I also dread the question "What's for Dinner?" Seriously, being an adult is hard when there are so many expectations.

I like that the meals are broken down into groups - Meltdown Meal, Weekend Meal and Project Cooking.

There are a lot of recipes that I will not be trying. I do not have beef shanks or some of the specialty ingredients. This wouldn't be a cookbook to use for regular meals. More of a seasoned cook book. I do look forward to trying Buttery Tomato Soup. Seems quick, easy and tasty. There are a few other ones that look amazing.

* The eGalley I read and reviewed was only the first half of the book.
Thank you Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Summary: "Dad, What's for Dinner?" by David Nayfeld is a family-focused cookbook featuring over 80 creative and approachable recipes designed to empower home cooks to confidently serve nutritious, kid-approved meals while encouraging adventurous eating.

My review: As a parent, the dreaded “What’s for dinner?” question can feel like a daily challenge—especially with picky eaters in the mix. David Nayfeld’s Dad, What’s for Dinner? offers a fresh, creative approach to solving this mealtime conundrum. This book isn’t just a collection of recipes; it’s a tool to help families embrace adventurous eating while simplifying the often daunting task of meal planning.

A fun, standout feature is the clever labeling system for recipes: “Meltdown Meal,” “Weeknight Meal,” and “Project Cooking,” paired with a “messy factor” rating from 1 (minimal mess) to 4 (substantial). This thoughtful addition makes it easy to choose meals that fit your schedule and tolerance for kitchen chaos. Nayfeld also provides tips for “adultifying” kids’ food, gently nudging young eaters toward more adventurous flavors without overwhelming them.

Favorite recipes to try: Joint Custardy French Toast, Buttery Tomato Soup (but the grilled cheese was in the 2nd part of the book I didn't review! Dratz!), Chicken Enchilada Stew, and the Best Fricking Mealloaf in the World

The book’s vibrant photography and straightforward instructions further elevate the experience, making even the more ambitious recipes approachable.

Genres/Themes: Cooking / Cooking for Kids / Cooking with Kids / Regional & Cultural - Italian

"Dad, What's for Dinner?" is scheduled for publication on May 27 2025, by Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor.

A few of the recipes were a little bit more complex than I anticipated given the general theme of the book. Still, I got some great meal ideas from this except - and I'm not even a parent, just someone looking for new ways to put good food in the table without too much fuss.