You want decent food, they want chicken nuggets, and somehow you need to find a place that won’t cost a fortune, won’t give you dirty looks when your toddler drops spaghetti on the floor, and ideally serves food in less than an hour because hungry kids are nobody’s idea of fun. Check out some of the best restaurants in London for kids. These aren’t just places with kids’ menus – they’re restaurants where families can relax, eat good food, and actually enjoy the experience.
Chain Restaurants: The Most Reliable Best Restaurants in London for Kids
Let’s start with the truth bomb: sometimes chain restaurants are exactly what you need when traveling with kids, and many of them rank among the best restaurants in London for kids. You know what you’re getting, they’re consistent, kids recognize them, and nobody’s going to look horrified when your five-year-old asks for ketchup with everything.
Dishoom: Indian Food Even Picky Eaters Love
What Makes It Special: Dishoom isn’t your typical curry house – it’s consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in London for kids who need an introduction to Indian flavors. This Bombay-style cafe has beautiful interiors, excellent food, and genuinely welcoming service for families. The menu has familiar items that kids recognize (naan bread, rice, chicken) but introduces them to Indian flavors without being overwhelming.
The kids’ menu includes mini versions of adult dishes, and they’re happy to make things mild or adapt dishes. My kids who normally avoid anything remotely spicy loved the chicken tikka and couldn’t stop eating the buttery naan. The portions are generous, so even if your child orders from the kids’ menu, you can share your dishes family-style.
The bacon naan breakfast is legendary (yes, bacon in naan bread – it’s as good as it sounds), and they serve breakfast all day at most locations. The chai is excellent, and they have high chairs and changing facilities.
Kid-Friendly Rating: 9/10 – Excellent for families with children 4+
Why It’s One of the Best Restaurants in London for Kids: Fast service, adaptable spice levels, welcoming atmosphere, and food that bridges familiar and new
Locations: Covent Garden, King’s Cross, Shoreditch, Kensington, Carnaby Street, Canary Wharf
Price Range: £12-20 per adult main, £6-8 kids’ meals
Booking: Recommended, especially for dinner and weekends
Best For: Families who want quality food without stuffiness; introducing kids to new flavors
Pro tip: The King’s Cross location has the most space and is slightly less hectic than Covent Garden. Go for breakfast or early lunch (before 12:30 PM) to avoid the worst crowds.
Wagamama: Asian Noodles with Speed
What Makes It Special: When searching for the best restaurants in London for kids who need food fast, Wagamama tops the list. This chain is built for families – communal benches mean you’re not taking up a “proper” table, service is fast (food often arrives in 10-15 minutes), and the menu has lots of familiar items kids recognize.
The ramen bowls are fun – kids enjoy slurping noodles and using chopsticks (they provide training chopsticks). The kids’ menu includes chicken katsu curry (basically crispy chicken with rice and mild curry sauce), noodles, and rice dishes. Everything is customizable – they’ll make things less spicy, leave out vegetables, or adjust portions.
The vibe is casual and loud – nobody notices if your kids are being a bit noisy. High chairs are available, and the tables are easy to wipe down (which you’ll appreciate).
Kid-Friendly Rating: 9/10 – Perfect for quick, reliable meals
Why It’s One of the Best Restaurants in London for Kids: Lightning-fast service, fun noodle experience, customizable dishes, loud atmosphere where kid noise doesn’t matter
Locations: Everywhere – over 20 London locations including Covent Garden, Leicester Square, South Bank, Kensington
Price Range: £10-15 per adult main, £5-7 kids’ meals
Booking: Accepts walk-ins, though you might queue at peak times
Best For: Fast service, fussy eaters, families on the go
Pro tip: Download their app – you can order ahead for collection, which saves waiting with hungry kids. The chicken katsu curry is the gateway dish that converts picky eaters.
Pizza Express: More Than Just Pizza
What Makes It Special: Pizza Express might sound boring, but it’s genuinely one of the absolute best restaurants in London for kids. Every location has a Piccolo menu (kids’ menu) with activities, and they do “Piccolo Holidays” during school breaks with special events and entertainment.
The kids get dough balls to make into their own pizza shapes while waiting for food – this alone buys you 15 minutes of peace. The pizzas are good quality, and they have gluten-free and vegan options. The salads are fresh, and the dough balls are addictive (adults end up stealing them).
Staff are genuinely friendly to families. They provide coloring materials, high chairs, and changing facilities. Most locations are spacious with room for strollers. The atmosphere is relaxed – this is not a place where you’ll feel judged.
Kid-Friendly Rating: 10/10 – Designed with families in mind
Why It’s One of the Best Restaurants in London for Kids: Built-in entertainment with dough balls, activities provided immediately, staff trained for families, widespread locations
Locations: Dozens across London – Covent Garden, South Bank, Kensington, Greenwich, etc.
Price Range: £10-15 per adult pizza, £6-8 kids’ meals
Booking: Recommended for larger groups or peak times
Best For: Picky eaters, keeping kids entertained while waiting, reliable quality
Pro tip: The South Bank location has great river views. Ask for the dough ball activity when you sit down – they’ll bring it right away to keep kids occupied.
Byron Hamburgers: Premium Burgers Done Right
What Makes It Special: Among the best restaurants in London for kids who love American-style food, Byron makes proper burgers with quality ingredients. The kids’ menu includes small burgers, chicken strips, and hot dogs – all made with decent ingredients rather than mystery meat.
The burgers come in various sizes, and you can customize everything. The chips (fries) are excellent – proper thick-cut chips. They also have good milkshakes which kids go crazy for.
The vibe is casual American diner meets British pub – relaxed, friendly, and families are welcome. High chairs available, and most locations have baby changing facilities.
Kid-Friendly Rating: 8/10 – Great for burger lovers
Why It’s One of the Best Restaurants in London for Kids: Quality ingredients, familiar American comfort food, excellent fries, relaxed atmosphere
Locations: Multiple locations including Covent Garden, Soho, Kensington, Greenwich
Price Range: £12-16 per adult burger, £6-8 kids’ meals
Booking: Accepts walk-ins; booking available online
Best For: Burger fans, American food comfort, reliable quality
Pro tip: The kids’ meals come with a drink and ice cream included. The chocolate brownie dessert is large enough to share between 2-3 kids.
Nando’s: Peri-Peri Chicken Magic
What Makes It Special: When considering the best restaurants in London for kids, Nando’s is a British institution that families swear by. Everyone knows it, kids love it, and the peri-peri chicken is genuinely good. You order at the counter (which means no waiting for waiters when you’re ready to order), and food comes out fast.
The spice levels range from plain (no spice) to extra hot, so even the most timid eaters can find something. The chicken is grilled and healthier than typical fast food. The sides are excellent – chips, corn, coleslaw, rice.
Kids’ menu includes chicken strips, burgers, and smaller portions of the adult dishes. The unlimited soft drinks for kids (at most locations) keep them happy.
The atmosphere is casual and loud – nobody cares if kids are being kids. Most locations have high chairs and baby changing.
Kid-Friendly Rating: 9/10 – Fast, reliable, universally liked
Why It’s One of the Best Restaurants in London for Kids: Order-at-counter system means no wait, customizable spice levels, free refills on kids’ drinks, healthier than most chains
Locations: Everywhere – 40+ London locations
Price Range: £10-15 per adult meal, £5-7 kids’ meals
Booking: Walk-ins only; can queue at peak times
Best For: Fast service, picky eaters, spice-averse kids who still want flavor
Pro tip: Go at off-peak times (before noon or after 2 PM for lunch, before 6 PM for dinner) to avoid queues. The lemon and herb spice level is perfect for kids new to Nando’s.
Traditional British Restaurants: The Best Restaurants in London for Kids Wanting Classic British Food
Poppies Fish & Chips: Old-School British Classic
What Makes It Special: For families seeking the best restaurants in London for kids to try authentic fish and chips, Poppies delivers traditional British food in a fun 1950s-themed setting. The portions are huge, the fish is fresh and perfectly fried, and the atmosphere is retro diner meets British seaside.
Kids love the vintage decor with old photos, checkered floors, and memorabilia. The fish is enormous (seriously, one adult portion can feed an adult and a child), and they have smaller portions available. The batter is crispy and not greasy, and the chips are proper British chips.
They also have pie and mash, sausages, and other British classics. The staff are friendly and used to families. The vibe is casual and fun – you can relax here.
Kid-Friendly Rating: 9/10 – Classic British experience done right
Why It’s One of the Best Restaurants in London for Kids: Authentic British experience, fun retro atmosphere, shareable portions, not touristy despite the quality
Locations: Spitalfields, Camden
Price Range: £12-18 per adult meal, £6-8 kids’ portions
Booking: Recommended for dinner; lunch usually has space
Best For: First-time visitors wanting authentic fish and chips, British food experience
Pro tip: The Spitalfields location is less touristy than some fish and chips places in Leicester Square. One adult portion with extra chips can easily feed two kids.
The Ivy Market Grill: Upscale Comfort Done Family-Friendly
What Makes It Special: Among the more upscale best restaurants in London for kids, The Ivy restaurants have a reputation for being fancy, but the Market Grill locations are surprisingly family-friendly. The food is high quality (think shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, rotisserie chicken, steaks), the kids’ menu is excellent, and the atmosphere feels special without being stuffy.
Kids get activity packs with coloring materials, and the menu includes mini versions of adult classics. The portions are generous, and they’re happy to adjust dishes for picky eaters.
The decor is beautiful – kids feel like they’re at a “fancy” restaurant, which some children love. Service is professional but warm to families.
Kid-Friendly Rating: 8/10 – Upscale that welcomes families
Why It’s One of the Best Restaurants in London for Kids: Makes families feel special, high-quality food, beautiful settings, professional yet welcoming service
Locations: Covent Garden, Chelsea, Canary Wharf, Guildford Street
Price Range: £15-25 per adult main, £8-10 kids’ meals
Booking: Highly recommended
Best For: Special occasions, families who want quality food in a nicer setting
Pro tip: The Covent Garden location gets very busy – book ahead. Lunch is slightly more affordable than dinner. The kids’ sticky toffee pudding is incredible.
Côte Brasserie: French Bistro Comfort
What Makes It Special: When listing the best restaurants in London for kids to try French food, Côte brings French bistro dining to a casual, family-friendly level. The food is authentic French (moules frites, steak frites, rotisserie chicken, croque monsieur) but presented in a way that’s approachable for kids.
The kids’ menu (Le Petit Menu) includes familiar items with a French twist – mini burgers, chicken, pasta, all served with frites (chips). They also offer a two-course kids’ meal deal that’s excellent value.
The atmosphere is relaxed French bistro – not fancy, just comfortable. Service is efficient and friendly to families. Most locations have high chairs and changing facilities.
Kid-Friendly Rating: 8/10 – French food made accessible
Why It’s One of the Best Restaurants in London for Kids: Introduces French cuisine gently, excellent value kids’ meal deals, relaxed atmosphere, authentic but approachable
Locations: Multiple including Covent Garden, South Kensington, Chiswick, Richmond
Price Range: £12-20 per adult main, £6-8 kids’ meals
Booking: Recommended for dinner
Best For: Introducing kids to French food, comfortable family dining
Pro tip: The Set Menu (usually weekday lunch and early dinner) offers two or three courses at a fixed price – excellent value. The moules frites (mussels and chips) are authentic and delicious.
International Flavors: The Best Restaurants in London for Kids to Try World Cuisine
Comptoir Libanais: Lebanese Food Adventure
What Makes It Special: For adventurous families, this ranks among the best restaurants in London for kids to experience Middle Eastern food. Lebanese food is surprisingly kid-friendly – lots of grilled meats, rice, bread, and familiar flavors. Comptoir Libanais makes it even more accessible with a colorful, welcoming atmosphere.
Kids love the mezze (small plates) concept – hummus with warm bread, halloumi cheese, chicken skewers, falafel. Everything is fresh and flavorful without being too spicy. The portions are generous, and you can order lots of small dishes to share.
The decor is vibrant with colorful tiles and hanging lamps. The staff are lovely with children and happy to explain dishes. High chairs available.
Kid-Friendly Rating: 8/10 – Great for adventurous eaters
Why It’s One of the Best Restaurants in London for Kids: Sharing plates let kids try new things without commitment, colorful environment, fresh healthy food, patient staff
Locations: South Kensington, Covent Garden, Wigmore Street, Westfield
Price Range: £10-15 per person for mezze sharing, kids’ meals £6-8
Booking: Walk-ins usually fine; booking available
Best For: Families who want to try something different, kids who like finger foods
Pro tip: Order the mezze platter to share – you get a variety of everything. The mango smoothies are excellent and count as fruit, right?
Yo! Sushi: Conveyor Belt Fun
What Makes It Special: This is easily one of the most entertaining best restaurants in London for kids. The conveyor belt is entertainment in itself – kids love watching the plates go by and choosing what looks good. Even if they don’t love sushi, there are plenty of other options like chicken teriyaki, edamame, dumplings, and katsu curry.
Everything is bite-sized and fun to eat. The color-coded plates make it easy to see prices, and you can control spending by choosing fewer plates. Kids enjoy the novelty and feel independent choosing their own food.
The atmosphere is casual and fast-paced. High chairs available at most locations. Service is minimal (you grab from the belt), which means no waiting.
Kid-Friendly Rating: 8/10 – Interactive and fun
Why It’s One of the Best Restaurants in London for Kids: Interactive conveyor belt experience, kids choose their own food, no waiting for service, price control
Locations: Multiple across London including Covent Garden, South Bank, Waterloo, Selfridges
Price Range: £2-6 per plate (order 3-5 plates per person)
Booking: Walk-ins; can get busy at peak lunch times
Best For: Adventurous eaters, sushi lovers, kids who like choosing their own food
Pro tip: The chicken katsu curry is the safe option for cautious eaters. Go at off-peak times when the belt is less crowded and you have more choice.
Hoppers: Sri Lankan Street Food Experience
What Makes It Special: For families with older, adventurous kids, Hoppers ranks among the most unique best restaurants in London for kids. Hoppers (Sri Lankan pancakes) are fun, delicious, and novel enough that kids get excited about trying them. The restaurant has a casual, energetic vibe, and the food is fresh and flavorful.
The hoppers themselves are bowl-shaped pancakes that you tear apart and use to scoop up curry and sambal. Kids think this is hilarious and fun. The kothu roti (chopped roti with vegetables and meat) is also popular with children.
They have spice levels clearly marked, and can make things mild. The staff are patient explaining dishes to families. The portions are sized for sharing, which works well for families.
Kid-Friendly Rating: 7/10 – Best for adventurous eaters 8+
Why It’s One of the Best Restaurants in London for Kids: Unique dining experience, interactive eating (tearing hoppers), patient staff, exciting for adventurous eaters
Locations: Soho, St Christopher’s Place, King’s Cross
Price Range: £8-15 per person
Booking: Highly recommended (or be prepared to queue)
Best For: Food-adventurous families, older kids, unique dining experience
Pro tip: The Soho location is small and very busy – King’s Cross has more space. Order a variety and share family-style. The mango lassi is excellent.
Banana Tree: Southeast Asian All-Rounder
What Makes It Special: This versatile option is among the best restaurants in London for kids when your family has mixed preferences. Banana Tree covers Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian, and Indonesian food in a casual setting. The variety means everyone finds something, and the food is fresh and flavorful.
Kids’ menu includes noodles, rice dishes, and mild curries. The pad Thai is universally popular, and the satay skewers are fun to eat. The portions are huge – most adult mains can easily be shared.
The atmosphere is relaxed and informal. The staff are patient with children and happy to adjust spice levels. Most locations are spacious with room for strollers and high chairs.
Kid-Friendly Rating: 8/10 – Variety and accessibility
Why It’s One of the Best Restaurants in London for Kids: Massive variety means everyone finds something, huge portions for sharing, patient staff, customizable spice levels
Locations: Multiple including Bayswater, Maida Vale, Hampstead, Westfield
Price Range: £10-15 per adult main, £6-7 kids’ meals
Booking: Recommended for evenings
Best For: Mixed preferences families, Southeast Asian food fans, generous portions
Pro tip: The kids’ chicken noodles are basically chicken and noodles with a very mild sauce – perfect for cautious eaters. The bubble tea is a fun treat.
Brunch & All-Day Dining: Flexible Best Restaurants in London for Kids
Bill’s: All-Day Breakfast Heroes
What Makes It Special: When you need flexibility, Bill’s is among the best restaurants in London for kids with off-schedule eating times. Bill’s serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day, which is perfect when your kids’ schedules don’t align with normal meal times. The menu has something for everyone – pancakes, eggs, burgers, salads, pasta.
The kids’ menu is extensive with healthy options (not just nuggets). The pancakes are fluffy and come with various toppings. The atmosphere is bright and cheerful with plants everywhere.
Service is friendly and relaxed. They’re very accommodating to substitutions and picky eaters. High chairs and changing facilities available.
Kid-Friendly Rating: 9/10 – Flexible and accommodating
Why It’s One of the Best Restaurants in London for Kids: All-day breakfast menu, flexible timing, healthy kids’ options, bright cheerful atmosphere
Locations: Multiple including Covent Garden, Soho, Kensington, Richmond
Price Range: £10-16 per adult main, £5-7 kids’ meals
Booking: Recommended for weekends
Best For: Flexible timing, picky eaters, all-day breakfast lovers
Pro tip: The weekend brunch gets busy – arrive before 10 AM or after 2 PM to avoid waits. The kids’ pancakes are huge and easily shared.
Giraffe: World Food for Families
What Makes It Special: Giraffe was literally designed as one of the best restaurants in London for kids. The menu spans the world (burgers, pasta, Thai curry, Mexican, breakfast), and every location has toys, high chairs, and baby changing facilities.
Kids get activity packs immediately, and the food comes out fast. The kids’ menu is extensive and they’re happy to modify anything. The portions are reasonable (not overwhelming for kids), and there’s always something familiar.
The atmosphere is casual and colorful. Nobody judges here – it’s family central. The staff are experienced with children and incredibly patient.
Kid-Friendly Rating: 10/10 – Purpose-built for families
Why It’s One of the Best Restaurants in London for Kids: Purpose-built for families, toys and activities provided, extensive kids’ menu, ultra-patient staff
Locations: South Bank, Stratford, O2 Greenwich, Southbank Centre
Price Range: £10-15 per adult main, £5-7 kids’ meals
Booking: Walk-ins usually fine
Best For: Families with young children, maximum kid-friendliness
Pro tip: The South Bank location is perfect before or after visiting nearby attractions. They have baby food and can heat bottles.
The Breakfast Club: All-Day Comfort Food
What Makes It Special: With its fun atmosphere and hearty portions, The Breakfast Club ranks among the most popular best restaurants in London for kids who love American-style comfort food. The Breakfast Club serves hearty comfort food all day with a fun, retro American diner vibe. The pancakes are legendary, and the portions are enormous.
Kids love the quirky decor with toys, games, and colorful murals. The food is indulgent – think stacks of pancakes, French toast, full English breakfasts, burgers, and milkshakes.
The kids’ menu includes mini versions of the favorites. They’re happy to accommodate dietary requirements and picky preferences. The atmosphere is loud and energetic – perfect for families.
Kid-Friendly Rating: 8/10 – Fun atmosphere, huge portions
Why It’s One of the Best Restaurants in London for Kids: Fun retro atmosphere, legendary pancakes, huge shareable portions, loud so kid noise doesn’t matter
Locations: Soho, Spitalfields, Camden, Battersea, Hoxton
Price Range: £8-14 per main, kids’ portions around £5-6
Booking: No reservations – expect to queue at weekends
Best For: Pancake lovers, hearty portions, retro vibes
Pro tip: Weekday mornings avoid the worst queues. The pancake stacks are massive – one adult portion easily feeds two young kids. The Nutella pancakes are incredible.
Restaurant Pubs: Traditional Best Restaurants in London for Kids
The Anchor & Hope: Gastropub Excellence
What Makes It Special: This gastropub near Southwark is one of the best restaurants in London for kids who’ve outgrown traditional kids’ menus. The Anchor & Hope serves excellent British food in a relaxed pub setting. The Sunday roasts are legendary, and while it’s not specifically kid-focused, families are very welcome.
The food is high quality – proper meat cuts, seasonal vegetables, homemade desserts. Kids can order half portions of most adult dishes, which is brilliant for those who’ve outgrown kids’ menus but can’t eat full portions.
The atmosphere is cozy pub – wooden tables, friendly staff, local feel. Sunday lunches are particularly family-friendly with lots of families dining together.
Kid-Friendly Rating: 7/10 – More for older kids and food-loving families
Why It’s One of the Best Restaurants in London for Kids: Half portions available for older kids, exceptional Sunday roast, authentic pub atmosphere, high-quality food
Location: 36 The Cut, Waterloo, London SE1 8LP
Price Range: £15-20 per main, half portions available
Booking: No reservations except Sunday lunch
Best For: Sunday roasts, families with older children, quality British food
Pro tip: Arrive early for Sunday lunch (booking essential) – they do two sittings and it gets packed. The roast beef is exceptional.
The Albion: British Classics in Clerkenwell
What Makes It Special: For traditional British pub food, The Albion is among the best restaurants in London for kids. The Albion serves traditional British food (fish and chips, pies, sausages, full English breakfast) in a beautiful pub setting with a lovely outdoor terrace.
The kids’ menu is simple but well-executed – basically smaller versions of the adult classics. The Sunday roast is excellent with proper Yorkshire puddings. The atmosphere feels authentic British pub without being exclusive.
The outdoor terrace is brilliant in good weather – kids can move around a bit without disturbing other diners. Inside is cozy and welcoming.
Kid-Friendly Rating: 8/10 – Traditional pub, family welcome
Why It’s One of the Best Restaurants in London for Kids: Outdoor terrace for wiggle room, authentic British classics, all-day breakfast, welcoming atmosphere
Location: 2-4 Boundary Street, Shoreditch, London E2 7DD
Price Range: £12-18 per main, kids’ meals £6-8
Booking: Recommended, especially for Sunday roast
Best For: British pub food, outdoor seating, Sunday roasts
Pro tip: The outdoor terrace is first-come-first-served and perfect for families. The all-day breakfast is available until 4 PM.
The Harwood Arms: Michelin Star That Welcomes Kids
What Makes It Special: Surprisingly, this Michelin-starred establishment is one of the more upscale best restaurants in London for kids. The Harwood Arms is the only Michelin-starred pub in London, and surprisingly, they’re very welcoming to families. The food is exceptional – game, seasonal British ingredients, creative preparations.
While there’s no specific kids’ menu, the kitchen is happy to prepare simpler dishes for children. The Sunday lunch is outstanding and worth the splurge for a special occasion.
The atmosphere is smart casual – it’s Michelin-starred but still a pub, so it’s not intimidating. Staff are professional and welcoming to well-behaved children.
Kid-Friendly Rating: 6/10 – Best for special occasions with older, food-interested kids
Why It’s One of the Best Restaurants in London for Kids: Special occasion worthy, Michelin quality in approachable setting, accommodating kitchen, pub atmosphere reduces intimidation
Location: Walham Grove, Fulham, London SW6 1QP
Price Range: £25-35 per main, children’s portions on request
Booking: Essential
Best For: Special occasions, food-loving families with older children
Pro tip: Lunch is more casual and affordable than dinner. The venison is incredible if your kids are adventurous eaters.
Sweet Treats & Dessert Spots: The Best Restaurants in London for Kids Who Love Dessert
Gelupo: Gelato Paradise
What Makes It Special: For ice cream lovers, Gelupo is among the best restaurants in London for kids seeking sweet treats. Gelupo in Soho makes some of London’s best gelato with creative flavors and traditional Italian methods. The servings are generous, and they let you try flavors before committing.
Kids love choosing from the colorful display of flavors. The classics (chocolate, strawberry, vanilla) are excellent, and adventurous kids might try pistachio, hazelnut, or seasonal fruit flavors.
It’s tiny with limited seating, so plan to get takeaway and eat while walking or find a nearby bench.
Kid-Friendly Rating: 9/10 – Perfect treat stop
Why It’s One of the Best Restaurants in London for Kids: Taste-before-buying, genuine Italian gelato, generous portions, perfect Soho treat
Location: 7 Archer Street, Soho, London W1D 7AU
Price Range: £4-6 for gelato
Booking: Walk-ins only
Best For: Soho exploration, post-dinner treat, hot weather
Pro tip: The salted caramel and ricotta with figs are amazing. Get a small cup with two flavors – the portions are generous.
Milk Train: Instagram-Worthy Soft Serve
What Makes It Special: For visual spectacle, Milk Train is one of the most photogenic best restaurants in London for kids. Milk Train serves soft-serve ice cream in creative presentations – think ice cream served in cotton candy clouds, with colorful toppings, and over-the-top decorations.
Kids go crazy for the visual spectacle. The ice cream itself is good quality, and while it’s gimmicky, it’s also genuinely fun. Perfect for a special treat or post-sightseeing reward.
Kid-Friendly Rating: 9/10 – Total kid magnet
Why It’s One of the Best Restaurants in London for Kids: Instagram-worthy presentations, cotton candy cloud excitement, visual spectacle, special treat feeling
Locations: Covent Garden, Camden
Price Range: £5-8 per serving
Booking: Walk-ins
Best For: Instagram moments, special treats, rainy day mood lifter
Pro tip: The Covent Garden location is tiny and gets mobbed – go at off-peak times. The cotton candy cloud melts quickly, so eat it outside immediately.
Creams Café: Dessert Heaven
What Makes It Special: When you need pure dessert indulgence, Creams is one of the sweetest best restaurants in London for kids. Creams specializes in desserts – waffles, crepes, sundaes, cookie dough, milkshakes. Everything is over-the-top indulgent, and kids absolutely love it.
The menu is extensive with every combination imaginable. The portions are huge – most desserts can be shared. The atmosphere is casual and loud – this is a place built for families and teenagers.
Kid-Friendly Rating: 10/10 – Dessert paradise
Why It’s One of the Best Restaurants in London for Kids: Pure dessert focus, massive portions for sharing, endless combinations, loud atmosphere perfect for excited kids
Locations: Multiple including Covent Garden, Oxford Street, Westfield
Price Range: £6-10 per dessert
Booking: Walk-ins
Best For: Dessert-as-dinner days, celebrations, satisfying sweet tooths
Pro tip: The portions are enormous – order one dessert for every two kids. The Nutella waffle is a safe bet.
Practical Tips for Finding the Best Restaurants in London for Kids
Timing Your Meals for the Best Experience
When visiting the best restaurants in London for kids, timing makes a huge difference:
- Early dinner (5-6 PM) avoids the worst crowds and gets you in and out before tiredness meltdowns
- Late lunch (2-3 PM) is quieter than noon peak
- Weekend brunch is busy everywhere – arrive before 10 AM or after 2 PM
Making Reservations at Popular Spots
Many of the best restaurants in London for kids get very busy:
- Always book for dinner at nicer restaurants, especially weekends
- Many casual places don’t take reservations – arrive at off-peak times
- OpenTable and the restaurants’ own apps make booking easy
- Some places (like The Breakfast Club and Hoppers) are walk-in only – arrive early or expect queues
Dealing with Picky Eaters
Even the best restaurants in London for kids struggle with extremely picky eaters:
- Chain restaurants (Wagamama, Pizza Express, Byron) have the most predictable menus
- Don’t be afraid to ask for modifications – London restaurants are very accommodating
- Bring familiar snacks as backup for emergency meltdowns
- Many restaurants will do plain pasta, plain chicken, or chips even if not on the menu
Budget Management Tips
You can enjoy the best restaurants in London for kids without breaking the bank:
- Lunch is almost always cheaper than dinner at the same restaurant
- Kids eat free/cheap deals happen Monday-Wednesday at many chains
- Share adult portions rather than ordering separate kids’ meals (often better value)
- Tap water is free – don’t waste money on bottled water or sodas for everyone
- Set Menu and early dinner deals (5-7 PM) offer significant savings
Dietary Requirements and Allergies
The best restaurants in London for kids excel at handling dietary needs:
- Always mention allergies when ordering – staff take them seriously
- Vegan/vegetarian options are standard everywhere
- Gluten-free options widely available
- Halal and kosher options in appropriate restaurants
- Most places can accommodate dairy-free, nut-free, and other common allergies
Neighborhood Recommendations
The best restaurants in London for kids are concentrated in certain areas:
- Covent Garden: Highest concentration of family restaurants (Dishoom, Wagamama, Pizza Express, The Ivy)
- South Bank: Great for combining riverside walks with dining (Giraffe, Wagamama, chain options)
- Soho/Leicester Square: Mix of chains and independent options, plus dessert spots
- South Kensington: Near museums with several family-friendly options (Comptoir Libanais, Côte)
- Greenwich: More local feel with good value options
The Bottom Line on the Best Restaurants in London for Kids
Finding the best restaurants in London for kids isn’t about discovering places that just tolerate children – it’s about finding restaurants where your whole family can relax, enjoy good food, and create happy memories without stress.
The beauty of London’s dining scene is the incredible variety among the best restaurants in London for kids. If your kids want chicken nuggets, you can find excellent ones at Byron or Giraffe. If they’re adventurous eaters ready for Lebanese mezze at Comptoir Libanais, Sri Lankan hoppers, or Indian food at Dishoom, London’s got that too. And if you’ve got one picky eater and one adventurous one? The restaurants on this list can handle that mix.
Some of our best London memories involve meals – the time we discovered Dishoom and the kids couldn’t stop talking about the naan, the Sunday roast at The Albion where they tried Yorkshire pudding for the first time, the gelato stop at Gelupo that saved a rainy afternoon, the conveyor belt sushi at Yo! where they felt so grown-up choosing their own plates.
When searching for the best restaurants in London for kids, mix the reliable chains (no shame in Pizza Express or Wagamama – they’re popular for good reasons) with a few more adventurous choices. Let kids try new things but have backup plans for refusals. Book ahead when you can but also embrace spontaneous discoveries.
Most importantly, remember that the best restaurants in London for kids genuinely welcome families. Unlike some cities where children are tolerated at best, London’s food scene embraces families. The restaurants on this list aren’t just “kid-friendly” – they’re places where families are valued customers and children are treated with warmth and patience.
So relax, enjoy the food, and don’t stress if your toddler drops half their meal on the floor – the staff at the best restaurants in London for kids have seen it all before and won’t bat an eye.
Now go eat your way through London with your kids. Whether you’re seeking quick noodles at Wagamama, traditional fish and chips at Poppies, fancy pizza at Pizza Express, or indulgent desserts at Creams, the best restaurants in London for kids are ready to welcome your family. They’re going to love it, you’ll discover new favorites, and everyone will be well-fed and happy. What more can you ask for?
