How to uncover the best restaurants for dining with kids in Europe, perfect for families with a passion for food

A father at a cafe in Lisbon with his toddler

Embarking on a family foodie adventure in Europe often raises a common concern among parents: finding kid-friendly restaurants.

Many turn to travel forums in search of recommendations, relying on the kindness of strangers to provide foodie recommendations.

But imagine if you could take matters into your own hands and unveil the best places to eat with kids in Europe on your own!

Believe it or not, my husband and I have cracked the code to this comical yet important dilemma. Every restaurant we have selected in Europe has been nothing short of exceptional.

Surprisingly, we do not use apps or fancy tools to discover these hidden gems.

It all boils down to having an understanding of what to look for, where to find it, and which cuisine your family loves.

!BONUS: While you are here, check out 15 Ways To Improve Family Vacations With Foodie Experiences

What is family-friendly dining?

You can instantly recognize a family-friendly restaurant when the hostess greets you with a warm smile rather than a condescending smirk just because you have kids in tow.

These restaurants go the extra mile by providing crayons and paper, ensuring that your little ones are entertained and creatively engaged during the meal.

Moreover, you'll notice that the space is not cramped like a sardine can. It's spacious enough to accommodate energetic kids who sometimes need to leave the table and explore the surroundings.

Although I have a deep fondness for the enchanting Parisian cafes where people gather intimately with their drinks, I must admit that such cozy setups can pose challenges for families with children. Why? Well, kids are naturally active and require ample space to move around freely. The last thing any family wants is to disturb others while enjoying a meal.

Eating in Europe with kids

Europe is a fantastic and family-friendly destination known for its delectable cuisine. You'll see a strong emphasis on traditional family values, particularly in countries like Italy. With its popularity among families, especially during summer vacations, it's common to feel exhausted, hungry, and overheated, leading to a tendency to settle for touristy or subpar eateries when you are “hangry.”

But no worries, I got you.

We've gathered ten brilliant tips from our own experiences to help you easily discover amazing dining spots that cater to both adults and kids.

10 tips for discovering kid-friendly eateries in Europe for foodies

01 | RESEARCH LOCAL GASTRONOMY

Before you embark on your journey through new places in Europe with kids, take the time to familiarize yourself with the top must-try foods of each destination.
Gain an understanding of their cultural significance and what tends to appeal to kids.

This knowledge will empower you when you finally settle down at a restaurant to place your order.
It will also provide you with a head start in deciding which dishes you'd like to try beforehand.

TIP: Find out the top best street food items to eat before you go. Street food is not only tasty but really accessible and easy to eat on the go with kids in new places.

10 Must-Try Foods In Bologna For Families Seeking Culinary Delights

13 Must-Try Irish Foods For Families Exploring Ireland

02 | USE GOOGLE SEARCH

Family food travel is a specialized and intricate niche that doesn't have a single definitive location, tool, or app providing a comprehensive list of kid-friendly eateries across Europe.
However, there's one powerful tool that stands out: Google.
Google remains the go-to and widely utilized platform for searching restaurants.
To begin your quest for foodie family-friendly restaurants in Europe, simply head to Google and enter the following search query:

“Best family-friendly restaurants in [city/location]”

Browse through the first 5 posts, or 10 if you are ambitious, and start looking at what online publications and bloggers have listed.

TIP: In my experience, the most reliable recommendations for places to eat often come from local or parent bloggers who write about dining options in their own hometowns.

03 | READ GOOGLE RESTAURANT REVIEWS

Google reviews offer the most reliable and unbiased feedback from individuals who have dined at a restaurant before.
Additionally, you'll often find high-quality pictures shared by a diverse range of people, allowing you to get a visual preview before your visit.
Last, Google provides an easy star rating system that is easily accessible on the go, without the need for any additional apps.

04 | CONSIDER YOUR LOCATION

Occasionally, the best culinary treasures can be discovered in less crowded, off-the-beaten-path locations, away from the popular tourist hubs.
One of the advantages of venturing into these non-touristy areas is the lower foot traffic, resulting in a more tranquil and laid-back ambiance.
This setting sets the stage for an enjoyable dining experience with your kids in a fresh and unfamiliar environment.
Finally, dining out in new places presents an excellent opportunity to explore and support small, family-owned establishments that pour their heart and soul into the food they serve.
These businesses often infuse their creations with love and an extra touch of magic, making your dining experience truly exceptional.

TIP: If you stumble upon a hidden restaurant gem, don't hesitate to strike up a conversation with the staff and ask for their insider recommendations on other fantastic places to dine with kids. They're likely to provide you with valuable insights and point you in the direction of more delightful eateries that cater to families.

05 | WATCH OUT FOR TOURIST TRAPS

Keep an eye out for those "too perfect" restaurants that seem more focused on creating an Instagram-worthy moment than delivering a great dining experience.
Fake flowers and overly campy designs can be dead giveaways.
Remember, some of the best places to eat are often hidden away, off the beaten path, where authenticity and genuine flavor take the spotlight.

06 | LOOK FOR SMALL MENUS

When it comes to pinpointing excellent dining establishments for your kids, bigger menus don't necessarily equate to better quality.
Look for smaller-sized menus that offer a selection of around 7 to 12 dishes.
A menu with numerous options often indicates that the restaurant aims to cater to a wide range of tastes rather than focusing on perfecting a few exceptional dishes.
Additionally, there's a higher likelihood that establishments with extensive and varied menus are not prioritizing the use of local ingredients and may rely on frozen or pre-packaged options.

07 | DINE NEAR A PARK

It wasn't until my eldest daughter turned seven that she could manage to sit through an entire meal without feeling the urge to explore or take a walk.
If you're dining with restless little ones, the ideal solution is to choose a restaurant located next to a park.
During our visit to Paris, we stumbled upon a park that conveniently had a fantastic restaurant nearby.
My husband and I took turns enjoying our meal while engaging with the kids at the park. It not only offered a refreshing change of pace but also proved to be the perfect solution to our predicament.

08 | EAT WITH THE SEASON

Many parents prioritize ensuring their family eats healthily during travels to prevent illness or fatigue.
When searching for restaurants, I also pay attention to the type of fruits and vegetables they offer and whether they prioritize seasonal ingredients.
This helps me make informed choices that align with our goal of maintaining a nutritious and balanced diet while on the go.

09 | GO FOR FOOD THE FAMILY LOVES

Being in a specific country like France or Ireland doesn't necessarily mean you have to exclusively eat French or Irish cuisine.
In our family, for instance, we have a fondness for Italian food and enjoy seeking out the finest Italian restaurants wherever we travel in Europe.
Don't be afraid to explore different cuisines that your entire family loves as well.
It can be an exciting way to diversify your dining experiences and add a touch of variety to your food adventures.

10 | DISCOVER THE RESTAURANT VIBE ON SOCIAL

Once you've compiled your restaurant bucket list for your family's travels in Europe, make sure to follow them on Instagram.
By doing so, you not only support their social media presence but also gain a glimpse into the restaurant's culture and ambiance.
Many foodie places share their specials and relevant updates on their Instagram pages, keeping you informed and connected throughout your culinary journey!