7 Restaurants Near Ripley’s Aquarium (2025)
Looking for family-friendly restaurants near Ripley’s Aquarium, CN Tower or the Roger’s Centre? Look no further.
As an Ontarian mom, I’ve made my way down to Ripley’s in Toronto more times than I can count. It’s a big day for us to make it that far downtown, and I’m always looking for something to eat after the aquarium.
The good news is – you’ll have no problem finding a place to eat with the family in the area. There are a handful of family-friendly restaurants surrounding the CN Tower and Ripley’s, just across the street, or around the corner.
All of my recommendations are within reasonable walking distance with kids. (10 minutes or less.)
The area near the CN Tower, Roger’s Centre and Ripley’s Aquarium is very walkable and touristy (packed in the summertime.)
I recommend making reservations in advance if you’re going to be eating at a very popular time (dinners on the weekend, especially in summer – or during a Blue Jay game or concert that’s playing at the Roger’s Centre, as these places can fill up.)
This is the list of the best family-friendly restaurants near Ripley’s Aquarium, CN Tower, and the Rogers Centre.
So let’s jump in!
7 Family-Friendly Restaurants near Ripley’s Aquarium
Here are the 10 restaurants nearby that are within walking distance of the CN Tower, Roger’s Centre, and even the Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Pro Tip: There is a snack bar inside Ripley’s called Ripley’s Café which serves things like pizza, poutine, fries, burgers, and other fast food. During busy times, it might be hard to get a seat as it’s quite small. It’s an ok option if you want something quick, but there are several sit-down restaurants which we’ll get into below that have a better environment and experience.
1. Steamwhistle Biergarten
255 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON
Walking distance from Ripley’s: 2 minutes (across the street)
Located in a historic building in the Toronto Roundhouse Park across from the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium, Steam Whistle Biergarten is a large complex with two different entrances.
One of the entrances is more catered to being a brewery, and also a venue for weddings. However, if you walk along the front of the Toronto Roadhouse Park, you’ll find the entrance to the small Steamwhistle Biergarten Restaurant – this is called the Stiemwhistle Kitchen, which is where you’d eat a casual meal.
The kid’s menu at Steamwhisle wasn’t displayed when I went, but if you ask them for it then they will provide one. For kids, they have: mac and cheese and chicken fingers, as well as plant-based kids menu options.
They have friendly service, and being a smaller restaurant, it’s a nice, low-key environment.
- ✅Kids meal
- ✅Highchairs
- ❌Order online
- ✅Reserve a table online
- ✅Eat in
- ✅Vegetarian options
- ✅Vegan options
- ✅ Gluten-free options
2. The Rec Room
255 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto, ON
Walking distance from Ripley’s: 2 minutes (across the street -its in the same complex as Steamwhistle)
The Rec Room is also located right across the street from the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium. It’s also an attraction in itself for both, kids and adults.
There are arcades, virtual reality, a bowling alley, pool, ping pong and other games. (It gets pretty busy and stimulating here on a weekend or in the summer.) In the winter, its a good way to stay out of the cold.
The Rec Room is a chain, but the Toronto location is one of the coolest-looking locations because of the high ceilings and rustic-looking decor.
There are two restaurants located inside the Rec Room: Three10 and The Shed.
Neither have kids’ menus specifically, but they’re well stocked with shareable items that would be easy to enjoy with kids, such as wood-fired pizzas, fries, giant pretzels, chicken wings, pastas, and more.
- ❌Kids meal
- ✅Highchairs
- ❌Order online
- ✅Reserve a table online
- ✅Eat in
- ✅Vegetarian options
- ✅Vegan options
- ✅Gluten-free options
3. The Pint Public House
277 Front Street West, Toronto, ON
Walking distance from Ripley’s: 3 minutes (right up the stairs that are located to the left of the aquarium)
The Pint Public House isn’t just for adults, despite the name – there’s a variety of meal options, including kids’ meals. They even have some arcade games!
It has a casual atmosphere and large portions. Their restaurant is quite large, and they even do events.
If your group is less than 16 people, then you can book a table online.
- ✅Kids meal
- ✅Highchairs
- ✅Order online
- ✅Reserve a table online
- ✅Eat in
- ✅Vegetarian options
- ✅Vegan options
- ✅Gluten-free options
4. Sportsnet Grill
1 Blue Jays Way, Toronto, ON
Walking distance from Ripley’s: 5 minutes (located inside the Roger’s Centre)
Sportsnet Grill is open for breakfast, lunches, dinners and Sunday brunches. It’s very close to Ripley’s, but it’s tucked away in a place where most people wouldn’t know there’s a restaurant.
Sportsnet Grill is located inside the Marriott Hotel and has windows that look into the Roger’s Centre, where Blue Jays games take place.
We came here after visiting Ripleys, and we loved their food, environment and service. They were really kind, and welcoming to our kids.
I chatted with one of the servers, and she told me about some of the celebrities she’s met who rent out the lounge area.
Despite being located in such a prime-viewing spot, (and for drawing celebrities) Sportsnet Grill is pretty well-priced: kids’ meals are $12 CDN and even include healthy options, such as grilled chicken breast as a main, and veggies as a side.
Don’t worry though if you have a picky eater; they have other options such as chicken wings and fries. We had 4 kids with us ranging from 0 to 12, and all of them liked the food.
Also, a bonus -Sportsnet Grill even does their part to support the environment by having Meatless Mondays.
- ✅Kids meal
- ✅Highchairs
- ✅Order online
- ✅Reserve a table online
- ✅Eat in
- ✅Vegetarian options
- ✅Vegan options
- ✅Gluten-free options
5. Boston Pizza
250 Front st, Unit 1, Toronto, ON
Walking distance from Ripley’s: 5 minutes (its across the street)
Boston Pizza, is a popular Canadian Chain known for being family-friendly. Its located just minutes from Ripley’s Aquarium.
You can see the CN Tower and Roger’s Centre from the windows (the bottom of the tower at least.)
Aside from pizzas, they also have pastas, salads, pasta bakes and a really yummy spinach and artichoke dip.
There are options for a variety of dietary needs. The restaurant caters to kids by giving them a colouring page and crayons.
- ✅Kids meal
- ✅Highchairs
- ✅Order online
- ✅Reserve a table online
- ✅Eat in
- ✅Vegetarian options
- ✅Vegan options
- ✅Gluten-free options
6. Scaddabush Italian Kitchen & Bar
200 Front St W Unit #G001, Toronto, ON
Walking distance from Ripley’s: about 7 minutes
Scaddabush Italian Kitchen & Bar on Front Street is a family favourite with good service and an extensive menu. It’s especially a great option for picky eaters or dietary restrictions.
One feature I really like is that if you view their menu online, you can use their filter option to flag things that you don’t want to eat (such as ‘exclude vegetarian options, gluten allergy, etc.)
Kids can choose between a bambino pizza, chicken fingers or a customizable pasta. Bonus: kids can also build their own gelato sundae!
- ✅Kids meal
- ✅Highchairs
- ✅Order take-out online
- ✅Reserve a table online
- ✅Eat in
- ✅Vegetarian options
- ✅Vegan options
- ❌Gluten-free options
7. 360 at the CN Tower
Top of the CN Tower, 290 Bremner Blvd , Toronto, ON
Eating in the 360 Restaurant isn’t cheap, but it’s an experience for the whole family.
You’re dining 1151 feet in the air (351 metres), with the most amazing view of the city, Lake Ontario, and the surrounding areas.
Kid’s meals start at $40 and include an appetizer, main, drink and a dessert. You need to spend a minimum of $75 for an adult’s meal.
You do not need to pay for an admission ticket to the CN Tower in order to eat at the 360 Restaurant. These meal prices include you being able to visit the observation deck of the CN Tower after dinner.
The prices reflect that, so while the food and the view are great- I would only do this if you’re interested in visiting the CN Tower as well.
- ✅Kids meal
- ✅Highchairs
- ❌Order take-out online
- ✅Reserve a table online
- ✅Eat in
- ✅Vegetarian options
- ✅Vegan options
- ✅Gluten-free options
8. (Bonus) Evviva
25 Lower Simcoe St, Toronto, ON
Walking distance from Ripleys: About 5-10 minutes
Evviva is one of my favourite restaurants. They serve one of the best breakfasts in Toronto, are very family-friendly and have very friendly service -we eat here often.
Evviva is only open until 4 or 5 pm (wouldn’t be a good dinner option unfortunately) but they serve hearty breakfast and brunch-type food all day, so its perfect if you’re doing Ripley’s early in the day.
- ✅Kids meal
- ✅Highchairs
- ✅Order take-out online
- ✅Reserve a table online
- ✅Eat in
- ✅Vegetarian options
- ✅Vegan options
- ✅Gluten-free options
Other Restaurants Near Ripleys Aquarium
The options I listed above are the closest, but there are several other places to eat if you’re willing to walk a bit further.
- Jack Astor’s (10-minute walk) – popular Canadian chain, bar food, with indoor and outdoor seating in the summer
- Kelly’s Landing (10 minutes) – has an upper-scale environment; when you see it, you’ll wonder if it’s suitable for families. But they do cater to families and have kids’ menus. Check options here
- Old Spaghetti Factory (20 minutes) – This is a Toronto favourite – almost everyone I know has been to Old Spaghetti Factory with their kids (and even been going there since they were kids) and I sure wish it were closer to Ripley’s. If you’re up for the walk, then its a great option
Pro Tip: Many of the restaurants mentioned in this article are strict with their cancellation policies if you are reserving a table online. Don’t be surprised at all if they ask for your credit card to book a table online.
In addition, read my tips for visiting Ripley’s Aquarium here!
Hotels Near Ripley’s Aquarium
Spending the night in the area? Here are some good kid-friendly hotels within walking distance of Ripley’s Aquarium
There are many hotels near Union Station, which is right beside the CN Tower and Ripleys. It’s a safe neighbourhood, close to lots of attractions.
Here are some places to stay in the downtown area of different budget levels:
- Budget: Pembroke Inn. Cozy apartment just 15 minutes from the Dundas square subway station. From Ripley’s Aquarium, you can walk to Union station (10 minutes) and hop on the subway NORTH TO VAUGHAN line. Get off at Dundas or College in order to be able to walk to this clean, comfy and budget-friendly flat.
- Mid-range: Chelsea Hotel Be right downtown, just a 2-minute walk from Dundas Square and the subway station
- Luxury: Radission Blu Downtown Toronto With a rooftop swimming pool with a view of the CN Tower, and minutes walk to several attractions, you’re sure to enjoy your stay here in the heart of Toronto
Final Thoughts: Family-Friendly Restaurants Near Ripley’s Aquarium
This downtown core area of Toronto is really special, with lots to do with kids of all ages. While you’re visiting Ripley’s Aquarium, be sure to walk across the street to check out the Toronto Roundhouse. It shows you the old train tracks, and several of the old trains. You can climb into some of them and get some cute photos.
With Ripley’s, CN Tower, Rogers Centre, the Toronto Roundhouse and the Rec Room all in the same area, you could easily keep a whole family busy for a day in this neighbourhood.
One great thing about staying near the Ripley’s Aquarium is that with Union station nearby, you can easily get anywhere you need to in the city, which makes it easy to navigate your Toronto Itinerary. You’ll have no issues navigating this area with kids. The biggest challenge, if anything, will be choosing out of the places above, because there are some great options.
Don’t forget to check out Niagara Falls while you’re in Toronto!