10 of the best child-friendly restaurants in Edinburgh to take the kids

Looking for a reliable, child-friendly place to eat in Edinburgh? The Scottish capital might be best known for its dramatic skyline, historic streets and world-famous festivals, but it's also a brilliant place to dine out as a family. From laid-back brunch spots to lively global eateries and smart restaurants that still welcome children, there’s a wide variety of family-friendly restaurants in Edinburgh that cater to all ages.

Whether you’re exploring the Royal Mile, enjoying a stroll through Princes Street Gardens, or planning a day out during the summer holidays or half term, you will find plenty of restaurants in Edinburgh ready to host little and large kids with dedicated menus and appropriate seating, as well as activities.

What makes Edinburgh particularly good for families is how compact yet diverse the city is. Many of the best family-friendly places to eat in Edinburgh are located close to top attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum of Scotland and the Meadows, making it easy to slot a meal into a busy day of sightseeing. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants offering flexible menus, sharing dishes, and children’s menus designed to appeal to younger diners without compromising on quality.

You’ll notice that the best restaurants in Edinburgh for families strike a balance between relaxed surroundings and well-executed food. Some offer dedicated kids’ menus, while others win favour thanks to spacious dining rooms, accommodating service and menus that are easy to share. From quick lunches to celebratory dinners, we've picked out restaurants that, from experience, take the potential stress out of dining out with little ones, turning breakfast, lunch and dinner into an enjoyable family event.

So, whether you’re after a casual bite or a more polished meal that still caters for younger guests, here’s our pick of the best family-friendly restaurants in Edinburgh.

Greenwoods, New Town

What: A reliable brunch favourite, Greenwoods is a great shout for families looking for something easy-going yet thoughtfully prepared. The all-day breakfast and lunch menu covers everything from pancakes and eggs Benedict to sandwiches and burgers, meaning even picky eaters will find something they like. There are vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options too, which is helpful when catering for different tastes at the table. The cosy layout, with bench seating and relaxed interiors, creates a welcoming environment where children won’t feel out of place. It’s especially handy for a morning refuel before a day of sightseeing, and its central location means you can stop in without straying far from the main attractions. 
Where: 61 Frederick Street, EH2 1LH
What's nearby: Princes Street, Edinburgh Castle, National Galleries Scotland: Portrait
Book now: Greenwoods

Hawksmoor Edinburgh, New Town

What: Steakhouse heavyweight Hawksmoor may feel like a special occasion spot, but it's surprisingly accommodating for families - in fact, The Little Chartroom chef Roberta Hall-McCarron told us Hawksmoor was one of her favourite places to go with kids in Edinburgh. The spacious dining room allows for larger groups, and the indulgent menu of steaks, seafood and classic sides offers plenty of options to share, which can be ideal with children. There isn’t a dedicated children’s menu listed, but the straightforward nature of many dishes means younger diners are well catered for, particularly with sides like chips and macaroni and cheese. If you’re planning a celebratory meal during the school holidays, this is one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh for families who want to treat themselves without excluding the kids.
Where: 23 West Register Street, EH2 2AA
What's nearby: St Andrew Square, The Royal Scottish Academy of Art & Architecture, National Monument of Scotland
Booking for a special occasion? Discover private hire options at Hawksmoor Edinburgh
Book now: Hawksmoor Edinburgh

Bistro du Vin Edinburgh, Old Town

What: Located within boutique Hotel du Vin, Bistro du Vin offers a more relaxed take on French-style dining that works well for families. The atmosphere is calm and welcoming, making it a good choice for slightly older children or those looking for a quieter meal away from the bustle. There's a dedicated kids' menu which includes easy-going dishes like sausage, chips and beans, mac and cheese, and fish goujons with chips and peas, as well as dessert treats like an ice cream sundae. Its central Old Town location is another bonus, placing you within easy reach of key attractions, so you can fit a visit here neatly into a day of exploring Edinburgh’s historic sites.
Where: 11 Bristo Place, EH1 1EZ
What's nearby: National Museum of Scotland, Greyfriars Kirkyard, The Meadows
Booking for a special occasion? Discover private hire options at Bistro du Vin Edinburgh
Book now: Bistro du Vin Edinburgh

Black Ivy, Bruntsfield

What: Set overlooking Bruntsfield Links, Black Ivy combines restaurant, bar and terrace into one family-friendly destination. The varied menu covers brunch, comfort dishes and crowd-pleasing mains, making it easy to satisfy a group with different tastes. Its outdoor terrace is particularly appealing in warmer weather, offering space for children to relax while adults enjoy the setting. The lively atmosphere means it works equally well for casual family meals or weekend gatherings; being slightly removed from the busiest tourist areas also helps, giving it a more neighbourhood feel while still being within easy reach of the city centre. 
Where: 4 Alvanley Terrace, EH9 1DU
What's nearby: Bruntsfield Links, The Meadows, King’s Theatre
Booking for a special occasion? Discover private hire options at Black Ivy
Book now: Black Ivy

Mowgli Street Food Edinburgh, New Town

What: Mowgli’s vibrant take on Indian street food makes it a hit with families, particularly thanks to its relaxed dining style and sharing-friendly menu. Dishes are designed to be mixed and matched, so you can tailor your order to suit younger diners, while a dedicated children’s menu makes things even easier, with accessible dishes like chicken curry and rice, ice cream cones, and even fancy kids cocktails. The lively interiors, complete with playful design touches, keep things informal and fun, and Mowgli even provides colouring in menus to keep kids entertained. With plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options available, it’s also a flexible choice for groups with varied dietary needs.
Where: 20 Hanover Street, EH2 2QW
What's nearby: Princes Street, Edinburgh Castle, Scottish National Gallery
Book now: Mowgli Street Food Edinburgh

Wahaca Edinburgh, New Town

What: Known for its colourful Mexican small plates, Wahaca is a fun, upbeat choice for families. The menu is built around sharing, which makes it easy to try a variety of dishes and keep younger diners engaged. There is also a kids’ menu available, alongside options catering to different dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free choices. The lively setting, combined with bold flavours and informal service, helps create a relaxed environment where families can feel comfortable. It’s particularly well suited to groups looking for something quick and flavour-packed after a day exploring central Edinburgh.
Where: 16 St Andrew Street, EH2 2AU
What's nearby: St Andrew Square, Royal Scottish Academy of Art, Princes Street
Book now: Wahaca Edinburgh

Chez Mal Brasserie at Malmaison Edinburgh and Edinburgh City, Leith and New Town

What: Situated inside the Malmaison hotels in New Town and Leith, Chez Mal Brasseries offer a relaxed hotel dining experience that works well for families looking for a comfortable setting. The menu blends classic British and European dishes with more casual options, whilst dedicated kids' menus are packed with reliable family favourites like sausage and beans, cod goujons with peas, and tomato pasta with mozzarella (all on a 'colour me in' menu for an added bonus). The hotel environment often means more space and flexibility, which can be a bonus when dining with children. Head to the slightly removed location in Leith for something a little calmer, compared to central Edinburgh, while still being close to waterfront walks and attractions.
Where: 1 Tower Place, EH6 7BZ; 22 St Andrews Square, EH2 1AY
What's nearby: Royal Yacht Britannia, SS Explorer, Leith Shore; Princes Street, Edinburgh Castle, National Galleries Scotland: Portrait
Book now: Chez Mal Brasserie at Malmaison Edinburgh; Chez Mal Brasserie at Malmaison Edinburgh City

The Gruff Goat, Old Town

What: The Gruff Goat brings a bold, energetic edge to Edinburgh’s dining scene, but its flexible menu and central location make it suitable for families too. Serving a mix of hearty dishes in a casual environment, it is well suited to informal dining with children, particularly after a day spent exploring nearby attractions. The kids' menu includes plenty of familiar flavours - sausages, fish fingers or chicken nuggets with chips and beans, for example - alongside more adventurous options. It's a particularly handy stop if you are spending time near the university or the city’s cultural landmarks.
Where: 19/20 Teviot Place, EH1 2QZ
What's nearby: University of Edinburgh, National Museum of Scotland, Festival Theatre
Book now: The Gruff Goat

The Olive Branch, New Town

What: A neighbourhood favourite, The Olive Branch offers a relaxed dining experience that works well for families. The menu centres around small plates and brunch dishes, and although there's no dedicated kids' menu, there's lots on offer that is suitable for kids, from fries and garlic bread to sourdough toasties, soups and avocado on toast. The atmosphere is easy-going and comfortable, making it a good choice for casual meals without the pressure of formal dining. Its location on Broughton Street places it within easy reach of the city centre while retaining a more local feel set amongst Broughton Street's famously independent shops.
Where: 91 Broughton Street, EH1 3RX
What's nearby: Edinburgh Playhouse, St James Quarter, Calton Hill
Book now: The Olive Branch

Dishoom Edinburgh, New Town

What: Always buzzing, Dishoom is a firm favourite among families thanks to its welcoming atmosphere and crowd-pleasing menu. Inspired by Bombay cafés, it serves everything from breakfast naan rolls to rich curries, and includes an extensive kid-friendly menu throughout the day, with brekafast dishes like cinnamon pancakes, then grilled chicken thighs, paneer tikka, and kulfi later in the day, all with lowered spice levels. The excellent lassis and mocktails are also bound to be a hit with the kids. While it can get busy, the lively vibe tends to work in its favour for families, creating an energetic environment where noise is never an issue.
Where: 3a St Andrew Square, EH2 2BD
What's nearby: St Andrew Square, Princes Street, The Royal Scottish Academy of Art
Book now: Dishoom Edinburgh

With so many excellent family-friendly restaurants in Edinburgh to choose from, dining out with children becomes part of the experience rather than a challenge. For more dining inspiration, explore our guides to the best restaurants in Edinburgh and book your next family meal through SquareMeal.

Just in case you're planning a special birthday for a special little someone, we've also got handy guides to Edinburgh's very best private dining rooms for hire, including brilliant private dining rooms for birthday parties where you can secure a space all to yourself in one of the capital's best restaurants.