Top 10 Family-Friendly Restaurants in London for Parents with Kids (Ages 8, 10 & 12)

Top 10 Family-Friendly Restaurants in London for Parents with Kids (Ages 8, 10 & 12): A Complete Guide

A trip to the capital for the whole family is always interesting, but to find somewhere to eat with the demands of a young teenager, a fussy 10-year-old and an active 8-year-old can sometimes seem difficult. London is one of the finest culinary cities in the world, yet not all places would want such a rambunctious bunch coming into their restaurant. However, there are plenty of places around which specialize in catering to the whole family, with children at school age.

After a tiring day touring the Tower of London or viewing an entertaining West End performance, what you do not want is to dine at an establishment that causes undue stress. If you are lodging outside the city center, booking yourself a Taxi Hemel Hempstead will allow you and your loved ones to reach the outskirts of London without much hustle, after which taking a train to Euston railway station will get you to the heart of London in minutes. Once you reach the city, finding a good place to eat without spending more than you should or becoming irritated would be essential. Below are some of the top restaurant options in London for a family of four.

1. The Real Greek – Covent Garden & Bankside

Reasons why this place fits children aged 8–12 years old: Flatbreads, souvlaki wraps, and dips can be easily shared by kids who like creating their wraps themselves.

The Real Greek has a wonderful family set menu. For just about £10 per child, they will have three small plates (chicken skewers, pitta bread, rice). While a 12-year-old will feel grown up having some tzatziki, an 8-year-old won’t resist having some delicious keftedes (meatballs). The service there is known to be quick, which will come in very handy when you need food urgently. Finally, Covent Garden entertainers will treat you to entertainment for free.

2. Dishoom – Multiple Locations (Kensington, Covent Garden, Shoreditch)

What makes it great for children ages 8-12: Bacon naan roll in breakfast and chicken ruby for dinner are soft and rich.

Dishoom gives families the royal treatment. They have House chai for adults and a special menu for kids that provides small servings of their delicious mild curries and rice dishes. Their industrial-themed environment is quite loud, which means your 10-year-old will not get a second glance even if he or she accidentally drops his or her fork. Tip: Try the Carnaby Street outlet for lunch on weekdays to skip the waiting line. They hand out free chocolate-dipped meringues for kids.

3. Franco Manca – Soho & Multiple Central Locations

Why it suits the 8-12 age group: Organic-flour sourdough pizza, with toppings such as ham and mushrooms or simply tomato and cheese.

Franco Manca pizzas are perfect for a budget-conscious family of four. You'll pay about £6 per pie. The 12-year-old can finish the entire pizza, whereas the two younger children can share one along with some roast potatoes. Watching the chef stretch out the dough in the open kitchen provides the kids entertainment. Franco Manca is casual, noisy, and no one bats an eyelid at your dirty-eating kid. Just remember that you may have to wait in line.

4. Giraffe – Southbank Centre

It is suitable for ages 8-12 due to a world-inspired menu with breakfast available at any time during the day, burgers, and noodle bowls.

While Giraffe is a dependable chain of restaurants, the one on Southbank is unique. Following a meal, you will be able to take a stroll along the River Thames until the London Eye. Their children’s menu has a "Mini Giraffe" with a meal, sides, a drink, and ice cream for less than £7. The 10-year-old child will enjoy the "Giraffe Towers" pancakes, while the older child will be capable of ordering a half-rack of ribs.

5. Honest Burgers – Soho, King’s Cross, Camden

Reasons why it will work with kids between 8 and 12 years old: A simple yet decent burger made of either beef or chicken with rosemary salted chips.

The Honest Burger restaurant is an ideal place for your whole family because there is no faffing around here. The children’s burger will be like that of adults but a little smaller and not a processed product. The "Tribute" burger with bacon and cheddar would definitely win the appreciation of the 12-year-old, while the 8-year-old will customize their own plain cheeseburger. There are free soft drinks for children at a modest extra price. The King's Cross location is big enough and even has baby chairs. It is just a five-minute walk from the fountains of Granary Square.

Should your family decide to extend their stay and fly out of Luton Airport, then you would definitely need an easy mode of transport. Having enjoyed one last delicious family dinner, you may use Hemel Hempstead Airport Taxis services to take you all to the airport without having to drag four suitcases and four exhausted children.

6. Flat Iron – Covent Garden & Soho

Why it’s great for ages 8-12:

A single plate, which is the flat iron steak, along with a salad and popcorn appetizer.

It is great for the age group because flat iron is an excellent way for children aged 10 and 12 to learn about steak. The pricing is consistent at about £13 for each steak, but they have a smaller-sized “little iron” for children below the age of 10. It is perfect for the 8-year-old since he/she can enjoy the free ice cream cone provided at the end of the meal. The only problem is they do not take bookings, so arrive early or get ready for some waiting.

7. Wahaca – Southbank, Soho, or Covent Garden

How it works age-wise: Mexican street food like soft tacos, quesadillas, and churros.

Wahaca is lively, vibrant, and quick-moving. The “Kids’ Menu” offers a mini burrito or tacos with rice and beans. For the 12-year-old, there are “Chicken Tinga” tacos that are smoky but not spicy. As for the 8-year-old, he will opt for cheese quesadillas. There’s also a “Build Your Own Taco” feature that will make the dinner fun. It’s worth noting that the Southbank branch offers outdoor seating with a great view of the river.

8. PizzaExpress – Multiple Central Locations (Trafalgar Square is iconic)

What makes it great for 8-12-year-olds: The ultimate family-friendly chain. Children are provided with dough to play with and a paper chef hat.

It seems that Pizza Express has mastered the art of family dining for many years now. The restaurant located on Trafalgar Square offers a view onto Nelson’s Column right from their tables. They offer “Piccolo” menu that consists of a pizza, side and drink for around £8. Youngest child will definitely enjoy creating his own Margherita, while other two children may enjoy Leggera pizzas with holes filled with salad.

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9. Legoland Windsor Resort Hotels – For a Day Trip from London

How it suits 8 to 12 years old children: Themed meal in the shape of bricks made of chicken nuggets and custom-made dessert.

Not technically within London's borders, but if your family plans to spend some time at the M1 area, then it’s worth making this short drive. If you are using a private car for transportation purposes, then there will be no problem with traveling to this place. The Bricks Family Restaurant offers a buffet meal that will suit people of different age groups – 8-year-old will enjoy Mac and Cheese, while the 10-year-old will appreciate Pizza.

10. The Diner – Shoreditch & Soho

Why it works for ages 8 to 12: Traditional American diner serving milkshakes, hamburgers, and breakfast at all times.

Diner offers just enough edge for the 12-year-old with its vintage booths and rock music, while also being fun enough for the eight-year-old with colouring books and huge sundaes. It even offers an assortment of mini hot dogs and grilled cheese on its children’s menu. The best part is the “Freakshake,” which is basically a milkshake with tons of whipped cream, chocolate chips, and donuts. Get everyone a piece of the same one to keep them from having too much sugar.

Final Tips for Dining Out in London with Kids (Ages 8, 10 & 12)

Always make sure you book beforehand at any sit-down restaurants, particularly over the weekend. OpenTable and the restaurant’s application work wonders.

Go early between 5:30-6:00 p.m. to beat the crowds. You will get better service.

Bring snacks. The most exquisite restaurants might take 15 minutes to deliver their orders. Crackers are handy for such situations.

Opt for public transportation or pre-book a vehicle. Kids will feel drowsy after a big dinner, and traveling on the Underground can be hectic for them. In case you are from Hertfordshire, pre-booking a car ride will guarantee that your children reach safely.

London is undoubtedly one of the friendliest cities for food lovers with children. Regardless of whether you opt for Dishoom, Honest Burgers, or Wahaca, you are sure to enjoy a delicious dinner with your kids.