Any restaurants you would NOT bring a toddler?

[Quinn222]

$115 is a bit steep for a PBJ sandwich
Actually tho the servers at V&A told us that once in a GREAT while they'll get a toddler--but not very often. In fact, they rarely get kids of any age. Since 1988 I've only seen kids at V&A twice.

I have to admit that I would be seriously ticked off if I showed up for a reservation at V&A and their was a toddler there, unless it was the rare toddler who is so quiet I can't hear them.

 

[SwhJess]

This is an interesting thread - and of course we all have some horror stories where obnoxious parents purposely ignored their screaming children and have ruined our expensive meals (or at least made them less enjoyable) at Chef's de France/Brown Derby/California Grill/Flying Fish/insert nice restaurant here.....I guess my general thinking is that if your child is disrupting the people around him, then you need quiet him down or remove him from the restaurant. Otherwise, you have fallen into the "obnoxious" parents realm. At that point, there is no fault on the child - only on the parents.

The thing to remember though - children who don't ever get taken to "nice" restaurants don't ever learn how to behave at "nice" restaurants.

 

[shellybaxter]

I know for a fact that is not the case. I first experienced V&A while I was a young child and that option was offered to me. I refused it and tried some new and interesting dishes - didn't finish it all but do you really expect an 8 year old to finish every last bite?

To the OP: Only you know your child's limits. Don't over due your child's limits and I'm sure they will behave through dinner. Its Disney...there's bound to be a toddler in most of the dining establishments.

I apoligize, I had been misinformed. I read a post from a parent on these boards that was complaining that Victoria and Alberts did not have a reduced price for children, nor did they have a modified children's menu.

I don't think of eigth year olds as toddlers or even young children. In my experience in child care a toddler is a child between one and two years old. Most toddlers are not yet socially developed enough to understand sitting relativly quiet through a 2 hour plus meal.

My concerns for toddlers in signature restaurants are not only, or even primarily, for the other patrons. They are for the child. At four years old my niece sat acceptably for a 2.5 hour dinner at Jiko. She did great, but on the next trip she asked to eat "anywhere but that restaurant with the birds on the ceiling" meaning Jiko. This was 2 and a half years later and she remembered disliking her expirience so much that she did not want to return.

 

[cdrn1]

I would not take my little grandkids (1 and 3.5) to any of the signature restaurants until they are at least 10. Unless a miracle happens and they are exceptionally well-behaved lmao: ). Even then we will evaluate and decide. I took DGD to San Angel at 11 mos. She was a doll. No way would I take DGS. He is definitely NOT a doll. Use your judgement. If it's a loud and rowdy place, ie WCC, take the little ones. If it's adult-oriented, don't.

 

[waltskids]

V&A's-Definitely not
Signature restaurants- We personally would not at this time (our DS is 9 months).- He loves to eat and will try any table food, but he likes to babble loudly and we wouldn't want to disturb other guests. But you know your child best so it's really a personal decision.

 

[lilyv]

Most folks have no problem with little ones, as long as they are taken out as soon as they begin to disturb other diners.

Personally, I think any restaurant on the signature list should not be considered.

Why would anyone want to risk dining separately-having to trade off an over-tired toddler in the lobby?

Louder, family friendly restaurants might be the best choice for everyone.