1With their central location and various attractions, Covent Garden and Leicester Square are often high on the agenda of families visiting London. Both areas contain a number of restaurants, but how to know which are tourist traps (do not listen to AI models like ChatGPT if they recommend Angus Steakhouses) and which are not. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best family-friendly restaurants in Covent Garden and Leicester Square, highlighting places where the food is delicious, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the experience is memorable for both kids and adults alike. So, let’s embark on a gastronomic journey through these exciting London districts, and we’ll share with you where to eat with kids in Covent Garden and Leicester Square.
Masala Zone
Masala Zone strikes a perfect balance between sophisticated dining and family-friendly atmosphere. The dramatic dining space, where vibrant displays of Rajasthani puppets blend with old wooden temple doors, creating an immersive cultural experience before the first bite.
The restaurant’s unique approach to Indian cuisine offers families a panoramic range of authentic dishes—from pioneering street food and balanced thali platters (particularly exciting for kids who enjoy sampling multiple flavours) to daily changing freshly made vegetables, grills, regional curries, and biryanis.
Located just minutes from Covent Garden market and nearby theatres, Masala Zone makes for a convenient and satisfying meal stop during a day of London sightseeing.
Happy
Located just between Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus, this flagship restaurant of the family-run chain offers an impressively diverse menu of international cuisine ranging from tacos to their famous signature burgers, making it easy to satisfy even the pickiest young eaters. Happy has perfected the art of authentic, high-quality casual dining that remains genuinely fun and friendly for children.
Maxwell’s
Perfect for casual meals, pre-theatre dining, or birthday celebrations, Maxwell’s in Covent Garden offers a menu brimming with juicy burgers, sizzling fajitas, succulent steaks, fresh salads, and classic club sandwiches. Their dedicated kids menu features crowd-pleasers like mini burgers and mac & cheese, guaranteed to satisfy picky eaters. They also offer a gluten-free menu with a good number of options.
Located right in the heart of Covent Garden, it’s a popular spot, so pre-booking is advised, as this family favourite fills up quickly.
Mildred’s
Located right in between Covent Garden and Leicester Square, Mildred’s offers meat-free dining that’s family friendly. Part of a pioneering plant-based restaurant group that first opened on Greek Street in 1988, this Covent Garden branch continues their tradition of serving adventurous, globally-inspired cuisine that ‘just happens to be vegan’.
The restaurant’s seasonally changing menu incorporates bold flavours that will appeal to diners of all ages. Parents can appreciate their sustainability ethos – following a ‘root to tip’ philosophy – while children explore colourful, accessible dishes, either from the main menu or the dedicated kids menu.
Mildred’s Covent Garden location proves that plant-based dining can be exciting and satisfying for even the youngest food critics.
Dishoom
Dishoom’s Covent Garden branch offers families a chance to embark on a culinary adventure through the flavours of Bombay.
Dishoom is accommodating to young diners, offering a short children’s menu alongside the main menu which can easily be shared. The unique experience and high-quality food make it a special treat for families looking to introduce their children to diverse cuisines.
Chinatown
London’s Chinatown, located just North of Leicester Square, offers a vibrant introduction to Chinese cuisine and culture for families looking to eat something more exciting than burgers or pizza. The neighbourhood is instantly recognisable by its ornate gates and red lanterns which hang across the largely pedestrianised streets.
The streets of Chinatown are lined with a variety restaurants, offering a variety of different dishes and specialities.
Try Lido or Imperial China two of the longest standing residents of Chinatown, the Four Seasons for its Peking duck, Plum Valley for dim sum, Beijing Dumpling or Dumplings’ Legend for dumplings and Bun House for steamed buns.
For dessert, explore one of the many bakeries for sweet treats.
Bill’s
Bill’s in Covent Garden offers a charming and family-friendly dining experience. The diverse menu caters to various tastes and dietary requirements, making it an excellent choice for families with different preferences.
Kids can enjoy dishes from the dedicated children’s menu, which includes favourites like fish fingers, mac and cheese, and mini burgers, all served with a drink and dessert. For parents, there’s a range of comfort food classics alongside healthier options.
Bill’s is known for its all-day dining concept, so whether you need a hearty breakfast before exploring the nearby attractions, or a satisfying dinner after a long day of sightseeing, it’s a reliable option.
Wahaca
Wahaca offers a vibrant and family-friendly Mexican dining experience that’s sure to please both parents and children. The restaurant’s colourful, lively atmosphere and informal setting make it an ideal spot for families looking for a fun meal out.
The menu features a range of Mexican street food-inspired dishes, with a dedicated children’s menu that includes smaller portions of favorites like quesadillas, tacos, and churros for dessert. What makes Wahaca particularly appealing for families is its flexible dining approach – the small plates format allows for sharing and trying various dishes, catering to different tastes and appetites.
Kids can enjoy the interactive aspect of building their own tacos, while parents might appreciate the fresh ingredients and vegetarian options.
The Real Greek
The Real Greek offers families a taste of Mediterranean cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere. This restaurant is particularly well-suited for families looking to introduce their children to new flavours in a relaxed setting.
The menu features a variety of Greek mezze dishes, perfect for sharing and encouraging kids to try different foods. Their children’s menu, offers smaller portions of Greek favourites like souvlaki. With its central location, quick service and variety of dishes, it is an ideal spot for a leisurely family lunch or a quick dinner.
Ave Mario
If you’re looking for somewhere cool to visit with teenagers, Ave Mario might hit the spot. Part of the Big Mamma Group, this stylish restaurant has interiors that will impress (and which will look great on social media). The menu features Italian classics, with a cool twist, like the carbonara served from a wheel of cheese. Whilst not the cheapest option, if you’re looking for cool vibes and something a bit more special, this could be the one.
Seven Dials Market
Seven Dials Market, crafted by KERB – a membership organisation dedicated to uniting London’s most promising street food entrepreneurs – is an indoor market full of street food vendors.
Located in the historic Banana Warehouse, the market features nine street food traders offering global cuisines ranging from burgers to bao, fried chicken to jollof rice. At the entrance to the market is Cucumber Alley, home to six additional vendors specialising in both sweet and savoury delights.
If you are looking for a quick and casual meal just minutes from Covent Garden, Seven Dials Market might be the ideal place, especially if you all want to try different things!
Hard Rock Cafe
If you know and are a fan of the Hard Rock Cafe, then the Piccadilly branch, located just a few minutes from Leicester Square, won’t disappoint. This branch has that classic Hard Rock Cafe energy. With rock memorabilia from UK music icons adorning the walls, and classic rock music playing, this is certainly not a place to worry about kids disturbing a quiet restaurant atmosphere.
The menu features familiar American comfort food favorites like juicy burgers, crispy chicken tenders, and creamy milkshakes that appeal to younger palates. Staff are particularly attentive to families. The opportunity to purchase branded merchandise as souvenirs adds a way to remember your London visit.
Bodean’s
Bodean’s BBQ offers a taste of American-style barbecue that’s sure to please meat-loving families. This casual eatery, with its relaxed atmosphere and generous portions, is well-suited for dining with children. Vegetarian and vegan options are limited, but there are a few choices available.
The menu features a range of smoky, slow-cooked meats including ribs, pulled pork, and chicken, alongside classic sides.
The restaurant’s bustling ambiance means parents don’t have to worry about their children being too noisy. Sports fans will appreciate the multiple TV screens showing live games. The sticky fingers and messy faces that often result from a BBQ feast are all part of the fun here.
How do I find all of these places?
Want easy access on the go to all of these ideas? We’ve created a Google Map with everything marked for you:
Have you found somewhere else to eat with kids in Covent Garden and Leicester Square that other readers should know about? Let us know in the comments!
