London is an exciting place to eat out. It’s filled with restaurants serving food from all around the world from Sri Lankan curries and Japanese ramen to Mexican tacos, Chinese dumplings and pasta made just like an Italian nonna makes it. Whatever you feel like eating, however, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll find plenty of child friendly restaurants in London serving exactly what you want.
Of course London is home to plenty of chain restaurants that will keep children happy too including Wagamama and Pizza Express. But if you’re looking for somewhere different to eat then you’ll find that there are lots of family-friendly restaurants in London to choose from.
The following are some of our favourite places to eat in London with kids.
And, if you’re looking for things to do in London on a rainy day then take a look at our pick of the best places for ice cream in London or opt for an afternoon tea instead.
The best kids restaurants in London
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Is it possible to go out for a family meal and for everyone to come away happy? Yes it is!
Sure, dining with toddlers can sometimes feel like scaling Everest and finding somewhere that will appeal to both you and your teens might seem like an oxymoron. But however challenging dining out with kids may seem, it’s not only possible but can be incredibly enjoyable too.
The following family-friendly restaurants don’t necessarily have kids’ menus or automatically come with a tub of crayons but they have all been tried and tested and really are great for families.
Most of the restaurants listed below are in central London but I have included some of our favourites in places like Kings Cross. Generally, however, you’ll find a family-friendly restaurant wherever you stay in London with kids.
If you’re visiting some of London’s most popular museums then don’t miss the best places to eat near the Natural History Museum.
Best themed restaurants in London
Two restaurants that were always firm favourites with kids (if not always enjoyed by adults) are now permanently closed. The Jungle Cave (formerly the Rainforest Cave) has permanently shut its doors as has the Shrimp & Grill (formerly Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.). Fortunately, however, London has plenty of other (and better!) restaurants to offer hungry families.
Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly
For a fun, tasty and reliable meal in the heart of the West End head to this branch of the popular Hard Rock Cafe chain. Located on Piccadilly Circus itself, the Hard Rock is a great option for a family meal.
With excellent food and friendly and fast service it’s a fun and reliable option. We always love seeing what rock memorabilia the Hard Rock restaurants have and in this flagship location you’ll find outfits worn by Rhianna, Shakira and Robbie Williams.
Located close to Leicester Square and Covent Garden, the Hard Rock Cafe is a great option for a pre-theatre meal. We ate here prior to watching Frozen the Musical.
Location: Criterion Building, 225-229 Piccadilly, London W1J 9HR GB
Kids’ Menu: The kids’ menu options include Kids’ salad with chicken, Grilled chicken breast, Mac & Cheese, chicken tenders or a cheeseburger, all served on a Hard Rock guitar (not a real one, obviously!).
The Theatre Diner Cafe
When a restaurant menu features meals such as Frank You For The Music, Cluck Be A Lady Tonight and I’m Getting Calamari-ed In The Morning, you know you’re in for a good time.
The highly enjoyable Theatre Diner Cafe is in Covent Garden and is perfect for a pre-theatre meal. Not only does the diner serves good food but is a fun-filled experience with an all-singing, all-dancing waiting team who bet out musical theatre classics while you eat.
The multi-award winning Theatre Cafe sits alongside and is a good place to stop for a coffee and cake and admire the West End musical memorabilia.
Location: 99 St. Martin’s Lane London WC2N 4AZ
Kids’ Menu: There’s no dedicated kids’ menu but plenty of kid-friendly eats.
Park Row
If you fancy dinner with Batman then head to Park Row. This themed restaurant is a tribute to all things DC Comics related with a particular nod to the man in the cape. This is a big space with several different restaurants. There’s the Pennyworthy lounge – that’s Batman’s butler’s surname – as well as the Iceberg lounge, a nice nod to the Penguin.
There is also the Rogues Gallery and Old Gotham City but the icing on the cake is The Monarch Theatre. This 20 seater, 11-course tasting menu that promises to be a theatrical dinner experience.
Although this sounds like the perfect place for families the target audience is apparently more grown up (and dressing up is strictly forbidden). Park Row says that they don’t have a children’s menu but smaller portions can be accommodated for kids.
Families are welcome for lunch every day but children under 12 are not recommended for dinner bookings due to live entertainment. The tasting menu at The Monarch Theatre is not suitable for children under the age of 16. And forget bringing the pram.
Where: 77 Brewer Street, W1F 9ZN. Closest tube is Piccadilly Circus.
Best family restaurants in London for Mexican food
Santo Remedio
So far, Santo Remedio tops my list for best Mexican restaurants in London. It’s not cheap and it doesn’t have a dedicated kids’ menu but it does serve the best tostadas and tacos in town.
If you’re visiting London with older children who really appreciate good Mexican food then make a reservation here.
Where: Santo Remedio is located near London Bridge.
El Pastor
Coming in second of my top place to eat tacos in London is El Pastor. El Pastor make very good tacos using non-gmo corn direct from farmers in Mexico. They also serve tasty small plates and sharing plates. Again, there’s no dedicated kids’ menu but there are lots of great options for young eaters.
Where: There are five different locations around London including one in Borough Market.
Wahaca
A great option for families wanting tacos without a fuss (or hefty price tag) is the colourful Wahaca chain of restaurants. Founded by MasterChef winner Thomasina Miers, Wahaca delivers lots of small and tasty dishes for sharing at a reasonable price. They also offer a very good children’s menu.
Where: There are Wahaca locations around London, see here for details.
Kids’ menu: Designed for children up to 8-years-old, the £6 kids menu includes a dish and a drink.
Best family restaurants in London for Indian food
Dishoom
You’ll spot the queues for Dishoom before you spot the restaurant itself so popular is this small chain of Indian restaurants. If you time it right, however, and visit with older kids (rather than hangry toddlers) then Dishoom is a great option for families.
Dishoom first opened in 2010 and has been wowing customers with their house black daal ever since. And Dishoom is not just for dinner (or lunch), their breakfasts are the stuff of legends with delicious fluffy uttapam pancakes, spicy masala beans on toast and the extraordinary naan breakfast roll.
Where: There are five locations in London; our favourite is in Kings Cross.
Kids’ menu: There is a dedicated children’s menu offering smaller portions and little spice. Staff are also happy to advise on child-friendly dishes from the main menu.
Masala Zone
Masala Zone is a fun place for a family meal. There are locations across London but we like the one located in the West End, near the Royal Opera House, This is easy dining Indian style with regional food from across the country. Enjoy delicious thalis, regional curries and lightly spiced meats from the grill.
Where: There are seven locations across London in Covent Garden, Soho, Earls Court, Islington, Bayswater, Camden and Selfridges.
Kids’ menu: The children’s menu at Masala Zone includes thalis and spice-free food. It costs £6.00 for those under 7. They also offer kids painting books and crayons plus there are high chairs, nappy changing facilities and buggy access available.
Best family restaurants in London for Asian food
Inamo
Inamo is the perfect place to sample a variety of Asian food. Serving Japanese, Chinese and Thai dishes the food is good but it’s the setting that older kids and teens in particular will love. Use the interactive tables to order food, play games and watch the chefs prepare your meals.
There’s no dedicated kids’ menu but lots of good sharing plates for the whole family to enjoy plus low-level spice options such as cats curry and strawberry sushi. Make sure to order a dragon roll too.
Where: Inamo has locations in Soho and Covent Garden
Uzumaki Anime Restaurant
Anime and Manga fans should hotfoot it to Uzumaki, a Japanese Ramen restaurant with a colourful anime theme. Located near The British Museum, the restaurant is named after the young ninja Naruto Uzumaki in the popular Manga series of the same name. Enjoy delicious ramen noodles, mochi ice cream and themed bubble tea in one of the most colourful dining rooms in town.
Where: 107 Great Russell Street WC1B 3NA
Benihana
Benihana is a one of London’s most fun restaurants for families where chefs cook your meal at your table. This Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant showcases favourites including Hibachi steak, chicken and shrimp. It also serves sushi and sashimi. It’s good food but the real appeal here are the fast-paced theatrics by the chefs.
Where: There are locations in Chelsea and Piccadilly Circus
Kids’ menu: The Ninja Kids Menu menu is for children aged 12 years and younger.
Yo! Sushi
This is one of my kids’ favourite restaurants thanks to the revolving conveyor that delivers sushi, sashimi and other tasty Japanese dishes direct to your table. The only downside to the Yo! Sushi dining experience is that the cost can mount up quite quickly!
Where: There are Yo! Sushi branches across London.
Kids’ menu: There is a kids’ menu for children under 12 which includes a main, side and drink for £6.50. Dessert is just a extra £1.50
Golden Dragon
There are two branches of Golden Dragon in London; one in Chinatown and the other in Colindale. I would only recommend going to the one in Colindale if you live in London. The weekend dim sum is excellent but it’s a long way to travel if you’re only in town for a few days Fortunately, you can try the Golden Dragon in the centre of town. There’s no kids’ menu but there are lots of delicious things to eat on the main menu.
Where: Colindale and Chinatown
Yum Bun
Located in the Seven Dials Market Yum Bun is a great place to go for steamed buns. Seven Dials Market is a lively place to go to eat in Covent Garden with kids in general, with lots of different food stalls to choose from.
Where: In Seven Dials Market and Spitalfields Market
Din Tai Fung
If your kids like dumplings then make a beeline for Din Tai Fung. This Covent Garden branch of the world-famous restaurant from Taiwan delivers delicious dumplings and street food. Don’t miss their signature Xiao long bao (delicate steamed dumplings). Be prepared to queue.
Where: Covent Garden
Sticks ‘n’ Sushi
We’re big fans of Sticks ‘n’ Sushi, a Japanese chain with seven branches in London. They serve excellent sashimi, maki (rolls) and yakitori skewers among other really tasty Japanese dishes. They also offer a range of salads and large sushi sharing plates. For kids there’s a choice of three set menus that start at £7.80 each.
Where: There are locations in Wimbledon, Covent Garden, Greenwich, Canary Wharf, Victoria, Kings Road and Soho.
Kids’ Menu: There are three set menus for children as well as a choice of sides and dessert. The kids’ menu itself comes with activities and a drawing challenge.
Sticky Mango
Located near the South Bank and Waterloo Station, the award-winning Sticky Mango serves up delicious South East Asian cuisine. The large and varied menu boasts such tasty dishes as Malaysian Chicken Curry Puffs, Miso Glazed Black Cod, Mamak BBQ Chicken and Thai Green Vegetable Curry.
They also offer vegetarian, vegan, dairy free, and gluten free dishes.
Where: 33 Coin Street, SE1 9NR. Closest Tube: Waterloo
Kids’ Menu: No dedicated kids’ menu but plenty of kid-friendly dishes if your children like this kind of food.
Flesh & Buns
This restaurant in Covent Garden feels just that little bit more grown-up so it’s a good option for teens looking for somewhere fun to eat in Covent Garden, particularly if they like bao buns. As well as the delicious Taiwanese milk buns that come filled with crispy duck or barbecue beef short rib there’s sushi, Korean chicken wings, prawn tempura and toast your own s’mores!
Two things to be aware of at Flesh & Buns; firstly the food is very good but the prices aren’t cheap and secondly, the manga wallpapers in the bathrooms feature some explicit scenes (admittedly in cartoon form).
Where: 41 Earlham St, London WC2H 9LX
Kids’ Menu: No
Ippudo
If it’s ramen noodles that you’re after then head to Ippudo. this no-frills chain makes excellent ramen and is a great place to grab a quick bite to eat. There are several branches around the city. There’s no kids’ menu but children can always share a ramen between them and there are kid-friendly dumplings on the menu too.
Where: Various locations, see website for details.
Kids’ Menu: No
Uzumaki
If you have any anime fans in your household then be sure to book a table at this anime-themed ramen restaurant, Uzumaki. It’s largely inspired by the anime Naruto, a young ninja who dreams of becoming the leader of this village. He also really happens to love ramen!
The restaurant menu consists of build-your-own ramen bowls, sushi and sashimi sets but we say go for the signature Naruto ramen.
Where: 107 Great Russell Street, WC1B 3NA
Kids’ Menu: No
Toconoco
The name Toconoco is a made-up word meaning “kids on the floor”, which tells you pretty much everything you need to know about this cool, family friendly cafe in East London.
The light-filled estaurant features a changing daily lunch set and plenty of meals and snacks for toddlers too. If nothing else, come from the desserts and the lovely selection of Japanese teas.
A real highlight of this place is the hand-built play area that is, not surprisingly, a huge hit with little kids.
The cafe is open in the daytime only.
Where: Unit A, 28 Hertford Road, N1 5QT
Kids’ Menu: No dedicated kids’ menu but lots of child-friendly options on the menu including seaweed wrapped rice balls.
Best family restaurants in London for Italian food
Spaghetti House
This Italian restaurant chain has been dolling up bowlfuls of spaghetti bolognese and penne all’arrabbiata for years. They have 10 restaurants across London including the original location in Goodge Street.
Where: They have 10 locations across London, see here for details.
Kids’ Menu: They have a really good and extensive Kids’ Menu that includes a choice of three starters and four main courses along with a desert £9.00 (£6.50 for two courses, add £2.50 for gelato).
Sartori Restaurant
Sartori Restaurant specialises in authentic Southern Italian food. Located near Covent Garden it’s a great option for a pre-theatre meal (they have a set menu for £12.95 valid from 12pm – 6pm), or just for ‘why not’ family meal together!
The menu is extensive with pasta plates, meats including Vitello Milanese (veal escalope) and Pollo Sartori (mozzarella cheese, tomato, ham, chicken breast in breadcrumbs), and fish on offer. They also do very good pizzas and a range of vegetarian options.
There is no dedicated kids menu but there is plenty of the menu that is kid-friendly!
Where: 15 Great Newport St, WC2H 7JE. Near Leicester Square and Covent Garden.
Tavolino Bar & Kitchen
This is a lovely Italian restaurant that sits split across two floors with an outdoor terrace offering views of London. It’s located on the river near London Bridge and serves authentic Italian food.
Tavolino is definitely a more upmarket restaurant but children are very much welcomed (although I would probably save Tavolino for a lunchtime family meal rather than an evening one if you have very young children).
The menu features pasta and ‘secondi’ dishes of corn fed chicken breast or whole baked sea bream alongside aperitivi, spuntini and antipasti. The bread and pasta is made in house daily. There is no kids’ menu but the pizzas are excellent!
Where: 2 More London Riverside, SE1 2DB. Near London Bridge.
Pastaio
Pastaio (pronounced pas-tye-yo, meaning pasta maker) has two locations in London, the original in Soho and a newer outlet in Westfield. As the name suggests, this Italian restaurant is dedicated to making really, really good pasta made on site daily.
The food is simple but delicious with 10 antipasti dishes to choose from and 10 pasta dishes (11 if you opt for the whole lobster linguine for 2). The cheapest pasta dish is £6.50 and the most expensive is £14 (again, not including the whole lobster linguine which comes in at £38 for two people).
Where: 19 Ganton Street, W1F 9BN in Carnaby, Soho. They have a second branch in Westfield.
Kids’ Menu: For kids they offer half-size pasta portions with three different dishes to choose from. The kids menu is for children aged 12 years and under and includes a pasta dish, a fresh veg pot and an ice cream scoop for £6.
Padella
You might have to queue for a table at Padella but the wait will be worth it because the homemade pasta here is delicious.
There are two branches, one in Borough Market and the other in Shoreditch. One option is to queue virtually with the pasta bar’s QR codes and have a wander around Borough Market while you wait.
Where: Padella Borough, 6 Southwark Street, SE1 1TQ. Closest tubes London Bridge, Borough and Southwark. Padella Shoreditch, 1 Phipp Street, EC2A 4PS. Closest tube Old Street.
Kids Menu: No dedicated kids menu but plenty of child-friendly pasta!
Best family restaurants in London for pizza
Homeslice
For amazing pizza head to this lively restaurant in Neal’s Yard. Be prepared to wait, however, there is always a queue at Homeslice Pizza (but I promise you that the pizzas are worth it!).
Where: There are five locations in London including Neal’s Yard in Covent Garden, Marylebone, White City, Shoreditch and City.
Pizza Pilgrims
We love Pizza Pilgrims for their Neapolitan pizza, tasty toppings and friendly service.
Where: There are 14 locations around London.
Kids’ menu: Their kids’ menu includes half a Margherita pizza, a juice and ice cream. The menu has activities and colouring from kids too.
Street Pizza
Street Pizza is part of the Gordon Ramsay restaurant empire offering bottomless pizza for £15 per person. Expect classic pizzas including Margarita and Pepperoni as well as some more colourful flavour combinations. The menu also includes a range of sides and desserts. There’s no dedicated kids’ menu but hey, what child doesn’t like pizza?!
Where: There are four locations in London in St Paul’s, Camden, Southwark and Battersea.
Franco Manca
We’re big fans of Franco Manca who make excellent pizzas to order with a variety of toppings and flavours. Their £5 kids’ menu includes a pizza, drink and ice cream. And if that doesn’t tempt you then the kids’ margarita pizza with bunny ears certainly will!
Where: There are dozens of Franco Manca locations across London
Kids’ Menu: Their kids’ menu is a steal at £5!
Pizza East
If a simple pizza margarita leaves you feeling cold then head to Pizza East in a former tea warehouse in Shoreditch. This is the place to come if you feel like a four cheese pizza with black truffle or a wild mushroom pizza with prosciutto cotto ham. They also serve a V’duja, a vegan-friendly pizza with butternut squash.
As well as the excellent pizzas, Pizza East serves wood-oven dishes, cured meats and cheeses and seasonal small plates.
Where: 56 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JJ
Kids’ Menu: No but there’s plenty of kid-friendly dishes available
Gourmet Pizza Company
Located on the South Bank, the Gourmet Pizza Company is a good option if you’re exploring this part of town. Close to The National Theatre, Festival hall and the Oxo Tower, it’s the perfect place for an easy lunch or dinner.
As well as pizza, the restaurant serves fresh pasta and there’s a good kids’ menu too.
Where: 56 Upper Ground, South Bank, SE1 9PP. Closest Tube is Southwark or Blackfriars.
Kids’ Menu: The kids’ menu includes three courses for £7.50 – a starter, main and dessert. The mains can be pasta or pizza.
Best family restaurants for British dining
Holborn Dining Room
For a grown-up dinner where younger diners are readily welcomed head to Holborn Dining Room. The menu here boats plenty of British classics including roast pork belly and 50 Day age Cornish rare breed sirloin. The real reason to come here, however, are for the pies. Fillings include pork shoulder and smoked bacon, curried mutton and chicken chestnut mushroom and tarragon.
Where: 252 High Holborn, WC1V 7EN. Closest tube Holborn
Kids menu: No dedicated kids’ menu but child-friendly dishes on the menu.
Bread Street Café
Bread Street Café is a great option for families. Run by Gordon Ramsay, this relaxed restaurant serves up delicious food and plenty of kid-friendly fare.
For parents choices range from Shephered’s pie and macaroni cheese to the Bread Street Kitchen burger and Beef Wellington. The kids’ menu is great value and features perennial favourites such as fish and chips, Mac and cheese and sausages and mash.
Where: 8 High St, W5 5DB. Closest tube is Ealing Broadway.
Kids’ menu: A great kids’ menu that costs £8.00 for any main and drink. Desserts cost extra.
The Duke of Richmond
This neighbourhood pub is run by chef Tom Oldroyd and his partner Meryl Fernandes who took over the Duke of Richmond in 2018. It’s a great place to go for hearty, local, well seasoned food and an even better option for a Sunday roast (plus they do mini roasts for small people).
Choose from enormous burgers, hand-cut chips, a roast chicken pie or the Welsh mussels so fresh, you can almost taste the sea.
This is the kind of place you want to hole up in for a few hours on a winter’s day – just make sure you bring some games to keep the kids amused!
Where: 316 Queensbridge Road, E8 3NH
Kids’ Menu: The kids’ menu is great value at £7 and dishes include cheeseburgers, fish fingers and aubergine and tomato spaghetti.
Best family restaurants in London for good fast food
Where the Pancakes Are
Pancakes make everything better especially when they are as good as the ones served at Where the Pancakes Are. This all-day restaurant has branches in Battersea, Fitzrovia and Flat Iron Square with all three outlets serving up freshly flipped buttermilk pancakes with all manner of toppings.
Choose from savoury or sweet (or both) and there’s a good kids’ menu too.
Location: 7 Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1T 1RG (see website for other locations)
Kids’ Menu: Yes, the kids’ menu offers a build-your-own pancake option for £6.50 with three toppings.
Maxwell’s Bar & Grill
**Maxwell’s is currently closed until Spring 2024**
Located in Covent Garden this American style family-run diner that’s been serving delicious British and US favourites since the 1970s (the original restaurant was located in Hampstead in North London).
The menu at Maxwell’s Bar & Grill features family-friendly favourites such as burgers, mac ‘n cheese, BBQ ribs, fajitas, salads and more. One of the most popular items on the menu, however, are the Freakshakes, over-the-top, ultra-sweet milkshakes.
Maxwell’s is a great option for a pre-theatre dinner; the restaurant is within easy walking distance of Frozen the Musical at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, The Lion King at The Lyceum Theatre and Cinderella at The New London Theatre.
Location: 34 King St, Covent Garden, WC2E 8JD
Kids’ Menu: The children’s menu at Maxwell’s includes a meal, drink and a pudding for £7.95. Dishes on the kid’s menu include burgers, chicken burgers, BBQ ribs, grilled chicken breast strips or a kid-friendly fajita.
Poppie’s Fish & Chips
Owner Pat, ‘Pop’, Newland has been serving classic fish suppers for 60 years in this retro-fitted restaurant in Camden. Fresh fish is delivered daily to Poppies from Billingsgate Market and filleted on site. Choose to have your fish grilled or fried or go beyond cod and haddock and opt for mackerel, seafood platters or jellied eels.
Where: There are locations in Soho, Spitalfields and Camden.
Kids’ menu: Kids’ sized portions of cod bites and chips, fish cake and chips and sausage and chips are all available.
Five Guys
If you want a good burger then it’s hard to beat Five Guys. The burgers are made to order, the chips (fries!) are delicious and there are a range of other options on offer including hot dogs and grilled cheese sandwiches. It’s also a great spot for a milkshake! There is no dedicated kids’ menu at Five Guys.
Where: There are 15 locations around London including one conveniently placed near the Natural History Museum in South Kensington.
Caravan
Caravan is less a fast food restaurant and more a delicious option for all-day dining. With locations across London, this restaurant serves an excellent breakfast with pancakes, porridge and fried jalapeño cornbread sharing the menu.
For brunch try the grilled halloumi or hot-smoked salmon with seasoned rice (they also offer more traditional dishes with poached eggs or chorizo and potato hash).
The all-day dining menu is equally extensive, varied and tasty – all inspired by dishes from around the world.
Where: Locations across London, we love the one in Granary Square, Kings Cross. See the website for more locations.
Kids’ menu: No dedicated kids’ menu but plenty of child-friendly options including pizza.
Best family restaurants in London for a special occasion
Granger & Co
For good food in a stylish location head to one of the Granger & Co locations. Owned by Australian chef and restaurateur Bill Granger, the London restaurants serve good ol’ Aussie fare including sweetcorn fritters, ricotta hotcakes, and shrimp burgers. Food is healthy, wholesome and very tasty. We’re a big fan of weekend brunch in particular.
Where: There are four locations in London in Chelsea, Kings Cross, Clerkenwell and Notting Hill
Kids’ menu: There are no dedicated kids’ menus but lots of kid-friendly dishes on the menu.
The Coal Shed
The Coal Shed is a steak and fish restaurant that started in Brighton before opening a branch near Tower Bridge. Their concept is “meat, fish and fire” and they serve coal roasted rare breed heritage meat as well as South Coast seafood alongside triple cooked chips and other great-tasting sides.
Where: Tower Bridge
Kids’ menu: The £10 kids’ menu offers a choice of minute steak and chips, fish and chips or macaroni cheese followed by a dessert.
The Goring Dining Room
Think you can’t take your kids to a restaurant with Michelin stars? Well The Goring Dining Room in London’s Belgravia neighbourhood proves otherwise. This is an excellent family fine dining option – apparently it’s a favourite with the Royal Family too. The kids’ menu is not the cheapest in town but it’s guaranteed to keep the kids quiet and you happy.
Where: Belgravia
Kids’ Menu: Dishes on the kids’ menu include bangers and mash, nuggets with chips and peas and macaroni cheese. Their knickerbocker glory for pudding is always a winer!
Cafe Murano
Owned by chef Angela Hartnett (who trained with Gordon Ramsay), Café Murano is truly one of the best kid-friendly restaurants in London. The Italian menu is excellent and there’s a dedicated children’s menu which costs just £10. Located in Covent Garden, not far from Leicester Square, this is the perfect spot to stop for lunch or an early dinner after a long day of sightseeing.
Where: There are four locations in London, our favourite is the spot in Covent Garden
Kids’ Menu: The £10 kids’ menu includes chicken MIlanese or a choice of pasta and sauces followed by pudding.
Apricity
One of the most unique dining experiences for kids can be found at Apricity run by chef and owner Chantelle Nicholson. This Green Michelin-starred restaurant is the only London venue to offer a children’s tasting menu.
And this is no ordinary kids’ menu; gone are fish fingers and tomato pasta and in their place you may find Chalk Stream trout pâté or Hispi cabbage with miso aioli, miso broth and Flanders wheat.
All the dishes have been designed to “be creative yet accessible” and to help children to not only be a little bit more daring when it comes to food choices but to get a better understanding of where food comes from and seasonality.
This really is a restaurant that puts seasonal, local and sustainable produce and practices front and centre without skimping on taste or flavour. Make a reservation now!
Where: 68 Duke Street, W1K 6JU
Kids’ Menu: The five-course ‘Culinary Kids’ tasting menu is £32
Best vegetarian restaurants for families in London
Mildreds
For tasty plant-based plates head to Mildred’s. This popular vegan restaurant has been serving up tasty plant-based fare since 1988 and today there are six sites across town.
Enjoy traditional vegan favourites like curries and quinoa bowls alongside BBQ pok buns, zingy bokkeumbap and grilled artichoke Caesar. Meat substitutes are also on the menu if you’re hankering after Cumberland sausage and mash.
For little ones there’s a great selection to choose from including rainbow rice, dumplings and sugar snaps, and bangers, fries and peas.
Where: There are six sites across London including Kings Cross.
Kids’ Menu: There is a small but comprehensive menu for kids.
The Spread Eagle
The Spread Eagle is London’s first fully vegan pub. Located in East London, this is a typical British pub with a modern twist: their emphasis is on minimal waste and all food, drink and fixtures are plant based.
The seasonal menu changes regularly according to what local producers and foragers have but you can still expect to see pub classics on the menu including generous pies, creamy risottos and somer seriously good burgers.
Where: 224 Homerton High Street, E9 6AS
Kids’ Menu: There is no dedicated kids’ menu but family-favourites feature on the menu (no U18s after 9pm).
Plants by Deliciously Ella
It’s hard to remember that the Deliciously Ella empire started as a blog written from a table but in just over 10 years, this has become an incredibly successful brand.
Plants by Deliciously Ella restaurant sits in London’s Mayfair and serves up zingy-plant based plates. Every day, the kitchen take 14 different plants and transform them into something original and tasty.
The ever-changing menu features a dozen or so sharing plates and, depending on when you visit, may include okra fries with peanut sauce or sweetcorn fritters served with mint yoghurt.
The desserts are wonderfully decadent: sticky toffee pudding, rhubarb mille-feuille and a mango and passionfruit chocolate torte have all featured.
Where: 18-20 Weighhouse Street, W1K 5LU
Kids’ Menu: No dedicated kids’ menu but there are family-friendly options on the main dining menu.
The best best food markets for families in London
Borough Market
Top of my list of great food markets in London has to be Borough Market. This is the oldest food market in London with a history dating back more than 1,000 years. Today the market still acts as a wholesale market, opening at the crack of dawn for trade. But there are also stalls catering to the public and lots of food stalls selling everything from paella and chorizo sandwiches to freshly shucked oysters and empanadas.
Where: Southwark, near London Bridge
Seven Dials Market
Located Covent Garden, Seven Dials Market is a great place to head for an easy meal. You can find everything from crab rolls to steamed buns at this food market, which is also home to the Cheese Bar, a sushi-inspired conveyor belt cheese restaurant. Don’t miss Big Shot doughnuts while here.
Where: Covent Garden
Eataly
If you can’t get to Florence or Rome then this is the next best thing! Recently opened in London, Eataly an enormous Italian dining hall located in Liverpool Street.
On the ground floor is a large cafe selling coffees, Italian cakes and breakfast goodies. There’s also a fresh gelato stand here as well as a deli counter selling soups, salads and sandwiches. A casual dining space is home to pizza stands, bars and a fresh pasta counter – a fine dining space is supposed to open later this year.
Where: Liverpool Street
Camden Market
Camden Market is another great place to head for fun family dining. They have cafes, terrace bars, fresh-baked sweet treats and lots of street food options. From Lebanese wraps and traditional fish and chips to fried chicken, poke bowls, bagels and more.
Where: Camden
Mercato Metropolitano
There are a handful of these food markets around town; the biggest is probably at Elephant and Castle where 40 food vendors vie for your custom. More convenient, perhaps, is the location in Mayfair in the former church of St Mark’s.
This really is a fun venue and the food is very good too. There are bao buns and dumplings; grilled meats and burgers; lobsters and oysters; sushi, pizza, Asian street food and more.
Mercato Metropolitano does get busy so be prepared to wait if you arrive at prime feeding time or book a table in advance.
Where: St Mark’s, North Audley Street, W1K 6ZA
The best chain restaurants for families in London
Giraffe
A true family restaurant favourite, Giraffe is the kind of restaurant built for kids. Although they don’t have as many locations in London as they used to, the remaining restaurants are centrally located. Expect anything from curry to fish and chips on the varied menu.
Where: There are Giraffe locations in King’s Cross, Victoria and the Southbank Centre.
Kids’ Menu: Their kid’s menu includes pasta, bangers and mash, fish and chips and other kid-friendly fare such as pasta.
Cote
My kids love going to Cote, a French-style bistro with locations across the city. The menu offers grilled meats and fish as well as a range of salads and pasta. While the menus might not win any awards for innovation, the food is reliably and consistently good. They also offer a very good and well-priced kids’ menu.
Where: There are locations throughout London.
Kids’ Menu: The two-course kids menu is £6.50 per child and a three-course menu is £7.95, available for children up to 7-years-old.
