The best places to dine out in Liverpool over the school summer holidays

If you are spending the day in the city centre, you should stop for breakfast, dinner or tea at The Quarter, a much-loved independent Italian restaurant on the edge of town. If you head to The Quarter before 12pm you can enjoy the most important meal of the day, which includes the classic full English or a light option such as scrambled egg and salmon on toasted sourdough. Kids can enjoy their own mini breakfast and a drink for just £7!

The Quarter is the perfect affordable dinner spot for kids, as it offers an £8 deal for children which includes a drink, breadsticks, a main and ice cream. For mains, your child can choose from classic pasta dishes such as Napolotina, Bologna and Carbonara or pizza lovers may opt for pepperoni, margherita, or The Quarter’s Maria pizza.

If you are celebrating a birthday or a special occasion during the summer holidays, you should try Gusto, an authentic Italian joint in Liverpool’s stunning Albert Dock. Here, you can enjoy fresh pasta and delicious pizzas that the whole family will love. It is also the perfect pit stop after a visit to the Docks’ many museums, as well as the many kid-friendly activities going on around the Pier Head.

If any of your children are aspiring chefs, then they will be in their element with Gusto’s make-your-own-pizza option, which they normally offer during school holidays. In the past, Gusto Liverpool has offered £1 meals for children. Not only could you benefit from an affordable kids meal, but for every £1 spent Gusto offered breakfast to a disadvantaged child, so you could save money yourself, while helping children in need.

Another must-visit breakfast spot for you and your kids is Moose Coffee, a fusion of American and Canadian breakfast cuisine. Moose is best known for its buttery pancake stacks, which are smothered in Canadian Maple Syrup, and of course, butter. If you are feeling extra hungry, you may want to add on a side of bacon or extra fruit, depending on whether you are the sweet or salty type.

You can opt for the full size Moose Classics, while your kids can choose miniature versions of the delicious pancake stacks as well as the mini waffles and mini mighty breakfast. The Moose kids’ menu also includes mini Benedicts, which look cute and taste even better.

If you’ve got a busy day planned, head to The Tavern Company with your kids to fuel up for the day. The Tavern is one of the best breakfast spots in Liverpool, and the restaurant’s full English has actually been awarded UK’s best breakfast twice!

The Tavern offers plenty of classic breakfast dishes, including the Full English and eggs avocado, as well as some Mexican specialities, such as the Mexican Soft Breakfast Tacos, which are a customer favourite. Your kids may be more impressed by the sweet breakfast offerings like the Nutella and strawberry pancakes, fluffy French toast or peanut butter jelly shakes (don’t worry parents, there are some alcoholic options). This breakfast spot is perfect for picky eaters, as you can pick and choose your breakfast options, so there’s no need to worry about waste and you can always get a doggy bag for the road. Remember you can also visit for dinner, with plenty of excellent Mexican dishes, and the biggest benefit of all… kids eat for free from 5 to 8pm!

If you are planning a cinema trip or mini golf activity in Liverpool One, why not head to the terrace afterwards to enjoy the delicious offerings available at American-Italian fusion restaurant, Smoke & Dough. Here, you and your family can enjoy a unique dining experience, which starts with some fresh veggies, salad, bread and some antipasti dishes. Once the first round is done, you will then be offered a selection of meats and if you are still not full you can pay extra for dessert.

Depending on your preferences, you can choose from the fixed menu, which is available from 12pm to 5pm. This includes three different meal options, including vegetarian and vegan choices. The childrens’ fixed menu includes a kid’s dream mixture of chicken nuggets, mac ‘n’ cheese, a mini beef burger, French fries, baked beans, cucumber and tomatoes in a cute little bento box plus a colouring sheet to keep them entertained. You can also benefit from a 50 per cent discount if you are dining out with kids under the age of 12.

TGI Fridays is perfect for all the family this summer, especially children. They get to choose between the Little League and Major League menus, selecting a dish and two sides from as little as £5.25. All dishes come with tasty sticks of apple, cucumber and carrot, while the yummy sides options include House Fries, Vegetable Wholegrain Rice, Slaw, Corn Wheels and more!

One of the best places to dine out with your family in Liverpool is The Elephant Pub & Bakehouse in the very picturesque Woolton Village. This family-friendly venue is perfect for brunch, lunch and dinner, with a menu that caters to all tastes and preferences. The menu offers classic pub dishes such as burgers, fish and chips, and steak, as well as more summer-friendly options like the delicious summer kebabs. And for those with a sweet tooth, The Elephant Pub & Bakehouse serves up a variety of desserts and indulgent cocktails including sticky toffee pudding and red velvet martinis. But it’s not just the food that makes The Elephant Pub & Bakehouse a great place for families. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with plenty of space to accommodate larger groups. There is also plenty of space outside for kids (and dogs) to run around, while parents can enjoy a drink or two in the sun in the outdoor beer garden. 

For those with young children, there’s a dedicated kids menu for all the little elephants. This includes fun treats like mini pizzas and chocolate bar shakes, as well as mini Sunday roasts and even popstar martinis (don’t worry it’s a mocktail). This place also hosts plenty of fun events for kids and adults throughout the summer, including the Woolton summer festival, so keep your eyes peeled for what’s next.

The Old Stables at Allerton Manor Golf Club is a great place to dine out with your family, especially during the summer months. The restaurant has a lovely outdoor seating area that overlooks the beautiful golf course, making it the perfect spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu at The Old Stables features a variety of dishes that will suit everyone’s taste buds. There’s also a children’s menu with some good deals for under 12s, including two courses for £8 or three courses for £12 for both lunch and dinner. This includes tasty options such as pizza, mini fish and chips, and sundaes. The restaurant also serves an excellent Sunday roast for you and your kids, which is a must-try when dining here.

What makes The Old Stables stand out as a family-friendly restaurant are the activities offered for children. The restaurant has a large grass area where children can play and enjoy themselves while parents enjoy their meal. The area has plenty of space to run around and burn off some energy. You can also treat your kids to some tasty locally-sourced Cheshire ice cream, served at its very own ice cream stand.

If your whole family loves pancakes, Bill’s is the perfect place, as it serves them until 5pm everyday. The grown ups can enjoy bottomless pancakes for just £7.50 or if you’ve had an extra stressful day why not go boozy and enjoy some prosecco with your pancakes for £18.50. If you prefer salty to sweet, you should try Bill’s big brunch or the mouthwatering BBQ brisket burger with a side of rosemary salted fries. 

Bill’s is the perfect place for kids, as it has its own pancake parlour, which is open from 3-5pm everyday. Here, kids are encouraged to get creative and build their own pancakes with all of their favourite toppings for just £3.95 with juice. If your family takes your dog everywhere, then Bill’s is ideal as it not only caters to kids but also dogs. Bill’s dog menu includes plenty of tasty treats including Denzel’s nut butter bites and superfood bites. There’s even some dog-friendly ice cream and Tailwagger Creek wine (the non-alcoholic variety).

Another fantastic spot to grab a bite to eat with the family in Liverpool is Rudy’s Pizza on Castle Street. This trendy pizza joint offers a wide variety of delicious pizzas that are sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters in the family. The atmosphere of Rudy’s Pizza is relaxed and welcoming, making it a perfect place to spend a few hours with the family. The pizzas themselves are made using high-quality ingredients, and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options available too. If you’re feeling adventurous, be sure to try out the Carni pizza . What sets Rudy’s Pizza apart from other pizza places in Liverpool is its dedication to creating the perfect Neapolitan pizzas. All their pizzas are made with caputo flour, the gold standard for flour, and San Marzano tomatoes which are grown near Mount Vesuvius, so your whole family is in for a true Italian treat when you visit.