Heading to the UK? Our handy guide will tell you exactly where to look for the best dine out spots with your picky kids! As a parent, taking your children out for a meal can be quite the challenge, especially if you have picky eaters on your hands. Finding a restaurant that caters to children and offers a menu with dishes that they would want to eat is not always easy. Fortunately, the UK has a wide selection of family-friendly restaurants that cater to even the pickiest of eaters. There are also multiple options that will not break the bank, with huge savings from the likes of tastecard at a wide variety of restaurants around the UK, with lunch deals Glasgow, London, and more, as well as loads of great evening meal discounts. In this article, we will explore the top food spots for parents looking to treat their kids to a delicious meal.
Top Family-Friendly Restaurants In The UK
If you are planning a family outing and want to enjoy a meal together, the UK has plenty of restaurants that cater to families with picky eaters. These restaurants offer a broad range of menu options that cater to both adults and kids, ensuring that everyone is satisfied with the food selection.
Family-friendly restaurants are a great way to bond with your loved ones over a delicious meal. Whether you are looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Kid-Friendly Chains With Diverse Menus
When it comes to chain restaurants, there are a few that stand out for their kid-friendly menus and diverse options. Wagamama, for example, offers a variety of Asian-inspired dishes that are perfect for adventurous eaters. They also have a separate kids’ menu that features smaller portions of their popular dishes, as well as some kid-friendly options like chicken katsu curry and mini ramen bowls.
Pizza Hut is another chain restaurant that is popular with families. Their menu features a variety of pizzas, pastas, and salads, as well as a kids’ menu that includes pizza, pasta, and chicken strips. They also offer gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions.
Nando’s is a great option for families who love chicken. Their menu features flame-grilled chicken in a variety of flavours, as well as sides like fries, corn on the cob, and coleslaw. They also offer vegetarian and vegan options, making it a great choice for families with different dietary needs.
Unique Independent Restaurants For Picky Eaters
If you are looking for something a little more unique, there are plenty of independent restaurants across the UK that cater to picky eaters. For example, fish and chips shops are a staple of British cuisine and are a great option for families who love seafood. Many fish and chips shops also offer other options like burgers and chicken strips, making it a great option for picky eaters.
Authentic Italian pizzerias are also a great option for families. These restaurants often have a cosy and welcoming atmosphere, and their menus feature a variety of pizzas, pastas, and salads. They also offer vegetarian and gluten-free options, making it a great choice for families with different dietary needs.
Trendy cafes are another option for families who want to try something a little different. These cafes often have a relaxed and casual atmosphere, and their menus feature a variety of dishes like sandwiches, salads, and soups. They also often have a selection of cakes and pastries, which kids will love.
Themed Restaurants For An Exciting Dining Experience
If you want to take things up a notch and make mealtime a memorable experience for your kids, then themed restaurants are a great option. For example, there are pirate-themed diners that feature wait staff dressed as pirates and decor that looks like a pirate ship. These restaurants often have a fun and interactive atmosphere, and their menus feature dishes like fish and chips and burgers.
Restaurants inspired by fairy tales and superheroes are also a great option for families. These restaurants often have decor that looks like a castle or a superhero hideout, and their menus feature dishes that are inspired by the theme of the restaurant. For example, a superhero restaurant might have burgers with superhero logos on the buns, while a fairy tale restaurant might have dishes like Cinderella’s pumpkin soup or Snow White’s apple pie.
Overall, there are plenty of family-friendly restaurants across the UK that cater to picky eaters. Whether you are looking for a chain restaurant, an independent restaurant, or a themed restaurant, there is something for everyone. So why not plan a family outing and enjoy a meal together at one of these great restaurants?
Navigating Different Dietary Needs And Preferences
As a parent, navigating different dietary needs and preferences can present a real challenge when it comes to eating out with your kids. Fortunately, many restaurants across the UK cater to different dietary preferences, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a delicious meal together.
Vegetarian And Vegan Options For Kids
For vegetarian or vegan families, the UK has a range of restaurants that cater to dietary restrictions while providing delicious food options. Many restaurants now serve vegetarian and vegan options that cater to a wide range of taste preferences, from spicy curries to delicious plant-based burgers.
One great option for vegan families is the popular chain restaurant, Wagamama. They offer a range of vegan options, including their famous Yasai Yaki Soba stir-fry, made with soba noodles, tofu, and a delicious mix of vegetables. Another great option is Pizza Express, which offers a vegan pizza that is topped with a variety of delicious vegetables and vegan cheese.
Gluten-Free And Allergy-Friendly Dining
If your child has certain food allergies, many restaurants now offer menus that cater specifically to those needs. Whether it is gluten-free, dairy-free, or nut-free items, many restaurants have you covered. Many also have allergen menus or staff trained to help you choose the right meal for your child.
One great option for gluten-free families is the popular pizza chain, Pizza Hut. They offer a gluten-free pizza base, and you can customise your toppings to suit your child’s taste preferences. Another great option is the Italian chain restaurant, Zizzi, which has a dedicated gluten-free menu that includes a range of delicious pasta dishes and pizzas.
Customizable Menu Items For Picky Eaters
Many restaurants now offer the ability to customise menu items. This is particularly useful for picky eaters, allowing them to choose ingredients and toppings that appeal to their taste buds, making eating out a more enjoyable experience for the whole family.
One great option for picky eaters is the popular fast-food chain, Subway. They offer a range of customizable sandwiches, allowing your child to choose their bread, meat, cheese, and toppings. Another great option is the Mexican chain restaurant, Chiquito, which offers a range of customizable dishes, including tacos, burritos, and fajitas.
So next time you are eating out with your kids, do not worry about navigating different dietary needs and preferences. With so many restaurants now catering to different dietary restrictions, you are sure to find a delicious meal that everyone can enjoy!
Healthy Food Options For Kids
As a parent, ensuring that your child is eating healthy can be a daunting task, especially when eating out. However, with the increasing awareness of the importance of healthy eating habits, many restaurants have started to offer nutritious and delicious menu items for kids.
Nutritious And Delicious Dishes
Some restaurants have gone a step further and created entire menus dedicated to healthy eating options for kids. These menus often include a range of dishes that cater to different dietary preferences and provide a balanced proportion of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates that growing kids need. From grilled chicken and fish tacos to whole-grain pasta with tomato sauce, there are plenty of options to choose from.
One popular dish that kids love is a healthy twist on the classic mac and cheese. Made with whole-grain pasta, low-fat cheese, and added veggies like broccoli or cauliflower, this dish is both tasty and nutritious.
Sneaking In Fruits And Vegetables
Sneaking in fruits and vegetables is often a challenge when it comes to picky eaters. However, many restaurants have found creative ways to incorporate them into their dishes to make them more appealing to kids. For instance, instead of serving plain veggies, they might offer a veggie burger or vegetable-based noodles. These dishes are not only healthy but also delicious, making it easier for kids to enjoy their fruits and veggies.
Another way restaurants are sneaking in fruits and vegetables is by offering smoothies. Made with fresh fruits and vegetables, these drinks are a great way to ensure that kids are getting their daily dose of vitamins and minerals.
Balanced Meals For Growing Kids
Many restaurants now offer kid-sized portions that are still full of the nutrients children need to grow properly. Offering a combination of protein, carbs, and vegetables, these meals are perfect for parents who want to maintain a healthy diet for their children. Some restaurants even offer sides like sweet potato fries or roasted vegetables to make the meal more well-rounded.
It is important to note that healthy eating habits start at home. By setting a good example and making healthy food choices, parents can encourage their children to do the same. Eating out does not have to mean sacrificing nutrition. With the increasing availability of healthy food options, parents can rest assured that their kids can enjoy a delicious meal while still maintaining a healthy diet.
Fun And Interactive Dining Experiences
While it is important to ensure that your kids eat well, it is also important to make mealtimes fun and interactive. Some restaurants in the UK offer experiences beyond just the food, making the mealtime an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Imagine walking into a restaurant and being greeted with the sight of a DIY food station for kids. These stations are an excellent way to encourage kids to be creative with their food. Kids get to choose their ingredients and toppings, and create their dish, providing a fun and engaging dining experience that they are guaranteed to enjoy. From pizzas to salads, kids can create their own meals and experiment with different flavours and combinations. The best part? They get to eat what they create!
Restaurants With Play Areas And Entertainment
Many restaurants across the UK now feature play areas for kids that allow them to enjoy some fun entertainment while parents enjoy their meal. These play areas are usually equipped with toys and games allowing kids to run wild after their meal. Some restaurants even have dedicated play areas with slides, ball pits, and climbing frames, ensuring that kids are entertained for hours on end. This means that parents can relax and enjoy their meal, knowing that their kids are having a great time too.
Restaurants with entertainment are also becoming increasingly popular. From magicians to face painters, some restaurants are going the extra mile to keep kids entertained. Imagine your child’s face lighting up as they watch a magician perform right at their table, or getting their face painted with their favourite superhero or animal. These experiences will make mealtimes even more memorable for your kids.
Cooking Classes And Workshops For Kids
Finally, cooking classes and workshops for kids offer them a chance to learn more about the food they eat, and also learn basic cooking skills. Many restaurants now offer cooking workshops for children, allowing them to get involved in creating their own meals, developing a lifelong appreciation for food, and maybe even preparing meals on their own in the future. These workshops are usually led by experienced chefs who teach kids about different ingredients, cooking techniques, and healthy eating. By the end of the workshop, your child will have a new set of skills and a newfound passion for cooking.
Overall, it is clear that dining experiences in the UK are evolving to become more fun and interactive for kids. From DIY food stations to play areas and cooking workshops, there are plenty of options available for families looking for a memorable mealtime experience. So why not try something new and give your kids an experience they will never forget?
Conclusion
If you are looking for restaurants that cater to picky eaters in the UK, then you do not need to look very far. From chains that are popular with kids to independent restaurants, many offer a wide range of menu options that cater to a variety of tastes and dietary needs. Add in innovative and interactive experiences, and you have mealtimes that both parents and kids can enjoy.
