Family Restaurants in London

Check out the funky chrome interior and long tables at Belgo Centraal in Covent Garden. The main menu is Belgian with an emphasis on moules and frites (mussels and chips). The kids' menu features pasta, sausage and mash and (for the more adventurous!) mussels traditionelle. Look out for special "kids eat free" offers.

The Café Rouge chain offers one of London's best activity packs for kids, including puzzles and stickers with a French theme. Fantastique! Younger children can take their pick from the special kids' menu. There are more than 30 branches of Café Rouge in London, so wherever you are in the capital you're sure to find one nearby.

Enjoy American-style dining at Ed's Easy Diners, with branches in Mayfair, Soho, London Trocadero and Euston Station. High stools, thick milkshakes and a variety of burgers make these restaurants great hangouts for kids of all ages. Younger children can choose from the Junior Bites menu and enjoy filling in the special activity sheets.

Rock'n'roll, sizzling dishes from the Southern US states and classic hamburgers give the Hard Rock Café an authentic American flavour. The rock memorabilia and music just add to the fun. Your kids may not have heard of Pete Townsend or Eric Clapton, but seeing their guitars is sure to inspire some rock'n'roll ambitions!

With its Indian tapas-style food, affordable prices and a lightly spiced children's menu, Imli is a great place for families. For £8.50 kids can enjoy a three-course menu of Indian treats such as gram flour and coriander wedges, masala grilled chicken with avocado dip, and chocolate and orange ice cream.

Enjoy a fun and relaxed dinner at Masala Zone Indian restaurants. Children can choose dishes from the special kids' menu, which is just £4.65 for under-sevens. The Covent Garden branch is especially good for families as there are hundreds of brightly coloured Indian puppets handing from the ceiling depicting a traditional Indian wedding.

Maxwell's is a lively, family-friendly restaurant in Covent Garden. The kids' set menu costs £6.95, which includes a main meal, soft drink and dessert. On the menu you'll find everything from a kids' club sandwich to fish fingers and fruit kebabs for dessert. Its central location makes it an ideal stop-off after a hard day's sightseeing or shopping.

You don't have to wait until Shrove Tuesday for pancakes! My Old Dutch has three branches in London and offers fabulous savoury and sweet pancakes in a friendly atmosphere. The menu also includes salads, traditional Dutch starters and desserts, plus a range of milkshakes and smoothies.

Mingle with the stars at Planet Hollywood, where you'll be surrounded by film memorabilia. There's plenty to keep kids entertained alongside their burgers and fries, including colouring sets and balloons. The kids' menu (for 12 year olds and under) costs £8.95, including a main dish, dessert and unlimited soda drinks.

Go wild at Rainforest Café, where you can expect to see (or hear!) waterfalls, thunder and lightning, rain showers, mist, wild animals and real tropical fish. The American and tropical cuisine reflects the exotic setting. Perfect for family meals and children's birthday parties, dishes include Maya's meatballs and banana boat split.

Founded by Bill Wyman, bass player with the Rolling Stones, Sticky Fingers drips with band memorabilia, and also serves up a varied menu. With burgers, steaks, fajitas, seafood and more, it caters for all tastes. The kids' menu includes a main course (such as fish fingers, burgers or spaghetti), dessert and soft drink for £7.95 per child.