Where to eat with kids in London: Shoreditch and Spitalfields
Shoreditch and Spitalfields, two vibrant neighbourhoods in East London, offer a delightful array of dining options that cater to families with children of all ages. From trendy restaurants and street food stalls to traditional fish and chips and international cuisine, this area is a culinary playground that promises to satisfy even the pickiest of young eaters. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite between sightseeing, a casual family dinner, or a special meal to celebrate a milestone, these neighbourhoods have something to offer. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best family-friendly eateries in Shoreditch and Spitalfields, 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 Shoreditch and Spitalfields.
Curry houses of Brick Lane
Brick Lane, nestled between Shoreditch and Spitalfields, is renowned for its vibrant curry scene, offering a perfect option for families looking to introduce their children to the flavours of South Asian cuisine. The street is lined with restaurants, each vying for attention with enticing aromas and staff who will try and entice you in.
Many of these establishments cater well to families, offering milder dishes for young palates alongside more adventurous options for adults. The lively atmosphere of Brick Lane, with its street art and bustling markets, adds to the dining experience, making it an exciting culinary adventure for kids and parents alike. Try City Spice or Standard Balti House or one of the many other restaurants.
Spitalfields Market
Old Spitalfields Market is a treasure trove of culinary delights, perfect for families with diverse tastes and hungry little ones.
At the heart of and around the edges of the market are a number of street food type stalls, offering a wide range of food from an impressive selection of international cuisines, including Japanese, Italian, and Middle Eastern dishes.
Try Bleecker Burger for burgers and milkshakes, Melt for grilled cheese sandwiches, Sud Italia for pizza or Tre Rote for pasta. Make sure to save room for dessert at Humble Crumble.
The casual, bustling atmosphere means parents needn’t worry about keeping energetic kids quiet, making it an ideal spot for a meal.
DF Tacos
DF Tacos, located on Hanbury Street, just minutes from Old Spitalfields Market, offers a vibrant and casual dining experience that’s perfect for families with kids of all ages.
This modern Mexican eatery serves up a variety of Tex-Mex favourites in a bright, lively atmosphere that’s sure to keep children engaged. The menu is diverse enough to satisfy both adventurous eaters and those with simpler tastes, featuring tacos, burritos, nachos and sides. Don’t miss their churros for dessert – a sweet treat that’s bound to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
The portion sizes are generous, and the prices are reasonable, making it an excellent value for families. The restaurant’s fast-casual concept means quick service – a big plus when dining with impatient little ones. With its colourful decor, upbeat music, and laid-back vibe, DF Tacos creates an environment where families can relax and enjoy a tasty meal without worrying about disturbing other diners.
Pizza East
Pizza East in Shoreditch is housed in a converted tea warehouse. The restaurant’s industrial-chic decor and open kitchen provide a cool vibe. The star of the menu is, of course, the wood-fired pizzas. Beyond pizza, the menu includes a variety of other dishes and snacks and sharers, catering to various tastes and dietary needs. They also have a dedicated kids menu.
The restaurant’s spacious layout accommodates groups easily, making it ideal for family gatherings or dinners with friends who have children.
Dishoom
Dishoom’s Shoreditch branch offers families a chance to embark on a culinary adventure through the flavours of Bombay. The Shoreditch branch of this Indian restaurant popular chain’s Battersea outpost maintains the brand’s signature old-world charm, with an outdoor verandah for nicer weather.
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.
Poppies
Poppies is an East End institution. This fish and chip shop in Spitalfields, is a retro-style eatery, complete with 1950s decor and memorabilia (check out the cockney rhyming slang on the walls). Poppies serves up some of London’s finest fish and chips in a family-friendly atmosphere. The menu features sustainably sourced fish, perfectly battered and fried to a golden crisp, accompanied by thick-cut chips and classic sides like mushy peas and pickled onions.
The nostalgic ambiance, complete with vintage jukeboxes and staff dressed in period uniforms makes the meal feel like a step back in time. With its combination of tasty food and unique setting, Poppies is an excellent choice for families looking to enjoy this iconic British dish. If you don’t want to eat in, they also offer takeout.
Pizza Union
Pizza Union in Spitalfields offers a fast, fun, and budget-friendly dining experience that’s ideal for families with kids.
This pizzeria stands out for its super-thin crust pizzas, lightning-fast service, and affordable prices. With its counter service and self-select seating options, Pizza Union is particularly convenient for families looking for a quick meal between activities.
Pizza Union combines speed, value, and tasty food in a setting that’s welcoming to families.
Boxpark Shoreditch
Boxpark Shoreditch offers a unique and exciting dining experience for families, combining the trendy atmosphere of East London with a diverse range of food options that cater to all tastes.
This pop-up mall, constructed from refitted shipping containers, houses numerous street food vendors and small restaurants, making it an ideal spot for families with varying preferences. Whatever you choose to eat, make sure you finish with dessert from Soft Serve Society – fans of Disney will love the Charcoal Coconut soft serve, a wonderful grey ice cream – “try the grey stuff, it’s delicious”.
With its outdoor space and frequent events, Boxpark also provides entertainment beyond just eating, making it a fun destination for a family outing. Parents will appreciate the convenience of having so many options in one place, reducing the stress of finding a restaurant that pleases everyone.
Beigels
Brick Lane’s beigels (‘bagels’ elsewhere) are a legendary East London treat and a must-try experience for families exploring the area. Their heritage in Shoreditch dates back to the 19th century when Jewish immigrants settled in the East End. Unlike their American counterparts, these beigels are denser, chewier, and typically boiled before baking, resulting in a unique texture.
The two most famous shops, Beigel Bake and Beigel Shop, have been rivals for decades, both open 24/7 and often sporting long queues. Beigel Bake, with its white storefront, is particularly renowned for its salt beef beigel – a generous portion of tender, warm salt beef stuffed into a freshly baked beigel with mustard and pickles.
The experience of choosing and eating these authentic beigels while walking down the vibrant Brick Lane is not just about the food; it’s a bite of London’s history and cultural diversity. Plus, with their portable nature and affordable prices, these beigels make for a perfect quick meal or snack for families on the go.
Polo Bar
Polo Bar, a 24-hour greasy spoon cafe located near Liverpool Street Station, offers a unique dining experience that can be a fun treat for families. This classic British cafe serves up hearty comfort food around the clock, making it perfect for late-night snacks after a show, early breakfasts before a day of sightseeing, or anytime in between.
Kids and teens will appreciate the all-day breakfast options, including massive full English breakfasts, fluffy pancakes, and classic bacon sandwiches. The menu also features British staples like fish and chips, burgers, and pies, ensuring there’s something for everyone at any hour.
While it’s not a gourmet destination, Polo Bar is an excellent option for families dealing with jet lag or looking for a laid-back meal that caters to various schedules and cravings.
Padella
When Padella opened its first branch in Borough Market, people queued for ages in order to enjoy their handmade pasta as a result of their no-bookings policy. There’s nothing that spoils a holiday like queuing for food. Luckily, Padella Shoreditch does offer the ability to book.
Padella offers a delightful pasta experience that’s surprisingly family-friendly. Known for its fresh, handmade pasta and simple yet flavourful sauces, Padella’s menu is perfect for introducing kids to authentic Italian cuisine beyond standard spaghetti bolognese. The menu changes seasonally but always includes crowd-pleasers like cacio e pepe and pappardelle with slow-cooked beef shin ragu. Portions are moderately sized, ideal for younger appetites (or for getting a few dishes and sharing).
The Rib Man on Brick Lane (Sundays only)
The Rib Man, a beloved street food staple on Brick Lane, offers a messy but delicious dining experience that older kids and teenagers are sure to love. Run by Mark Gevaux, a former butcher turned rib maestro, this popular stand serves up some of the most succulent, fall-off-the-bone pork rib meat in London. Ribs are slow-cooked to perfection and the meat served in a bread roll, slathered in The Rib Man’s famous homemade hot sauces, ranging from mild to explosively spicy.
While it might be a bit too intense for very young children, adventurous eaters and families with older kids will appreciate the casual, no-frills approach to seriously good food. The Rib Man typically sets up on Sunday mornings at the Brick Lane Market, making it a perfect pit stop during a day of family exploration in the area. Just be sure to grab plenty of napkins – eating these ribs is a delightfully hands-on experience!
If you love the sauce, you can buy some to take home as a unique and tasty souvenir of your time in East London.
Gloria
If you’re looking for somewhere cool and a bit more special to impress discerning teenagers, look no further than Gloria, the flamboyant Italian trattoria in Shoreditch. This Instagram-worthy restaurant is part of the Big Mamma Group and offers hearty Italian food in a setting with over-the-top decor and lively atmosphere.
In particular, look out for pasta sharing dishes served up from a wheel of pecorino cheese. This unique dining experience will be guaranteed to impress even the most jaded teenager.
Flat Iron
With branches in both Shoreditch and Spitalfields, Flat Iron is a wonderful dining choice for families with a taste for delicious, high-quality steak. The menu at Flat Iron centres around their signature flat iron steak, cooked to perfection and served with a variety of tasty sides.
How do I find all of these places?
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Have you found somewhere else to eat with kids in Shoreditch and Spitalfields that other readers should know about? Let us know in the comments!