dining with children in Murray Hill

Ethos is good, but go early, the service is not suitable for speedy dining later on. A bit further down (24th and 3rd) 'inoteca has good food and a flexible small plates menu, make reservations, and again, go early (although it is on the noisy side with quite a few kids so the environment is good for families).

you can try Baby Bo's - food's inconsistent, but it's casual; Pio Pio (34th, near 3rd, but watch the portions, they are huge - chicken dishes mostly) ; Pizza 33 (33rd and 3rd), Librettos (36th and 3rd, also pizza), Patsy's (34th and 3rd, also pizza); if you want a deli, 2nd Ave. deli and Sarge's are nearby. Generally, walk south on 3rd and find something. Do not, and I repeat, do not, eat at Caliente Cab co.

Patsys (35 and 3rd)-pasta and good pizza. I see a lot of families there. Lunch portions are generous and a good deal. Trattoria Alba(34/2nd) - good pasta dishes and their tiramisu is great. If you don't mind a mini trek, Smorgas in the Scandinavia House is a fun find. It's on 38th and Park. I love the colorful "Ant" chairs and the beautiful tree installation. I've been there for only for lunch-my go-to dish here is the gravlax club. It's delish!

My kids love Artisanal on Park and 32nd. (4 and 9) Scandinavia House is fun too.

Oh, and congrats to your daughter! While it's not the trendiest nabe, there's easy access to most places, and generally not as crowded as the more popular nabes. I enjoy the calm feeling (relative to most other neighborhoods) and it's a very convenient location for me!

Great Swedish meatballs at Scandinavia House although they were even better before Smorgas took over. Bryant Park Grill has average food but beautiful views and there are indoor and outdoor options. Ali Baba on 34th between 2nd & 3rd has good Turkish food. We always head over to Landmarc though in the Time Warner Building. The kids love it!

Noodles on 28th which is actually on 3rd avenue between 29th and 30th streets has way above average Chinese food. Hudson Corner Cafe at 36th and 3rd has a good, "basic variety" menu (salads, personal pizza, pasta, chicken parm, sandwiches etc) and, casual atmosphere and I would bet is family friendly especially early in the evening. Christina's on 2nd avenue between 33rd and 34th has a nice outdoor area (great for allowing kids to be kids) and decent Italian food. All of these places have very reasonable pricing.

Boss77 has it right.
Go to PioPio and share dishes.

"While it's not the trendiest nabe"
... but it IS for early-to-mid 20s

I forgot blue smoke. It is a bbq place, but it does good fish and chicken, and it's awesome for kids. I like ali baba and christina's also. adore artisinal, but sadly my cheese-loving child can't stand the cheese smell at the restaurant. haven't been to piopio, shall have to try.

Hey, I don't know if Ethos is still on east side of Third b/w 34th/33rd, but it's great.

lowery, i'm fairly certain it is. one of my favorites around there. crazy crowded on friday nights though, particularly later. really good food at great prices draws a crowd.

country on madison and 28th is lovely

aboutready - you have good taste, but I knew that already

California Pizza on 30th and Park surprised me on my first visit (didn't really want to go but went with a group). I've been back about 5 or 6 times and each time the pizza was outstanding. THey also have pretty good salads and pastas. Very interesting ingredients. It is very roomy, seems family friendly, and very reasonably priced, especially for Park Ave. A warm welcome to Murray Hill for you daughter!

Dock's at 40th and 3rd is very child friendly early in the evening - usually will give you a table that is a little set apart so the kids can be kids.

Hey! Thanks so much! Ate at Ethos today for a late lunch. It was awesome! Thanks for welcoming my daughter to the area. She seems very happy but says its much different from the east village.