02 Oct 2024
Dining out in the school holidays
We’ve all been under enormous stress this past year and as things are starting to look optimistic, we deserve to put our feet up and enjoy the sunny weather. And what can be better than treating yourself to a nice meal with your family? Now that your kids are out of school, you can spend more time with them and explore some of the nicest restaurants in London in the process. While London comes across as a vibrant city for young professionals, the dining scene is totally children-friendly. In this guide, you’ll learn about some of the places you can dine in with your family.
If you enjoy Asian food, you’ve probably heard of Wagamama which boasts venues all over the country. Their menu features a variety of Japanese inspired dishes such as sushi, ramen or donburi. The kids’ menu includes some of the main plates but in smaller portions; mini chicken katsu curry, udon and ramen noodles, fish dishes, rice dishes and chicken noodles. If you want to introduce your little ones to some interesting flavours, Wagamama is one of the best options. Plus, their desserts are to die for.
Aroma Buffet is home to a variety of East Asian flavours. If you’re a fan of sushi, teppanyaki and stir fries, you might have just found a destination for your next dine out. The buffet is an all-you-can-eat with lower prices for children who might enjoy chicken dumplings, noodles or egg fried rice and a range of desserts; cakes, jellies, fruits and the real spotlight stealer – chocolate fountain. They’re reopening next week (yay!) and might get busy so make sure you book your table now to avoid disappointment.
Giraffe is an exciting place that might look like it’s reserved for avid cocktail drinkers but in reality, it’s very children-friendly. Kids breakfast includes beacon with beans and eggs, veggie sausage with beans and eggs, pancake stack or cereal. As for the children’s main, options are fish fingers, beef burger, pizza, pasta and bangers. On the main menu, you can choose from a mix of dishes from different cultures, for example, East Asian or British food. If you want to enjoy positive vibes and a funky interior, Giraffe checks all the boxes.
Featuring interactive tables technology, Inamo is great entertainment both for parents and their children. It’s the only restaurant in London where you can draw on the table and even play some games while a chef is preparing your food. Speaking of which, the place serves a mix of Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Thai plates designed to be shared. Even though there’s no kids menu, you can easily share main plates or select from a variety of starters that include vegetables, seafood and meat dishes.
Rainforest café is a place that’s dedicated especially to children and attracts plenty of families every week due to its jungle-themed interior. As soon as you step inside, you’ll be surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Amazon rainforest. Your kids are going to love the visuals and you’ll appreciate an opportunity to spend a fun evening with your loved ones. On the kids’ menu, you’ll find all the classics that will please the fussiest eaters; burgers, pizza, chicken bites and macaroni & cheese. For yourself, you can opt for the same type of dishes and more (think salads and seafood dishes). If you want to experience something a bit different than standard dining, this café is your best bet.