Eating out with children

We’re interested in cafés and restaurants where you feel really welcome and most importantly the food is good.

It’s something we get asked often, where can I eat out with children in Edinburgh? We felt a little lacking in knowledge, so we thought we’d turn to you to find out where to go.

The Survey

Over five days, we asked you to let us know where you are made to feel particularly welcome and the food is good. We had more than 40 different suggestions, so rather than ranking them, we’ll list them alphabetically. Most of our respondents eat out in both cafes and restaurants (67%)

We asked what age children do you eat out with? More than one answer was possible. 

Most of those answering had younger children.

Edinburgh Foody Eating Out with Children Survey

Ages of children

We asked how often do you eat out with children?

We eat out with children a lot in Edinburgh – 92% of respondents eat out with children at least once a month.

Best Places to eat out with children in Edinburgh

We asked for up to 3 favourite places to eat out with children. What came out really strongly was the attitude of staff towards children, great service, menus that were interesting and varied and a relaxed atmosphere where you felt it didn’t matter if the children were noisy. Many comments were similar, so we’ve picked out a few to give you an idea.

Local Restaurants

At Bistro Moderne they make a fuss of the kids and nothing is too difficult for them when it comes to kids ordering

At the Blackbird pub there is great food and service and they don’t tut because you have a child in your party

At Craigies, the playpark, shop and animals are good to keep kids amused

At Earthy we appreciate the high Chairs, friendly staff, good kids menu or ability to order smaller version of adult food, room for buggy/pram, good lighting

Hemma and Scran and Scallie cater for children under 5, not only by providing food that isn’t necessarily on their menu, but they have designated areas and toys for children to play with, plenty of highchairs and their staff are very welcoming and relaxed around the chaos that usually comes with under 5s.

At The Mill there is lots of space, inc a children’s play corner with books, toys etc. Most menu items available in half portions for children. Children get bright, funky cutlery and plates. Reasonably priced. Fantastic home baking by the volunteers who staff it.

“The Roamin’ Nose and Scran and Scallie have great quality good for children, fresh with no nuggets etc and are baby friendly. They have baby changing facilities, toys, or a Play area. The food is superb and it’s great for adults and children alike.”

Bistro Moderne - what's on the menu?

Bistro Moderne – what’s on the menu?

Bistro Moderne
Blackbird Pub
Bon Papillon
Bonsai
Broughton Deli
Continis (Centotre)
Cragies
Crown Carvery
Dobbies Garden Centre
Earthy
Elaine’s Cup o Cake
Enzos
Fleur du Sel
Gourmet Burger Kitchen
Handmade Burger
Hemma
Hudson Stockbridge
Hula Juice Bar
Kyloe
La Favourita
Lioness of Leith
Loudons
Mill Community Cafe, Balerno
National Museum
Nonnas
Papermill Lasswade
Piecebox
Porto & Fi
Rail Bridge Bistro, Queensferry
Ravenous
Roamin’ Nose
Scran and Scallie
Serrano Manchego
Taste of Italy
The Dogs
The Magnum
The Pantry
The Southern
Urban Angel
Vittoria
Water of Leith Bistro

At the Magnum, “We were very new parents. They let us choose our seats and helped with pram. Didn’t rush us to order or rush us out!”

At the Pantry chef made little one scrambled egg with no salt especially for her”

Water of Leith Bistro, Wagamamas and Hemma all have a decent children’s menu – not a chicken nugget in sight!

Hemma has toys which is helpful, but the most important thing in all three is that the staff are laid back and welcoming to the kids, having a bit of chat with them and that personal touch makes all the difference to us as a whole family!

Vittoria’s is always great with kids and you can’t go wrong with pizza

Restaurants with branches all over the UK

Frankie and Bennies – brilliant service, staff really welcoming to children. Free activity pack to entertain them. Great menu for children including free big glass of milk.

Jamie’s Italian- They are geared for dining with children & you don’t get stressed about trying to keep them quiet
John Lewis – Staff are absolutely fantastic. Always offer to help with things like carrying tray to table when I have my arms full with the little one. Good selection of food and a great parents room

Kids' Slider at Jamie's Italian

Kids’ Slider at Jamie’s Italian

Amarone
Bella Pasta
Cafe Andaluz
Cosmos
Frankie & Bennies
Gusto
Hard Rock Cafe
Jamie’s Italian
John Lewis
Loch Fyne
Montpeliers
Nandos
Pizza Express
Pizza Hut
Red Squirrel
Sainsbury’s Longstone
Strada
TGI Fridays
Wagamama
Weatherspoons
Zizzis

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2 Comments

  1. Hi
    i have just opened a new indian tapas restaurant which is child friendly and would like to invite you for a meal and review the restaurant is this something you can do and put on your site?

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