Kid-Friendly: Fine dining with little foodies in London

In London, dining out with kids doesn’t have to involve fast food or noisy theme restaurants. You can introduce your little ones to international flavours at family-friendly chains like Wahaca and Masala Zone, linger over lunch at a gastropub, or snack on street food at local food markets. But what if you fancy something a little special? We’ve rounded up five upscale eateries in London that the whole family will enjoy.

HIX Soho – At his buzzy Soho restaurant, chef Mark Hix celebrates the very best of British cuisine – from superb steaks and chops to fresh fish and classic British desserts. Hix has campaigned for better quality childrens’ menus in the past, so it’s no surprise that little foodies are well catered for in his restaurant. Young diners can enjoy dishes like prawn cocktail, chicken escalope with wild herb salad, or the classic fish fingers with chips and mushy peas. Budding artists are encouraged to draw a picture of their experience at HIX which is then entered into a prize draw.

Tredwell’s – Offering ‘modern London cooking’ in the heart of Seven Dials, Marcus Wareing’s Tredwell’s is a real treat for foodies. Last year, the restaurant was named AA Restaurant of the Year in London for 2015/2016. Younger diners have their own Junior Menu, but adventurous eaters might be tempted by dishes from the main menu like crispy buttermilk chicken and tomato soup with a basil pesto toastie for dipping. The dessert menu is in a league of its own, so don’t even think about getting your sugar fix at M&M World on Leicester Square. Kids will love the salted caramel soft serve with honeycomb, while the grown-ups tuck into gin & tonic cheesecake or a selection of cheeses from La Fromagerie.

Heddon Street Kitchen – At Gordon Ramsay’s West End restaurant, kids can dine for free every day of the week from a menu created by his daughter Tilly. Choose from dishes like rigatoni bolognese, scampi and chips, and sticky chicken wings but save room for dessert – the Ramsay Whoopie Pie or make-your-own-ice-cream from the Ice Cream Bar. The restaurant is situated close to Piccadilly Circus, only a short walk from kid-friendly attractions like Hamleys Toy Shop and Ripley’s Believe It or Not.

Bistro Union – This friendly British bistro is the sister restaurant to Trinity, one of Clapham’s finest dining destinations. Owned by chef Adam Byatt, it offers comfort food classics like fish pie, Eton Mess, and roast chicken for two to share. Kids can snack on carrots dunked into hummus, followed by mac ‘n’ cheese, steak and chips, or toad-in-the-hole. The food is fantastic and the atmosphere is warm and relaxed – perfect for mid-week suppers and lunchtime treats. Kids eat free from 5.30-6pm (when adults order a main) and from 5.30-8pm on Sundays when the restaurant serves a 3-course feast served sharing style at the table. It’s a bargain at £26 per head and you can bring your own wine!

Les Deux Salons – If you’re sightseeing near Trafalgar Square or heading to the theatre, this wonderful French restaurant and bistro is a top choice for lunch or an early supper. For little diners, the ground floor bistro is the best option as it’s relaxed and buzzy with friendly, speedy service. Take colouring pencils and small toys to keep the kids occupied while the grown-ups feast on oysters and delicious French charcuterie. There is a childrens’ menu but it’s a great opportunity for growing gourmets to try their first bite of lobster or tarte tatin. Top tip: At the weekend and during school holidays, Les Deux Salons offers a free meal for children under six.

For more family-friendly dining inspiration, check out our list of child-friendly restaurants in London.

Travelling to the States this summer? You can dine in style with kids in tow at these fine dining destinations in New York and San Francisco.