You've covered half of the tube map, and you must've walked at least fifteen miles. The kids are exhausted, and everyone is full to the brim with culture. You've seen some of the best London has to offer, so what next? Dinner at one of the capital's top restaurants, of course!
Now, while travelling with kids may limit your options slightly, London still has thousands of fantastic restaurants to choose from. There's food from every corner of the globe in this beautiful city of ours, and you'll find everything from burgers and chips (that's what we call fries) right through to tapas, sushi, teriyaki, and more. This article rounds up the highest-rated restaurant for children from some of the most popular review platforms.
The best restaurants for kids in London
According to TripAdvisor: Crepes & Shakes
This humble shack represents street food at its finest, and you'll find sweet and savoury crepes to please every palate. Great if you're feeling peckish on the move, or if you want to sit outside and watch the world go by while you eat. Winner of the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2017 - 2019, Crepes & Shakes has demonstrated consistently high standards and is popular with visitors across the globe.
It's renowned for friendly service, reasonable prices, and for making one of the finest Nutella pancakes in London. It's located right outside Madame Tussauds, too.
Find out more here.
According to OpenTable: Delfino Restaurant
This Italian restaurant in Mayfair is rated exceptionally by its almost-500 reviewers. Inside you'll find high-quality pizzas made in the traditional Italian style, topped with delicious fish, meat, fresh vegetables, and herbs. The prices are very reasonable given the location - walking distance from Buckingham Palace, Green Park, and other top attractions - and the menu caters for all tastes. This cute restaurant tucked inside a truly grand Victorian building is sure to impress.
Find out more here.
According to Londonist: All Star Lanes
American themed dinner at a bowling alley, with generous deals on kid-sized main meals. A menu full to bursting with seriously tasty dishes like mac 'n' cheese, nachos, ribs, burgers, steaks, tacos, and more. Washed down with shakes and soda for the kids, and a selection of craft beers for the grown-ups. What's not to love! All Star Lanes have several locations across the city - Brick Lane, Holborn, Stratford City, and White City - meaning you're never too far from one. If you and the kids still have some energy left after your day out, a meal and a game of bowling could be the perfect way to end the evening.
Find out more here.
According to Visit London: The Rainforest Café
Located a stone's throw from the West End, the Rainforest Café makes a perfect fuelling station for a night at the theatre. Inside you'll find everything the name suggests: Waterfalls, animals, tropical fish, giant frogs to entertain the kids, and even the occasional thunderstorm! The menu caters for children, and each meal comes with an activity pack to keep them busy while the parents clink glasses and take a few deep breaths after a busy day in the city.
Find out more here.
According to Timeout: Bao Fitzrovia
If you're not familiar, bao is Taiwanese steamed buns. They come in sweet and savoury, and fillings like confit pork or Horlicks create a genuinely intriguing and enticing menu. If your kids enjoy pushing the boundaries of their palates and trying new flavours and textures, then Bao Fitzrovia promises to be a perfect choice. The menu is full of things you don't usually see on kids menus - egg yolks, duck hearts, aubergine, and so on - but what's life without stepping outside your comfort zone and sampling the unfamiliar?
Find out more here.
According to BabyBreaks: Wagamama
An uncontroversial suggestion, here. A London-based chain that now has locations all over the world, thanks to its hassle-free approach to Japanese cuisine. Interestingly, 'Wagamama' means something akin to 'naughty child' in Japanese. Make sure your kids don't find out, though, in case they use it as an excuse to be unruly while you wait for your food. After all, when in Rome, do as the Romans do!
On the menu, you'll find tons of healthy Japanese dishes, stacked full of fresh veggies and other nutritious goodies.
Find out more here.
According to us: Dolphin Bar & Grill
Right in the heart of Dolphin Square, you'll find the Dolphin Bar & Grill - a stylish yet relaxed venue where you and the family can enjoy fantastic food and drink. Our menu combines modern British gastro at reasonable prices. From fish and chips to lobster linguine, and from flame-grilled steaks to a dedicated vegetarian range, there's something for the whole family to enjoy.
And to top it off, you're only a couple of minutes walk away from your apartment, if you decide to stay with us. What could be better after a strenuous day exploring the city, than a top-quality meal, a nice glass of wine, and an easy journey home?
Find out more here.
Bon appetite
In a city as vast and varied as London, you're never more than a few paces from a great plate of food. While this is incredibly liberating, the choice can quickly become overwhelming! That's why we've written this article. Hopefully now, after reading, you've got some good ideas of where to take the family for dinner at the end of your day's exploration. Whether you fancy budget street food or booking a table in one of the city's most up and coming new restaurants, these suggestions should have you covered.
We'd love to invite you to stay with us at Dolphin Square. Our central location and world-class facilities make a fantastic base for a family trip to the capital, and our serviced apartments are like a home away from home.
