Family-friendly eateries in London

Dishoom is already a crowd pleaser due its divine food, laid back atmosphere, and cool and characterful interiors, however its approach to families and younger diners makes us rate it even higher! Its friendly staff are happy to suggest milder dishes that can be shared among the family, or kids can choose their own breakfast, lunch or dinner from a dedicated menu. Dishes like murgh malai and paneer tikka come served with Bombay potatoes, Dishoom slaw and a glass of fruit juice, while the traditional Indian dessert of kulfi is a must-try. If you’re seeking bold flavours in sleek surrounds without the pretense, then Dishoom is a no-brainer.

You don’t need to be a kid to know that having pancakes for dinner is a major treat. Luckily, there are places dedicated to this delightfully diverse dish in Fitzrovia, London Bridge and Battersea. Where The Pancakes Are offers breakfast, brunch and ‘brinner’ menus, which all feature inspired sweet and savoury variations, as well as Dutch baby pancakes — these are reminiscent of giant Yorkshire puddings, apparently!

Even if you end up having pancakes for all three meals, there’s no need to feel too guilty. Where The Pancakes Are uses premium, responsibly sourced ingredients — from grade A maple syrup to organic flour that has been milled near the Cotswolds since 1086 (you can find out more about all of their suppliers on their website). You can also opt for a vegan batter if you wish, and kids are able to build their own pancakes with a selection of three toppings.

These bright Aussie eateries certainly bring some sunshine to an oft grey-skied London. The menus are full of feel-good food, featuring fresh fish and rainbow vegetables as well as indulgent grilled cheese sandwiches and grass-fed beef burgers. There’s an interesting cocktail menu and wine list on offer that is sure to tempt with bellinis, martinis and chic orange wines. The children’s offering is just a simplified version of the main menu, and includes balanced dishes such as a sweet corn fritter with tomato, spinach and bacon and parmesan-crumbed chicken schnitzel with fries and green beans.

Tavolino boasts an enviable location by the Thames, which offers uninterrupted views of Tower Bridge. This doesn’t mean that you have to pay over the odds though — a two-course kid’s meal comes to just £8.50 and includes pizza or pasta and soft serve ice cream. Meanwhile, adults can indulge in a comforting Italian favourite with a twist, from bucatini cacio e pepe to Lasagne Alla Norma. There’s also a generous drinks selection to peruse — why not start your visit with a spritz and round it off with a classic digestif?

Going out for a Chinese meal with the family is elevated to whole new heights at RedFarm London. First opened in New York, this eatery is the brainchild of the late, great expert in Chinese cuisine Ed Shoenfeld and the dim sum wizard Joe Ng. The modern yet casual Covent Garden venue is decorated in cheerful red gingham and rustic wooden furnishings, while the menu actually encourages diners to play with their food… Don’t leave without trying the famously Instagrammable Pac Man Dumplings and the vegetable spring rolls shaped like flowers — both of which are sure to delight any younger diners.

Family-run Italian joint Citro can be found on the laidback, leafy Swain’s Lane in Highgate. Run by two brothers, Nunzio and Salvatore, the menu is inspired by their family’s traditional recipes: dinner here feels like a home-cooked meal that has been prepared with the freshest ingredients and a generous dash of love. This high quality fare and inimitable family atmosphere is why it boasts a steady stream of local regulars who return time and time again. Kids can enjoy mixing and matching their pizza toppings and choose from the tempting selection of gelato flavours. Plus, Hampstead Heath is on the doorstep, so you can make a real family day of it if you wish…

This cosy spot, nestled in a pretty pocket of North London, is an independent establishment that prides itself on its seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients. On the menu, you’ll find pub classics like fish and chips and burgers, alongside ciabattas filled with juicy strips of steak or mouthwatering grilled chicken and avocado. There’s an interesting pizza menu too, featuring gourmet toppings such as jerk chicken, and cherry tomato and pesto, plus there are weekday offers available such as pie Tuesdays and curry Wednesdays. All the popular dishes are adapted for little ones, including spag bol and the Sunday roast, and there’s usually some sort of seasonal event to take part in too, from pancake decoration to Halloween capers!

An all-day haven in Streatham, Perfect Blend has you covered from morning until evening with its generous portions of grub made up of seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients — many of these are actually sourced from nearby friends, such as Ken the greengrocer down the road and Bradley and Tom from Inkspot brewery. This isn’t your average caff though… In addition to its Full English and satisfyingly stacked burgers, you’ll find vibrant superfood salads and elegant Eggs Royale. There’s also an intriguing selection of ‘hard’ smoothies and milkshakes on offer, which have been zhuzhed up with liquor, including a Passion Pina Colada and the Frozen Mudslide, which contains chocolate, Baileys, Kahlúa and vodka… The kids aren’t the only ones who can indulge!

The Artist Residence hotel turns your typical ‘family’ establishment on its head by catering to younger patrons within its cool and contemporary art-adorned townhouse. You’ll find it on a quiet, leafy Pimlico street, where al fresco tables are positioned beneath red-and-white-striped awning — perfect for people-watching. The cafe is open for brunch, lunch and even cocktails, and kids are far from an afterthought — they’re treated to a bougie menu of homemade lemonade and smoothies, as well as a freshly-made pesto pasta and fish goujons! They can even order some warm focaccia and crispy squid… Hands off, adults!

A jaunt to TGI Fridays always feels like a bit of an event, with its bright lights and signature red-and-white stripes. You’ll usually find some pretty great deals here too, like free kids’ meals with any adult main meal and two-for-one cocktails. The children’s menu is basically a condensed version of the adults’, with hotdogs, burgers and chicken tenders all on offer. Plus, they can create their own ice cream or frozen yoghurt concoction for dessert, with an array of saccharine sauces and toppings including Haribo sweets, marshmallows and Oreo biscuits! Meanwhile, adults can indulge in sharing platters and classic American diner favourites, with plenty of plant-based alternatives on offer too.

For something a little bit arty, we have to suggest Artist Residence in Pimlico. The light and airy cafe is perfectly situated in the leafy, sun-soaked suburb, bringing magnificent pops of colour to the street. Take your pick from the cocktail cellar, groovy club room, or the sunny terrace, and then sit back and take in the mountains of art scaling every wall. The menus keep you full from breakfast to bedtime with standouts including the croque monsieur, French toast with rosewater creme fraiche, and chicken schnitzel holstein, as well as an entirely seperate menu for the little ones.

Whisk the family away to Italy with a trip to Strada Southbank. Located right below the Royal Festival Hall at Southbank Centre, there’s plenty of people-watching and sight-seeing to be had from your table. The menu is authentically Italian, with the likes of hand-stretched pizzas, sharing flatbreads, plenty of fresh pasta cooked to order, and a number of nibbles and sides, as well as some quintessentially Italian cocktails for the adults. The kids menu has all the best Italian traditional dishes in mini-portions to keep everyone happy!

Broaden the horizons with a trip to Kazan in SW1. The Turkish restaurant takes inspiration from classic Ottoman dishes, brought back to life by their traditional Turkish dishes to recreate historical culinary. The indoors is beautifully draped and decorated, making Kazan the perfect pick for a special family occasion or celebration. As for the menu, expect to see a variety of mezze dishes including Kazan’s signature hummus and babaganoush, feta cheese filo pastries, Turkish beef sausage, falafel, jackfruit koftas, shish kebobs, calamari, prawns, and so much more. With plenty of picky-bits to share and try, there’s something for everyone at Kazan.