Looking for a dining experience well above the chain variety with delicious food and a classy, welcoming atmosphere? Parents and kids can eat well at Decatur’s No. 246. With kids in tow, brunch is the best bet but dinner is also a delicious and doable option, especially with kids comfortable with eating out.

What’s on the menu: The food is Italian inspired with dishes reflecting what’s in season and local. Brunch includes tasty items like deviled eggs, breakfast burgers or an amazing Brioche French toast. You’ll also find fresh pasta and delicious pizza. All brunch items are from Executive Chef Andrew Isabella’s family recipes. Entrees range from $8-$18 and appetizers are from $3-$9. Pizza is a great dinner entrée option, too.

Why kids will like it: If you can, sit near the kitchen to watch dishes being cooked and prepared. When it’s warmer outside, there’s a comfortable outdoor seating area that parents and kids will enjoy. The menu for kids includes spaghetti and meatballs, chicken tenders and fries, buttered spaghetti and shrimp, and cheese or pepperoni pizza. Each is $7 and portion sizes tend to be large. The kids’ pizza is enough for two and my son thought it was “the best pizza ever!” Not on the kids’ menu, but a great option for families, is the breakfast pizza. Each kids’ menu doubles as a coloring sheet and comes with crayons.

Why parents will like it: On the Sunday we went, there was a great mix of kids and adults. As a parent with two toddlers, it was great to be able to enjoy brunch at a “nice restaurant” and not feel out of place. Parents can relax with a lovely cocktail or freshly squeezed juice while choosing between brunch options. I love deviled eggs and theirs made for a delicious appetizer. My husband and I almost always split our entrees, so we can sample two dishes. The breakfast burger was awesome with sausage, fried egg and pimento cheese – total comfort food with a kick. The pancake was a seasonal sweet potato pancake with ricotta. I shared a couple bites with my son and he wanted more. Don’t skip dessert if you have room after all this food. The chocolate ganache was rich and wonderful. The vanilla Italian meringue ice cream came in a waffle cone and the kids devoured it. I think it was the most food my 3-year-old has ever eaten! With all the great menu options, we can’t wait to get back and try more.

Details

129 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur. 678-399-8246; no246.com
Brunch Sat. and Sun. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Lunch, Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Dinner, Mon.-Thurs. 5-10 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 5-11 p.m., Sun. 5-9 p.m.

– Laura Powell