25+ Best Restaurants in London for Kids

Are you looking for the best restaurants in London for kids that the whole family will love? Well, you’re in the right place!

Having lived in London with three kids under the age of five, we have quite the inside scoop on where to find the best kids’ menus in the city and many are close to the best neighborhoods for families in London. We have also visited many times since living there. So we have explored and tried many of the best restaurants in London for kids.

It might surprise you to learn that in fact there are many kid-friendly restaurants in London. In fact, our general rule is if a restaurant has a kids menu, as many of them do, kids are welcome.

London has many families who live there, and therefore there are many restaurants that cater to them with a good kids menu. Even museums and historic sights welcome families!

With this in mind, I am often asked are the best child-friendly restaurants you can eat at on your next vacation to London. As genuine foodies, my family found the best London restaurants you won’t want to miss. From macaroni cheese to hot dogs, family-friendly teas, and more, this list has what you need.

Also, if you’re looking for fun things to do in London, this five-day London itinerary has some of the best things to do with kids. You may also enjoy these posts on affordable travel tips and London’s Harry Potter Studios Virtual Tours.

But we are here to talk about the best restaurants in London for kids, so let’s get to it.

This post contains affiliate links which means I receive a commission at no cost to you if you make a purchase using this link. See my disclosures. Cover photo credit: Bon Voyage With Kids

Why These Restaurants are Some of the Best Family-Friendly Restaurants

At some of the restaurants, kids eat free, while others have a dedicated children’s menu. Other places offer quick service so you can get in and get out. You can also find a great afternoon tea with a delicious kids menu.

But having lived in London with three kids under the age of five, I know the importance of a London kids menu. So whether you are visiting London with older kids or taking on London with toddlers, this post will have my kids favourite restaurants in London.

covent garden market things to do in London with kids — Covent Garden Market Photo credit: Bon Voyage With Kids

Plus, some of these family restaurants provide a culinary adventure and give kids the chance to experience food from many different cultures as well as London staples. And, they are all over the city, from Covent Garden to Notting Hill and everywhere in between.

You’ll find fun restaurants with stunning decor and others with coloring books and games to entertain the little ones. And don’t worry, the best restaurants aren’t always more expensive.

And since London is one of the best places to enjoy tea time in the afternoon, you’ll find many places to experience this tradition. Some options offer a tea experience specifically for kids.

BVWK Tip

Most of the museums in London, as well as historic places like the Tower of London, have kids menus. In fact, often they have a snack package or meal deal for kids! You will also find this at many of the parks and places like the London Zoo. Planning to visit a West End Show? You’ll be excited to know they serve Cadbury candies and ice cream during intermission!

Top Kid-Friendly Restaurants in London

Tower Bridge Near Sea Life Aquarium — Tower Bridge near Sea Life Aquarium in London. Photo credit: Bon Voyage With Kids

1. Gordon Ramsay’s Heddon Street Kitchen

One of the things that makes this the ultimate kid-friendly restaurant in London is that kids eat free! You read that right. With every adult meal, kids main meal is free (you can add some of their sweet treats for an additional cost.) And with a kids menu to boot, this is my top pick for kid-friendly restaurants in London.

This Piccadilly restaurant also serves English favorites like Beef Wellington and The English Breakfast. It also has a dedicated kids’ menu with things like bangers and mash, pasta and meatballs, and mac and cheese. Its location near Regent Streets and Picadilly Circus makes it a great spot for a pre-theatre meal.

If you’re looking for some sweet treats, you’ll love the ice cream bar at Heddon Street Kitchen. You can choose between a cone, sandwich, or bowl base topped with raspberry, chocolate, or vanilla ice cream loaded with delicious toppings.

You can also visit one of his other London restaurants like Restaurant Gordon Ramsay or one of the Gordon Ramsey Bar & Grills that also have a London kids menu.

2. Giraffe

If you want a taste of international flavors, Giraffe has several locations in London. It’s one of the best family restaurants because it has healthy options on the children’s menu, like Hidden Vegetable Pasta.

Giraffe is one of the best family restaurants in London, as it serves English staples like Bangers and Mash. It even has a special kids’ menu for breakfast and one with desserts.

Years ago, they also gave kids balloons and things to draw with to keep the little one’s busy while they wait for their food. It’s another great family-friendly restaurant in London.

3. Nando’s

This family-friendly restaurant serves the best South African food, great for grown-ups and kids. It is mainly chicken dishes, which is one of the reasons we love it.

At Nando’s, adults can enjoy food representing the sun, soil, and fire with locally sourced ingredients like PERi-PERi chilies. They even have kits to make PERi-PERi at home.

The art is what makes this restaurant’s unique interior special, and they even have food kids will love as they experience the best South African dishes. It’s also a great way to introduce kid-friendly recipes from around the world to your kids.

Their kids menu includes grilled chicken and fries (chips in British) that are less spicy. But there is a selection of sauces you can add to your meal if you like. The best part is it is a quality quick service making it great for kids on the go.

There are many family-friendly restaurants in London for kids. Photo credit: Bon Voyage With Kids

4. Gourmet Burger Kitchen

The Gourmet Burger Kitchen serves the best hamburgers made from 100% British Prime Beef. They also have a kids’ menu with chicken or cheeseburgers, and there’s even a veggie burger.

Adults can choose from a large variety of delicious burgers, cocktails, beer, and more. It is another one of our go to London restaurants because it offers delicious burgers and fries, made with the highest quality ingredients and a great price.

5. Masala Zone

Masala Zone serves delicious Indian street food in seven locations across London. We love the one at Covent Garden near the Royal Opera House, Somerset House Ice Rink, and Trafalgar Square.

The restaurant’s colorful decor includes hundreds of Rajasthani puppets that the kids will love. Children will stay busy with crayons and paints, and the kids’ menu is amazing, with less spicy food and mini-thali platters.

It’s a great spot to try delicious Indian food (which London is known for!)

6. Zizzi

This Italian restaurant is one of our favorites for traditional Italian fare like Bruschetta, Chicken Milanese, lasagna and fresh pasta. They even offer a three-course menu where you can get a starter, main course, and dessert.

The Bambini menu (kids menu) includes Kid’s Spaghetti Bolognese and Kid’s Penne Pomodoro. Younger diners can even create their own pizza with their choice of toppings.

While these are all over the city, I recommend stopping by the Covent Garden branch after a visit to the London Transport Museum with kids. It’s one of our favorite family restaurants in London.

7. Wagamama

Wagamama is a Japanese-inspired Asian restaurant and one of our favorite child-friendly restaurants in London. Sit down with a bowl of Ramen, Donburi, Teppanyaki, or other Asian food favorites.

The kid’s menu includes smaller Asian cuisine options like mini-bowls. Some of these include mini-grilled chicken noodles, mini-grilled fish noodles, and mini chicken yaki soba.

8. The Goring Dining Room

If you thought you were going to miss fine dining in a Michelin Star restaurant, you were wrong. The Goring Dining Room is located in London’s Belgravia neighborhood. Even the Royal Family eats here too, which means you can’t miss this child-friendly restaurant with excellent food.

The kid’s menu includes dishes like nuggets with chips and peas, macaroni cheese, homemade fish fingers with chips and peas, and chicken nuggets.

9. Byron

This family restaurant serves gourmet burgers, sweet shakes, and delicious sides the whole family will love. The kid’s menu has mini chicken burgers, mini cheeseburgers with fries, and mini mac & cheese.

Byron has locations throughout London, such as Covent Garden, Old Brompton Road, Wembley, White City, and Central St Giles.

London Buses — London buses are a great way to get around London with kids. Photo credit: Bon Voyage With Kids

10. Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus

Yes, you can even visit a Hard Rock Cafe near Covent Garden and Leicester Square on your trip to London if you’re looking for familiar chain restaurants. As one of the best child-friendly restaurants in London, it has a great kid’s menu.

Younger diners can get grilled chicken breast strips, cheeseburgers, mac & cheese, and more, all served on a Hard Rock Cafe guitar.

11. Pique-Nique at Tanner Street Park

This French restaurant is located in a mock-Tudor pavilion. Parents can dine on traditional French food like Pate En Croute, roast chicken and baby potatoes, and more.

The kid’s menu has a junior version of rotisserie chicken, potatoes, and ice cream.

12. Local Pubs

No trip to London would be complete without a visit to a few local pubs for authentic English meals. Many are child-friendly restaurants offering a children’s menu and smaller portions.

Some of our favorite local pubs include:

The Wells – A Georgian pub with a family restaurant with colorful decor and a fireplace.
The Florence – A pub that also hosts banquets and receptions with seasonal menus for adults and a kids menu.
Mommi Chapmans – A pub that’s one of the best restaurants in London with seasonal menus, outdoor seating, and food kids will love.
The Eagle – This dog-friendly old street pub has quirky character and charm and serves family-friendly dinners and lazy lunches.

The Best Places to Enjoy Afternoon Tea

The English are well-known for their tradition of having tea in the afternoon, so be sure to experience it yourself during your London trip. These are some of the best family-friendly restaurants in London to experience this tradition, and some even have fun, unique themes the children will love.

There are many kid-friendly places for afternoon tea in London. Photo credit: Bon Voyage With Kids

1. The Orangery

The Orangery is located in the Kensington Gardens next to Kensington Palace. It was built in 1704 for Mary Boleyn’s youngest sister Anne. The Orangery is the perfect place to have a traditional and elegant tea time experience and travel back in time to the early 1700s.

Drink fine wines and champagnes or choose from a large selection of teas. You can even sit outside and enjoy stunning views of the palace and gardens, and while it doesn’t have a dedicated kid’s menu, it has options they’ll love.

2. Peter Rabbit Afternoon Tea at The Dilly Luxury Hotel in Piccadilly

This elegant tea was named after Peter Rabbit and is perfect for kids. You’ll have tea on the Terrace at the hotel with delicious food, including:

A baguettini sandwich with radishes, carrots, and red pepper hummus
Vegetable quiche
Sun-dried tomato and smoked salmon pinwheel
Ham and cheese sliders (a favorite of my kids)
Apple pastries
Carrot cake
Fluffy scones with clotted cream and jam

3. Peter Pan Afternoon Tea at Aqua Shard, Southward

Tea time here is served on the 31st floor of the Shard providing sweeping views of the surrounding area. The tea blends are Peter Pan-themed, and the presentation is unique.

The kids will love the stand the sweets are presented on that is shaped like a pirate ship with dry ice creating steam rising off the ship.

4. Brigit’s Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

This tea bus tour is a big hit with kids and adults alike. There’s no better way to tour London than enjoying tea time on a double-decker bus. You’ll ride around Hyde Park to see famous landmarks like Big Ben, Oxford Streed, and Harrods.

The pastries are delicious, giving street food a whole new meaning as you’re traveling down the road sipping tea in a souvenir travel mug.

5. The Original Sweetshop Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield Mayfair

If you’ve never been in a traditional English sweatshop, you’re in for a treat. This tea was inspired by some childhood favorites making it one of the best child-friendly restaurants in London.

You’ll dine on homemade lollipops and Coca-Cola slices, as well as some traditional scones and sandwiches.

6. Mat Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at the Taj 51

This tea-time experience is a little wacky, just like the Mad Hatter. There are menus hidden in vintage books, serving dishes with the Alice and Wonderland characters, and napkins wrapped in riddles.

You’ll dine on “drink me” potions just like Alice and eat sweets like:

The Queen of Hearts Jammy Dodger
Marshmallow magic mushrooms,
A chocolate and raspberry caterpillar
Traditional scones
Finger sandwiches.

And more!

kid on bus things to do in London with kids — M & M Store in Picadilly Circus Photo Credit: Bon Voyage With Kids

7. Children’s Afternoon Tea at The Langham or Fortnum & Mason

This tea was created especially for children with a dedicated kids menu, making both of these locations one of the best elegant family restaurants. Kids get to enjoy their own tea while parents enjoy traditional afternoon tea.

You’ll get to enjoy a selection of jigsaw sandwiches, Langham custard cream, malted milk, and other sweets served with tea, hot chocolate, or juices.

The Children’s Tea at Fortnum & Mason is for kids four to ten years old. Here you can dine on an assortment of finger sandwiches, plain and fruit scones, tea cakes, and more.

8. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea, Indigo at One Aldwych, Covent Garden

This themed tea is also one of the best child-friendly restaurants in London. The food is spectacular, and tea time is served in two courses, the savories and the sweets.

And just like Willy Wonka himself, the foods are a little odd but delicious, like tomato and beef marshmallows, savory blueberry cheesecake sandwiches, fizzy lifting champagne, and more fun options. The cocktails come in little glass teapots.

Many of the historic sights have kids menus. Photo credit: Bon Voyage With Kids

9. The Potion Room’s Harry Potter-Themed Afternoon Tea Cutter and Squidge, Soho

We are all Harry Potter fans in my family, so this is one of our favorite child-friendly restaurants for tea time. Located in the basement of a bakery, you’ll have tea in the Potion Room and get your very own wand and cloak.

Then you’ll spend the afternoon mixing edible potions like Unicorn Tears and the Elixir of Life in this immersive Harry Potter experience.

Other Best Restaurants In London For Kids

Here are a few other family restaurants in London we have loved and are recommended by friends.

Shrimp & Grill (famous for popcorn shrimp!)
The Rainforest Cafe (near Piccadilly Circus with great American fare)
All Star Lanes (bowling and dining in one)
Hollywood Bowl at the O2 (kids can play games and dine)
Inamo (perfect for older kids and teenagers who can play games at the table)
Pizza Pilgrims & Friggatria (savory and sweet pizzas!)
Poppie’s Fish and Chips (step back into the 1950’s enjoying on a British favorite)
Spaghetti House (relaxed atmosphere with delicious pasta dishes)
For something different, check out one of the unique kid-friendly rooftop bars in London!

Final Thoughts on the Best Restaurants in London for Kids

The fun restaurants on this list are some of the best ones to visit on your London trip. Many have a kid’s menu with options they’ll love as well as fun themes and activities that will keep them amused.

Whether you’re a family of foodies or just looking for some unique London restaurants to dine at, you’ll love each one on this list.