We get it - finding a child-friendly restaurant in Manchester is a difficult task. Having children in tow doesn’t stop you from going out to eat but it does mean there are a few extra things you need to consider. From worrying if restaurants will have options that your child(ren) will eat, to questioning whether you’ll get your money’s worth for a meal that might just be pushed around a plate - eating out with kids can be stressful.
Not all restaurants make it particularly easy for you to bring the kids along. You might be faced with a worryingly small menu, a quiet venue that has you dining in fear of a loud tantrum, or long waiting times that have the potential to be a huge test for your child’s patience. Whatever problems you’ve faced when dining out with the kids, you’re probably not alone.
If you’re heading for a day out in Manchester, and you've found yourself frantically searching for 'child-friendly restaurants near me,' then you've come to the right place. Having an exciting lunch or dinner spot in mind could help save the day - whether that’s sweetening the deal for your kids, who are less than excited at the prospect of being dragged around all day, or having somewhere to go when the tummies start rumbling.
Dining out with kids isn't always smooth sailing, but we're here to make it that little bit easier and have pulled together the best child-friendly restaurants in Manchester for when you're unsure where to go. All of these spots are located in the city centre so shouldn’t require an awful lot of walking - no matter where you start from in the city. These options also offer designated children’s menus and kids' meal deals, meaning you'll get great value for money, as well as great main menus so you won’t have to compromise your foodie enjoyment to satisfy the kids.
Browse through the best kid-friendly restaurants in Manchester below, and be sure to get something booked for your next day out.
Zouk Tea Bar & Grill
![Zouk's Floral Entrance, and a roast sharing platter]()
What: The perfect spot for dining with family, Zouk Tea Bar & Grill is sure to be a hit with the kids, with its striking floral entrance and over the top, seasonal decor. While the grown-up menus delve into bold Indian and Pakistani flavours, there are plenty of alternatives for little diners. The children’s menu includes grilled chicken strips or a mini beef burger, both served with chips and peas, or a mini cheese naan with hummus and crudites. Finish things off with a scoop of ice cream or a kulfi sundae. Be sure to bring the entire family down on Sunday for a sharing platter that's fit for the whole group.
Where: Unit 5, Chester Street, M1 5QS
What’s nearby: Manchester Oxford Road Station, 02 Manchester, Palace Theatre
Booking for a special occasion? Discover private and group dining options at Zouk Tea Bar & Grill
Book now: Zouk Tea Bar & Grill
Bill’s Spinningfields
![two children eating a stack of pancakes]()
What: Looking for a child-friendly restaurant in Spinningfields? Bill’s has sites across the country, and is known for its family-friendly dining and excellent offers, from £5 pancake stacks on Fridays, to its ‘Kids Eat Free’ offers that runs at various points throughout the year. Whether you’re visiting for breakfast, lunch or dinner, children can choose from a selection of affordable options, from 'Little Bill’s' breakfast and beans on toast, to chargrilled chicken burgers with fries and salad or fish fingers and peas. Bill’s also offers its very own pancake parlour between 3-5pm, where your little ones can get creative, building their own pancakes with whatever toppings they please.
Where: 3 Hardman Square, M3 3EB
What’s nearby: Science and Industry Museum, The Crystal Maze Experience, Chaos Karts Go-Kart Track
Book now: Bill's Spinningfields
Shoryu Ramen
![a couple of pots of ramen]()
What: Located right on the edge of Piccadilly Gardens, Shoryu Ramen is the perfect pitstop for when your little ones are done running around outside. A bright and lively restaurant, with a menu that features plenty of delicious options for kids and parents alike. The kids menu comes with an edamame starter followed by a selection of ramen or marinated fried chicken and rice and finished off with matcha, chocolate or mango ice cream - it's definitely a great place for your more adventurous youngsters, those who are always looking to try a bit of whatever you're eating.
Where: 1 Piccadilly, M1 1RG
What’s nearby: Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester Arndale Shopping Centre
Book now: Shoryu Ramen
Yard and Coop
![a plate of fried chicken and chips, and a plate of fried chicken and mac and cheese]()
What: Chicken and chips is the ultimate child-friendly combination, and at Yard and Coop, kids are very much taken care of, allowing adults to pick from a very exciting menu. Kids can choose from boneless fried chicken, a chicken mayo burger or a vegan option which comes with a side of chips, mac 'n' cheese, or salad. It might also reassure you to know that your kids aren’t being served overly processed chicken as Yard and Coop operate with an ethos of ‘farm to fork in 48 hours’.
Where: 37 Edge Street, M4 1HW
What’s nearby: Manchester Arndale Shopping Centre, National Football Museum, DNA VR Manchester, Immersive Gamebox
Book now: Yard & Coop
Franco Manca
![a cured ham pizza (left), and a girl eat a slice of pizza (right)]()
What: It’s hard to go wrong with pizzas when you’ve got the little ones in tow. Franco Manca’s selection of casual pizzerias are beloved by families across the country, and it’s easy to see why. Kids can opt for a pizza, drink and ice cream for a fixed price, with toppings from classic Margarita, and wild mushrooms to roasted ham, or cured chorizo. Finish up with vanilla, chocolate, or salted caramel ice cream, or choose from the raspberry or Sicilian lemon sorbets. There’s plenty of choice for the adults in your party too, or something extra for the more adventurous eaters.
Where: 12-16 Mosley Street, M2 3AQ
What’s nearby: Piccadilly Gardens, Museum of Illusions, Immersive Gamebox, DNA VR Manchester
Book now: Franco Manca
Mowgli
![a selection of small plates of curry and panipuri]()
What: For those who want to stray from kid’s chicken and chips, Mowgli’s kids’ menu is just as fun, fresh and tasty as the rest of its offerings. Mowgli’s ‘mini’ menu means kids can try similar plates to their parents at one of Manchester's best Indian restaurants, just on a smaller scale, like the house chicken curry and rice, temple dahl and rice, and mother butter chicken and rice (there’s also still a trusty gunpowder chicken and fries). The Manchester site is also beautifully decorated with twinkling lights and some swinging seating, which might prove fun (or stressful – you decide…).
Where: 37 Corn Exchange, M4 3TR
What’s nearby: Corn Exchange Manchester, National Football Museum, Manchester Cathedral
Book now: Mowgli
Albert's Schloss
![an aerial shot of a chicken schnitzel, and other plates, on a table]()
What: Albert’s Schloss is renowned for being quite a lively social hub in the evenings and on weekends but at its less boozy times of day it can be a great spot for a chilled meal in a unique setting. The Kindermenu offers up a mini bratwurst and fries, fishcake and chips, and chicken schnitzel with spaghetti (on brand for Albert’s Schloss). There’s also a Sunday kids' roast that comes served with all the trimmings! Pop down for a Sunday dinner, sit down for a relaxed pint and let the kids explore Albert’s Schloss’ cool setting.
Where: 27 Peter Street, M2 5KR
What’s nearby: ODEON Manchester, Manchester Albert Square, Manchester Deansgate
Book now: Albert's Schloss
Tampopo
![Tampopo's childrens menu and dishes, and a selection of small plates of Asian cuisine]()
What: Tampopo is a high-street classic and, in case you didn’t know, it does have a kid’s menu. For Junior Explorers of up to eight years old, there’s mini corn fritters and rice, honey butter popcorn chicken and rice, and noodles with chicken, vegetables and a sweet Asian sauce. There’s also the helpful option to request a ‘Buddhist Monk Plate’ – an extra plate with cutlery so that your little one can try bits and pieces from your plate without having to order them their own dish. For older children you'll find smaller portions of adult menu dishes like pad Thai, chicken fried rice and katsu curry.
Where: Corn Exchange, M4 3TR
What’s nearby: Corn Exchange Manchester, National Football Museum, Manchester Arndale Shopping Centre
Book now: Tampopo
Comptoir Libanais
![a brightly coloured interiors decorated with flowers]()
What: It might not be the first place you might think to take your children, but Comptoir Libanais does have its own kids' menu full of main meals, drinks and desserts. All children’s mains are served with fries and hummus and they include options like chicken taouk bites, and halloumi or chicken wraps. Comptoir Libanais also has an extensive mezze menu from which you could just order a selection of small plates and share as a family. For kids’ drinks, there’s the option to choose from a range of flavours such as orange and mandarin, or mango and passionfruit, which will feel like a fancy and fun occasion for your little ones.
Where: 18-19 The Avenue, M3 3HF
What’s nearby: Science and Industry Museum, The Crystal Maze Experience, Chaos Karts Go-Kart Track, ODEON Manchester
Book now: Comptoir Libanais
Pho
![a children's menu with prawn crackers, dips and skewers]()
What: At Pho, your kids can get the full experience for just a snip of the price of the regular menu. They can choose from dishes like wok-fried noodles with chicken, beef or tofu and mushroom, mini pho noodle soup or homemade pork meatballs with rice, veggies, prawn crackers and peanut sauce – and ingredients can be omitted upon request if it will make little diners happier with their plate. There’s even an option designed specifically for under 2s: the Baby Bun noodles picking plate made up of rice noodles, sliced chicken breast, cucumber, tomatoes, radish, prawn crackers and a sweet dipping sauce.
Where: Corn Exchange, M4 3TR
What’s nearby: Manchester Cathedral, National Football Museum, Manchester Arndale Shopping Centre
Book now: Pho
Looking to dine out in the city on a budget? Check out our guide to cheap eats in Manchester. Or if you're planning a trip to the capital, be sure to browse London's best child-friendly restaurants for you and your family.