Where to go for a family dinner in Manchester

Sharing platters at this African-themed kitchen makes for a sociable dining opportunity, where everyone can tuck in. But if you’re the kind of family who doesn’t like to share food, the large menu of starters, mains and puds will tantalise your taste buds, with flavours from across the continent. Whether you like your food mild or spicy, there are dishes to satisfy. For a show-stopping feast, order the hanging kebabs and a tropical tiki cocktail that’s overflowing with dry ice. The kids’ menu offers the kinds of classics sure to put a smile on little faces, but with enough of a twist that they’ll still be discovering some new flavours. And all of the dishes come with a soft drink included in the price. 

Book a table here for a Tuesday evening and you can all partake in that most typical of family activities; playing board games (as well as enjoying a group meal). Witch Kings has a selection of games available from 7 pm to 11 pm, with food served till 9 pm. The magical venue has a menu made up of mostly small plates — foods you can enjoy together or individually, like a cheese fondue and mix-and-match crostinis. And there are options for vegan and veggie family members, so no one will go hungry. The venue welcomes dogs too, so the fur babies can come along for the gathering too.

Those with a mix of teens, younger kids and toddlers or babies in the family unit, can find it tricky to strike a balance in terms of a venue that suits everyone. Fortunately, TGI Fridays has decades of experience catering to mixed age groups, with a fun, upbeat atmosphere and a crowd-pleasing menu. Baby changing facilities, high chairs and The US-style diner has an enormous menu of burgers, ribs, grills, Tex-Mex and decadent desserts (the freakshakes are a particular hit with sweet-toothed diners). 

Located near the Royal Exchange, this eatery is especially handy if you have a gig or concert booked. And, best of all, if you’re a new or existing Stripes Rewards Member, your kids will eat for free any day of the week, so this is a very budget-friendly option. In addition to a dedicated children’s menu, complimentary Heinz baby food is available and the team can heat it for you. Celebrating a birthday? The restaurant will provide a slice of cake and perform a rendition of Happy Birthday.

No matter how large your crowd, Dimitri’s can look after you in their 300-cover restaurant — you may want to consider the Party Meze Menu if there are lots of you. This is a lively venue, often hosting live music and DJs, so will suit ebullient and noisy families who love an animated natter and some hearty laughs. The interior takes on a traditional, rustic style, while outside there’s a covered alfresco area with pretty checked tablecloths, reminiscent of a Greek island taverna. Diners aged seven and under can choose a soft drink, starter and main from the kids’ menu for only £7.50 and an optional dessert for an extra £1.50. Having been in business for over 30 years, Dimitris is a stalwart favourite on Manchester’s dining scene. 

Whether you’re a family of four or more, this new restaurant (launched in 2023) delivers farm-to-fork cuisine from its rustic location close to Fletcher Moss Gardens in Didsbury Village. 4 of Us is best suited to adult groups or those whose children are mini gourmands, with its sophisticated seasonal menus. Start with some nibbles like anchovy crackers and Persian Barbari bread, followed by juicy meats cooked over a charcoal grill. Doubling as a wine shop, the restaurant has an intriguing array of bottles to order for the table, because good wine should be as much a part of your family meal as good food. 4 of Us (named after its team of owners) offers a dinner service from Wednesday to Saturday, 5 pm to 9 pm.