If you’re looking to take the kids for brunch, lunch or dinner, but can’t face the disappointment of the usual go-to chains, there are a surprising number of top London restaurants welcoming kids with open arms. From French Michelin-star establishments in Mayfair, to trendy Mexican, Indian, and Japanese dining spots across the city, the kid’s menus feature all the safe classics, as well as many exciting and enticing house dishes made mini. With kid’s tables, masterclasses, and a bit of theatre here and there, they’re guaranteed to satisfy the entire family, making for a stress-free meal out with the kinder. Here are the best family-friendly restaurants in London.

The Mayfair Chippy, Mayfair and Knightsbridge

With locations in Mayfair and Knightsbridge, there’s nothing fishy about this wholesome, up-market establishment, which specialises in Britain’s national dish – and does so with aplomb. A far cry from your frozen Birds Eye fish fingers, kids will love the child-friendly menu, serving goujons, halloumi fingers and grilled or battered sausages with a drink, for just under £10. For accompanying adults, the authentic chip shop classics won’t disappoint, especially the succulent Cornish battered fish and mouth-watering soft shell crab burger with zingy house slaw. There are also vegan options, too.

Visit mayfairchippy.com

Madera, Oxford Circus

Soaring high above the city at the top of the Treehouse hotel, this Mexican-inspired gem serves some of the best tacos in town. Young tummies can choose authentic staples in the smart yet lively setting, such as nachos and quesadillas, all of which can be tailored to taste with a variety of meats, toppings, dips and accompaniments, or play it safe with penne pasta, loaded fries, fish and chips, or pulled chicken. The brunch menu also has a selection of sweet and savoury waffles, guaranteed to mouths water whatever your age.

Visit treehousehotels.com

Rails, King’s Cross

Tucked within the Great Northern Hotel, and therefore a great spot to grab a bite before a weekend sojourn on the Eurostar, children will eat like grown-ups with Rails’ elevated Mini Moi menu. Featuring scaled-down portions of the restaurant’s adult dishes, favourites include a delicious pumpkin and sage cannelloni, petit cordon bleu, and fish and chips, together with a selection of juices. Desserts hit the sweet spot with a choice of sorbets and ice creams, or sticky toffee pudding, all priced at £15 for two courses, or just under £20 for three. The perfect start to a weekend away at Disneyland Paris, naturally.

Visit railslondon.com

Pavyllon London, Mayfair

Pavyllon London, set within the Four Seasons Hotel at Park Lane, offers a refined yet relaxed one Michelin star experience that caters remarkably well to the whole family. It’s not just the adults who will enjoy the theatre of chef Yannick Alléno’s modern French cuisine, cooked in an open kitchen, as mini diners can chow down on simple, but high-quality, favourites, like penne pasta, beef burgers, chicken tenders, and fish and chips, as well as gyoza, salads and soups. While the intimate counter is best enjoyed on date nights or with friends, the public rooms and terrace provide the perfect spot for friends and families to gather at ease.

Visit pavyllonlondon.com

Cinnamon Kitchen, Spitalfields and Battersea

Legendary chef Vivek Singh’s Cinnamon Kitchen City is evidence that flavour-packed Indian dining can be just as enticing for beige food-loving kids, as it is for in-the-know grown-ups. Both outposts benefit from a delectable kid’s menu, with delicious options ranging from cheesy naan pizza, herbed chicken skewers with chips, and coconut sea bream – plus a drink and scoop of vanilla ice cream included for £10.50 for children under eight years old. Specialising in seasonal, sustainably sourced, and seriously yummy Indian food, BBQs, afternoon teas and weekend brunches, the little ones may even be tempted to try off your plate, too. 

Visit cinnamon-kitchen.com

Rick Stein, Barnes

Set right on the river in Barnes, Rick Stein’s laidback restaurant is a fantastic choice for a family meal with a stunning view. The great children’s menu offers an approachable take on seafood, with options like mini cod and chips or mussels in white wine sauce, as well as non-fish dishes like rump steak and mac ’n’ cheese – plus sweet treats such as sticky toffee pudding or jelly and ice cream, all for less than £10. With peaceful surroundings and plenty to please grown-ups too, it’s an ideal spot for introducing them to the joys of fresh fish. Plus, children can try their first taste of any shellfish item on the menu for free.

Visit rickstein.com 

Benihana, Covent Garden

An old-school classic, this fun, theatrical Japanese teppanyaki is indeed as good as you remember, with each table seating eight guests. A great choice for special occasions, little ones will be offered their choices on a mini chef’s hat, which include scaled-down versions of the adult’s dishes, including teriyaki chicken, steak, prawns, or any combination of the three, as well as delicious hibachi vegetables, steamed rice, cucumber maki, soup and salad, for less than £20. Children will also love the fun selection of children’s ‘cocktails’, including a Shirley Temple, Snow White or Strawberry Kiss, as well as the chefs’ memorable party tricks, such as the flaming onion tower and flying prawn ‘catch’.

Visit benihanainternational.com

L’Eto Caffe, across London

Known for its approachable all-day dining, this delightful café has just launched a dedicated Little Bites menu, available at its Soho, Brompton Road, Notting Hill, and Covent Garden outposts. Packed full of flavour and thoughtful ingredients, it features smaller portions of much-loved classics, including caramel crust French toast with red berry and rhubarb jam, maple syrup and whipped cream; creamy tomato pasta with burrata and fresh basil; chargrilled chicken with crispy herb and cheese potatoes; a mini L’Eto burger, and breadcrumbed chicken escalope with crispy Parmesan and a fried egg. Boasting Mediterranean-inspired flavours in perfectly sized portions, dishes start from £6.50.

Visit letocaffe.com

Cecconi's Pizza Bar, Soho

Offering a more relaxed take on the Cecconi’s dining experience, with a menu of homemade pasta and wood-fired pizzas served alongside Aperol spritzes and negronis (or soft drinks) on tap, children don’t need a tailored menu to enjoy the doughy deliciousness to its full. Families can choose from a selection of Italian cicchetti including truffle arancini, meatballs and calamari fritti, which hit the spot whatever your age, as well as a broad selection of mouth-watering pastas and pizzas.

Visit cecconispizzabar.com

Sticks’n’Sushi, across London

Danish-Japanese restaurant group SticksʹnʹSushi has just opened at Battersea Power Station, bringing its signature combination of sushi and grilled sticks to Electric Boulevard. Known for its family-friendly dining options and events, including kids’ sushi masterclasses, the children’s menu covers a range of house classics with its £10 bento boxes. Those with young’uns should check in advance for the Kids’ Table sessions, where the team in residence will entertain your little folk with creative fun while you enjoy a long, leisurely lunch of beef tataki, lobster abokado, black cod and wagyu beef rolls, in peace.

Visit sticksnsushi.com

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