Family Friendly Restaurants in Moab, Utah
Local Dining Guide
You’ve spent the day hiking through Arches, splashing in the Colorado River, or biking slickrock trails. Now everyone’s hungry, and you need a spot that works for the whole crew. The good news? There’s no shortage of family friendly restaurants in Moab, Utah that serve up great food, casual vibes, and enough variety to please even picky eaters.
This guide covers the best places to eat with kids and groups, when to go, what to expect, and local tips from folks who live and dine here year-round.
Moab Makes Family Dining Easy
In Moab, eating out is part of the adventure. You’ll find colorful patios with red cliffs glowing at sunset, diners where locals trade trail stories, and food trucks where kids can wander between picnic tables while you sip something cold.
Here’s why Moab is perfect for family meals:
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Laid-back atmosphere. No fancy dress codes, just friendly faces and hearty food.
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Kid-approved menus. Burgers, pancakes, pizza, tacos, and enough dessert to earn smiles after a long hike.
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Walkable downtown. Most restaurants sit within a few blocks of Main Street, easy to reach after exploring Arches or Canyonlands.
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Local flavor. Many spots use Utah beef, local produce, or house-made sauces that give every meal a desert twist.
Trail to Table Insight: Locals usually eat early. If you head out before 6 p.m., you’ll miss the rush and snag a shady patio seat before the dinner crowds roll in.
At a Glance: Best Family Friendly Restaurants in Moab
| Category | Restaurant | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Best Breakfast Before the Trail | Moab Diner | Classic pancakes, huevos rancheros, milkshakes before noon |
| Best Pizza Night | Antica Forma | Wood-fired pizza and pasta, perfect for tired hikers |
| Best Casual Lunch | Moab Food Truck Park | Outdoor dining with tons of kid-friendly choices |
| Best Big Family Dinner | The Broken Oar | Spacious log-cabin vibe, ribs and burgers for all ages |
| Best Local Favorite | Milt’s Stop & Eat | Old-school burgers and shakes since 1954 |
| Best Quick Breakfast | Cactus Jacks Moab | Waffles, omelets, and fast service |
| Best for Teens & Groups | Trailhead Public House & Eatery | Burgers, sandwiches, and a lively downtown atmosphere |
| Best for Something Different | Sabaku Sushi | Fresh rolls, noodles, and teriyaki for adventurous eaters |
| Best Comfort Food | Moab Grill | Mom-and-pop feel, friendly staff, solid portions |
| Best All-Rounder | Zax Restaurant | Pizza, salads, and crowd-pleasing menu for every age |
All of these restaurants sit within a 10-minute drive of downtown Moab and less than 15 minutes from Arches National Park.
Moab Diner
Address: 189 S Main St | Price Range: $
Best For: Breakfasts that fuel a big day outdoors
This local landmark serves big plates and friendly smiles. The neon sign out front has been greeting travelers for decades, and the place fills with hikers, families, and dusty mountain bikers by 8 a.m. Kids love the silver-dollar pancakes and milkshakes; adults go for the huevos rancheros or green chile burrito.
Trail to Table Insight: Grab breakfast before 8:30 to beat the line, then head straight to Arches for cooler morning hikes.
Antica Forma
Address: 267 N Main St | Price Range: $$
Best For: Evenings when you crave pizza or pasta
Antica Forma’s wood-fired oven turns out the best Neapolitan-style pizza in town. Kids can watch the flames dance while you sip wine or lemonade. The margherita and lasagna are favorites for all ages.
Trail to Table Insight: Go early or reserve ahead during spring and fall—this place gets busy right after sunset hikes.
Moab Food Truck Park
Address: 39 W 100 N | Price Range: $–$$
Best For: Families who can’t agree on one meal
This shaded park has rotating food trucks serving tacos, BBQ, Asian bowls, and sweet treats. There’s plenty of outdoor seating, shade misters, and space for kids to move around. It’s Moab’s easiest family lunch stop.
Trail to Table Insight: Perfect after biking the Slickrock Trail—grab a mix of plates and refuel outside.
The Broken Oar
Address: 53 W 400 N | Price Range: $$
Best For: Big family dinners and hearty comfort food
Wood beams, string lights, and friendly service make The Broken Oar feel like a mountain lodge. The menu has something for everyone—steaks, salmon, burgers, and plenty of sides. Portions are generous, so you might share a dessert instead of doubling up.
Trail to Table Insight: Sit on the patio at sunset when the canyon walls start to glow.
Milt’s Stop & Eat
Address: 356 Mill Creek Dr | Price Range: $
Best For: Burgers and shakes with a side of nostalgia
Milt’s is Moab’s oldest restaurant and still a local favorite. It’s a walk-up burger stand with a few picnic tables and classic menu items like cheeseburgers, fries, and milkshakes made to order.
Trail to Table Insight: Perfect for a post-hike treat after exploring Mill Creek or Sand Flats.
Zax Restaurant
Address: 96 S Main St | Price Range: $$
Best For: Flexible menu and quick service
Zax is the kind of place that can handle any appetite—pizza, burgers, wraps, and salads. It’s right downtown, so you can walk from your hotel. The service is fast, and there’s plenty of room for big groups.
Trail to Table Insight: It’s open later than many other Moab restaurants, which helps when the day runs long.
Trailhead Public House & Eatery
Address: 11 E 100 N | Price Range: $$
Best For: Teens and mixed-age groups
Located in a converted church building, Trailhead feels airy and welcoming. The menu ranges from veggie wraps to ribs, with a little something for everyone. It’s a fun spot for families with older kids who like a bit of energy in the room.
Trail to Table Insight: Great after an afternoon in Arches—just a block off Main Street, easy to walk to.
Moab Grill
Address: 540 S Main St | Price Range: $
Best For: Classic diner-style meals
Locals love this place for dependable breakfast and lunch. Big booths, friendly servers, and old-school plates like omelets, sandwiches, and pancakes. It’s a quiet option when you want to sit down and relax without a wait.
Trail to Table Insight: Ideal for early risers before a morning drive to Canyonlands or Dead Horse Point.
Sabaku Sushi
Address: 90 E Center St | Price Range: $$–$$$
Best For: Families looking for lighter or unique options
Yes, you can get great sushi in the desert. Sabaku imports fresh fish several times a week and offers vegetarian rolls and teriyaki dishes for kids. The atmosphere is mellow and clean, with friendly staff happy to adjust spice levels.
Trail to Table Insight: A fun way to change things up after a week of burgers and BBQ.
When to Eat in Moab
Timing is everything in a small desert town.
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Breakfast: 6–9 a.m. for early hikers or families who want to hit the park before the heat.
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Lunch: 11–2 p.m. works best for food trucks and cafes.
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Dinner: 5–7 p.m. is prime time—arrive before 6 for shorter waits.
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Late night: Limited options, but Zax and Moab Diner stay open later.
Seasonal tip:
Spring and fall bring perfect patio weather. Summer evenings can stay hot past sunset, so choose shaded or indoor seating. In winter, expect shorter hours but no crowds.
Pair Your Meal with an Adventure
| Adventure | Perfect Meal Stop | Local Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Morning hike to Delicate Arch | Moab Diner | Go early, grab breakfast, and be on the trail by sunrise |
| Afternoon float on the Colorado River | Broken Oar | Ribs and fries hit perfectly after paddling |
| Bike Slickrock Trail | Food Truck Park | Refuel fast and stay outside in the shade |
| Evening at Dead Horse Point | Antica Forma | Watch the sunset, then head back for pizza and pasta |
| Half-day canyon tour | Milt’s Stop & Eat | Order to-go burgers and eat riverside |
FAQs
What restaurants in Moab have kids’ menus?
Moab Diner, Zax, and Broken Oar all offer dedicated kids’ options. Food Truck Park vendors are also flexible for small portions.
Where can I eat near Arches National Park with my family?
Most restaurants on Main Street are only 10 minutes from the Arches entrance. Moab Diner and Trailhead are the most convenient after a park day.
Do Moab restaurants have outdoor seating?
Yes — nearly all spots listed here have patios or outdoor tables. The Food Truck Park and Broken Oar have some of the best setups for families.
What about gluten-free or vegetarian options?
Antica Forma, Trailhead, and Zax handle special diets well. Ask your server for recommendations; Moab’s food scene is flexible.
Can we get takeout for a picnic?
Absolutely. Milt’s Stop & Eat, Moab Grill, and several food trucks pack up meals to go. Perfect for a picnic at Fisher Towers or the Colorado River.
The Local Takeaway
Moab’s restaurants aren’t just fuel—they’re part of the adventure. Whether you’re swapping trail stories at Moab Diner, chasing tacos at the Food Truck Park, or cooling off with a milkshake at Milt’s, each meal feels like a small celebration of the day.
When you eat local here, you become a beat in the rhythm of town. River guides unwinding, families planning tomorrow’s hike, kids still wearing red dust on their shoes. Take a moment and just look around. You are part of a red rock mosaic.