With over 18,000 restaurants listed in London according to TripAdvisor, it’s easy to get lost with so much variety of food in different areas of the city. Finding the right place to eat with children is equally a challenge unless you go for a Pizzeria or a fast food restaurant.
I have researched and found these child friendly restaurants in London below so that next time you go in the English capital, you will already have your list of restaurants instead of going blind whilst wandering in the city.
And yes we have personally tried most of these restaurants and our kids approved them all! So make your wish list and start experiencing the International food culture available in London.
1. Wagamama
✓ Tried & Tested
Wagamama has been around since 1992 and has spread with many branches across the city and beyond. You will eat easy Asian food dishes like Ramen, Gyoza or Steamed Buns.They have kids menus suitable for all kinds of taste and the prompt service will make your kids happy as you would probably be out of the restaurant within one hour and feel full and happy. By the way, if you happen to stay in a holiday apartment, you can order take-away from there too.
Different addresses available in London
2. Sunday Spread at Mama Shelter
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Mama Shelter is a cool new French hotel concept that is spreading around the world. This child friendly restaurant is a perfect lunch venue in East London before wandering the streets around Spitafield Market and Shoreditch district. Their Sunday Roast is very good value for money menu with a quality kids menu too. Our favourite dish is the Beef Wellington which costs 24£.
Address: 437 Hackney Rd, London E2 8PP
Phone: +44 20 7613 6500
3. Roka
ROKA is a great Japanese restaurant close by the British Museum where kids and parents will find an easy-going atmosphere. You can even seat nearby the kitchen and observe all the action happening from the chefs. While there are no kids menus, you can pick and choose smaller portions of different dishes and allow your kids to discover different tastes and textures. Parents will also be spoiled for choice with so many exquisite dishes.
Address: 37 Charlotte St, Fitzrovia, London W1T 1RR, UK
Phone: +44 (0) 20 7580 6464
4. The Teahouse at Petersham Nurseries
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This venue in Richmond (West London) is one of the hidden secrets of the English capital. If you are looking for a restaurant/café surrounded by plants and plenty of space outside, you have to try The Teahouse at Petersham Nurseries. Whilst Spring and Summer are obviously very popular with local families on weekends to have an easy lunch outside, Petersham Nurseries is open all year round. And if it raining on the day, you can still have lunch or dinner inside the huge glasshouse. Regarding food, expect hearty and hearty food like savoury and sweet homemade cakes, salads and more.
Address: Off Church Ln, Petersham Rd, Richmond TW10 7AB
Phone: 020 8940 5230
5. Bread Street Kitchen Restaurant
Bread Street Kitchen Restaurant belongs to Gordon Ramsey Restaurants. It has a very casual atmosphere with a kids menu inspired by Tilly Ramsey’s cookbook (one of Gordon’s daughter). Kids under 12 eat free too which is already a proof point to be featured among the family friendly restaurants in London.
Address: 10 Bread Street, London, EC4M 9AJ, UK
Phone: +44 (0) 20 3030 4050
6. Wahaca
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With 13 branches across the UK, Wahaca has become one of the main representative food chain restaurant influenced by Mexican food. You and your children will love their food whether you like it hot or not. Their restaurants are very colourful and vibrant and now spread around commercial centres like Westfield. However, we can’t recommend enough to visit their unique restaurant nearby Oxford Circus. Perfect before taking your children to see a London show. One of our favourite child friendly restaurants in London before going to the cinema on a Friday night.
Address: 26-28 Great Portland Street, London, W1W 8QT
Phone: 020 3002 8784
7. Galvin la Chapelle
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If you are looking for a family lunch in a French Michelin Star restaurant, Galvin La Chapelle is a great choice where you won’t have to break the bank. Kids have a lovely set menu for around £12.5 and adults can choose the 3-course Sunday lunch menu for £38. The room is very nice and large with a feeling of grandeur and luxury. After your lunch, you could have a nice walk around Spitafield market. Who said it was impossible to have lunch with young children in a Michelin Star restaurant?
Advance Booking is recommended
Address: 35 Spital Square, London E1 6DY
Phone: +44 (0) 20 7299 0400
8. My Old Dutch
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If you are into pancakes, this restaurant chain will satisfy your taste buds especially if you have a sweet tooth. Proclaimed to be the original London Pancake house, you can find different outlets around London but our favourite remains in Chelsea. So whether you and your children like savoury or sweet pancakes, you will spoilt with choice looking at their menu. And of course don’t forget their Dutch inspiring desserts.
Address: 221 King’s Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 5EJ
Phone: 020 7376 5650
9. Roast at Borough Market
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Who doesn’t love a nice lunch in a big spacious restaurant where you feel a good vibe with staff doing everything they can to make your experience as pleasant as possible. This is what what we find when we have a weekend lunch at Roast. We love this place because it is right in the middle of the Borough market which makes a great outdoor activity to do with your kids but also because it is minutes away from the contemporary modern art museum Tate Modern. The restaurant also has a kids menu priced at £13.50 for 2 courses. We usually like going to Roast on Saturday morning for breakfast before hitting the food stalls at the market. A versatile restaurant among our favourite child friendly restaurants in London.
Address: The Floral Hall, Stoney St, London SE1 1TL
Phone: 020 3006 6111
10. All Star Lanes at Westfield White City
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Fancy a game of bowling with your family followed by a great lunch or early dinner? Then All Star Lanes at Westfield must be on your to do list for your next visit in London. This new venue located within the gigantic Westfield White City Shopping Centre will please adults and children for a great fun afternoon or late evening. Make sure you pre-book your bowling slot combined with the meal. The restaurant serves simple dishes like Pasta, Fish Goujons, Burgers or Mac ‘N ‘ Cheese. A fun activity to do on the weekend for sure!
Address: Westfield White City Shopping Centre, Ariel Way, London W12 7FU
Phone: 020 3167 2401
11. The Broadcaster
If you are looking for a restaurant to crash in on a Sunday lazy lunch, The Broadcaster in White City is a perfect place for your family. The pub serves an amazing Sunday roast until 7pm so plenty of time to experience the place. Last but not least, they work with The Kid’s Table team to entertain your kids every Sunday from 1pm until 5pm whilst you can have a long lunch without bored kids. You can easily pop up to Westfield Shopping Centre after as it is a short walk from the pub. Another reason why this venue should be featured among our favourite child friendly restaurants in London.
Address: 89 Wood Ln, London W12 7FX
Phone: 0204 549 7420
12. Flavourtown
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We have to admit, this is not a restaurant but this place is worth a visit if you are craving for some of the best cupcakes and brownies in London. Their shop on Fulham Road has a few tables where you can sip your favourite hot drink with your cupcake. And we won’t be surprised if you take some photo memories with you to feed your Instagram stories.
Address: 771 Fulham Rd, Fulham, London SW6 5HA
Phone: 020 8108 5994
13. Rick Stein Barnes
If you are looking for a restaurant with a peaceful view over the Thames river, Rick Stein Barnes restaurant must be on your wish list for sure. Located in former council stables, this famous Rick Stein restaurant emulates the Cornish fish food that lots of Londoners appreciate. So expect to find on the menu lots of seafood and traditional dishes like Fish and Chips but also more elaborate courses like the Padstow Lobster Grilled. And why not paying a visit on Saturday or Sunday morning for a lovely breakfast brunch served between 9 and 11am.
Address: Tideway Yard, 125 Mortlake High St, London SW14 8SN
Phone: 020 8878 9462
14. Dishoom Kensington
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Seating in an Indian restaurant can be tricky for children who are still reluctant to try new flavours, whether spicy or hot (note we make a difference between the two). Of course, children have been used to the traditional mild Chicken Korma that you can find easily in supermarkets but what about more exotic dishes. Dishoom is a place like no others. The Art Deco restaurant is simply beautiful with a very positive lively vibe into it. The staff is really nice and doesn’t disappoint with their recommendations for kids or adults. Dishoom serves Bombay style dishes like the Nalli Nihari Biryani, which is a flavoursome shank of lamb with basmati rice and caramelised onions.
Address: 4 Derry St, Kensington, London W8 5SE
Phone: 020 7420 9325
15. Apple Tree Children’s Café
This spacious café located nearby Brockwell Park in South London welcomes families with pre-booked sessions for your children (0 to 5 years old is the recommended age) to enjoy the soft play area. The café offers a wide range of cakes and hot drinks + great meals for the young ones. A great place to relax before heading to the park.
Address: 27-29 Norwood Rd, Herne Hill, London SE24 9AA
16. Sam’s Riverside
✓ Tried & Tested
Located in the new Hammersmith Riverside Studios which have been recently renovated, Sam’s Riverside has been one of the most cherished restaurants with locals in the Fulham/Hammersmith area. The place has been busy since its opening in 2019 and serves delicious food such as Devon Lobster & Crab Roll or Calf Liver if you are being adventurous. Sam’s Riverside also has a kids menu with free range chicken coming from Fosse Meadows
Make sure you pre-book your table on weekends as it can be fully booked quite easily. Our favourite table as a family of 4 is usually on the table booth just by the open kitchen. It makes the dining experience more interesting to watch all the actions behind the scene.
Address: 1 Crisp Rd, London W6 9DN
Phone: 020 8237 1020
17. Benihana Chelsea
✓ Tried & Tested
Going to Benihana in Chelsea is always a treat as a family. Our kids have been enjoying this unique place since their young age of 7. Years later, they keen asking us when we are going to come back. Benihana is a chain of restaurants that are specialised in Japanese Teppanyaki cuisine where chefs cook in front of you. The whole thing is pure entertainment as you get to see the chef cutting different ingredients and preparing your whole set menu from start to finish. Expect to see some high flames, happy vibes and amazing knives dexterity. Ninja Kids Menu is available too!
Address: Atlantic Court, 77 King’s Rd, London SW3 4NX
Phone: 020 7376 7799
18. Hard Rock Cafe London
Hard Rock Cafe needs no introduction these days. This 1st restaurant in London is very iconic of the West End and has been open since 1971. It still has all the magic that Hard Rock has spread throughout the decades with lots of rock and roll memorabilia hanged out on the walls. Today, tourists are still paying a visit to the Rock Shop to buy the London T-shirt and so much more.
The restaurant obviously offers a kids menu for children under 10 with burgers, Mac & Cheese and even kids friendly salads.
Address: 150 Old Park Ln, London W1K 1QZ
19. T. Rex Restaurant at National History Museum
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Located inside the National History Museum, T Rex Restaurant is operated by the famous catering company Benugo. The venue is of course magical with its dinosaur theme and will please the whole family with easy meals to pick. The restaurant serves pizzas, salads and juicy burgers. Your children will be given crayons and colouring sheets while waiting for the food to arrive at your table.
T. Rex Grill is a great easy restaurant to have lunch on your next visit at the National History Museum. Beware that the restaurant is only open between 11am and 5.30pm so no late evening dinner here!
Address: Natural History Museum (Green Zone, Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD
20. Pear Tree Cafe at Battersea Park
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If you plan to visit Battersea Zoo or simply wander around Battersea Park with your children, you’re in luck for the right spot to have breakfast, brunch or lunch. Pear Tree Cafe serves amazing large dishes with fresh produce. My favourite brunch meal is Smashed Avocado with some Feta on sourdough bread. One of the best avocado dish in London in my opinion.
Kids also have their own menu with favourite items such as kids’ breakfast or pasta. And of course, you can have lunch outdoor on a wooden table and bench facing the little lake.
Address: Lakeside Cafe Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ
21. Ping Pong
✓ Tried & Tested
If you want to introduce dim sums to your family, there is nothing wrong to give it a try with Ping Pong. The restaurant chain has several restaurants in London including one in Westfield Shepherds Bush so very handy after a few hours shopping with hungry kids. The restaurant has a menu where you tick all the different dishes you want to have and they all come randomly.
Most of the tables have this rotating middle centre where each dinner can turn to taste different dishes. The concept is about sharing dishes! Of course, you will have a dedicated Ping Pong kids menu with a regular set menu and also a vegetarian menu. What more can you ask for?
Address: different locations in London
22. Bella Boo’s
Finally, here is a great kid friendly cafe to try in West London with a fantastic soft play area in the basement of the restaurant suitable for toddlers up to 10 years old children. This venue has welcome families for more than 2 years now and even organises private events too.
The theme of the restaurant is very pink and has great ice cream options on warm days. There is entry fee to the Candy Land Soft Play which is £8.50 per child for 1h45 min play. Bella Boo’s is a great option to have a gathering between parents whilst kids have a blast downstairs.
Address: 52 Fulham Palace Rd, London W6 9ER
23. Le Petit Citron
As you probably know, London doesn’t have much in terms of endemic local dishes apart from maybe having the most cupcakes shops ever seen in a city. So expect to eat different cuisines during your stay in London. So why not having a taste of Provence at Le Petit Citron (the Little Lemon) and try this family friendly restaurant in West London nearby Westfield Shepherds Bush and Hammersmith.
As soon as you enter this bistro French restaurant, you can feel the room decoration has been well thought through: wooden tables, Vichy tablecloth, traditional bar with glasses and spirits. The menu is simple but very effective. You can eat for instance some Confit Duck Legs with Gratin Dauphinois (one of my favourite Winter dishes) or the famous Ratatouille. They also serve a brunch every Sunday between 10am and 4pm.
Address: 98-100 Shepherds Bush Rd, London W6 7PD
24. Giraffe at Royal Festival Hall
✓ Tried & Tested
If you have been living in London for a while and had young children, you’ve probably know the Giraffe restaurant chain which is super family friendly and used to have many restaurants in every corner of the capital. Today, the group only has 3 restaurants in London and all are worth to visit if you are looking for a kids friendly restaurant with easy food to pick from the menu. The biggest restaurant with lovely views over the Thames river is at Royal Festival Hall.
The kids menu includes breakfast served until 12pm, fish finders, burgers or cheese and tomato pizza. For grown ups, you will have the choice of different classic International dishes such as Steak and Chips, Argentinian Ribs or Hoisin Duck Salad.
Address: Royal Festival Hall, Riverside Level 1, Behind the, London SE1 8XX
25. Sticks ‘N’ Sushi
If you want to introduce the world of sushis to your children in a very simple and easy going atmosphere, you’ve got to try one of the Sticks ‘N’ Sushi restaurants available in London. Currently, you can find these hidden Japanese gems in Wimbledon, Covent Garden, Greenwich, Canary Wharf, Victoria, Kings Road and Soho.
The kids menu is of course de rigueur and your little ones will have a choice to pick a Sushi set menu or Salmon/Chicken teriyaki sticks menu or a bit of both. The adults menu is 17 pages long so I won’t describe it here. Nut let me tell you it is incredible and recent reviews at the Wimbledon restaurant proves that this place needs to be visited multiple times for sure.
Did we mention they organise Kids Sushi Classes 🥢 on King’s Road and Greenwich?
Address: multiple locations
26. The Avocado Show
✓ Tried & Tested
With the avocado fans expending across Europe, no wonder why London has opened restaurants specialised in the green yellow fruit. The Avocado Show has different branches across London with a lovely contemporary décor inside.
I have tried with my daughter the branch near Regent’s Street and we both loved the place. We even tried avocado fries, which felt quite special and very fulfilling.
You’ll find on the menu different burgers but also beautifully presented salads or rice based dishes.
Address: various locations
27. Shoryu
✓ Tried & Tested
I have recently discovered the world of Shoryu by trying one of their branches on Kensington High Street. So far, this is the best Tonkotsu Ramen place I have ever tasted in London. The venue is a good introduction for your family to try a ball of ramen or alternatively Chicken or Pork Buns.
My daughter loves these buns with some edamame on the side and steamed rice. The restaurant doesn’t have a kids menu but there are plenty of dishes suitable for kids at a reasonable price.
Address: various locations
28. Nando’s
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I have first come acquainted with Nando’s in South Africa in 1998 where a friend of mine told me you have to try these chicken livers with this Peri Peri sauce. When we moved to London in 2000, I was happy to find these Nando’s restaurants available in different areas of town. Fast forward, Nando’s is still going strong with their full flavoured chicken and its famous worldwide known sauce.
I usually find it easy to have a quick dinner with the kids at Nando’s. Especially if you are in rush before going to the movies or can’t be bothered to cook an early dinner on Sunday.
Today, Nando’s has over 100 restaurants in London including 18 in Central London. So I doubt you wouldn’t find one on your next visit in London with the kids.
Address: various locations
29. Megan’s
If you are looking for an easy going brunch restaurant suitable for families in London, you can’t go wrong by popping at one of Megan’s restaurants. You will find great sharing platters and also good quality dishes like Shakshouka, mezze, buttermilk-fried chicken.
The place is known to serve great brunches on weekend too and you don’t have to book in advance too. So just walk-in and enjoy a great family meal at Megan’s. Last but not least, Megan’s has open a restaurant in a the newly revamped area of Battersea Power Station area.
Address: various locations
30. Serpentine Bar & Kitchen by Benugo
On a nice sunny day, you will certainly wander around Hyde Park with the children. The place is one of the most visited green parks in London with plenty of wildlife such as ducks and swans. If you are looking for a place to eat in the area, have a look at Serpentine Bar & Kitchen operated by Benugo. The café serves breakfast from 7am and you can have classic dishes like pizza, burger or salads until 10pm every day of the week (excepted Sunday until 9pm).
Of course, you can enjoy your meal outdoor with a great terrace overlooking the Serpentine lake. Your kids will probably ask you for an ice cream once they see the ice cream kiosk outside the building. You have been warned!
Address: Hyde Park, Serpentine Rd, London W2 2UH
31. Vermicelli
✓ Tried & Tested
I have recently discovered the hidden gem of Tooting Market in South West London over the weekend and we’ve decided to try the Vermicelli restaurant that has triggered a lot of attention recently on social media. This place has one of the best truffle pasta I have ever eaten in London. For as little as £8, you can have a place of homemade pasta with different flavours.
The restaurant is spread into two different stalls inside the market and there is even a seating area on an elevated floor. So I presume this place can be busy at times. Since its opening in February 2022, Vermicelli has driven plenty of locals and visitors to try their pasta in such a unique indoor market place.
My daughter has loved so much these casarecce pasta with truffle pesto that she decided to save some to take home for later!
Address: Tooting Market, Unit 11 Tooting High St, London SW17 0SN
32. Yalla Yalla
Another restaurant to spend good quality time with your family is Yalla Yalla. You will be able to introduce your kids to Lebanese food with plenty of dishes with traditional mezze but also charcoal grills meats like chicken or lamb. There are even some lunch specials served until 5pm so perfect if you have starving in the middle of exploring Soho with your children.
Yalla also has another restaurant in Fitzrovia district where there is a feast tasting menu that costs less than 40£ per head. Perfect for a nice Saturday dinner, especially if you are looking to eat halal food.
Address: various locations
33. Thai Square
✓ Tried & Tested
You’ve probably know by now that London is one of the most prominent places in the world to try food from all around the globe. If your family would like to have a properly Thai lunch or dinner, I can’t recommend enough Thai Square.
The restaurant chain has been fairly consistent to deliver promises on giving you traditional Thai dishes on the plate. For instance, you will always find curries with different spice chilli level from mild to very hot. I always like to order the Aromatic Duck with its hoisin sauce and pancakes.
The menu has lots of dishes to choose from including vegetarian. I am sure your family will find suitable food for different taste buds.
Address: various locations
34. Portobello
✓ Tried & Tested
If you are strolling the streets of Notting Hill and need a top place to eat great pizzas and pasta, have a look at Portobello. This traditional Italian restaurant has a lovely outdoor terrace that is much appreciated on a hot sunny day in London.
Pizzas are very tasty with great produce and a thin crusty base. If you love fish, the venue also offers a whole range of fresh fish from the counter like seabass or sea bream.
We have been three times to this restaurant and the kids loved it every time. Last time, we walked in on a Sunday early lunch and were lucky to find a table for the 4 of us. Portobello is featured among our favourite Italian restaurants in West London for sure.
Address: 7 Ladbroke Rd, London W11 3PA
CONCLUSION
Hopefully, this list of our recommended best child friendly restaurants in London will help you for your next city break holiday with the family.
Luckily, London has lots of different options whether you fancy taking a brunch on Sunday morning, have an early dinner before going to a musical or simply enjoy a kids friendly lunch in London between excursions. Enjoy your time in London!
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