Dining with kids really should be a sport on its own. One wrong move and you can turn a peaceful evening into pure chaos. And of course, there’s always a couple at the next table who are silently judging your parenting skills.
Over the years, I’ve found a few spots that just work. Some are simple, casual dining spots – others feature more cultural cuisines. What they all have in common is an environment that makes dining with kids just a bit easier.
If you’re bringing the little one for lunch out or a special gathering, stop guessing. Use this list of the best kid-friendly restaurants in London as your cheat sheet for a proper meal with the fam.
1. Dishoom Covent Garden
– Media credit rm_instadiary
Website: https://www.dishoom.com/covent-garden/
Address: 12 Upper St Martin’s Ln
Price: $$
Dishoom Covent Garden is a great kid-friendly Indian restaurant in London offering a wide range of traditional dishes. You can enjoy dining here any time of the day, whether it’s breakfast or dinner.
What makes them stand out is the high level of customer service. When I visited with my young niece, a staff member helped her get up on the table. They’re all very jolly among kids too, earning giggles here and there from the young ones.
For every meal they serve, this restaurant donates one to a hungry child, either in India or the UK. They really take kid-friendliness to the next level with this charity, which is why I often find myself coming back.
Pro Tip: There’s usually about a 40+ minute wait time for this restaurant. Make sure to grab some of the samples that the employees hand out. They usually provide chai, lemonade, and Sherry.
2. F1 Arcade, London
– Media credit thedawesclan_ and f1arcade
Website: https://f1arcade.com/uk/london
Address: 1 New Change
Price: $$$
Have kids who are serious race fans? You can’t miss F1 Arcade in London!
The simulation alone is enough to make you book a spot. Seats move as you drive, and the steering wheel even has nice feedback, making it feel more realistic.
The entire restaurant is Formula 1-themed. Paired with delicious food (including my personal favourite stacked pancakes), it’s a fantastic experience for families with little kids.
The venue also offers private spaces, so you can book them for special events like birthdays. There’s also an arcade hub where you can track the Arcadians you’ve won through racing.
Pro Tip: The full motion simulators allow for realistic F1 racing, where anyone can participate in team races. Grab it as an opportunity to meet fellow F1 fans.
3. Fallow
– Media credit fallowrestaurant
Website: http://www.fallowrestaurant.com/
Address: 52 Haymarket
Price: $$$
Fallow is the type of place you go to if you want to enjoy an upscale dining experience that’s also kid-friendly. The staff here keeps everything moving smoothly, so big families are sure to have a stress-free experience.
For the little ones, they have a specific menu complete with high chairs to give them a comfortable time. There are also colouring books for them, so they can kill time while they wait for meals.
Once they’re done with their plates, don’t forget to order some brown butter ice cream that’s good enough for even kids at heart to be addicted.
Despite the refined atmosphere, the restaurant has a nice family feel to it. Even when the place is packed, everything feels like home.
Pro Tip: Book ahead, seriously. Fallow fills up fast, especially on weekends and evenings. A week in advance is the sweet spot.
4. Soderberg East Dulwich
– Media credit soderbergbakery
Website: https://www.soderberg.uk/east-dulwich
Address: 36 Lordship Ln
Price: $
Soderberg is a well-known spot among locals as one of the best brunch places in London. They sell some of the city’s best baked goods, including their famous spiced cinnamon buns and freshly baked sourdough.
The place has plenty of family-friendly amenities. There are kids’ toys, books, and a children’s menu. There’s a good nappy changing area too, and a step-free entry for buggies to easily come through.
Beyond everything else, the place’s location is stunning. If you can score a table near the windows, you get spoiled with plenty of sunlight and views for people-watching or simply enjoying the beauty of the city.
Pro Tip: Go early for the best pastries and seats. The cinnamon and cardamom buns sell out fast. You may also want to come in the morning to fully enjoy your window seat.
5. Marugame Udon
– Media credit marugameuk
Website: https://marugame.co.uk/
Address: 1-4 Argyll St
Price: $$
If you want to get the little one started with cultural cruising, Marugame Udon is the ideal spot. The place offers authentic Japanese dishes, including udon, rice bowls, and tempura.
Meals are customisable – there’s a dedicated condiment counter that allows you to tailor your dishes with toppings, sauces, and garnishes to your liking.
For the kids, there’s a £1 promotion. This involves child-sized menu options, served in portions that are just right for kids.
The entire place is generally tidy and well-maintained. Even during peak hours when it’s packed, it still feels comfortable.
Pro Tip: Double-drink drink selections for your kids! Some Japanese drinks can be alcoholic, and trust me – you don’t want to accidentally order sake for your children!
6. Shoryu Ramen, Soho
– Media credit shoryu_ramen
Website: http://www.shoryuramen.com/stores/11-soho
Address: 3 Denman St
Price: $
Here’s another Japanese restaurant that I personally like, which is also a good spot for kids. Their kids’ menu comes with ramen, edamame starter, and matcha ice cream for dessert.
In short, no need to overthink what to get for the little one (unless they’re super picky, of course).
The value for money is also great at about £6.90 per child. For the adults, you can expect to spend £10 to £20. The portions are just right, and just a couple of dishes are enough to make you full.
High chairs and changing facilities are also available, making it convenient for families. It’s also conveniently located in Piccadilly Circus.
Pro Tip: Arrive before 5:30 PM if you don’t have a reservation. Queues tend to get long after that, especially for relatively big groups like families.
7. Masala Zone Covent Garden
– Media credit masalazone
Website: http://www.masalazone.com/locations/covent-garden/
Address: 48 Floral St
Price: $$
For Indian food that’s perfect for families, I can’t think of anything better than Masa Zone. Everything is authentic, as dishes are inspired by home-style cooking and regional street food across India.
There are high chairs for kids, as well as crayons and colouring sheets. When needed, the fact that they have changing tables is also a plus.
Menu options are flexible, which is a plus if you want to make certain meals kid-friendly. For instance, you can swap curries or choose between rice and chapati.
If your kid loves a bit of spice, though, you can keep the dishes as they’re usually served.
Pro Tip: You can ask for mild or non-spicy options on the kid’s thali or korma. Some options are spicier than expected, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
8. The Coal Shed, Tower Bridge
– Media credit thecoalshed
Website: https://coalshed-restaurant.co.uk/london/
Address: One, 4 Tower Bridge, Crown Square
Price: $$$
The Coal Shed offers a beautiful family experience for those who are obsessed with flame-grilled meat (like me!). Their signature Sunday Sharing Roast is the perfect option for family lunches, with generous portions and even more delicious food.
The staff are attentive with kids, so parents will definitely appreciate the extra eyes on the little ones. There are plenty of colouring activities to keep them occupied as well, in case the grilled goods don’t yet do the job.
Located between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, it provides easy access to other key spots in the city. You can take the kids up for a walk or get tickets for a movie nearby after the meal.
Pro Tip: The Sunday Sharing Roast is a major draw. If you’re planning on bringing the entire fam and more, reserve as early as possible.
9. Inamo
– Media credit inamorestaurant
Website: http://www.inamo-restaurant.com/our-venues/inamo-covent-garden
Address: 11-14 Hanover Pl
Price: $$
Inamo offers a family-friendly experience to every diner. There are multiple elements that make it fun: table games, drawing options, and a lively but comfortable setting that keeps children engaged during meals.
They have digital touchscreen tables too, which is honestly just fun to explore. You can use it to order food, call staff, and play games.
Portions are designed for sharing, so you and your family can order multiple options to split. Don’t worry, you’re spoiled for choice here – there’s Asian tapas, sushi-only options, vegetarian, and bottomless options.
Seating is spacious too, making it ideal for birthdays and special occasions.
Pro Tip: Check your table’s tech early. Some tables have technical glitches, according to a few customers. Let the staff know right away if there are any issues.
10. Big Penny Social
– Media credit bigpennysocial
Website: https://bigpennysocial.co.uk/
Address: 1 Priestley Way
Price: $
Big Penny Social is a huge venue with spacious indoor and outdoor spaces. This makes them ideal for gatherings, events, and big family days out.
Though I’d typically eat here alone, I do notice a great number of children enjoying the place as well. It does have a lively, buzzing energy, so even adults always look like they’re having a good time.
There are plenty of activities, including table tennis, arcade games, and darts. There’s even a beach area where kids can socialise with other kids.
As for food, the selection is pretty decent. You can opt for pizzas, beers, or roasts – aka the stuff that any kid loves.
The entire place is pet-friendly as well. Dogs are welcome any time to play.
Pro Tip: I know we love our kids, but sometimes we need some quiet time too. If you want to enjoy drinks or live music without little ones running around, plan your visit after about 7:00 PM.
