[Food] Family friendly restaurants in London - recommendations

[Poojah]

Somewhat inconveniently, it’s the wife’s birthday in a couple of weeks and so we’ve booked a two night trip in London with the kids, 9 and 6 (funny names, yak yak yak). It’s already cost me an arm and a leg for train tickets, hotel and two shows, but I’m so deep in it now I thought we might as well have a couple of nice dinners out beforehand (the bit I actually like).

I know London pretty well, but most of the places I’ve eaten out in have been on business and not necessarily places you’d take young kids. I thought we’d probably do Gaucho at Piccadilly as I know they’ve got a really decent kids menu, but beyond that I’m a bit stuck for ideas.

Main criteria I’m after is:

- Top notch food for me and the missus
- Kids menu (and not overly stuffy)
- Nice ambience
- Any cuisine whatsoever
- Ideally close to Covent Garden or our hotel in Westminster (Hilton Curio)

From a bit of reading a few names have come up a couple of times including Balthazar, Dishoom, Inamo, Masala Zone and Herron Street Kitchen, but nothing really stands out.

NSC has never let me down. Any recommendations or endorsements for any of the above?

 

[Titanic]

Somewhat inconveniently, it’s the wife’s first birthday in a couple of weeks and so we’ve booked a two night trip in London with the kids, 9 and 6 (funny names, yak yak yak). It’s already cost me an arm and a leg for train tickets, hotel and two shows, but I’m so deep in it now I thought we might as well have a couple of nice dinners out beforehand (the bit I actually like).

Your wife's first birthday ??

 

[Machiavelli]

I can certainly recommend Dishoom and, if you go, make sure at least one of you orders the dal makhani. Although I haven't been to Brasserie Zedel, I have been to a previous iteration, and the room is brilliant, as are their owners, ditto reputation.
Others eat out in London far more than I do

 

[bhafc99]

Yes to Dishoom. We did the one near High St Kensington ahead of the 1–1 Chelsea game last year, and really liked it. Kids aged 12 and 8. Helps we all like spicy food, but think it’s good whatever your tastes.

No to Inamo. We were seriously disappointed. The food is shit and overpriced, and reading between the lines on places like Tripadvisor, their only positive reviews are from the wait staff bribing people with a free drink in return for a 5-star write-up.

 

[Peacehaven Wild Kids]

Dunno what’s more weird. his wife’s first birthday, his kids names or the fact NSC has never let him down

 

[dazzer6666]

Maxwells has always been good in my experience - child-friendly, lively and reliable if American-style dining works for you

 

[Poojah]

Your wife's first birthday ??

You got a problem?

 

[Machiavelli]

Dunno what’s more weird. his wife’s first birthday, his kids names or the fact NSC has never let him down

If we're being honest, we all know the answer to that one.

 

[brighton_tom]

Dishoom is great as others have said. I work in Soho and my favourite restaurant round there is ShackFuyu for Asian/Japanese food. Very good varied menu, and although generally busy its a pretty relaxed atmosphere, staff are great.

 

[Poojah]

For the avoidance of doubt (in case anyone’s thinking of tipping off Operation Yewtree), I can confirm my wife is about to turn 38 (and has seen better days, frankly). Absolutely no idea where that came from.

Thanks for the recommendations so far, folks!

 

[albionant]

Ruddy in Soho, great Italian Pizza, really well priced

 

[Comrade Sam]

My kids love Dishoom and one's a veggie, great food, decor, service, soft drinks. Or just go for a kebab - proper Turkish not that Sussex, please the drunken Englishman, pitta and cabbage crap. Or head to Soho for a Chinese - take your pick there's plenty to pick from.

 

[Comrade Sam]

Also go for Korean, always good. Plenty in the West End and if you're eating out twice a day for more than one day, just do a Five Guys and get the Malt shake.

 

[Justice]

Lovely foodie pub in Marylebone one of our favourite haunts also plenty bring young Hugo and Poppy

The Larrik, Marylebone

The Larrik Inn is a family owned pub with great food.

www.thelarrik.com

If you there on a Sunday the roasts are superb

 

[Poojah]

Thanks for the advice all. Dishoom sounds a good bet; love Indian food. My only reservation is that the kids menu looks a bit limited.

Chinese in Soho also a good shout. The Duck and Rice looks tasty.

 

[Super Steve Earle]

Italian Bear Chocolate - Soho
020 7437 1584

This was fun. Not for dinner, but book a table for tea. Hot liquid chocolate in a cup, chocolate cake, chocolate pastries, chocolate crepes with triple chocolate drizzled on everything. Very small, so you have to book.

 

[Live by the sea]

Margot which is in great Queen St ( Covent Garden area ) is a fab classy Italian. Child friendly . Not cheap but very good food .

 

[BNthree]

Do one of the better chain restaurants like the Five Guys suggestions or there’s a Franco Manco near Shaftesbury Avenue and all the theatres (assuming that is where the shows are likely to be).

 

[Poojah]

Margot which is in great Queen St ( Covent Garden area ) is a fab classy Italian. Child friendly . Not cheap but very good food .

That looks gorgeous, thanks for the suggestion. Great shout!

Do one of the better chain restaurants like the Five Guys suggestions or there’s a Franco Manco near Shaftesbury Avenue and all the theatres (assuming that is where the shows are likely to be).

We may yet do that if we find ourselves pushed for time (and we may well be!), but the intention was to go somewhere we couldn’t go every other weekend.

 

[Glawstergull]

We did Gauchos Piccadilly the week before Christmas.Wife and daughter loved it.Service and food good. Nice atmosphere as was busy.