Foodies: Good places for Toddler in London?
Aug 25th, 2004, 06:35 PM
#1
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Foodies: Good places for Toddler in London?
OK, so that was a poor attempt at topping my "Virgin with Baby" and "Bath: Midweek or Saturday" subjects... but it's a serious question! 
Many of the posts here for "family friendly" restaurants in London mention places like The Rainforest Cafe or Giraffe or other chain food. Or worse, they tell you to hire a sitter.
I'm looking for some favorite restaurants that would be OK with the babe (we have an inflatable booster seat) but that also have good food as their primary objective. We're admitted foodies, love all cuisines, and our 16 month old seems to have picked up that adventuresome palate... she already loves goat cheese, chicken curry, salamis, Greek dolmades...
Also, can anyone comment on Veeraswamy... it's been mentioned a lot here with mixed reviews, but my Cadogan Take the Kids to London book raves about it.
Thanks,
kat
Many of the posts here for "family friendly" restaurants in London mention places like The Rainforest Cafe or Giraffe or other chain food. Or worse, they tell you to hire a sitter.
I'm looking for some favorite restaurants that would be OK with the babe (we have an inflatable booster seat) but that also have good food as their primary objective. We're admitted foodies, love all cuisines, and our 16 month old seems to have picked up that adventuresome palate... she already loves goat cheese, chicken curry, salamis, Greek dolmades...
Also, can anyone comment on Veeraswamy... it's been mentioned a lot here with mixed reviews, but my Cadogan Take the Kids to London book raves about it.
Thanks,
kat
Aug 26th, 2004, 08:09 AM
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No offense, but I'd assume many people would just as soon not identify thier favorite restuarants for fear that parents with small kids would start coming there. I know your sweet little child is an angel and very well behaved, but so many others are not.
Aug 26th, 2004, 09:47 AM
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A lot of people like children - but prefer not to see them in adults-only settings (like fine restaurants) Its really not fair to either the other diners - or the child (who really doesn't want to sit for 2 hours while parents savor their food and wine).
Have you contacted the British tourist Authority - a friend of mine traveled with a toddler about 5 yers ago - and said she got some really good info from them.
Have you contacted the British tourist Authority - a friend of mine traveled with a toddler about 5 yers ago - and said she got some really good info from them.
Aug 26th, 2004, 09:53 AM
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wagamama is fun and they now have a "kids" menu that has more than beans and chips on it.
Giraffe does have 3-4 places but it's really a chain. It's great for kids and has good food too.
Zizzi for pizza- or any pizza express would work too. Not the best but would work in a pinch.
Most thai and chinese places are good options as well. While the pubs are ok early in the day,they tend to be smokey and the kids menus are awful! A late lunch might be a good option.
Go early (6-6:30) and most places will be rather empty - less stress and disruption for all.
Giraffe does have 3-4 places but it's really a chain. It's great for kids and has good food too.
Zizzi for pizza- or any pizza express would work too. Not the best but would work in a pinch.
Most thai and chinese places are good options as well. While the pubs are ok early in the day,they tend to be smokey and the kids menus are awful! A late lunch might be a good option.
Go early (6-6:30) and most places will be rather empty - less stress and disruption for all.
Aug 26th, 2004, 10:10 AM
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Here's a commercial website that lets you search for London restaurants, including the criteria "child friendly":
http://www.squaremeal.co.uk/restaura...php?Sel_ID=136
In general, you might find that many Italian restaurants cater to families and neighborhood ethnic places (of any ethnicity) seem to follow suit.
You can find a somewhat dated review of Veeraswamy at:
http://www.travellady.com/articles/article-london.html
Assume that you are aware of the high cost of being a "foodie" in London? If not, be prepared to see menu prices in £s that look a lot like US menu prices in $s...so the actual cost is about 80% higher in London.
Dave White
[email protected]
http://www.squaremeal.co.uk/restaura...php?Sel_ID=136
In general, you might find that many Italian restaurants cater to families and neighborhood ethnic places (of any ethnicity) seem to follow suit.
You can find a somewhat dated review of Veeraswamy at:
http://www.travellady.com/articles/article-london.html
Assume that you are aware of the high cost of being a "foodie" in London? If not, be prepared to see menu prices in £s that look a lot like US menu prices in $s...so the actual cost is about 80% higher in London.
Dave White
[email protected]
Aug 26th, 2004, 10:39 AM
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Here are some kid friendly suggestions from a site that I use for London:
http://www.london-eating.co.uk/occasions/kids.asp
Also, if you're near Marylebone High Street, Eat and 2 Veg is child friendlyish (breakfast/lunch and early dinner) and they have a non-smoking section. It's a llittle yuppy but the food (vegetarian) is quite good. Here's their site:
http://www.eatandtwoveg.com/
You could also try hardens.com; it's free but you have to register.
Good luck!
http://www.london-eating.co.uk/occasions/kids.asp
Also, if you're near Marylebone High Street, Eat and 2 Veg is child friendlyish (breakfast/lunch and early dinner) and they have a non-smoking section. It's a llittle yuppy but the food (vegetarian) is quite good. Here's their site:
http://www.eatandtwoveg.com/
You could also try hardens.com; it's free but you have to register.
Good luck!
Aug 26th, 2004, 03:51 PM
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Unfortunately we are not foodies, but if you want to try a pub, try the Jerusalem Tavern, food only at lunch. It is a good atmosphere, great beer, and inventive food, they were also nice to our kids. We also like Wagamammas, Yo Sushi (although it is more fun than foodie), Belgo, and a number of Thai places that are good and welcoming for kids. I wouldn't expect a foodie was looking for Pizza Express or some of the other London staples. We've managed to always miss the "kid" spots in London. I also find that the owners will let you know if kids are not welcome in a restaurant or pub.
