time we come, he inevitably gets the mix and match tacos. My daughter helps herself to both of our plates, but ends up eating more chips than anything else.

4.Skillets
http://www.skilletsforbreakfast.com
As soon as we enter the parking lot of Skillets, my 2-year-old starts chanting “bacon and potatoes.” The bacon is thick sliced with a touch of sweetness and the Skillets potatoes are crispy and creamy at the same time. My favorites are the scone of the day, which is quite large, and the café mocha – so far the best I’ve ever had. My husband gets the Philly Cheese Steak Skillet or the South of the Border Omelet. The menu is gigantic and everyone leaves pleased, full, and ready for a nap.

5.Zio – Authentic Italian Pasta, Pizza and Hot Pies
http://www.ziocharlotte.com/
You can’t go wrong by ordering the Grilled Sweet Sausage pizza at Zio. The toppings are wonderful – house roasted peppers, tomato sauce, two cheeses, and fresh herbs. However, the crust is what makes this pizza amazing. There’s a smoky flavor to the crust and a texture that’s crunchy, chewy, and airy. This pizza along with gnocchi bolognese, salad, and tiramisu make for a feast of a meal.

Feel free to add your favorite family friendly Charlotte restaurants!