From build-your-own tacos and futuristic touchscreen dining to handmade pasta and a magical afternoon tea, London’s family-friendly restaurants have never been more appealing, says Chris Johnson.
Dinner becomes an adventure at Masala Zone Piccadilly Circus. This summer, the limited-edition Grand Trunk Road Odyssey menu takes families on a flavour-packed journey from the mountains of Afghanistan to the Bay of Bengal, with regional dishes including chapli kebab, Changezi fried chicken, lamb keema samosas and fish croquettes.
For Mexican-inspired plates, Wahaca keeps younger diners involved by letting them build their own tacos with soft tortillas, chicken or fish, guacamole, salsa and cheese.
If your children struggle to sit still, Inamo in Covent Garden may be your secret weapon. Every table ingeniously doubles as an interactive touchscreen where diners can order food, play retro arcade games or even peek into the kitchen via the Chef Cam. The food holds its own too, with chicken katsu curry, bao buns and sushi rolls all available in child-sized portions.
Fresh pasta and pizza remain firm family favourites. At Pastaio, just off Carnaby Street, handmade radiatori, linguine and tagliatelle are served with everything from rich beef ragù to silky tomato sauce. The children’s menu (£7.50) includes a half-sized pasta dish, a veg pot and soft and swirly ice cream. At Jamie’s Italian Leicester Square, meanwhile, children aged two to 12 can eat free from the kids’ menu when accompanied by an adult ordering a main course.
For Asian flavours with family appeal (think mini chow mein or crispy chicken pancakes), dim t’s Kids’ Ninja Menu offers three courses, plus an activity pack, for just £7.85.
Just moments from bustling Regent Street, Heddon Street Kitchen remains a dependable choice. Children aged 10 and under can enjoy a complimentary main and drink from the Ramsay Kids menu when an accompanying adult orders two courses.
A short walk away, Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus combines dinner with a dose of rock ‘n’ roll history. Guitars, stage costumes and one-of-a-kind music memorabilia line the walls while families tuck into their iconic Legendary burgers, barbecue ribs, fajitas, loaded fries and hot fudge brownies and cream.
Sometimes a family meal deserves to be something truly special. The Little Hatters Afternoon Tea at Sanderson London transforms Lewis Carroll’s wonderland into an afternoon of colourful sandwiches, whimsical cakes, magical teapots and imaginative drinks.
