While dining out is a welcomed treat for many, the experience of eating at a restaurant can offer a number of benefits for children and toddlers, extending beyond the joy of trying new dishes.
Restaurants provide a social setting where children can observe how to behave in public spaces, practise their manners and engage in conversations with family members, their nanny and restaurant staff.
Dining in a restaurant setting can also encourage children and toddlers to explore a more diverse range of foods that children might not encounter or be willing to try at home. This exposure to new tastes, textures and cuisines can broaden their palates and encourage a more adventurous approach to food.
But finding the perfect restaurant that caters to both adult and child tastes can sometimes feel like a culinary quest - especially if you don’t want to have to venture into Central London. Thankfully, we have compiled a list of some of North West London’s best child-friendly restaurants and cafes to help parents and nannies find the perfect place to dine out.
Whether you're in the mood for international flavours or seeking a comforting British meal, these establishments combine delicious menus with welcoming atmospheres for the entire family to enjoy.
1.Bob’s, Muswell Hill
In the heart of Muswell Hill, Bob’s is a popular destination for families living in or visiting North West London. They are equipped with high chairs for smaller children and have a delicious kid’s menu that is reasonably priced but also caters to those who are gluten free or vegan.
2. Beam, Crouch End
With a Middle-Eastern inspired menu, Beam cafe (either in Crouch End or Muswell Hill) is a great spot to enjoy breakfast, brunch or lunch with family. There is a real family-friendly atmosphere in their cafes and there are always other children sat at neighbouring tables so it’s a perfect opportunity for your own children to learn social behaviours as well as explore new cuisines.
3. La Lluna, Whetstone
La Lluna brings the best of traditional and modern Spanish tapas to North London. Following the success of the Muswell Hill restaurant, they have now expanded and opened in Whetstone too. Food is delicious but the tapas-style menu means everyone in the family (children included) can dabble in various dishes to explore what might otherwise be unfamiliar cuisine.
4. L’Antica Pizzeria, Hampstead
Italian food is an ‘easy win’ with children as just about every child will say yes to pizza or pasta. L’Antica is a more intimate setting so you can still enjoy the restaurant experience and delicious food as a family but in a calmer setting.
5. The Lakeside Cafe, Alexandra Palace
Alexandra Palace is home to a plethora of activities but situated alongside the boating lake and surrounded by open space, the Lakeside Cafe is one of the best daytime spots to be with children. Their menu has no shortage of snacks and light bites and the Little Dinosaurs play area and swing park are close by for added entertainment.
6. Maynard Arms, Crouch End
The Maynard Arms has a scrumptious children’s menu but takes it one step further on Sundays, offering a child-sized Sunday Roast (in their words “a smaller portion of “grown-up” roast beef, chicken or veggie” dishes). This means young diners can enjoy the same as adults on the day and feel a sense of independence.
7. Parliament Hill Cafe
Situated at the bottom of Parliament Hill, this cafe is surrounded by open space and swing parks for children to play in and interact with others. It is also rumoured to be home to several delicious pasta dishes, so a great spot to park yourself on a dry day while children play.
Whether you are local or live further afield, there is no shortage of activities to enjoy in the area at any time of year. Equipped with some child-friendly dining spots, you can easily while away the day, soak up the best of what North West London has to offer and create memories as a family.