Where to eat with kids in London: the South Bank and Bankside
Exploring London’s South Bank and Bankside with children is an exciting adventure, but the question of where to eat with kids on the South Bank can be a crucial part of planning your day. This vibrant stretch along the Thames, from Westminster Bridge to London Bridge, is not only a hub of family-friendly attractions but also boasts a diverse and accommodating dining scene. Parents will be delighted to discover a wide range of restaurants that cater specifically to families, ensuring that refuelling during your outing is a pleasure rather than a challenge. From casual eateries serving familiar favourites to more unique venues that might introduce young palates to new flavours, the South Bank offers options to suit every taste and budget. Whether you’re in need of a quick snack between sightseeing stops or looking for a relaxed meal with riverside views, this guide will help you navigate the family-friendly culinary landscape of the South Bank and Bankside. We’ve curated a selection of restaurants that welcome children and ensure a enjoyable dining experience for the whole family.
Brewdog
Brewdog Waterloo offers a fun and family-friendly dining experience that kids will love. Located in the heart of Waterloo, this sprawling venue features a variety of entertainment options alongside its food and drink offerings.
Children will be drawn to the indoor slide that connects the ground floor to the basement, adding an element of excitement to the visit. The venue also boasts gaming areas with ping pong tables and other activities like duckpin bowling (with smaller pins and lighter balls, making it a fun, fast-paced game), keeping kids entertained while waiting for food or after the meal.
The menu includes kid-friendly options like burgers, pizzas, and chicken wings, catering to younger palates. For parents, there’s a wide selection of craft beers, while non-alcoholic options are available for the whole family. Dessert comes in the form of Hackney Gelato’s ice cream truck.
The casual, lively atmosphere makes it a relaxed spot for families to dine without worrying about disturbing other patrons. With its prime location near the South Bank, Brewdog Waterloo serves as a convenient and enjoyable pit stop during a day of sightseeing in the area.
Bill’s
Bill’s on Clink Street offers a charming and family-friendly dining experience. This branch of the popular chain restaurant is housed in a beautifully restored building, providing a cozy atmosphere. 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 favorites 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 like the Golden Hinde or Shakespeare’s Globe, or a satisfying dinner after a long day of sightseeing, it’s a reliable option.
Locale
Locale, in County Hall, minutes from the London Eye, offers a welcoming Italian dining experience that caters well to families. This independent restaurant combines a relaxed atmosphere with authentic Italian cuisine, making it an excellent choice for parents looking for a more refined meal that still accommodates children.
The spacious interior and warm decor create a comfortable environment where families can dine without feeling cramped or out of place. Locale has a short kids’ menu of favourites but their regular menu also includes plenty of child-friendly options that can be easily shared or portioned for younger diners. The staff are known for their friendly and accommodating approach to families.
Zizzi
Located near the Tate Modern on Bankside, Zizzi offers a delightful Italian dining experience that caters well to families. The restaurant’s warm and inviting atmosphere, combined with its spacious interior, makes it a comfortable choice for parents dining with children.
Zizzi’s Bambini menu is specifically designed for young diners, featuring smaller portions of Italian favourites like pizza, pasta, and risotto, along with healthier options such as chicken skewers with vegetables. The main menu offers a wide variety of Italian dishes to satisfy adult palates, including vegetarian and vegan options.
The Real Greek
The Real Greek, with its prime location on Bankside, offers families a delightful 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 riverside location, quick service and variety of dishes, it is an ideal spot for a leisurely family lunch or a quick dinner after exploring nearby attractions like Shakespeare’s Globe or the Tate Modern.
Gabriel’s Wharf
Gabriel’s Wharf offers a delightful dining experience for families exploring the South Bank area. This charming riverside complex features a variety of casual eateries and independent restaurants, making it an ideal spot for families with diverse tastes. The outdoor seating areas provide a relaxed atmosphere where parents can enjoy their meals while kids watch boats go by on the Thames.
Popular options include Gourmet Pizza Co., known for its family-friendly pizzas and pasta dishes, and LIMIN, offering Caribbean food.
The nearby small independent shops offer a place to browse for souvenirs when you’re done with your meals. With its casual vibe, riverside views, and diverse food options, Gabriel’s Wharf provides a flexible and enjoyable dining experience that can accommodate picky eaters and adventurous young foodies alike.
Fishcotheque
Fishcotheque, tucked away near Waterloo station, offers a quirky and fun fish and chip experience that can be a hit with families. This no-frills eatery serves up classic British fare in a casual, welcoming atmosphere.
The menu features traditional fish and chip options, as well as other child-friendly choices like chicken nuggets and sausages. Portion sizes are generous, making it easy to share with younger children.
For families on the go or those who prefer to eat outdoors, Fishcotheque also offers a convenient takeaway service. This option allows you to grab your meal and enjoy it while strolling along the South Bank or picnicking in nearby Jubilee Gardens, adding flexibility to your dining plans.
While it’s not a fancy establishment, Fishcotheque’s proximity to the South Bank attractions and its takeaway option make it a versatile choice for a quick, satisfying meal that won’t break the bank.
Wahaca
Wahaca, located on the South Bank, 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 outdoor seating area offers views of the river Thames, adding to the dining experience when the weather permits. Wahaca’s combination of tasty, approachable Mexican cuisine, family-friendly atmosphere, and convenient location makes it a popular choice for families exploring the South Bank area.
Giraffe
Giraffe, located in the Royal Festival Hall on the South Bank, is a go-to spot for families seeking a diverse and child-friendly dining experience. This global fusion restaurant offers a menu that spans continents, ensuring there’s something to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Giraffe’s dedicated kids’ menu features a range of options from simple pasta dishes to mini burgers, all served with a side and a drink. What sets Giraffe apart is its commitment to keeping young diners entertained – children are provided with activity packs including crayons and puzzles, helping to keep them occupied while waiting for their food.
Passyunk Avenue
Passyunk Avenue, located near Waterloo station and with its entrance in Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel, offers a unique American dining experience that can be a fun change of pace for families exploring the South Bank. This Philadelphia-inspired restaurant brings authentic Philly cheesesteaks and other American comfort foods to London.
The casual, diner-like atmosphere is welcoming to families, with its relaxed vibe and unpretentious decor. While there isn’t a specific kids’ menu, many of the offerings are inherently kid-friendly.
Children might enjoy the novelty of the cheesesteaks, the crispy chicken wings, or the loaded fries. The portions are generous, making it easy for families to share. Parents can appreciate the selection of American craft beers and cocktails, while kids can indulge in classic American sodas.
For families looking to introduce their children to American cuisine beyond the typical burger chains, Passyunk Avenue provides a tasty and authentic option.
Honest Burgers
Honest Burgers offers a family-friendly dining experience that’s sure to satisfy burger lovers of all ages. Known for their high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, Honest Burgers provides a menu that appeals to both adults and children.
Kids will appreciate the simplicity of the menu, featuring juicy burgers, crispy fries (which come with a unique rosemary seasoning), and a selection of homemade sodas. Its location makes it a convenient stop during a day of exploring the South Bank, offering a satisfying meal that’s a step up from typical fast-food fare.
Ping Pong
Ping Pong, located on the South Bank, offers a unique and entertaining dining experience that can be a hit with families looking to try something different. This dim sum restaurant provides a fun, interactive way for kids to explore Chinese cuisine. The menu features a wide variety of small, shareable dishes, allowing families to sample multiple flavours and textures.
Many items like steamed buns, spring rolls, and dumplings are naturally appealing to younger palates. Kids often enjoy the novelty of using chopsticks and the theatrical presentation of some dishes, like the steaming baskets of dumplings.
Located conveniently on the South Bank, Ping Pong serves as an excellent pit stop during a day of sightseeing, offering a memorable meal that can broaden children’s culinary horizons while still catering to less adventurous eaters.
Crust Bros
Crust Bros specialises in made-to-order Neapolitan-style pizzas that customers can add their own toppings to in order to create their own perfect pie. The customisable nature of the pizzas ensures that even picky eaters can find something they’ll enjoy.
With its proximity to South Bank attractions and its engaging dining concept, Crust Bros provides a satisfying and memorable meal option that can turn a simple dinner into a fun family activity.
How do I find all of these places?
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Found somewhere else to eat with kids on the South Bank and Bankside that other readers should know about? Let us know in the comments!