30 of the best child-friendly restaurants in London for families

London is definitely a great place for a family day out. However, a long day of dragging your kids around the endless attractions is going to lead to some hungry stomachs, big and small. But where can you safely take the little darlings without having to go to Nando's yet again? We're here to share the good news that there are plenty of terrific places to eat around London that will be just as accommodating to your child as they would to any adult.

Our pick of the best family restaurants in London includes places you’d probably choose to go even without kids, because you deserve a treat too. We’ve rounded up the best fancy restaurants that are still child-friendly, as well as some more casual places to grab a slice of pizza or enjoy a burger should the craving for a junk food hit come the half term holidays.

Some of our choices below have special set-ups to help your meal go as smoothly as possible. While a handful of the best kid-friendly restaurants London has to offer provide entertainment via the likes of colouring in equipment, almost all of them provide specially selected kids menus with your mini me(s) in mind.

These selections of dedicated dishes are carefully prepared to appeal to little taste buds so are often kept simple and delicious. On many menus you’ll find pasta options, while things like mini burgers and chips are also a popular choice. An additional bonus of taking your gang to a kids restaurant in London is the cost-factor. Everything is expertly portioned to allow for as little waste as possible, and with that you get cheaper eats for the kids – plus menus often come with a drink and a dessert thrown in for good measure.

So, whether you’re after something casual and easy or somewhere more formal where your kids will feel just as much of a grown-up as the person footing the bill, here’s our pick of the best child-friendly restaurants in London.

The best casual child-friendly family restaurants in London

If posh nosh isn't what you or the family are looking for, then there are plenty of laid-back joints to bring your little ones to in London. A casual bite to eat will allow you to fully relax knowing that nobody is going to get upset if there's a bit of noise coming from your table. Plus, there’s sure to be options on the menus that your children will enjoy. From pizza places to burger restaurants, these are the best tried-and-tested child-friendly restaurants to take your gang to. 

Crust Bros, Covent Garden, Waterloo and Earl’s Court 

What: Yes, yes, kids love pizza, and at Crust Bros, little ones can get a 7-inch Margherita pizza with a drink for just £7.50. Extra toppings are 50p each, and if they’ve been good, you can always treat them to a ball of gelato for £1.  
Where: Various London locations 
What's nearby: London Transport Museum, The London Eye, West End district 
Book now: Crust Bros Covent Garden and Crust Bros Waterloo

Art Yard Bar & Kitchen, South Bank 

What: Located inside Bankside Hotel, Art Yard Bar & Kitchen is made for creative souls, with a relaxed and welcoming energy where little ones will feel engaged. The two-course kids menu features colourful dishes and playful presentation, and comes with extra creative activities like an Art Yard quiz and a mini introduction to colour theory. Colouring books and interactive elements are part and parcel of the experience, too.  
Where: 2 Blackfriars Road, SE1 9JU 
What's nearby: Shakespeare’s Globe, IMAX, South Bank Centre, London Eye 
Book now: Art Yard Bar & Kitchen 

Brother Marcus, Borough

What: Brother Marcus’ relaxed all-day vibe, beautiful botanical interiors and flexible menus make it a great choice for families. While there might not be a specific kids’ offering as such, the menu is perfect for sharing with the whole family, and features plenty of choice – you're sure to find something that suits. Think breads and dips, mezze plates, indulgent brunch dishes, and tasty desserts.
Where: Borough Yards, SE1 9DG
What's nearby: London Bridge, Borough Market, HMS Belfast
Book now: Brother Marcus

The Cadogan Arms, Chelsea

What: Pubs are always a great shout for families, offering a laid-back atmosphere and familiar British fare that is sure to go down well with everyone. The kids’ menu at Chelsea boozer The Cadogan Arms is a stonker, and if you’re visiting on a Sunday, it even offers a child-friendly Sunday roast including a choice of either chicken or beef with all the trimmings. So no one has to miss out! Elsewhere, cauliflower mac ‘n’ cheese and breaded fish goujons with chips and peas are available seven days a week, with ice cream or cheese and grapes for dessert. 
Where: 298 King’s Road, SW3 5UG
What's nearby: Natural History Museum, Science Museum, King’s Road
Booking for a special occasion? Discover private and group dining options at The Cadogan Arms
Book now: The Cadogan Arms

Burger & Lobster, Various Locations

What: Burger & Lobster offers something for all the family, and with plenty of central London locations to choose from, you can easily tie it in with some fun activities in the city. Specialising in all things surf and turf, the Burger & Lobster kids menu features a classic beef burger, mac and cheese, crispy breaded chicken bites, and pesto linguine. Suitable for those aged 12 years and younger, each dish comes with a choice of side, including fries, potato wedges or seasonal vegetables.  
Where: Various locations
What's nearby: There's plenty of family-friendly activities to do in central London!
Booking for a special occasion? Discover private and group dining options at Burger & Lobster
Book now: Burger & Lobster Soho, Burger & Lobster Oxford Circus, Burger & Lobster Threadneedle Street

Hard Rock Cafe, Piccadilly Circus

What: The first and last word in rock and roll family fun, Hard Rock Cafe is absolutely ideal if you're looking for somewhere fun and easy-going to entertain the kids for an hour or two, with a menu packed with family favourites that even the pickiest child wouldn't turn their nose up at. The 'Captain Messi' menu features burgers, pizzas, mac and cheese, and the obligatory Hard Rock chocolate brownie - all of which come in generous portions - and afterwards you can check out the 7,500 square foot 'Rock Shop' - the largest memorabilia store in the world. 
Where: Criterion Building, 225-229 Piccadilly, W1J 9HR
What's nearby: Piccadilly Circus, Soho, Leicester Square
Booking for a special occasion? Discover private and group dining options at Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus
Book now: Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus

F1 Arcade, City of London

What: F1 Arcade tempts us over with full-motion, state-of-the-art F1 racing simulators, but it backs up the fun with a hefty kids menu packed with burgers, flatbreads, pizzas, pasta and more, as well as breakfast and brunch fuel like buttermilk pancakes and sausage breakfast baps. There are special family packages on offer to make things extra easy, so you can enjoy some time on the virtual track before going out to explore nearby attractions.
Where: 1 New Change, EC4M 9AF
What’s nearby: St. Paul’s Cathedral, Sky Garden, Millennium Bridge, The Astronomical Clock
Booking for a special occasion? Discover private and group dining options at F1 Arcade
Book now: F1 Arcade

Bill’s, various locations

What: When it comes to refuelling the kids for a big day, you really can’t go wrong with Bill’s. Open from early morning to late evening, Bill’s seamlessly swings from hearty breakfasts to lunch, to dinner, with menus that cover all dietary requirements. That includes kids menus packed with family favourites like buttermilk pancakes, mac and cheese, and fish fingers with chips. Plus, Bill’s runs regular deals where kids eat free whenever an adult orders a main dish.
Where: Various locations
What’s nearby: Lots of things!
Book now: Bill's Baker Street; Bill's Covent Garden; Bill's Greenwich; Bill's Hammersmith; Bill's Kingston; Bill's London Bridge; Bill's Richmond; Bill’s Soho; Bill's Victoria; Bill's White City; Bill's Wimbledon

Big Easy, Canary Wharf and Covent Garden 

What: With its bright neon lighting, quirky decor, and menus packed full of hearty American fare, it comes as no surprise that Big Easy lands as one of the best family friendly restaurants in London. Dishes are designed with the fussiest eaters in mind, offering a main course, dessert and drink for just £9.90. Expect everything from beans on toast and chicken nuggets and chips to mac and cheese, or grilled chicken strips. Drinks are especially fun, offering salted caramel, mint chocolate and oreo milkshakes or a root beer float. 
Where: Crossrail Place, E14 5AR; 12 Maiden Lane, WC2E 7NA
What’s nearby: One Canada Square, London Museum Docklands, Uber Boat Dock
Booking for a special occasion? Discover private and group dining options at Big Easy Canary Wharf 
Book now: Big Easy Canary Wharf; Big Easy Covent Garden 

Rosa’s Thai, Soho

What: This popular Thai chain has restaurants all over London so you’re never too far away from a family-friendly meal if you’re stuck in town with hungry littluns. The kid's menu features a range of crowd-pleasing Thai classics, offering a starter, main and drink for just £7.50. Options include crispy chicken, Rosa's fried rice or noodle soup, all served with tasty veggies and a glass of fruit juice. You can even add a scoop of ice cream with strawberry bubbles for £1.50 to finish with something sweet.
Where: 23a Ganton Street, WIF 9BW
What’s nearby: Carnaby Street, Oxford Street, Leicester Square
Book now: Rosa’s Thai

Soderberg, East Dulwich

What: If you're looking to get up and go, then Soderberg is the ideal spot for early morning dining, bringing a slice of Sweden to London with its artisan bakes, and relaxed Scandi interiors. Head to this family friendly spot for brunch, lunch, or a pitstop snack to refuel with hot drinks and delicious pastries. Kids can pick from plenty of options on the Barnmeny (children’s menu), including sourdough toast with cheese or jam, and meatballs with a fried egg, with sourdough pizzas and brunch classics on offer for those with larger appetites. 
Where: 36-38 Lordship Lane, SE22 8HJ
What’s nearby: (Near Soderberg East Dulwich) Peckham Rye Park and Common, Greendale Playing Fields, House of Dreams Museum
Book now: Soderberg East Dulwich

Heddon Street Kitchen, Piccadilly Circus

What: Four words: kids eat for free. That’s right, kids eat for free all day, every weekday at Gordon Ramsay’s relaxed restaurant chain Heddon Street Kitchen, with all its child-friendly main courses on the house. Choose from the likes of meatballs with pasta, macaroni cheese, bangers and mash or burger and chips. Desserts are an extra cost, but for £3.50 you can’t really complain. Treat them to a chocolate brownie, or ice cream with chocolate sauce.
Where: 3-9 Heddon Street, W1B 4BN
What’s nearby: Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Chinatown, Hamleys
Book now: Heddon Street Kitchen

Shoryu Ramen, Soho

What: Now with nine spots across the capital, and a few more beyond, Shoryu Ramen is ideal for when you need a casual space with some pretty tasty food. The kids menu here is available for your little ones aged 11 and under, and offers edamame to start, alongside a selection of ramen or fried chicken with rice, with matcha, miso or mango ice cream to finish. This three course feast comes to a total of only £8.50, which is pretty reasonable too. 
Where: 3 Denman Street, W1D 7HA
What's nearby: Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus
Booking for a special occasion? Take a look at Shoryu Ramen's private dining options
Book now: Shoryu Ramen

Masala Zone, Various locations

What: For those looking for one of the best restaurants for kids in London, Masala Zone is a lively, flavoursome spot for all occasions. With three sites found right in the heart of the capital, it's a reliable option no matter the time of day. Kids seven and under can order a main and a dessert from £12.25, with adventurous options like chicken saffron korma and a kids chicken thali, alongside classic alternatives such as pizzas, fish fingers and chicken burgers. Finish off with a scoop of chocolate or strawberry ice cream for the full experience.
Where: 224 Piccadilly, W1J 9HP; 48 Floral Street, WC2E 9DA; 9 Marshall Street, W1F 7ER
What’s nearby: Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden, Soho
Booking for a special occasion? Explore Masala Zone Covent Garden’s private and group dining options 
Book now: Masala Zone Piccadilly Circus; Masala Zone Covent Garden; Masala Zone Soho

The Coal Shed, Tower Bridge

What: The idea of a restaurant that is focused on serving predominantly steak and fish-based dishes probably sounds rather grown up. Luckily, The Coal Shed by Tower Bridge serves a children's menu which offers bite-size versions of the restaurant's signature dishes. Kids can tuck into fish and chips, mac and cheese, or a cheese burger, followed by chocolate brownies or two scoops of ice cream. And all that is only £12 per head!
Where: 4 Crown Square, SE1 2SE
What’s nearby: The Tower of London, The Shard, Borough Market, HMS Belfast, The London Bridge Experience and Tombs
Booking for a special occasion? Discover The Coal Shed's private and group dining options
Book now: The Coal Shed

Dishoom, various locations

What: Boasting countless sites across the capital, you can't really go wrong with Dishoom. The group's cosy, Bombay-inspired cafes offer endless choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with children's menus that are available all day, too. Expect curries and grilled chicken for lunch and dinner, as well as an excellent breakfast feast including eggs and beans on toast or a pancake stack with fresh berries and syrup. If you’re looking for child-friendly restaurants near the Science Museum, the Kensington site is just around the corner!
Where: Various locations
What’s nearby: Dishoom has sites everywhere, so the whole of London is at your fingertips!
Booking for a special occasion? Discover private and group dining options at Dishoom Shoreditch
Book now: Dishoom Battersea; Dishoom Canary Wharf; Dishoom Carnaby; Dishoom Covent Garden; Dishoom Kensington; Dishoom King's Cross; Dishoom Shoreditch

Inamo, Covent Garden

What: Inamo is a no-brainer for any parent dragging kids around London and this Covent Garden location one-ups your average restaurant. Kids will love being able to order food from its extensive menu via its state-of-the-art touch-sensitive tables. Plus, they can entertain themselves by playing games, drawing pictures or changing the design of the interactive table top.
Where: 11-14 Hannover Place, WC2E 9JP
What’s nearby: Covent Garden and Strand theatres, Royal Opera House, London Transport Museum, Trafalgar Square, Somerset House
Book now: Inamo

Big Penny Social, Walthamstow

What: While you may know Big Penny Social as one of the city’s largest taprooms, this huge venue also hosts family-friendly events that offer fun for all ages. Expect singalongs, bouncy castle sessions, and seasonal pop-ups, including the beloved Walthamstow-On-Sea. Grown-ups can enjoy hearty plates such as chicken milanese, and honey glazed pork chops, while little ones are looked after with a dedicated kids’ menu including pizzettas, chicken strips, or mini burgers with fries and veggies.
Where: 1 Priestley Way, E17 6AL
What’s nearby: Blackhorse Road, Walthamstow Wetlands Wildlife Trust
Booking for a special occasion? Explore private hire options at Big Penny Social
Book now: Big Penny Social

Cinnamon Kitchen, Battersea and City of London

What: The slightly more relaxed counterpart to Vivek Singh’s flagship Cinnamon Club, Cinnamon Kitchen offers the same vibrant all-day Indian dishes, but in a laid-back warehouse-style dining room, perfect for all the family. Little ones under eight years old can enjoy dishes like naan and cheesy peas pizza, pan-fried sea bream with coconut sauce, or herbed chicken skewers with chips – all served with a drink and ice cream for just £10.50. 
Where: Battersea Power Station, SW8 5BN; 9 Devonshire Square, EC2M 4YL
What’s nearby: (Near Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea) Battersea Power Station, Battersea Park Children's Zoo; (Near Cinnamon Kitchen City) Liverpool Street Station, Spitalfields Market, Tower of London
Booking for a special occasion? Explore private and group dining options as Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea 
Book now: Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea; Cinnamon Kitchen City 

Where the Pancakes Are, Southwark

What: Little ones are bound to find the idea of eating pancakes for lunch or dinner boundlessly exciting, and to be honest, so will the parents if you're anything like us. Part of the fun of eating at this pancake-focused restaurant is being able to build your own dish – an option that’s available for both kids and adults alike. The children’s menu invites kids to pick their pancakes (buttermilk or vegan) and add a selection of toppings, from sausage and halloumi to mixed fruit and chocolate sauce.
Where: 85a Southwark Bridge Road, SE1 0NQ
What’s nearby: Borough Market, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, London Bridge
Book now: Where the Pancakes Are

Franco Manca, Covent Garden 

What: This unbeatable sourdough pizza chain has a Covent Garden branch that is a perfect pit stop during a day out in the capital. The low prices offer fantastic value for families: the kids’ menu includes a pizza, a drink and ice cream for just £8.25. The fuss-free tables means spills aren't an issue and there's a speedy turnover time to prevent the age-old issue of hanger.
Where: 39 Maiden Lane, WC2E 7LJ
What’s nearby: Covent Garden and Strand theatres, Royal Opera House, London Transport Museum, Trafalgar Square, Somerset House ice rink
Book now: Franco Manca Covent Garden

The best formal child-friendly family restaurants in London

There's a time and a place for formal dining, and if you have the whole gang with you there's no need to miss out on a special meal. In the capital there are plenty of formal restaurants that are also child-friendly, from Soho to Shoreditch, and make the perfect spot to celebrate a birthday or catch up with friends (big and small).  

Richoux, Fitzrovia

What: Just a five-minute walk from Oxford Circus, Richoux is the perfect pitstop after a day of shopping with the kids. The vibe is fancy but relaxed, and will make your London day out feel like a proper event, at a surprisingly affordable price! The ‘Menu Enfant’ features drinks, nibbles and mains for kids, from tomato pizzette to chicken goujons, gnocchi a la sauce tomate and le petit beef burger. Yep, this one will have everyone feeling like grown-ups at the table.
Where: Various London locations
What's nearby: Oxford Circus, Carnaby Street, Marble Arch
Booking for a special occasion? Explore private dining options at Richoux
Book now: Richoux

Gaucho, Piccadilly

What: Gaucho has long been a favourite amongst many a grown-up, and now children can join in the classy fun with their very own menu at this premium steakhouse. Think mini fillet steak, chicken Milanese with Parmesan, fish and chips with tartare, and gruyere mac and cheese, all served with a choice of greens, chips or creamy mash. We’ve chosen this Piccadilly site as it’s in the centre of town, perfect for visiting some of London’s iconic landmarks.
Where: 25 Swallow Street, W1B 4QR
What's nearby: Piccadilly Circus, Carnaby Street, Leicester Square
Booking for a special occasion? Explore private dining options at Gaucho Piccadilly
Book now: Gaucho Piccadilly

Brasserie Blanc, Southbank

What: London’s Southbank is a prime spot for a family day out, with the London Eye, Southbank centre and IMAX all in close proximity to one another. Treat you and the little ones to a lovely lunch at Brasserie Blanc, with kids able to enjoy two or three courses for just over a tenner. The is approachable French food they’re sure to love, from veggie bolognese to cheesy breaded chicken (chicken roulade) and a classic burger. Desserts sound yummy too, from ice cream to mousse au chocolat noir.
Where: 9 Belvedere Road, SE1 8YP
What's nearby: IMAX, South Bank Centre, London Eye
Booking for a special occasion? Explore private dining options at Brasserie Blanc
Book now: Brasserie Blanc

Sticks ‘n’ Sushi, Shoreditch

What: Not just a spot for slick work lunches, Sticks ‘n’ Sushi offers an extensive menu of dishes that are sure to appeal to kids. They’ll love getting stuck into the likes of grilled skewers, tempura shrimp bites and tasty sushi (although you might want to steer them clear of the wasabi!).
Where: 100 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JQ
What's nearby: Columbia Road Flower Market, Brick Lane, Spitalfields Market
Book now: Sticks ‘n’ Sushi Shoreditch

Jamie Oliver Catherine Street, Covent Garden 

What: Found right in the heart of Covent Garden, Jamie Oliver Catherine Street provides the perfect central stop-off after a busy day of exploring the city. Grown ups can enjoy plates of classic British cuisine, while kids are well catered for with a main, dessert and drink for £15. Start with tomato linguine, crispy fish fingers, or sticky lemon chicken, followed by choc chip cookies with banana milk or fruit sundaes packed full of berry sauce, fruit compote and wafers. 
Where: 6 Catherine Street, WC2B 5JY
What’s nearby: London Transport Museum, Trafalgar Square, Somerset House, Covent Garden and Strand theatres, Royal Opera House
Book now: Jamie Oliver Catherine Street

Bellanger, Islington 

What: How does two courses for £11.50 sound? At Bellanger, a snazzy French restaurant in the heart of Islington, children are treated to the likes of tomato linguine or chicken escalope with fries, followed by banana split, or choccy ice cream. A lovely choice if you’re celebrating a birthday or special occasion with the family.  
Where: 9 Islington Green, N1 2XH 
What's nearby: Almeida Theatre, Highbury Fields, Freightliners City Farm
Booking for a special occasion? Discover Bellanger's private and group dining options
Book now: Bellanger

Cheneston’s Restaurant at The Milestone Hotel, Kensington

What: This swanky, West London hotel might not seem like an obvious choice for family-friendly dining, but you’ll be pleased to hear that it offers a very special young person’s menu. Little plates include mini chicken and bacon pies, and tomato bruschetta, whilst bigger appetites are catered for with the likes of grilled chicken and mash, and a classic beef burger. Plus, it’s just a short stroll from the capital’s museum district, making for the perfect end to a fun family day out.
Where: 1 Kensington Court, W8 5DL
What’s nearby: Kensington Palace and Gardens, Royal Albert Hall, Science Museum, Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum 
Booking for a special occasion? Discover The Milestone Hotel & Residences private and group dining options
Book now: Cheneston’s Restaurant at The Milestone Hotel and Residences 

OXO Tower Brasserie, Southwark

What: For a meal with the children which has the bonus of an incredible view across London, the OXO Tower Brasserie is tough to beat. The brasserie sits up on the eighth floor of the famous tower, which overlooks the Thames, and serves a dedicated children's menu which includes a juice, snack, main and pudding. Snacks span sweet and salty popcorn, and vegetable gyoza with sweet chilli sauce, while mains include popular favourites like loaded fries and a fish butty. For dessert, little ones are sure to love the red velvet cheesecake brownie with chocolate sauce.
Where: Barge House Street, SE1 9PH
What’s nearby: The London Eye, Royal Festival Hall, The Southbank Centre, The National Theatre
Book now: OXO Tower Brasserie

Nobu London, Mayfair

What: Nobu is the savvy parent’s secret posh lunch, providing all the necessary amenities, as well as helpful staff happy to warm bottles or recommend child-approved dishes. Although dinner gets booked up well in advance, at lunchtime, same-day bookings are common. The children’s bento box includes the likes of tiger shrimp and squid tempura.
Where: 19 Old Park Lane, W1K 1LB
What’s nearby: Hyde Park and Winter Wonderland, Green Park, Buckingham Palace
Booking for a special occasion? Discover Nobu London's private dining options
Book now: Nobu

Looking for an idea for a weekend or half term treat? Why not check out our round up of the the best Harry Potter afternoon teas across the UK?