Best Family Restaurants in London that don't need a children's menu.

When Did We Start Thinking Kids Needed a Whole Different Menu?

As a North London family photographer, I spend a lot of time with families who want the best for their children.

When it comes to eating out, many health-conscious parents dread visiting restaurants with menus of beige food, no flavour, the same chicken nuggets and chips, no matter where you go.

Somewhere along the line, someone decided kids needed something entirely separate from the grown-up food. But it wasn’t always this way.

Only a couple of decades ago, children simply ate what their parents ate. It wasn’t about “kids’ food” — it was about family food. Real food. Shared food.

So today, I want to celebrate a few of my favourite London restaurants for families — the kind of places that welcome kids and serve proper, delicious food. These are the spots where you can

enjoy a relaxed meal together, no nuggets required.

🥩 Flat Iron – Real Steak, Real Smiles

Simple, delicious, and family-friendly without trying too hard. Flat Iron does one thing and does it brilliantly — steak. Their chips are cooked in beef tallow (not seed oils), and they greet you with free popcorn when you arrive and send you off with free ice cream.

✅ Multiple London locations✅ Relaxed atmosphere for families✅ Great value for quality food

🌱 The Duke Organic, Angel – Where Everything’s Fresh and Honest

The UK’s only certified organic pub, and it shows. Everything on the menu is seasonal and thoughtful — fresh produce, fruit-based desserts, and flavour-packed mains. There’s no kids’ menu here because they simply offer smaller portions of the same beautiful dishes.

📍 Angel, North London

Perfect for families who care about sustainability, healthy eating, and real ingredients.

🍛 The Great Indian – A North London Gem

Tucked away in North London, The Great Indian is a favourite of mine for gentle, flavourful curries that even the littlest diners enjoy. They offer a smaller kids’ selection without watering down the experience. Gorgeous interiors, friendly staff, and a warm welcome for families.

🌮 El Pastor – Fun, Flavour, and Family Vibes

If your kids love a bit of colour and excitement, El Pastor is a winner. Bright, buzzy, and full of energy, their tacos can be made smaller for little hands — but still pack all the flavour. A great place for family meals that feel like a celebration.

📍 Several London locations

🍳 Beam – The North London Brunch Spot

Beam in Crouch End and Muswell Hill is my go-to for brunch with (or without!) the kids. Fresh juices, perfect coffee, and a mini breakfast menu that mirrors the adult one — think fluffy pancakes, smashed avocado, and eggs done right.

Why This Matters

Eating out with children shouldn’t mean compromising. It should be about sharing — sharing good food, good conversation, and new experiences together. The more we invite our kids to eat real food, the more we raise adventurous eaters — and curious, confident humans.

Because whether it’s through a shared meal or a family photo session, those are the moments worth capturing. ❤️