Family-friendly restaurants in London 2026 – great for kids and adults

How we chose the best family-friendly restaurants

Uncovering the best of London’s food scene is what we do best. With access to some of the city’s top restaurants, markets, cafés, pubs and more, we’re able to identify which venues are genuinely suitable for families exploring the city.

We draw on first-hand visits from our editorial team, alongside insights from trusted hospitality and tourism partners, many of whom offer children’s menus, flexible dining options and seasonal “kids eat free” offers.

We also consider practical factors that matter to families, including menu flexibility for fussy eaters, space for buggies, relaxed vibe and proximity to major attractions for easy planning.

Our selection balances well-loved chains for quick pit stops, British classics and memorable themed dining experiences, ensuring there is something to suit every kind of family traveller.

Child-friendly and family-friendly dining

Pizza Pilgrims – Best for relaxed Neapolitan pizza feasts with dips and shareable sides

Pizza Pilgrims is one of those places we love for an easy, lively dinner with friends and family. The seating is comfortable and the tables are large enough for groups, and we liked that you can see straight into the kitchen where the chefs are stretching and firing pizzas.

The Amalfi lemonade is super zesty, and there are plenty of soft drinks for younger diners plus cocktails for the grown-ups. The pizzas themselves cover all the classics with a few more adventurous toppings, but the real standout for us was the dips – especially the garlic and herb.

If you’re looking for sides, go for the cacio e pepe bites, which are perfect for dunking. Desserts are worth a look too – the pistachio ice cream was particularly creamy. Service is quick and efficient, with pizzas arriving hot from the oven and tables turning over quickly, making it a great option if you want something lively but relaxed.

Best for: Casual group dinners and easy family meals that keep everyone happy.
Good to know: Scan the QR code on the table to discover the rotating special pizza of the moment. Kids’ meals are available for pizza fans aged 12 and under. Walk-ins are usually fine, but booking ahead is a good idea for larger groups. Vegetarian, vegan, halal and gluten-free options are available.

Poppies, Portobello Road – Best for classic fish and chips in London

Poppies is where we go when we want a proper London fish and chips moment. Freshness is their trademark – we watched our order being cooked to golden perfection and had it on the table in under 10 minutes on a Friday lunchtime.

We went classic with haddock and chips and added curry sauce and mushy peas for the full experience – both absolutely worth it. There’s salt, pepper and malt vinegar on the table for generous lashings, and the portions are big enough to share if you’re not starving.

The service was genuinely fantastic: quick, friendly and happy to guide first-timers through the menu. Kids’ portions are simply smaller versions of the classics, so families might opt for one haddock and chips plus a hot seafood platter to try a bit of everything.

We didn’t need the bread and butter… but what’s a chippy meal without a proper chip butty? And if you’ve got any room left, the sticky toffee pudding is soft, smothered in a rich sauce and easily big enough to split. We also loved the nostalgic touch of fruit salads and blackjack sweets arriving with the bill.

Best for: A London classic near the buzzing Notting Hill that even fussy eaters usually love.
Good to know: Space is a bit tight for big buggies and the downstairs seating isn’t step-free, but there is an accessible toilet with baby-changing. You can also grab mini takeaway portions in newspaper cones and eat them on the Portobello benches if it’s busy. Go earlier to dodge peak queues, especially at weekends. 

Hard Rock Cafe – Best for lively, music-filled family dining

Live music energy and crowd-pleasing food come together at Hard Rock Cafe. It’s a no-fuss, high-energy dining experience surrounded by iconic music memorabilia, making it feel immersive from the moment you step inside.

Kids will love the vibrant atmosphere – especially at the Piccadilly Circus location, where neon lights meet classic Hard Rock flair in the heart of the West End.

The Hard Rock Kids Menu covers all the bases, making it an easy win for families, while adults can enjoy the classic American-style dishes the brand is known for.

Best for: A fun, high-energy meal in the heart of central London.
Good to know: Booking ahead is recommended, especially in central locations. Bar seating is first come, first served.

Flat Iron, Southbank – Best for an affordable steak dinner in London

Flat Iron is a casual steak restaurant known for serving high-quality flat iron steak at affordable prices, with simple but delicious sides – we are obsessed with the creamed spinach and mac n' cheese! 

Southbank is one of the most family-friendly of Flat Iron's branches, with a dedicated kids menu (as found in other select restaurants). We love that it feels like an elevated dining experience, but kids of all ages are just as welcome at the table as the adults.

The standout for us, of course, is the free ice cream – what kid wouldn’t love a complimentary scoop? It’s perfect soft-serve in a cone and genuinely delicious. When it comes to little ones, there are stacks of high chairs available and kids can stay entertained with colouring sheets and crayons while they wait for their food.

Best for: A sumptuous steak meal that’s quick, relaxed and kid-friendly.
Good to know: You can tell which Flat Iron restaurants have a kids menu by the baby and cutlery stamp on the restaurant’s webpage. The Southbank branch also has outdoor seating, making it a great summer option – and it’s only a short walk from Waterloo station.

Bread Street Kitchen – Best for epic family sharing roast dinners

Gather round the table to feast on an incredible sharing Sunday roast at Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen. Think tender meat, crispy golden potatoes and all the trimmings – the kind of meal that leaves everyone stuffed and satisfied. Whether you’re already a Sunday roast fan or visiting London and keen to tick off this classic British tradition, this is a fantastic option.

The roast is served on a full table board, bringing everyone together. You might want to nominate a “master of the roast” to serve, or just let everyone get stuck in. Choose from beef, chicken or pork, all accompanied by a generous spread of seasonal vegetables.

There are multiple locations across the city, but we think Battersea and Stratford stand out as particularly family-friendly.

Best for: A classic British Sunday roast that’s easy, elevated and great for sharing.
Good to know: Kids Eat Free all day at Bread Street Kitchen. Some locations also offer The Kids’ Table – a supervised play area for children aged 3-10, giving adults a moment to relax.

The Breakfast Club, London Bridge – Best for a fun breakfast stop before exploring the South Bank or Tower Bridge area

The Breakfast Club – just as the name suggests – is perfect for those whose favourite meal is the first of the day. It’s bright and homely, with comfy seating and a fairly quick turnaround on service. A great way to start the day, especially if you’re setting yourself up for exploring.

You can’t go wrong with a classic stack of pancakes – thick, fluffy and with all the trimmings (plus a few extras if you’re feeling particularly hungry). There’s a kids’ menu that includes mini versions of classics, along with a pick-and-mix plate for slightly more particular eaters who know exactly what they like. For those with a sweet tooth, the Chocolicious Pancake Balls are always a hit. And if you’re after a proper full English, the Junior Monty has you covered.

If you just so happen to visit on Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday), there may even be a special theme on – our pancakes were once served by an Oompa Loompa!

For families with older kids, tell the person on the door you’re “here to get lucky” and you might uncover the secret bar tucked beneath the restaurant (open Wednesday to Saturday).

Best for: A fun, easy “start-the-day” base before walking the South Bank or heading towards Tower Bridge – especially with kids who wake up hungry.
Good to know: It gets busy on weekends and during school holidays, so arriving early is your best bet. Space inside can feel cosy, so it’s worth folding buggies where possible. Weekday mornings tend to be the calmest. 

Themed and interactive restaurants for kids

Inamo – Best for interactive dining in London where kids can play games on the table

Keep the family entertained at this fun, interactive Asian fusion restaurant where the table quite literally comes to life. At Inamo games are projected onto the surface so you can get competitive while working your way through sushi and Asian fusion favourites. Think tender katsu curry, crispy chicken bao buns and bang bang cauliflower you’ll keep going back for more. And it’s healthy… right?

The kids’ menu is available for little ones aged 11 and under, but only until 5.30pm, so it’s best suited to lunch or an early dinner. It includes a main dish, and the staff are always happy to guide you through the options. You’ll often find family deals too, including all-you-can-eat options for particularly hungry groups.

Best way to order? Get a variety to share, then reorder your favourites – the char siu pork is a standout, and the Dragon Roll is always a crowd-pleaser with kids.

Best for: Families with kids who need entertaining at the table and love a bit of friendly competition with their meal.
Good to know: The interactive tables are the main event, so request one when booking. Kids’ menus are only available before 5.30pm. Buggy space is limited in some branches, so foldable pushchairs work best.

Brigit's Bakery Afternoon Tea – Best for combining afternoon tea with sightseeing on a classic London bus

67 Sourdough – Best for pizza with a side of supercars

67 Sourdough is not your average neighbourhood pizza spot. Tucked away near East Finchley (just a short walk from the station), this unique venue pairs seriously good sourdough pizza with an unexpected twist – supercars.

From the outside it’s pretty unassuming, but step inside the massive garage and you’re immediately surrounded by impressive cars on display, spanning decades of motoring history. You’ll spot nods to its roots throughout, from vintage racing photos to the carefully curated collection of vehicles. It’s a real passion project and proudly family-run, with a genuine focus on welcoming families and young kids – passing that love of cars down to the next generation.

We love that the pizzas are made completely fresh, with that perfect sourdough base, but the sharing boards are just as worth a look – think cheese, fresh bread, pickles and other snacks that are great for the table. For dessert, you must try the “Car Crash” – a sweet treat complete with a Hot Wheels car right in the middle that kids will go mad for.

Best for: A fun, slightly unexpected pizza trip that keeps both kids and adults entertained.
Good to know: It’s relaxed and spacious, with high chairs available and plenty of room for little ones, while bigger kids (and adults) can have a go on the F1 simulator for even more fun. Events like Pizza & Porsche nights add something extra, so it’s worth keeping an eye on what’s coming up. A soft play area is also set to open in spring, making it even more family-friendly!

Hai Di Lao, Piccadilly – Best for hands-on hotpot dining in London where families cook together

Hai Di Lao is a fun one for kids who like a meal with a bit of theatre. The bubbling hotpot sits in the centre of the table and becomes the base of the whole experience, where you cook everything yourself – from thinly sliced meats to fresh vegetables.

It’s properly hands-on, with little ones getting involved by adding ingredients to the pot and “playing chef”. For us, the sauce bar is always a standout – lashings of peanut sauce with garlic, soy and spring onions, going back again and again to perfect the mix. Dipping your freshly cooked food into your custom sauce is oddly satisfying. The real highlight, however, is the noodle-pulling performance. A server arrives and starts whipping the noodles through the air, stretching and twirling them right at your table.

There are plenty of side dishes suited to younger diners, and the whole set-up naturally encourages families to sit together and share. They even have cute merchandise, and around Lunar New Year the atmosphere gets especially lively with themed extras.

Best for: Interactive dining and kids who enjoy cooking their own food.
Good to know: Aprons, kid-friendly plates and utensils are provided, and staff make a fuss for birthdays. Booking ahead is recommended during holidays and weekends. 

Ugly Dumplings, Soho – Best for tasty dumplings with a twist between sightseeing

Ugly Dumpling serves up delicious dumplings with a difference, with some seriously fun flavours – from cheeseburger to chocolate – alongside more traditional options like duck and prawn (which are our go-to).

What we love about this vibrant spot is that every table comes with the iconic colouring placemat and a pot of pens, which keeps kids and adults entertained while you wait. You can take your masterpiece home as a keepsake or leave it for the restaurant to add to their wall of fame.

It’s a great pit stop when exploring central London – perfect for light bites to keep everyone going or a relaxed evening trying a few different flavours and sharing plates.

Best for: Families who like sharing dishes and kids who enjoy creative table activities.
Good to know: There’s a full gluten-free menu (let staff know in advance on busy days). Carnaby can get crowded in the evenings and on Saturdays, and space for large buggies is limited.  

BrewDog, Waterloo – Families with older kids who want food, games and space to hang out

Toddler-friendly restaurants

Afternoon tea at Science Museum London – Best for a kid-friendly interactive afternoon tea

If you’ve ever told your kids not to play with their food… you might have to make an exception here.

The London Science Museum themed afternoon tea puts a fun, interactive spin on a classic experience. Expect playful details like petri-dish jellies and chemistry-inspired drinks, including a signature pink lemonade that kids can get hands-on with.

It’s designed to be engaging, creative and just a little bit messy in the best way – making it a great way to keep younger visitors entertained after exploring the museum.

Best for: Rounding off a day at the museum with something fun, interactive and a little different.
Good to know: Not available during school holidays, so plan ahead if visiting during term time.

Giraffe World Kitchen, Southbank – Best for easy family dining near the London Eye and South Bank attractions

Where The Pancakes Are, Battersea Power Station - Best for a fun build-your-own experience

Where The Pancakes Are is another fun pancake spot that’s perfect for little diners, right in the heart of activity-packed Battersea Power Station.

We love the inventive savoury options just as much as the sweet – but for families the real win is the children’s menu, where little ones can build their own pancakes. It means they get exactly what they like, in the portion size that suits them. The team are also mindful of sugar levels in the buttermilk batter for younger diners, which parents will appreciate.

Ask for colouring sheets if you need a bit of table-time entertainment while you wait.

Best for: Toddlers and younger kids who like customisable meals and a relaxed brunch setting.
Good to know: High chairs are available on request. Space for multiple buggies is limited. Weekends and holidays are walk-in only – if there’s a wait, you can join the virtual queue and explore Battersea Power Station until you’re called. Weekday bookings are available outside peak periods. 

Best restaurants for pre-theatre or central London dining

Pastaio, Soho – Best for speedy, affordable pasta in London before theatre or shopping

Dishoom, Covent Garden – Best for sharing flavour-packed Indian dishes in a lively family-friendly restaurant

Your kids don’t need to be adventurous eaters to enjoy Dishoom. It’s a favourite for families thanks to its brilliant breakfasts – the cinnamon pancakes with vanilla cream, berries and spiced syrup are always a win.

Later in the day, younger diners can choose from a less-spicy menu, with options like murgh malai or paneer tikka that still pack plenty of flavour. We’re also slightly obsessed with the chocolate and chilli ice cream for dessert – make room for this one!

The interiors feel grown-up but relaxed, so it’s one of those rare places where the adults feel like they’re having a proper meal out, while the kids are still completely welcome. The staff really know the menu – on our last visit our server matched dishes perfectly to our tastes, which made the whole experience feel easy. It’s designed for sharing, so everyone can try a bit of everything.

Best for: Family meals that feel like an occasion and sharing plates that work for mixed tastes.
Good to know: Walk-ins are the norm and fairly long queues are common, but they move quickly. Daytime reservations are available, and groups of six or more can book after 6pm. 

Wahaca, Covent Garden – Best crowd-pleasing Mexican street food in London before theatre or evening plans

We think Wahaca is a great choice for families who want a quick bite. With locations across major areas including Covent Garden (ideal for pre-theatre), Waterloo (great before or after travel) and Southbank (perfect between landmarks), it’s easy to slot into your plans.

The menu is simple but satisfying – Mexican street food served quickly and designed for sharing. Expect tacos, quesadillas, burritos and sunshine bowls, plus specials and feasting menus if you want to make an occasion of it.

The kids’ menu is thoughtful too, with options like cheesy quesadillas, build-your-own tacos and a rainbow bowl, followed by ice cream for dessert. Most kids’ mains come in under £10, which feels like a win in central London.

Best for: Families looking for a quick, hearty bite that works around theatre times or evening plans.
Good to know: Vegan and vegetarian options are widely available. If you have specific dietary requirements, it’s worth flagging them in advance on busier days. Most branches offer step-free access. Well-behaved dogs are welcome at many locations but must be kept on a lead – check individual venue policies. 

Wicked Afternoon Tea at The Clermont – Best for themed afternoon tea in London before seeing Wicked in the West End

Quick places to eat with kids

London markets and food halls

Mercato Mayfair – Best for a family-friendly food hall in London with plenty of dining options

We can’t get enough of this London market in Mayfair for a few reasons – and of course we’re going to share them with you. First, it’s set inside the beautiful Grade I-listed St Mark’s Church, where the high ceilings and stained-glass windows make an immediate impact as soon as you walk in. Then there’s the food: loads of street-food vendors serving everything from boujee lobster rolls to pizza by the slice. One of our go-to vendor serves steaming bowls of ramen packed with flavour, and the cocktail and mocktail bar under the altar is a fun touch.

It’s tucked into one of London’s more elegant neighbourhoods, and just a short walk from Bond Street (for shopping and galleries) and Marble Arch (FRAMELESS), so it works well as a stylish but low-pressure family stop.

Best for: Families with mixed tastes who want variety in a beautiful indoor setting.
Good to know: Seating is unreserved and communal, so you may share tables at busy times. Buggy space can be tight during peak hours – visit earlier in the day for a calmer experience. 

Market Halls, Victoria – Best for quick family bite before travelling from Victoria

Borough Market – Best for a lively London food market where everyone can choose their own dish

The buzzing Borough Market is one to tick off whether you’re a local or visiting. From strawberries drenched in chocolate to giant pans of paella, there are some classics everyone gravitates towards – but there are plenty of hidden gems among the organised chaos too.

We’ve eaten our way around the market more times than we can count. Humble Crumble is always a hit (queue expected), and you’ll easily find a generously filled sandwich that could feed the whole family. The smaller stalls are often the best – some of the tastiest samosas we’ve tried in London came from here.

Around the edges you’ll find excellent cafés and restaurants too, including Brother Marcus, Padella and El Pastor. Monmouth for coffee is a must, the ultimate sausage roll can be found at The Ginger Pig and if you want a proper sit-down meal, Roast is hard to beat (Miner’s Benedict – yes please!).

Best for: Adventurous families who like grazing and trying lots of different foods.
Good to know: It gets very busy, especially at weekends – aim for mid-morning with little ones. The Borough Market Food Tour can help you skip queues and discover British classics. 

Arcade Food Hall, Battersea Power Station – Best for families who want lots of cuisines in one place

Food, drink and music come together at this lively food hall inside Battersea Power Station. We think Arcade is a brilliant option when everyone wants something different – especially if you’ve got fussy eaters in the group.

With seating for around 500 people and more than a dozen kitchens covering everything from sushi and bao buns to smash burgers, you’ll usually find a table without too much stress. It’s a great place to regroup after tackling the Chimney Lift or a competitive game at Bounce.

In summer, there’s often a floating bar outside on the Thames, which makes it feel like a proper day out rather than just a pit stop.

Best for: Families who want maximum choice in a lively, modern setting.
Good to know: Order via QR code from the table. High chairs are available, and there’s plenty of buggy space compared with smaller food halls. 

Family-friendly chain restaurants in London

PizzaExpress – Best for classic family pizza nights in London

You can very rarely go wrong with a PizzaExpress. It’s been around since 1965, and the formula still works – good pizza, familiar toppings and crowd-pleasing sides. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly space with plenty of room for little diners, and many branches run pizza-making parties for birthdays.

The Piccolo menu is designed for younger children and includes dough balls, pizza or pasta, salad, dessert and a Bambinoccino, plus an activity pack to keep them entertained while they wait.

Best for: Pizza-loving families who want something affordable and dependable.
Good to know: Look out for seasonal "kids eat free" and discount offers. Most branches have step-free access and high chairs. 

Bill's – Best for reliable all-day dining in London with options for picky eaters

Bill’s is an all-day dining spot with branches from Richmond to Greenwich, making it a reliable option wherever your day takes you.

Their full English breakfasts are always a hit, but there’s plenty more on offer. Think fluffy buttermilk pancakes or a hearty bowl of porridge for breakfast, then burgers, mac and cheese and salads for later in the day – easy wins for both kids and grown-ups.

They regularly run family deals (including kids eating free during the week), so it’s worth checking ahead or asking when you arrive.

Best for: Reliable, no-fuss family meals at any time of day.
Good to know: Menus and kids’ deals can vary slightly by location – check ahead if you’re visiting for a specific offer. High chairs and baby changing facilities are widely available. 

Wagamama – Best for noodle dishes and casual dining with kids

Wagamama is a long-time family favourite. The atmosphere is relaxed, they’re not precious about a bit of mess, and high chairs and smaller portions are readily available.

The kids’ menu is particularly strong – the bento boxes let little ones try a bit of everything, which is ideal for changing tastes (and indecisive eaters). There are also child-friendly chopsticks if they want to give them a go.

Best for: Quick, casual meals with options for picky eaters.
Good to know: All sites have baby changing facilities and space for prams, and staff are well briefed on allergens and dietary needs. Food often arrives quickly but not always at the same time, which is something to flag with younger diners. 

More London restaurants and food experiences