Belfast’s best child-friendly restaurants

Set on the Lisburn Road, Nico’s Pizzeria is one of the best casual Italian restaurants in Belfast, offering a delicious array of authentic stonebaked pizzas, creamy pasta dishes, and other tasty Italian-inspired dishes, including perfectly-cooked meat and fish options. All recipes originate from the southern Italian region of Calabria, from where Executive Chef Kristian Nicolo hails, so you can expect the very finest authentic flavours of south Italy. Catering to all tastes and dietary requirements, there’s something for everyone here, from flavourful vegan and gluten-free options to succulent meat-focused dishes and fresh fish plates. The special kid-friendly menu offers the same epic flavours in smaller portions suited to little mouths and little tummies. For less than a tenner, you’re wee one can enjoy a tasty kid’s meal with cordial and ice cream, choosing from a seven-inch stonebaked margherita pizza, penne pasta with tomato and basil sauce or bolognese sauce, or chicken goujons served with skin-on skinny fries and a choice of a dip.

Located on Lisburn Road, Ryan’s is a brilliant spot to keep the kids happy with a variety of options to please even the pickiest eaters. It’s also a perfect spot for parents with its very affordable prices. Midweek, children have a choice of a main course for just £4 and two courses for £6, while even better on the weekend, they can eat completely free! Parents can avail of a variety of dishes with menus to cater to all dietary requirements, at just £12 for two courses. Ryan’s has a warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere making it clear across its website and social channels that it is an eatery to please the whole family no matter the age.

Searching for that restaurant to celebrate a special occasion that also keeps the children happy? Coppi is the answer. One of the most loved Italian restaurants the city has to offer, Coppi, located in the iconic St Anne’s Square, is truly unique offering an array of tempting Venetian and Italian style dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for Cicchetti style tapas, fresh fish dishes or an Italian-style lamb roast, you can find it at Coppi. This city centre venue doesn’t skrimp when it comes to the kid’s menu either. Children have a choice of multiple Italian dishes far from the typical sausages and mash. For just £5 little ones can enjoy crispy prawn fritters, bacon carbonara or even pizza, as well as having a choice of desserts. This authentic venue makes sure to offer a memorable and quality dining experience to parents, but also allows children to enjoy its unique cuisine.

Located right in the heart of Belfast’s shopping centre, City Picnic is a great place to grab a filling breakfast to gear you up for a day in the city or to rest weary legs after an afternoon trawling the high street. With a pleasing menu of classic comfort foods, such as burgers, chicken wings and pizza, you will find something to please everyone at City Picnic. This is also true for any children visiting who have a wide choice of burgers, chicken, tacos and pasta that will keep them happy for just £4.90. If you’re wanting to treat the kids, City Picnic will definitely deliver with the choice to add a milkshake to any meal for just £1 or allow them to build their own ice cream sundae with a wide variety of toppings to choose from.

A family-run business serving locally sourced, freshly prepared food, bistro este is a popular spot on the Upper Newtownards Road for families looking for a casual bite to eat in the city. Open for evening dining from Tuesday to Saturday and from lunchtime on Sundays, bistro este is the perfect place to enjoy classic, creative, globally-inspired flavours with dishes made from high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients. You can expect everything from a 16-hour slow braised featherblade of beef bourguignon, horseradish mash, anise carrot and broccoli to Korean fried chicken with napa slaw and lime mayo. Kids can enjoy a main course for just £6, two courses for £9, or three for £12 – and the menu is sure to please. Mains include pasta bolognese and panko crusted cod fingers or chicken goujons served with mash or triple cooked chips. Little ones with a sweet tooth will be pleased with the option of some tasty vanilla or chocolate ice cream for dessert. 

Somewhat of a hidden gem in the city, Millar’s Restaurant is beloved by locals in the area looking for a delicious bite to eat in a relaxed and casual environment. With seasonally-changing menus and a passion for good food, dishes here are subject to the seasonality and availability of produce. With options for all tastes and dietary requirements, this place offers everything from corn-fed chicken supreme with lemon and tarragon sauce, butter poached potatoes and asparagus to various succulent cuts of steak served with salad, triple cooked chips and your choice of sauce, as well as tasty vegan and veggie options like miso aubergine with tomato orzo and herb crumb. The children’s menu is just as creative with options such as a 6oz rump steak with peppercorn sauce and fries, battered fish bites with peas and skinny fries, and sausages, mash and gravy with fresh vegetables.

Set in the heart of Ballyhackamore, Neill’s Hill Brasserie is another great spot to enjoy a relaxing family meal just outside the city. Having served the people of Belfast for over 25 years, this is a firm favourite among people from all across the city and further afield. Whether you’re calling in for breakfast, lunch or dinner, you’re always sure to find something delicious that is made with love using the very freshest, locally sourced ingredients. Little ones won’t go hungry with the wholesome and nourishing kids’ menu featuring delicious dishes such as battered fish and frites, Neill’s Hill special homemade cheeseburger, Neill’s Hill ribs, and penne pasta with fresh tomato sauce. There’s even a great selection of tasty starters, including garlic bread, a fresh fruit pot, chicken wings, and bread sticks with hummus. For dessert, the kids can choose from a chocolate brownie, chocolate churros, a classic 99 ice cream cone, or a banana, chocolate or strawberry milkshake.

Set in the heart of the city, Home Restaurant is a beloved Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant serving up fresh, creative dishes that are full of flavour and showcase the highest quality, locally sourced ingredients from all across the Emerald Isle. First opened in 2011, this spot has enjoyed over a decade of success in the city, highlighting its position as one of the top dining experiences in Belfast. Perfect for families, Home Restaurant prides itself on offering a varied menu with something to suit all tastes and dietary requirements, from creative vegan plates to meat-focused dishes sourced from high-quality producers like Lisdergan Meats. There’s plenty of choice for the little ones, too. For the really little ones, there’s a ‘Baby Bowl’, which comes with mash, vegetables and gravy, and for the slightly bigger little ones, there’s sausages with mash, veg and gravy, breaded white fish or breaded chicken with fries, and a hearty bowl of pasta with tomato sauce.

Cuffs Bar & Grill is located inside the iconic and historic Crumlin Road Gaol just north of the city. First opened in 2016, Cuffs prides itself on “keeping it local” with all ingredients sourced locally from small independent suppliers such as Ewings, Belfast’s oldest fishmongers and Dromore meat suppliers, Carnbrooke Meats. Head Chef Glenn Rochette has worked hard to offer a traditional yet creative menu with something for everyone, whether you’re vegan, a meat-lover, or one of the kids. From juicy burgers and smokehouse beef brisket to freshly prepared Belfast smoked salmon, you’re sure to find something that will tempt your taste buds here. The little ones will be impressed by what’s on offer, too. Whether it’s chicken goujons, pork sausages, margherita pizza, or a half roast of the day portion, they’ll be spoilt for choice with the epic selection!

A friendly local bar and restaurant overlooked by the famous Cave Hill, Ben Madigan’s is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing family meal. With a friendly atmosphere, welcoming people of all ages and from all walks of life, everyone is made to feel like part of the family here. The kids’ menu, which comes on a fun colouring-in sheet, has plenty of delicious and nutritious dishes for your wee ones to enjoy. Whether it’s a kid-sized portion of the famous Ben’s Beef Burger with cheese, French fries and tomato ketchup, a kid’s mini roast beef with mashed potatoes, gravy and seasonal veg, a mini Margherita pizza, or Ben’s southern fried chicken strips with French fries, your kids will leave feeling more than satisfied with their feed here. For a tasty sweet treat, they can also enjoy a kid-sized scoop of ice cream that costs just £2 extra.