Best Restaurants in London for Families

London hasn’t always had a reputation for amazing cuisine, particularly in comparison to other European capitals like Rome or Paris. But that’s an unfair assessment — the reality is that London’s restaurant scene has influences from all over the world, mirroring the diversity of its local population. Families can travel the globe, bite after bite, without ever leaving the city. 

From food markets to afternoon tea, London has amazing places to dine that will please every palate, even the pickiest. Here are some tried-and-true Ciao Bambino favorites for dining in London with kids.

Best Restaurants in London to Take Kids

Dishoom

Don’t miss out on a chance to sample some of London’s fantastic Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Brits order a curry from the local takeaway the way Americans call for pizza, but Dishoom is a great option for a more elevated, yet still casual and fun, experience. There are multiple locations throughout the city, including Covent Garden, Carnaby and South Kensington. Their children’s menu offers some mild, simple dishes, but most entrees on the main menu are served family-style, so this is a great place to let kids try new foods in a no-pressure way.

Savoy Grill

If you want one splurge-worthy meal in London, consider Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill in the iconic Savoy Hotel. Its convenient location between Parliament and Covent Garden means it’s within striking distance of a visit while sightseeing or before a theatre performance. The three-course weekend menu is good value and the children’s menu with its deep-fried halibut, pea puree and chips is a great mini introduction to fine dining.

Borough Market

London is more than just fancy restaurants. Some of its food markets rival those found anywhere else in the world, and one favorite is Borough Market, the largest in the city, tucked away south of the Thames — walking distance from the Tower Bridge and Tower of London. Families love sampling from a variety of stalls or shopping for incredible picnic fixings to take to the Southwark Cathedral grounds nearby. If you’d like a sit-down experience, try Roast, which past Ciao Bambino clients have enjoyed. The restaurant gathers many of its ingredients from the market itself, including the items on the children’s menu.

The Wells Tavern

You can’t come to London without visiting a pub, and pubs across the capital have been busy turning themselves into gastro dining rooms recently. One of our favorites is The Wells Tavern on the edge of the picturesque London village of Hampstead. Dishes like smoked ham hock terrine, Scottish Angus hamburger and Cumberland sausage are designed to make your mouth water. Or visit on a Sunday for a typical British Sunday lunch of rib of beef and Yorkshire pudding. A children’s menu is also available. Closer to central London, we like The Red Lion, Parliament Street in Westminster; The Havelock Tavern in the Notting Hill/Holland Park area; and The Churchill Arms in Kensington (note that the menu is Thai, not traditional pub fare).

The Mayfair Chippy

No trip to London is complete without indulging in the British classic, fish and chips. Every Londoner will lay claim to his or her favorite neighborhood “chippy,” so the options for enjoying this greasy goodness are endless. For a sit-down experience, try The Mayfair Chippy in the neighborhood of the same name. In addition to the signature dish, there’s an extensive menu of seafood specialties for those who want to venture beyond batter-dipped cod and haddock.

Wahaca

Most of England’s attempts at Mexican food are pretty far below average. But the exception to this is Wahaca, a small chain of Mexican street food-inspired restaurants. Not only is the food great and kid-friendly, but the atmosphere at every location we’ve tried is lively and fun. Kids are often given a book to enjoy while they dine. The St. Paul’s location even has a tabletop soccer game that children (and adults!) can play while they wait for their food. Service is quick and friendly, and the locations are convenient to many of the major tourist areas around the city (like their South Bank location, just a quick walk from the London Eye). It’s a good spot for parents to have on their radar when hunger strikes threaten to derail the day’s sightseeing plans.

Bar Douro

With chic decor that features blue-and-white azulejo tiles and a well-curated menu of both traditional and inventive Portuguese fare, Bar Douro is a fabulous spot if you have slightly adventurous eaters. It’s easy to make a light meal out of bites like crispy polenta, marinated olives, cheeses and presunto, cured ham from acorn-fed pigs that is Portugal’s answer to Spanish jamón. Or opt for a selection of small plates to share — though the menu changes, standbys include garlicky prawns and salt cod hash. Don’t leave without indulging in a rich, custardy pastel de nata, which is among the best you’ll find outside Portugal.

Fortnum & Mason

Parents traveling to Italy bribe their kids with gelato, and Paris has crepes and macarons. What to do on a family trip to London to cap off the day with a sweet finish? My favorite spot is the ice cream parlor at Fortnum & Mason, a landmark department store on Piccadilly in the heart of London’s major shopping district. This is also a great spot to pick up edible souvenirs to bring back home, like some of the finest teas in the world, biscuits (cookies) and luxury picnic baskets. In fact, a convenient tip is that Fortnum & Mason now has outposts at St. Pancras rail station and London’s Heathrow Airport so you can grab gourmet food before a long flight or train ride.

Afternoon Tea

Tourists visiting England are often surprised to learn that afternoon tea involves much more than the hot beverage — it’s essentially a decadent and delicious afternoon snack. Parents weary after a day of sightseeing will enjoy that many packages include Champagne! Most 5-star London hotels offer a very traditional tea service (Claridge’s, Brown’s and the Ritz are all noteworthy), but Ciao Bambino clients have enjoyed themed children’s teas offered by Taj 51 Buckinghamgate (The Secret Garden) and One Aldwych (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory). I love the nod to two classic British children’s book authors in these themes. Start with the bottom plate on the 3-tier stand that will come to your table, which will likely be small sandwiches or other savory bites. Then move up to the middle tier, which is typically scones, clotted cream and jam. The top tier will be a variety of small pastries or chocolates. Be sure to make reservations in advance, and ask about the dress code.

Chains

In the last few years, London has cottoned on to the fact that parents actually enjoy eating out with their children, providing they are fully catered for, and a number of upmarket chains now offer some great kids’ menus. Look out for:

Nando’s

Beloved for its grilled peri-peri chicken, Nando’s has locations all over the city. Although spicy flavors are the chain’s signature, the offerings for little “Nandinos” go easier on the heat. The set-price kids’ menu includes a main dish, a choice of two sides such as chips or corn on the cob, and a dessert.

Leon

Leon successfully achieves what many still only strive for: good, fresh, healthy fast food. We’re particular fans of the sweet potato falafel wraps and the meatballs. The kids’ menu comes with an activity pack. Look for their stand at Heathrow Airport when you want a healthy meal before the long flight home.

Côte Brasserie

An upmarket French-inspired chain, Côte has locations all over the UK, with quite a few around London. The vibe is casually elegant but relaxed and the menu is a blend of classics such as French onion soup, Niçoise salad and moules frites, all capped off with some seriously luscious desserts. There’s a well-rounded kids’ menu, though you can order mini versions of dishes off the main menu for a 2-course or 3-course set price. Côte also does a very good breakfast, including a version of cassoulet with sausage, tomatoes and baked eggs.

Carluccio’s

The brainchild of celebrity Italian chef Antonio Carluccio, Carluccio’s restaurants can be found dotted across the city and offer a mouth-watering range of antipasti, pasta, secondi and dolci. The kids’ menu is a miniature version of the adult menu and comes with crayons, puzzles and games. The location in St. Pancras train station makes a nice meal possible before you depart for Paris or upon arrival into London.

Pizza Express

For reliably good pizzas and salads, you’re never far away from a Pizza Express, and their set-price Piccolo menu includes dough balls, side salad, pizza or pasta, ice cream sundae and Bambinoccino. Some locations allow children to watch the pizza being prepared in the kitchen.

Relevant Links:

Browse all family-friendly accommodations and activities in London on Ciao Bambino

52 tips for traveling in England with kids

5 fantastic neighborhoods for a family vacation in London

Best London parks and playgrounds for kids

Best London museums for families

Tips for visiting Buckingham Palace with kids

Photos by Nicole Wiltrout except where noted. 

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.