7+ Amazing Places to Eat in Winona, Minnesota, with Your Kids
This post, featuring some of the best restaurants in Winona with kids, may contain affiliate links. It was also written after a sponsored visit with Visit Winona, though this blog post was not officially part of the partnership. All opinions are my own. For more, please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy.
Winona is one of those charming river towns in Minnesota that still feel like hidden gems (it is SO underrated-I highly recommend visiting!). Just two hours from Minneapolis, Winona offers beautiful bluff views, a walkable downtown, and plenty to explore with kids. But what really surprised us on our recent visit? The food scene!
From cozy cafes to family-friendly spots with global flavors, Winona has a wonderful (and family-friendly!) dining scene. In this guide, I'll share our top picks for the best restaurants in Winona with kids. I'm only sharing the places we've actually eaten at with our daughter. If you're wondering where to eat in Winona with kids, these tried-and-true favorites are perfect for a relaxed, kid-friendly meal during your weekend getaway.
Cafe Sapori di Sicilia (All Day)
Cafe Sapori di Sicilia quickly became one of our favorite stops in Winona (it can absolutely rival any cafe in Minneapolis!). This cozy, low-key eatery has a warm, timeless feel, with incredible coffee and some of the best pastries we've had in Minnesota (the blueberry cream cheese one is a must!).
Everything is made in-house with authentic Sicilian roots. It's the kind of place where you can genuinely slow down and enjoy the moment. That said, it also works perfectly for a quick, easy snack break or meal with kids. If you're wondering where to eat in Winona with kids, Cafe Sapori di Scilia is a fantastic all-day option!
While there is no dedicated kids' menu, there are plenty of kid-friendly options, and the menu is easy to accommodate. We popped in for breakfast. But the menu goes beyond pastries with sandwiches, salads, and gelato. If you're looking for the best restaurants in Winona with kids, this is a delicious place to start or end your day. I recommend popping in for a quick gelato in the afternoon. Or, plan to linger over breakfast or dinner. Either way, I know you'll be pleased!
Blooming Grounds Coffee House (All Day)
One of the best all-day kid-friendly restaurants in Winona is Blooming Grounds Coffee House. This cozy, community-centered cafe has a welcoming vibe that instantly makes you want to settle in and stay awhile. It's a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike, with plenty of seating and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
The food and drink menu is just as inviting. You'll find coffee, fun seasonal drinks, and a few other refreshing options. If you're hungry, there is also a full all-day menu of sandwiches, wraps, salads, and more. While there is no dedicated kids' menu, your kids will still find plenty of options they love! They can select from options like cheese panini, turkey and cheddar wraps, or bagels. When we visited, we popped in for a refresher and snack after a hike. It was such a great place to refuel before exploring more of Winona!
You'll also love the downtown location. It makes Blooming Grounds Coffee House an easy stop, no matter what your plans are for the day.
Waterbar Cafe (Lunch)
Enjoy lunch at Waterbar Cafe! It's one of the best restaurants for lunch in Winona with kids, especially if you're already visiting the attached museum.
Tucked inside the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, this intimate café has beautiful river views. It also offers a calm, welcoming vibe that makes it easy to slow down and enjoy a meal together. I recommend taking your time here. The restaurant is open to the museum entrance, so kids can move around a bit while you relax and recharge.
The menu is small but thoughtfully crafted. You'll find select sandwiches, soups, and pastries on the menu. They also offer an assortment of coffee and tea (and even wine or beer for adults). I highly recommend the warm roast beef sandwich. It was delicious and exactly what we wanted after a full morning! While they don't have a kids' menu, you can accommodate the sandwiches to suit your kids' tastes.
Heirloom Seasonal Bistro (Lunch + Dinner)
For a relaxed and delicious dinner, we loved grabbing takeout from Heirloom Seasonal Bistro (you can easily dine in, too!). Located downtown, this is undoubtedly a top pick for kid-friendly restaurants in Winona. This cozy, family-owned spot has a warm, welcoming vibe. Not to mention, a menu that highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients.
If you want to take it to go, I recommend ordering ahead. You can take it back to your hotel, a picnic table along the river, or for live music at the Two Fathoms Brewing Company. If you're not itching to go so soon, there are plenty of comfortable tables in the restaurant!
Their smash burgers are a must! The menu changes seasonally. There's always something new to try at Heirloom Seasonal Bistro. It's casual, flavorful, and perfect for a relaxed family night out. And, of course, a great answer to where to eat in Winona with kids!
Two Fathoms Brewing Company (Lunch + Dinner)
Head to Two Fathoms Brewing Company for one of the most family-friendly places to hang out and eat in Winona with kids. Set in a beautifully restored 1883 freight station, the space has a cool, historic vibe with plenty of room to relax. Plus, regular live music and rotating events make it extra fun. There is plenty of seating inside. But, when the weather's nice, I prefer the outdoor picnic tables!
For dinner, you can either bring your own food (like take-out from Heirloom Bistro) or grab something on-site. There are pizzas and snacks available, along with rotating food trucks. Parents will appreciate the craft beer list, along with non-alcoholic options for kids.
Families love the laid-back atmosphere, games, and outdoor patio. There is an entire corner for kids to play and get cozy! It's a fun, easy spot where everyone can unwind together, making it one of the most family-friendly places to eat in Winona.
Miya Japanese Bistro (Lunch + Dinner)
Miya Japanese Bistro is a downtown eatery that our whole family loved! Located in the heart of downtown Winona, this casual, welcoming restaurant has a menu with something for everyone, from fresh sushi to flavorful hibachi options. I recommend ordering a mix so both adventurous and picky eaters are happy. It's an easy win for families.
The staff is incredibly friendly. Don't skip the onion soup-it was a standout for me! We also loved the gyoza and hibachi dishes. Miya Japanese Bistro was our favorite dinner spot in Winona. It's a relaxed, delicious way to wrap up a fun day together. No wonder this is one of the best restaurants in Winona with kids.
Nate and Ally’s Frozen Treat Creations (Afternoon + Evening Ice Cream)
If you're wondering where to get ice cream in Winona with kids, head straight to Nate and Ally's. This bright, fun shop is a total hit with families. And, it is such a sweet stop while exploring downtown Winona. I recommend giving kids the chance to build their own treat-it's part of the fun! (Don't worry if it takes them ages! Just let them enjoy the process of their masterpiece.)
Choose from frozen yogurt, custard, and other ice cream options. Then, go wild at the topping bar with over 50 choices. From waffle cones to Mix-It creations, there's something for everyone. We especially loved how interactive and customizable everything is. You will pay by weight, but we found the prices surprisingly inexpensive.
My daughter still talks about Nate and Ally's! It's the perfect family-friendly treat in Winona. (So perfect that we went twice in our recent weekend visit to Winona!)
More Kid-Friendly Restaurants to Try in Winona, Minnesota
Looking for more family-friendly places to eat in Winona, Minnesota? Here are a few places we look forward to trying on our next visit. All recommended by locals or other family travelers we've met along the way.
- Bloedow Bakery is iconic! Unfortunately, we missed its opening hours during our recent visit, but it's on our list for next time!
- Blue Heron Coffeehouse
- The Shed
- Sliced Winona
- Acoustic Café
- Nosh Scratch Kitchen
Have Fun Eating in + Exploring Winona with Your Kids!
Have fun exploring my top picks for the best restaurants in Winona with kids. From cozy cafés to casual dinners and plenty of sweet treats, Winona truly surprised us with its variety and quality of food. We loved trying new places as a family and making memories around the table-especially when we are traveling. Whether you're a local, planning your own getaway, or just passing through, I hope this guide helps you find the perfect spots to eat, relax, and enjoy time together. You'll love discovering just how many kid-friendly restaurants there are in Winona to enjoy together!
Unless otherwise noted, all images within this article were taken by and belong to the blog’s author, Antonia Grant. A reminder that this post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more information.
