Pizza is one of the easiest family dinners there is. Nobody has to cook, there are no pots to wash, and almost everyone likes at least one kind. But anyone who has ordered for a family knows the challenges: the picky eater, the teenager who could eat a whole pizza alone, and the adult who wants something other than plain cheese again.

With a little planning, one order can keep the whole table happy. Here is how.

Order one crowd-pleaser and one pizza with a bit more personality.

Start With Who Is Eating

Before you think about toppings, think about the people:

  • How many kids, teens and adults? Young children often eat one or two slices, while teens can easily eat four or more.
  • How hungry is everyone? A late dinner after sports practice needs more food than a light meal on a lazy evening.
  • Any dietary needs? Think about vegetarians, gluten-free needs, lactose intolerance and allergies. At Franko's we offer a small gluten-free pizza with up to 4 items and lactose-free cheese, and we are happy to talk through how food is prepared if someone has an allergy.

Choose Pizzas That Please Different Tastes

The most reliable approach is to order one crowd-pleaser and one pizza with a bit more personality.

The crowd-pleaser

Cheese or pepperoni is the safest choice for kids and fussy eaters. Pepperoni with mushrooms is a good middle ground if the adults want a little more flavour.

The adventurous pizza

This is where the adults can have some fun. Try a specialty pizza such as the Philly Cheese Steak, Spicy BBQ Chicken or Mediterranean, or build your own with four favourite toppings. Our guide to popular pizza toppings has plenty of ideas.

Keeping it simple for kids

Children often prefer mild, familiar flavours. Avoid hot peppers and strong toppings on the pizza meant for them, and let them add toppings to their own plate at home if they like, such as a sprinkle of parmesan or a few extra pepperoni slices.

How Much to Order

A rough guide for a family meal:

  • Young children: 1 to 2 slices each
  • Older kids: 2 to 3 slices each
  • Adults: 2 to 3 slices each
  • Teens and big appetites: 4 or more slices each

Add those up, then compare with the sizes on the menu. Two medium or large pizzas with different toppings usually beat one huge pizza, because everyone gets more choice. Our pizza portion guide has a full planning table if you are feeding a bigger family gathering.

Add Sides That Round Out the Meal

Sides turn pizza into a proper family dinner and help stretch the order:

  • Something fresh: a Greek or Caesar salad balances the richness of pizza and gives everyone some greens.
  • Something to share: garlic bread, garlic strips with cheese or fries are easy wins with kids.
  • Something different: chicken wings or chicken fingers with fries give non-pizza fans a full meal of their own.

Combos can make it simpler still. Franko's pizza and wing combos bundle a pizza with wings, and the Mega Combo adds fries and a 2 litre pop for bigger families. See all the sides on our menu.

Make Dinner Easy on Yourself

  • Order ahead. Weekend evenings are busy for every pizzeria. Calling a little earlier helps your food arrive when you want it.
  • Decide on pickup or delivery. Pickup has no delivery charge and is quick if you are already out. Delivery is easier if you are stuck at home with the kids. Our takeout and delivery pages explain how each works.
  • Set the table first. Plates, napkins and drinks ready before the food arrives means everyone eats while it is hot.
  • Plan for leftovers. Leftover pizza makes an easy school or work lunch. Refrigerate it within two hours and reheat it properly using our reheating tips.

Family Dinner Ideas to Try

Pizza night can be more than just dinner. A few ideas families enjoy:

  • Taste-test night: each person picks one topping and the family votes on the best combination.
  • Pizza and a movie: eat together first, then settle in for a family film.
  • Celebration dinner: a good report card, a big win or the end of a long week all deserve pizza.

Looking for more? Our pizza night ideas article has plenty more.

The secret to a good family pizza dinner is not finding one pizza everyone loves. It is ordering a couple of pizzas that cover everyone, adding a side or two, and letting each person fill their plate the way they like.

Back to Blog