Top Restaurants for Picky Eaters in Tampa
Great Spots to Explore as Your Child Progresses in Feeding Therapy
When your child is a picky eater or has medical reasons for a restricted diet, going out to eat can be stressful for the entire family. Learn more about feeding disorders from our recent blog Understanding Pediatric Feeding Disorders. If your child is in feeding therapy working with an SLP (Speech-Language Pathologist) or OT (Occupational Therapist), progress can take time. While feeding therapy is a journey, taking steps to expose your child to different environments, such as restaurants with varied smells and sights, is a move in the right direction. However, it’s equally important that they feel safe knowing there are “safe foods” available.
In the Clearwater and Tampa area, several restaurants cater to children with specific dietary needs or sensory sensitivities. When choosing a restaurant, consider both the menu and the dining environment. Look for places that actively serve children with dietary restrictions, offer therapy-friendly options, and have a sensory-friendly dining space. The atmosphere should not be overwhelming—look for softer lighting, quieter music, and comfortable seating.
Here are our top five restaurant picks for families with picky eaters, especially those in feeding therapy:
1. Mod’s Pizza – 2227 Sun Vista Dr, Lutz, FL 33559
- Why It’s Great for Picky Eaters: Mod’s is very allergen-friendly and offers plenty of customization options, making it an excellent choice for children in feeding therapy. Even the pickiest of eaters usually enjoy their “vegan cheese” pizza. You can customize the crust thickness, choose from various sauces, or even opt for pizza without sauce if your child prefers. They are attentive to food allergies and sensitivities, changing gloves upon request. This level of flexibility aligns well with early intervention and feeding therapy techniques like food chaining, where you gradually introduce new foods in a familiar context.
- Environment: The dining area is casual with dim lighting, providing a calming space. Booths are often set apart, and the smells are limited to pizza, avoiding overwhelming your child with conflicting scents.
2. The Getaway – 13090 Gandy Blvd N, St. Petersburg, FL 33702
- Why It’s Great for Picky Eaters: The Getaway offers a unique outdoor dining experience on the beach. Here, children can play in the sand right next to your table, allowing them to feel more relaxed. The menu features many kid-friendly staples like pizza, fries, cheese quesadillas, chicken tenders, and grilled cheese. Being outside means the smells are more dispersed, reducing sensory overload.
- Environment: The outdoor seating ensures that sounds and smells aren’t too intense. It’s perfect for kids who need to move around or those who benefit from being in a more open space. However, you’ll need to keep a close eye on your child around the water.
3. First Watch – 2539 Countryside Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33761
- Why It’s Great for Picky Eaters: First Watch is a breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot that offers simple items like plain toast, eggs, grilled cheese, waffles, and plain pancakes. They are very flexible with menu modifications, making it a great fit for children with specific dietary needs or those in feeding therapy. The smells are primarily related to breakfast foods, which tend to be less overpowering.
- Environment: They offer both indoor and outdoor seating, providing options to suit your child’s comfort level. You can also use their “Get in Line” app feature to avoid long waits, which is beneficial for children who may have difficulty waiting.
4. Panera Bread – 2679 Gulf to Bay Blvd Suite 530, Clearwater, FL 33759
- Why It’s Great for Picky Eaters: Panera Bread is a casual dining experience where everyone can find something they enjoy. They offer simple options like macaroni and cheese, bread and butter, and flatbreads for pizza lovers. The app allows you to customize orders easily, avoiding the stress of explaining special requests to the staff.
- Environment: Panera has spacious dining rooms with comfortable seating. For children with oral motor difficulties, the soup options can be easier to chew and swallow. The familiarity of a chain like Panera also means you can find a location nearly anywhere, offering consistency for your child’s feeding therapy progress.
5. Craft Street Kitchen – 3153 Curlew Rd, Oldsmar, FL 34677
- Why It’s Great for Picky Eaters: Craft Street Kitchen has a variety of options and is very flexible with modifications, including vegetarian and vegan options. Their comfort food menu is often a hit for picky eaters. They don’t serve strong-smelling fish or foods in the dining area, keeping the environment pleasant for children with sensory sensitivities.
- Environment: The seating areas are dimly lit with no loud music, making it a calm place for children in speech therapy or feeding therapy. They also have outdoor dining, and the kids’ menu includes favorites like chicken tenders, fries, mac and cheese, grilled cheese, and plain pasta.
Tips for Dining Out with a Picky Eater:
- Check the Menu in Advance: Most restaurants have their menus online. Review it ahead of time to identify safe food options for your child.
- Call Ahead: Contact the restaurant to discuss any special dietary needs or sensory accommodations they can make.
- Bring Comfort Items: If your child has sensory processing issues, consider bringing noise-canceling headphones or a favorite toy to help them feel more comfortable.
Dining out can be a positive experience for children in feeding therapy, providing opportunities for early intervention in a real-world setting. Choosing the right restaurant that caters to picky eaters and offers a sensory-friendly environment can make a world of difference.