If you’re a parent of a kid with food allergies, you understand how hard it can be to dine out. Gabriel Aragon wants to make it easier.

The co-owner of the two-month-old Angelo’s Taverna and Carboy Winery in Littleton is the father of a nine-year-old daughter with food sensitivities. “I’ve had bad experiences when a young person with dietary needs is eating out,” Aragon says. “Here at Angelo’s, we have a lot of options for kids, including dairy-free and gluten-free options.”

Everything that comes out of the kitchen at Angelo’s Taverna—the sibling restaurant to Angelo’s Taverna on Sixth Avenue—is made from scratch. Here, you won’t find chicken fingers and fries, or even a dedicated kid’s menu. Instead, parents can order a half portion of any menu item for half the price. Just don’t expect your kids to join the clean plate club—even the smaller portions are substantial.

Start the meal by testing your kiddo’s palate with an appetizer. The toasted ravioli and bruschetta are sure winners, but pick the grilled artichoke for a new taste and dining skill (your kid will love learning how to scrape the meat off the leaves).

For the adventurous eater, almost anything on the pasta menu will be a hit (my 15-month-old demolished a serving of the creamy pappardelle Bolognese). If your kiddo favors something familiar, opt for a create-your-own pasta dish. Choose from five different types of pasta (fettuccini, pappardelle, penne, linguini, or spaghetti) or gluten-free fettuccini or rigatoni. Then choose marinara or Alfredo sauce topped with meatballs, sausage, or grilled chicken.

Once the meal is finished, head outside to let your kids burn off those carbs. The grassy “backyard” on the west side of the restaurant is surrounded by boulders perfect for climbing, while parents can grab a seat in an oversized Adirondack chair and enjoy an adult beverage by the fire. It’s the perfect end to a family dinner where everyone enjoyed their meals, no matter the modifications to make it just right.

Cost: $$/$$$ ($14–$20)

Parking: Turn west off South Santa Fe Drive on the first right after Brewery Boulevard. The restaurant’s large parking lot is on your left.

Try It: Angelo’s Taverna, 6885 S. Santa Fe Drive, Ste. A, Littleton; 720-532-1389. Call-ahead seating is a great option for hungry families.

Photo courtesy of Angelo’s Taverna
Photo courtesy of Angelo’s Taverna