Sakoontra (Chantilly, VA)

The sweet aroma of the Thai cuisine will have you captivated from the moment you set foot into Sakoontra. Your kids will love this place for the life-size, yellow Thai taxi in the foyer. For dinner selections, we love the Pla Todd Lard Pik (crispy fried whole fish flavored with fresh basil, fine chili and garlic sauce) - simply amazing. Panang Curry and Honey Shrimp are also quite good. Special note: most entrees can be made vegetarian-style.

Sakura (Multiple locations in VA and MD)

Perhaps the largest Japanese steakhouse chain in VA and MD, Sakura continues to please children of all ages with its fun-filled atmosphere and elaborate cooking demonstrations. Cooking takes place right at each table, with each person ordering from a combination of seafood, chicken, steak, and vegetables. Remarkably, the chef keeps track of what each person ordered, while chopping and dicing and flipping his spatula, all at lightning speed. Even the crankiest kid is on their best behavior while watching the entertainment. It’s a perfect place to celebrate anyone’s birthday.