While dining out anywhere with kids can be daunting, I want to make it a little easier for you if you’re visiting London with children.
In this blog post I will tell you all the most child-friendly restaurants in London. These family dining hot spots are tried and tested by me, a mum of two boys, who has always loved a restaurant and doesn’t want to compromise on great food or atmosphere but who also wants somewhere welcoming for children.
Best British restaurants in London for families
The Ivy Restaurant group stalwart classic with restaurants throughout London and a guaranteed good meal! You can try the famous ‘Original’ Ivy in Covent Garden or one of the many other branches serving classics such as Shepherd’s Pie, Fish and Chips (you can’t go wrong with Ivy fish and chips!), burgers and steaks. Something that I love about the Ivy restaurants is that though it is a chain they haven’t lost their individual character or quality. The decor is always stunning with art deco touches, cosy banquettes and lots of the signature Ivy Green! I love the Ivy Chelsea Garden especially in summer when the garden is the perfect place to enjoy an Ivy cocktail.
Children will love the menu which has lots of diverse options and really big portions.
Locations: 16 locations around London including Victoria, Chelsea, Covent Garden, Marylebone, Tower bridge.
One of London’s most beautifully elegant restaurants is still so welcoming for children. I remember taking my (now teenage!) nephew there as a baby and not feeling out of place at all. Scott’s is best of British and specialises in fish and seafood. But be aware children under six are only permitted at lunch time on Saturday and Sunday, bank holidays and school breaks. There’s no children’s menu but I’d recommend a classic fish and chips!
Locations: Mayfair and Richmond.
Duck & Waffle isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a whole experience, starting with the glass lift ride to the 40th Floor of the Heron Tower. Both parents and kids will love the floor to ceiling views of the whole city. One of the best views in town. The menu leans towards brunch (though the restaurant is 24 hours) and comfort food will appeal to all – there’s even a waffle menu. The signature eponymous dish is THE thing to try.
Location: Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
I’ve been going to the Dorchester Grill since I was a child myself and it brings back memories of my day who loved the famous (sadly now defunct) bread trolley. Food is truly best of British and I highly recommend the Sunday roast, there’s also a children’s menu.
Location: The Dorchester, 53 Park Lane, London W1K 1QA
A meal at the Shard is always going to feel special whether you’re 3 or 103. The views are spectacular with floor to ceiling windows and the menu is best British. There’s a kids menu with mini portions of some of Aqua’s top dishes. The Sunday roast is renowned, as is the Peter Pan afternoon tea!
Location: Level 31, The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY
Darwin Brasseries at Sky Garden
There’s a few options for restaurants at Sky Garden which is at the top of London’s famous ‘Walkie Talkie’ building and Darwin Brasserie on level 36 is a good option for children as it serves food all day with British seasonal dishes including a children’s menu. Entrance to the Sky Garden itself is free!
Location: 1, Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF
Coppa Club is a great option if you’re looking for a restaurant near Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. There’s an all day menu of British classics plus kids menu and everyone will enjoy the novelty of the Instagram-famous igloos on the bank of the river Thames.
One of London’s prettiest restaurants, the Dalloway Terrace’s flower wall always changes to fit with the season. There’s a menu of quality classics that will please everyone, there’s also a children’s menu. We love the afternoon tea and special children’s afternoon tea.
Location: The Bloomsbury Hotel, 16-22 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NN
See this post for all my afternoon tea recommendations.
Best Steak restaurants in London for families
Little ones and grown up steak lovers will all be big fans of this restaurants brand which serves only British pasture-raised beef and sustainable seafood. There’s no children’s menu but plenty of classic dishes to please little tummies.
Locations: Eight locations around London including Covent Garden, Spitalfields and Knightsbridge
Following from the steak theme, Flat Iron is just a really quick easy and not to expensive place to go for a meal. It’s one of our go-to options before or after the theatre. Oscar calls it the ‘popcorn’ place because they always give a mug of popcorn and there’s soft serve ice cream. There’s no kids menu but the main menu is fairly simple – the main thing is the Flat Iron steak and then top it up with side dishes!
Locations: 16 locations around London.
This Argentinian steak house has long been a London favourite and the sharing board will please the most discerning meat lover. There’s a children’s menu which is excellent quality.
Locations: Several around London including Tower Bridge, O2, Sloane Avenue and Covent Garden.
Best sushi restaurants in London for families
We love the Ivy Asia! The decor is opulent and stylish but appealing to children’s eyes too with it’s green gem stone floor, hanging pink cherry blossoms and Asian artwork – a truly immersive experience. There are great value set menus as well as a la carte options of pan Asian food including sushi, sashimi, dumplings and salad. The food is delicious and served beautifully, the dessert platters are unmissable.
Children aren’t an after thought and there is a separate children’s menu with a choice of chicken, salmon or tofu all served with rice, cucumber and prawn tempura rolls or avocado rolls – kids will love the drama of the dry ice that comes with the food.
Locations: There are three locations in London: Ivy Asia Chelsea, Ivy Asia Mayfair and Ivy Asia St Paul’s.
Decor will thrill children and adults alike as the ‘jungle-style’ is really fun with a ‘living ceiling’ of South American and Japanese plants overhead. The Heron Tower branch is a high rise restaurant with an incredible view and boasts the signature 26ft custom orange tree. We love the cuisine which is Japanese, Brazilian, Peruvian fusion with signature sushi rolls, ceviches, tiraditoes and robata grill items. There’s actually no kids menu but plenty on the main menu to please little mouthes. Even my fussy eaters love the plaintain chips, poussin and plain rice.
Locations: Two London locations including Covent Garden and Heron Tower.
This is a cool concept blending Japanese and Danish culinary traditions. The decor is pared back and casual so children will not be out of place! As the name suggest the restaurant serves a mixed of sushi and grilled sticks (both meat and veggie). We love the big platters that encompass lots of favourites – we like the Perfect Day platter but be sure to add on the Ebi Bites too!
Children will love getting their own bento box with different options for the eponymous sticks and sushi as well as rice, veggie sticks and a desset.
Locations: 13 London locations including Victoria, Covent Garden and Chelsea.
I know what you’re thinking – no Nobu is mega fancy and expensive, it’s not a child friendly restaurant. But I beg to differ! The restaurant is a global brand known for Nobu Matsuhisa’s take on traditional Japanese cuisine with Peruvian ingredients. The food is so so good, one of the best in the business and it’s really flexible for children with rice, miso soup, grilled chicken and tempura on the menu to please little ones. There’s also a children’s bento box at lunch.
But best of all is the Nobu Portman Square Sunday brunch. This brunch is every Sunday with a sushi buffet, choice of main course and dessert buffet. On the last Sunday of every month children’s entertainers Sharky and George are there to bring the fun. Under 5s are free for brunch and under 12s are half price.
Location: Nobu Portman Square and Nobu Park Lane.
Another forever favourite of ours serving Japanese robatayaki dishes. Kids may enjoy sitting right at the counter to watch the chefs prepare the food! The decor is stylish for adults to be wowed but children will be comfortable there too. While there’s no children’s menu Oscar and Noah love the grilled meat, vegetables and rice.
Saturday / Sunday brunch (check website for locations and availability) is another highlight here with sharing plates for starter and main courses and a stunning dessert platter. There’s a special kids menu for £16.50 per child for children between 5 – 10 years old. Children under 5 years of age are complimentary.
Locations: Canary Wharf, Mayfair, Charlotte Street, Alywych
This is a high end restaurant that welcomes children of all ages! The menu of Asian plates and robata grills is delicious and the weekend brunch is great value. Choose Bishopsgate to experience the views of what is currently the highest restaurant in London. The Mayfair option is great for a shopping stop off.
Locations: Bishopsgate and Mayfair.
Best Italian restaurants in London for families
The sister brand to The Ivy, Harry’s served Italian food with Venetian-inspired interiors and elegance that is also child-friendly. While there is not a children’s menu, there are a vast amount of pizza and pasta options to please even the fussiest ester. The ‘Toadstool’ dessert is unmissable both for parents and kids. We also love the private dining spaces here and we had Noah’s birthday dinner here last year.
Locations in Victoria, Knightsbridge, Marylebone, Covent Garden and King’s Cross
This glamorous Italian located in the Botree Hotel feels like a treat for parents but welcomes children too. Familiar Italian dishes on the menu make Lavo and easy option for dining as a family.
Lcation: The BoTree, 30 Marylebone Lane, London, W1U 2DR
The riverside location at Battersea Power Station makes this Italian restaurant a picture perfect stop off. There’s plenty to please young tastes and the restaurant is super spacious and includes and outdoor terrace.
Location: Village Battersea Power Station, Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, London SW8 5BN
Tozi is based on the idea of a Venetian casual restaurant serving cicchetti or small tapas-like plates. The sharing concept works great with children as there’s lots of simple things they can try plus the restaurant has a fun and buzzy atmosphere.
Location: 8 Gillingham St, Victoria
This restaurant group serves some of the best Italian food in London, the decor is always bright and beautiful and the atmosphere is buzzy. Each restaurant has a unique name and identity We particularly love Gloria in Shoreditch and the epic lemon meringue pie is unmissable.
Locations: Kensington, Covent Garden, Shoreditch, Marylebone
Best Chinese restaurants in London for families
Hakkasan has long been THE name in London for elevated Chinese and the location in Mayfair is perfect for shopping on Regent street – it’s just down the road from Hamley’s! While there’s no children’s menu kids can have fun eating steamed buns and dim sum as well as crisp duck pancakes. Decor is chic and elegant and all very calm – no sensory overload here! Service is also fantastic and kids won’t be left waiting.
Location: 17 Bruton St, London W1J 6QB
Located on the 33rd floor of the Shard, Hutong is an experience as well as a restaurant – added to that they served the best the duck and pancakes that I’ve ever had in London. The dim sum is amazing and another must order is the crispy soft-shell crab with Sichuan dried chilli (very spicy and perhaps not one for kids!) but there’s plenty of other child-friendly options (though there’s no children’s menu). The Dynasty brunch is great value and there’s also an afternoon tea option.
Location: 31 St. Thomas Street Level 33 The Shard London, SE1 9RY
Shanghai-Me on the 28th Floor of the Hilton hotel is perfect if you’re looking for high-end Chinese food. The views of London’s Hyde Park are exquisite, the decor is sensational and the food delicious. There’s no children’s menu but there will be food to please little palates and though it’s pricey, the fixed menu is good value.
Best French restaurants in London for families
Sketch is one of London’s absolute icons and as such should be given a good chunk of time to properly enjoy it. From the moment you enter the restaurant is pure artistry. The cuisine is described as ‘New French’, and is inspired by the cuisine served in Pierre Gagnaire’s three Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris. Divided into different sections, the Gallery is an ever changing art installation currently designed in yellow by architect India Mahdavi, The Glade is designed as an enchanted Forest, and the Parlour is a playful salon. Join for all day dining or afternoon tea. In a quirky twist the restaurant’s toilets are an unmissable feature, designed as egg pods.
Note the restaurant’s Lecture room is a three Michelin star restaurants and only accepts children over 12.
Location: 9 Conduit St, London W1S 2XG
Chez Antoinette is a gorgeous French bistro which is buzzy whilst also being quiet and relaxed. Parents and kids will love warm comforting dishes such as Croque Monsieur, French onion soup and baked camembert.
Locations in Victoria and Covent Garden
Best Indian restaurants in London for families
London’s classic bombay-style restaurant is buzzy and family-friendly with lots of vegetarian and vegan options available.
Locations throughout London including Batterea, Shoreditch, Kensington, Covent Garden
Best Mexican restaurants in London for families
It’s difficult to find a good Mexican in London which is one reason Madera at the Treehouse hotel stands out. Nachos and quesadillas are on the menu for kids with a diverse menu of Mexican favourites for adults. The high rise location and treehouse-style decor will please all ages.
Location: 14-15 Langham Place, W1B 2QS (near London’s famous shopping streets Regent Street and Oxford Street)
Best Modern European restaurants in London for families
Featuring both British and International dishes, the Brasserie of Light is a real crowd pleaser – there’s a children’s menu too. It’s located in Selfridges and you’ll wonder in for the inviting interiors including a soaring 24 foot Pegasus and the perfect pink bathrooms but you’ll stay for delicious and ‘easy’ food.
Location: Brasserie of Light, Duke Street, Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB
Ok so the wine-inspired name does scream child-friendly but kids are actually welcome at this opulent Greek / Mediterranean restaurant. The dining room is one of the most beautiful I’ve seen and children will be entranced by the five statues designed by British artist Damien Hirst including a winged lion and a unicorn. There no children’s menu but plenty of crowd-pleasers on the a la carte. The ‘Roman’ Sunday lunch is great value and features magnificent operatic entertainment.
Location: 1 Mount Street, London, W1K 3NA
One of London’s iconic restaurants with an amazing location on Piccadilly – right by The Ritz! The Wolseley is styles as European grand cafe serving soups, sandwiches, seafood platters and salads, steak tartare, kedgeree, coq au vin, and grilled fish – there’s no children’s menu but plenty that they will like! The Wolseley is most famous for it’s breakfasts and the menu is extensive.
Location: 160 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9EB
Best Spanish Restaurants in London for families
The great thing about tapas is that you’re bound to find something to please everyone! Camino has a menu of delicious food and it’s super welcoming for children.
Locations: Victoria and Kings Cross.
Showcasing Henrique Sá Pessoa’s culinary heritage with influences from Catalonia and Portugal, using British and Iberian produce. The views over Battersea Power Station are sensational and while there’s no kids menu there’s plenty to please young tastes.
Location: art’otel London Battersea Power Station, 15th Floor. 1 Electric Boulevard, London SW11 8BJ
Best Brunch / Cafes in London for families
Daisy Green – Long a favourite of mine (we know the lovely owners), Daisy Green is a group of
laid-back Australian-style cafés known for excellent brunches, colourful interiors, and good coffee. The menu focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients with plenty of healthy and indulgent options. Each location has a different name and some diverse locations such as Darcie and May Green on a canal boat in Paddington and Audrey Green at the National Portrait Gallery.
Granger & Co – Great food but a relaxed atmosphere in this restaurant group founded by Australian chef Bill Granger, famous for its light, flavourful food. It’s especially well known for brunch dishes like ricotta hotcakes and sweetcorn fritters. The atmosphere is bright and fun, making it a favourite for casual breakfasts and lunches. I love the smoked salmon and poached egg at my favourite branch in Chelsea.
Peggy Porschen – One of London’s most Insta famous cafes, this iconic London bakery is known for its beautifully decorated cakes, pastries, and floral pink façade. The café serves savouries, afternoon tea, cupcakes, and elegant desserts that feel special and celebratory. Treat your little girl (or boy) to a princess perfect meal here. The Belgravia location on Elizabeth Street is also gorgeous.
Where the Pancakes Are – specialises in both sweet and savoury pancakes made with high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients. The menu caters for all, including vegan and gluten-free options. It’s relaxed, modern, and ideal for brunch. Located at Battersea Power Station or London Bridge.
Pear Tree Cafe – This cafe brand is located in beautiful green spaces – we love the Battersea Park branch which is opposite a playground and near the lake. The menu focuses on seasonal British dishes, brunch classics, and comfort food.
Caravan – A London-born restaurant with a ‘world’ menu group known for globally inspired food and its own in-house roasted coffee. Interiors are industrial-chic and buzzy energy. Vardo in Chelsea is also part of the brand and has more elegant interior plus easy outdoor seating in Duke of York Square.
Onion Garden – This beautiful garden cafe is like a fairytale and even better it is actually a non-profit community hub in Westminster simply to sit and enjoy nature. Owner Jens Jakobsen has poured his love of plants and greenery into an unwanted to corner of Victoria in Westminster and has turned it into a little urban oasis with sweet little signs, fairy spots and currently autumnal displays. Grab a coffee, cake or sandwich or even a glass of wine (it’s licensed!) and take a seat outside in the quiet backstreet. The Onion Garden also runs events and can be privately hired.
Location: 5 Seaforth Place SW1E 6AB (near Victoria or St James tube)
St James Cafe – Is more than just a cafe in park, there are scenic views over the lake and surrounding park. The all-day menu features breakfast classics, hearty British dishes like fish & chips, fresh salads, sandwiches, cakes and ice cream. There’s an outdoor terrace seating from where you can watch the park’s iconic pelicans.
If you’re looking for Play Cafes, see this post
Best Pizza restaurants in London for families
Franco Manca – Know for slow-fermented dough and light chewy based with a variety of topping. Great value.
Locations throughout London.
Pizza Pilgrims – A fun and reliable chain with good value prices and and a light, chewy crust ‘ just like in Naples.’
Pizza East – Owned by Soho House group, there’s something cool about this pizza place and it’s industrial chic decor. There’s branch in Shoreditch and one in Stratford.
Food Court Restaurants
Market Halls are ideal for a quick meal with lots of options to please everyone. The restaurants here are better quality than your average food court but with the benefits of all the different options under one roof. We visited the one in Victoria lots and there’s 9 different restaurants allowing options for Indian food, Poke, burgers and more. It’s right by the Apollo Victoria Theatre making it ideal if you’re watching Wicked.
Locations: Victoria, Canary Wharf, Paddington, Oxford Street.
Takes the food court concept up another level with diverse food and restaurant brands and table service. There’s lots of options such as Taiwanese food, Indonesian, sushi and pizza.
Locations in Battersea Power Station and Tottenham Court Road.
Best Chain restaurants in London for families
If you’re on a budget, there are plenty of chain restaurants which are easy, quick and casual.
- Five Guys Burgers and Fries – American burgers and fries.
- Shake Shack – Popular US-style burgers and shakes.
- Pret A Manger – Sandwiches, salads, coffee and quick meals (these are everywhere in London)
- Wagamama – Asian noodle and bowl dishes at multiple sites around the city
- Pizza Express – Italian-style pizzas with many London branches
- Nando’s – Portuguese-style peri-peri chicken chain found across London
- Zizzi – Italian casual restaurant with pizza, pasta and more.
- Yo! Sushi – Conveyor-belt sushi chain with locations in central London.
- Giraffe – Family-friendly casual chain with branches such as Southbank Giraffe
- Bill’s London Bridge Restaurant – Popular British chain café/restaurant.
- Hard Rock Cafe – Iconic American-style chain restaurant.
- Côte (Côte Brasserie) – French-style brasserie with many UK restaurants including in London.
- Caffè Concerto – European café/restaurant chain with numerous London locations.
- Wahaca – Mexican street-food-style chain with multiple restaurants
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