Edinburgh has certainly come a long way from the deep fried mars bar (although you can still get one if you’re keen!) and now has a prestigious reputation as a foodie city. Offering everything from Michelin starred restaurants to cosy traditional pubs and artisan coffee shops, Edinburgh has a lot to offer to families regarding restaurants and coffee shoes.
In this article, I have researched the best kids friendly restaurants in Edinburgh for you, so you can plan your mealtimes around the city.
So without further ado, let’s see if there are any places to eat in Edinburgh that will make your bucket list on your next holiday in Edinburgh with the kids. Let’s go!
1. Fruitmarket
The Fruitmarket is a well-known art gallery and contemporary cultural space located in Edinburgh.
While it is primarily known as an art gallery, it also has a notable café and restaurant attached to it, making it a cultural and social hub in the city.
The café at Fruitmarket is known for offering a variety of fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. It focuses on simple, yet high-quality dishes, with options like soups, sandwiches, salads, and baked goods. Coffee, tea, and artisanal drinks are also highlights.
Fruitmarket is open for breakfast between 9am and 12pm and for lunch from 12pm until 4pm.
Please note that the venue doesn’t take bookings during the Festival.
Address: 45 Market St, Edinburgh EH1 1DF
2. Red Squirrel
Red Squirrel is a popular bar and restaurant located on Lothian Road near the city’s West End, known for its laid-back atmosphere, great food, and a wide selection of craft beers.
It has a strong reputation among locals and tourists alike for its casual dining and welcoming vibe.
The food at Red Squirrel emphasises quality pub fare with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
The menu includes a variety of burgers (which are one of the highlights), sandwiches, salads, and small plates.
They also offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, making it accessible to a wide range of dietary preferences.
Address: 21 Lothian Rd, Edinburgh EH1 2DJ
3. Bertie’s Proper Fish & Chips
Bertie’s is a great spot for families in Edinburgh, as they offer a dedicated kids’ menu and the lively, casual atmosphere makes it a welcoming place for all ages.
Bertie’s is indeed a popular and relatively modern fish and chip restaurant located in Edinburgh.
It is one of the city’s go-to spots for both locals and tourists looking to enjoy traditional British fish and chips in a vibrant, family-friendly setting.
Located on Victoria Street, one of the most picturesque streets in Edinburgh’s Old Town, which is a short walk from popular attractions like the Royal Mile, Grassmarket, and Edinburgh Castle.
While fish and chips are the star of the show, Bertie’s also serves other seafood dishes like scampi, calamari, and mussels. There are also vegetarian and vegan alternatives, including plant-based fish options.
Address: 9 Victoria St, Edinburgh EH1 2HE
4. City Restaurant
City Restaurant is located on Nicolson Street, just a short walk from the University of Edinburgh, the National Museum of Scotland, and the city’s historic Old Town.
The restaurant has a classic diner feel, with a retro-inspired interior that combines comfort with a touch of nostalgia.
It’s brightly lit, spacious, and has an informal, relaxed vibe, making it ideal for both quick meals and sit-down dining.
One of their signature dishes, the fish is typically available in different sizes, and the chips are thick and hearty.
The fish is freshly cooked and served with all the traditional accompaniments like mushy peas, tartar sauce, and lemon.
One of the reasons for City Restaurant’s popularity is its affordability. The prices are reasonable for the portion sizes, and it’s seen as offering good value for money, particularly given its central location.
Address: 35 Nicolson St, Edinburgh EH8 9BE
5. Newtown Fox
Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, New Town Fox offers an all-day menu that focuses on high-quality, fresh, and locally sourced ingredients.
It caters to a range of tastes, from classic comfort food to modern, health-conscious dishes.
One of the key highlights of New Town Fox is the brunch menu featuring popular options like eggs benedict, avocado toast, pancakes, and full Scottish breakfasts. They also offer healthier options such as granola bowls and fresh fruit.
While the setting and food feel a little more refined than your typical café, New Town Fox retains a laid-back atmosphere, making it great for family meals all day long.
Address: 2 Dundas St, Edinburgh EH3 6HZ
6. Pizzologist
Pizzologist is a popular pizza restaurant located in Edinburgh, known for serving delicious, freshly made pizzas with a focus on high-quality ingredients.
It has gained a strong following among pizza lovers in the city for its creative toppings and relaxed, casual dining experience.
The restaurant has a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with a modern, minimalist interior. It’s a casual spot, perfect for a relaxed meal with kids.
The restaurant is relatively small, so it has an intimate feel, but it’s also lively and friendly.
Pizzologist is reasonably priced, offering good value for the quality of pizza you get. It’s an affordable option compared to some other pizza spots in Edinburgh, making it a great choice for families.
Whether you’re dining in, taking away, or ordering for delivery, Pizzologist is a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy high-quality, stone-baked pizza with a bit of flair.
Address: 70 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 5LQ
7. Urban Angel
If you are looking for a great brunch in Edinburgh suitable for families, you can’t go wrong by picking Urban Angel.
Located on Hanover Street in Edinburgh’s New Town, just a short walk from Princes Street, this café is nestled in one of the city’s most fashionable and central areas, making it a convenient stop for locals and visitors alike.
Popular options include smashed avocado on sourdough toast, eggs benedict, scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, and acai bowls.
They also offer a full Scottish breakfast, featuring high-quality local ingredients like sausages, black pudding, and fresh eggs.
With a cozy, welcoming atmosphere and a strong focus on sustainability, Urban Angel has earned its place as a favourite spot for relaxed, high-quality breakfast and brunch in the city.
Address: 121 Hanover St, Edinburgh EH2 1DJ
8. Bonnie & Wild
Bonnie & Wild is a unique food hall and marketplace located in the St James Quarter in Edinburgh, offering a diverse selection of food and drink from some of Scotland’s top independent restaurants, chefs, and producers.
It’s an exciting destination for food lovers, combining the atmosphere of a bustling market with a gourmet dining experience. Bonnie & Wild features a number of independent food stalls including Scottish, European, Asian or Middle East cuisine.
The food hall is designed for a relaxed and social dining experience.
You can mix and match dishes from different vendors, making it a versatile place to dine, whether you’re looking for a full meal or just a quick bite.
The communal seating area encourages a lively, shared atmosphere, perfect for families.
Address: 415-417 Saint James Square, Edinburgh EH1 3AE
9. The Scran and Scallie
If you want to push the boat out, you must pay a visit to this gastropub run by Michelin starred chefs Tom Kitchin and Dominic Jack.
Traditional pub grub is elevated to new heights with dishes like Highland Wagyu Beef Burger and Dressed Newhaven Brown Crab featuring on the seasonal, locally sourced menu.
Finally, children can enjoy their own menu and a lovely playroom – win win for everyone!
10. The Storytelling Cafe
The Café is at the heart of the Scottish Storytelling Centre, which is a lovely tranquil place to stop on the bustling Royal Mile.
Children can enjoy the Storywall and activity box whilst you relax with coffee, cake and sandwiches.
Look out for special family friendly events for Burns Night, Christmas, Halloween and more.
Address: 43-45 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SR
11. The Fountain
This friendly modern pub near Fountain Park and the Cineworld cinema actively welcomes children, and dogs too.
They are open all day from breakfast to dinner, for classic pub dishes and a dedicated children’s menu too.
They run regular special offers and events like Kids Eat Free and Doggy Coffee Mornings!
This kids friendly restaurants in Edinburgh is a great place to meet locals.
Address: 131 Dundee St, Edinburgh EH11 1AX
12. The Kitchen at Restoration Yard
A short drive from Edinburgh’s city centre, you’ll find a light and airy restaurant within Dalkeith Country Park, where the highlight for the kids is sure to be the adventure playground.
In fact it’s one of our top activities for children in Edinburgh. Not just a restaurant, The Restoration Yard also boasts a beautiful shop, deli, coffee bar and wellness space, so there’s something to please all ages.
Address: Dalkeith Country Park via Town Gate, Dalkeith EH22 1ST
13. Edinburgh Chichuahua Café
If your family and especially your kids are dog lovers, perhaps you should consider making a trip to Edinburgh Chihuahua Café.
Where else can you get cakes and dogs to pamper you and your little ones in tow?
There is more to enjoy and learn as you spend a few hours with these cute chihuahuas who love to be cuddled. For a better experience at the café, book your visit in advance.
Address: 15 Frederick St, Edinburgh EH2 2EY
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