Dublin’s most child-friendly places to eat out

As a taproom and microbrewery, Rascals may not strike you as a typical child-friendly restaurant. But parents – don’t knock it till you’ve tried it! Rascals in Inchicore is a fun pizza restaurant serving up delicious wood-fired pizzas in a family-friendly environment. The restaurant itself is bright turquoise, adding some colour to the neighbourhood and bringing a smile to kids faces as they approach. Inside you’ll find plenty of colourful wall murals, which your kids can look at as they wait for their food. As for the menu, kids can enjoy a smaller-sized wood-fired pizza, choosing from kid-friendly favourites like the Margherita and Pepperoni. There’s a gooey chocolate brownie and a selection of ice cream up for grabs, too. You’re sure to leave this fun Dublin restaurant with happy bellies, and happy kids!

Since it opened its doors in 1993, Gotham Cafe just off Grafton Street has become one of Dublin’s most loved casual eateries. Both the vibe of the cafe and the food on offer caters to all, including kids. The kids’ brunch menu goes above and beyond, recognising that kids often want more than just chicken goujons and chips. On it you’ll find a Bacon Blaa Roll with Gotham Fries, Toasted Ciabatta Soldiers with Cream Cheese or Nutella, and last but not least… a Smiley Face Cheese & Tomato Pizza! The kids can watch their food being cooked by friendly chefs in the open kitchen, further lending to the child-friendly atmosphere at Gotham Cafe.

Combining a casual, fast dining experience with restaurant-quality pizza and wings, Woodfire & Wings in Stillorgan is one of the best places to dine out with the whole family. Making use of the freshest locally-sourced ingredients and quality Italian meats, you can expect the tastiest and most authentic flavours in each and every dish. Whether you’re in the mood for a 48-hour fermented dough pizza topped with your choice of meat or vegetables, or spicy BBQ chicken wings, ribs or goujons, you’re sure to find something that’ll tickle your fancy here. When dining with kids, you don’t need to worry about the little ones going hungry. The flavourful kids’ menu is perfect for little ones aged 12 and under and they can choose from a mini margherita or pepperoni pizza, chicken tenders and chips, or chicken bites and chips. All kids’ meals come with a complementary bowl of vanilla ice cream with sprinkles and glass of cordial juice.

Another Stillorgan favourite, Casanova’s by Aprile is known for its delightfully wide range of red and white wood-fired pizzas to suit all tastes and dietary requirements. All pizzas are made from slow rising natural sourdough, and are baked in a wood burning dome oven at 700 degrees. The famous namesake Casanova Pizza comes with mozzarella, rocket leaves, parmesan shavings, sun-dried tomatoes and smoked Parma ham. There’s also a delicious range of pastas and chicken dishes if you’re not in the mood for pizza. Little ones will be well fed here, with a choice of a margherita pizza, penne pomodoro, spaghetti alla carbonara, chicken goujons and chips, or spaghetti alla bolognese. With a relaxed atmosphere, friendly vibe, and delicious menu, this is the perfect place to dine with the family. 

Jamie Oliver is known for his casual approach to cuisine, which has led him to open many family-friendly restaurants all over the world. Jamie’s Italian in Dundrum Town Centre is one such restaurant, welcoming people of all ages for a tasty Italian feast. The kids’ menu at Jamie’s Italian is short and sweet, just like the little ones it was made for. Children can choose from three mains: Baby Beef Burger, Margherita Pizza or Spaghetti Bolognese, and three desserts: Cookies and Ice Cream, Warm Chocolate Brownie, or a selection of Yummy Organic Ice Lollies. There’s plenty of gluten-free and dairy-free options for kids with dietary requirements, as well as a kids activity bag so they can create, play and learn. A feed at Jamie’s Italian is the perfect way to end a day out at Dundrum Shopping Centre with happy faces all round.

Situated on the Merrion Road in Dublin 4, The Merrion Inn has been a part of Dublin life for decades. A fine traditional gastropub offering restaurant quality dining, this spot has been judged as the Best Food Pub in Ireland in both 2023 and 2024, making it an absolute must-visit for anyone looking for a delicious bite to eat. A third-generation family-run restaurant, everyone is made to feel welcome and right at home here as soon as they step through the doors. Keeping a key focus on the food offering, the team has an extensive a la carte menu with daily fresh fish specials and all food is prepared in-house, using the finest fresh ingredients. The kids’ meals here are just smaller versions of the adult meals, with everything prepared fresh from scratch and never frozen, as well as plenty of healthy and nutritious dishes to ensure your little ones are enjoying food that is as wholesome as it is delicious. Mains for the kids include fresh battered fish, homemade risotto, penne pasta in tomato sauce with chicken, and Irish sausages.

Indian food might not be the first cuisine you think of when it comes to child-friendly food. However, Daata Restaurant in Dublin has curated a creative, flavourful and not-so-spicy menu of classic Indian favourites that are perfect for your little ones’ palette. For just €14, your little one can enjoy three delicious courses and a drink, choosing from a Chicken Tikka Masala, a Coconut Curry or ‘Traditional Curry’ with either vegetables, prawns, lamb or chicken. Starters include a bitesize vegetable samosa or a bite-size chicken tikka skewer and those with a sweet tooth can finish their meal with a hearty chocolate brownie served with a scoop of ice cream. A great introduction to the flavours of India that is perfect for the little ones.

Serving up traditional, authentic Thai food in the heart of Dublin, Nightmarket Thai Restaurant is an absolute must-visit for fantastic fragrant flavours of Southeast Asia. The food here reflects the tastes, traditions and values of authentic regional cooking from all across Thailand with classic dishes such as a fragrant Gaeng Massaman Curry, a classic Phad Thai Goong, and a warming Tom Yum Goong. This is the perfect spot to introduce the little ones to their first experience of Southeast Asian cuisine with a flavourful menu of authentic Thai flavours that aren’t too spicy for their little mouths to handle. From the fun and kid-friendly Thai-inspired Oodles of Noodles with Phad Thai-style rice noodles, egg, chicken, spring onion, peanuts and beansprouts to the Khao Phad Supparod, made up of fried rice with prawn, bbq pork, pineapple, cashew nuts, mild curry powder, carrots and broccoli.

An Italian restaurant and pizzeria located on Dame Street in the heart of Dublin City, Toscana is the perfect place to enjoy authentic flavours from all across the southern European country. Dining here, guests can enjoy an earthy and intimate dining experience with a warm, friendly atmosphere in the heart of Dublin City, where the food is all about the ingredients grown at the family farmhouse that’s located just 30km (18.6 miles) outside of the city centre. So, you can expect the very best quality organic, locally-sourced ingredients in each and every dish made from homely Mediterranean recipes. The kids’ menu is just as special as what’s on offer for the adults. Each dish is curated with pride using the very freshest organic and sustainable ingredients to allow the authentic flavours of Irish-Italian fusion to come through. Whether they fancy a spaghetti bolognese, a pizza margherita or chicken nuggets with fries, they’re sure to be impressed with the incredible flavours on offer here.

Offering award-winning Thai and Vietnamese food, delicious cocktails and wine, and professional, friendly service in a fun, buzzy atmosphere, Saba on South William Street is a great place to dine out in the city for incredible flavours of Southeast Asia. Brought to life in 2006 by Founder and Managing Director Paul Cadden and Executive Head Chef Taweesak Trakoolwattana (Tao), this spot has become one of the most beloved spots for delicious food and a relaxed dining experience in the city. Little ones can also indulge in the delicious array of flavours on offer, with the creative kids’ menu offering dishes that are colourful, tasty and packed full of nutrients to make sure your wee ones are as nourished as they are satisfied. From Sam’s Saigon Crispy Chicken, which is served with house fries, to the mini Chicken Massaman Curry with potatoes, onions, peanuts and crispy shallots, all served with steamed rice, there’s a great array of flavours to suit all tastes at Saba.