12 of the best child-friendly restaurants in Bristol

Bristol is a brilliant place for a family day out. Whether you’re wandering along the harbour, spending a day at the aquarium, or exploring one of the city’s interactive museums, there’s no shortage of ways to entertain the kids. But after all that activity, you’ll be in need of a proper meal. Luckily, Bristol is packed full of fantastic restaurants that are well suited to families - so there’s no need to resort to fast food chains or a quick grab-and-go meal.

When it comes to the best family restaurants in Bristol, you’ll find plenty of delicious options, with relaxed environments and mini menus that don’t feel like an afterthought. And it’s not just about keeping the kids happy - these restaurants ensure that the adults are well looked after too. From ever-popular kid favourites like chicken nuggets and chips, to options for more adventurous palates, our list includes a range of child-friendly menus.

Better still, many of these family-friendly joints offer budget-conscious menus for kids, which often include a drink and dessert for a set price, meaning that feeding the whole family doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Many even go as far as to provide entertainment in the form of colouring sheets, making the wait for food that little bit easier, or are happy to help out with high chairs for the smallest diners.

Whether you’re after a casual bite by the harbour or a more grown-up dinner where the kids still feel welcome, we’ve rounded up the best child-friendly restaurants in Bristol to make your next family outing that little bit easier.

Bandook Cargo

What: Bandook’s prime location, relaxed atmosphere and all-day menu make this a favourite amongst families. With menus packed full of Indian-inspired street food, you’re sure to find something to keep the whole group satisfied. The children's menu ensures that your little soldiers are fed, with spiced options that are perhaps best suited for more adventurous eaters. Expect malai chicken tikka, or paneer tikka masala with pilau rice, fries and tandoor broccoli, and a choice of desserts all for just £9.99.
Where: Museum Street, BS1 6ZA
What's nearby: M Shed Museum, The Matthew of Bristol, Bristol Harbour Railway
Book now: Bandook Cargo

Aqua Welsh Back

What: This independent, family-run business understands the importance of having a meal with the whole family, and uses sustainable and locally sourced ingredients across all its menus. Sitting right in the heart of the city, Aqua Welsh Back offers a children’s menu packed full of activities to keep your little ones busy as they wait for their food to arrive. Menus are also super affordable, with two courses and a drink on offer for just £8. Kids can enjoy chicken Milanese with tomato spaghetti, fish and chips, or bangers and mash, with a half portion roast available for those visiting on a Sunday.
Where: Welsh Back Dockside, BS1 4RR
What's nearby: Bristol Aquarium, We The Curious Museum, Millennium Square, The Bristol Wheel
Book now: Aqua Welsh Back

Sonny Stores

What: Tucked away in the friendly neighbourhood of Southville, Sonny Stores brings rustic Italian charm to Bristol, with seasonal menus and authentic dishes. While the focus here is undoubtedly on ingredient-led plates for grown-ups, families are very much welcome. Whether you’re heading in for a relaxed lunch, or an early dinner, kids are catered for with a brilliant value £5 pasta and pizza offer that parents will love as much as kids. 
Where: 47 Raleigh Road, BS3 1QS
What's nearby: Greville Smyth Park, Spike Island Art Gallery
Book now: Sonny Stores

L’Osteria

What: Set in the heart of Cabot Circus, L’Osteria is an ideal setting for families, with a lively dining room, open kitchen, and a menu packed full of crowd pleasers. The Bambini menu offers freshly made Italian classics such as a margherita pizza, or maccheroncini pasta with tomato sauce, plus a fun ‘spaghetti’ ice cream to finish. If you're visiting with a large group, then be sure to check out the signature XXL pizzas which are perfect for sharing, and come with the option to split toppings across each half. High chairs are available too for little diners. 
Where: Quakers Friars, BS1 3BU
What’s nearby: Cabot Circus Shopping Centre, Castle Park
Book now: L'Osteria

Franco Manca

What: In our experience, you really can’t go wrong with pizza. Franco Manca is a family favourite across the country, with its casual setting and sourdough pizzas that work for grown ups and kids alike. A meal here won’t set you back much either, with a pizza, drink, and ice cream available for your child for just £8.25. Children can choose a classic margherita, or add roasted ham, cured chorizo or wild mushrooms, with a selection of ice creams and sorbets to finish.
Where: 20 Clare Street, BS1 1YG
What's nearby: Bristol Hippodrome, Bristol Old Vic, St Nicholas Market
Book now: Franco Manca

Prego Italian Bar & Kitchen

What: If you’ve found yourself in the Westbury Park suburb of the city, Prego Italian Bar & Kitchen offers all-day dining, relaxed interiors and an authentic Italian experience. Kids can get a main and a scoop of ice cream for just £10, with pesto pasta, chicken Milanese and pepperoni pizzas on the menu. Handmade pasta, a selection of seafood, and a chalk-board dotted with daily specials are all on offer for grown ups, making it an easy choice when dining out with the whole family.
Where: 7 North View, BS6 7PT
What's nearby: Durdham Downs, Redland Green Park, Sea Walls Observations Deck
Book now: Prego Italian Bar & Kitchen

Mollie’s Diner

What: Looking for a child-friendly restaurant near Bristol Zoo? If a family day out is on the cards, then you’re bound to be on the hunt for a nearby place to eat once you’ve finished with your activities. Mollie’s Diner is all about fuss-free dining, offering a ‘Mini Mollie’s’ menu that’s sure to go down a treat. Mains include the likes of hot dogs, mac ‘n’ cheese, and plant burgers, with a side, fries and a drink all available for just £7.75. Or pop in for breakfast if you’re looking to fuel up ahead of your big adventure.
Where: A4018 Cribbs Causeway, BS10 7TL
What’s nearby: Bristol Zoo Project, Bristol Activity Centre
Book now: Mollie's Diner

Aqua Brasserie

What: Aqua Brasserie on Whiteladies Road strikes the perfect balance between quality and comfort, making it a great choice for families out and about in Clifton. The dedicated children’s menu is full of favourites, and very reasonably priced, with two courses and a drink for just £8. Choose from mini mains such as linguine pomodoro, fish and chips, or bangers and mash. For those visiting on Sundays, Aqua Brasserie offers a half portion of a traditional roast for its younger diners, with a menu packed full of activities that'll keep even the most impatient of little ones entertained.
Where: 153 Whiteladies Road, BS8 2RF
What's nearby: Durdham Downs, Sea Walls Observations Deck
Book now: Aqua Brasserie

Za Za Bazaar

What: Sitting against the water, and primely placed next to some of the city's top child-friendly attractions, Za Za Bazaar is fun for all the family. Little ones are bound to be enthralled by the bright lights and buzzing atmosphere of this world banquet, with all-you-eat options and live cooking stations that offer endless fun. The magic of Za Za Bazaar is the variety of dishes, with countless cuisines from across the continents that suits diners of every age. The best part? Children under five eat completely free, with half price dining for those under 11.
Where: Canon's Road, BS1 5UH
What’s nearby: Bristol Aquarium, We The Curious Museum, Millennium Square, The Bristol Wheel
Book now: Za Za Bazaar

The Maple

What: Sitting on the outskirts of the city, The Maple is an all day affair, serving up everything from hearty breakfasts to classic British mains. This relaxed restaurant makes for the perfect pit stop for those out and about with little ones in tow. Kids are spoilt for choice, with everything from American-style pancakes and beans on toast in the morning, to chicken dippers, mac ‘n’ cheese or fish and chips later in the day. Sundays bring a mini version of a roast dinner, with prices starting from as low as £4.50.
Where: Main Road, BS49 4NR
What’s nearby: Goblin Combe, Cleeve Toot, Cadbury Hill Fort
Book now: The Maple

Ciao Amici Bristol 

What: Found right in the heart of the city centre, this is a real favourite amongst locals, with its relaxed backdrop and buzzing atmosphere. In classic Italian style, Ciao Amici is all about family dining, so be sure to bring the whole group along, spreading out across one long table as you delve into traditional plates of Italian cuisine. Little ones can opt for spaghetti Bolognese, or pasta and tomato sauce, with chicken nuggets, fish fingers, or pizzas that are bound to satisfy even the fussiest eaters.
Where: 10-11 Denmark Street, BS1 5DQ
What’s nearby: Bristol Hippodrome, 02 Academy Bristol
Book now: Ciao Amici

Coppa Club Clifton

What: Located in the heart of Clifton Village, Coppa Club is a stylish yet welcoming spot that’s great for all ages. Don't let the interiors fool you, menus at Coppa Club are refreshingly down to earth, with countless options for the little ones in your party. The dedicated kids’ menu is a real winner, offering a choice of two courses for £14.50 or three for £16.50 (including a side). Kids can choose from favourites such as margherita pizza, or linguine with tomato and basil, with starters like crispy chicken bites or garlic dough balls to kick things off.
Where: 2-10 Regent Street, BS8 4HG
What’s nearby: Clifton Suspension Bridge, Clifton Observatory, Cabot Tower
Book now: Coppa Club Clifton

Want to head out for a family dinner this Sunday? Check out our roundup of the top roast dinners in Bristol, for the perfect place to spend your weekend.