Dining out with children can be a delightful adventure, as long as you choose your restaurant wisely. Sure, we’ve all had the “fun” experience of juggling crayons, chicken nuggets and an overtired toddler in a place that clearly doesn’t do kids. But thankfully, Ireland is brimming with eateries that go above and beyond to make the whole family feel welcome, offering thoughtful menus, warm atmospheres, and not a frozen fish finger in sight. Whether you’re wrangling a toddler, entertaining a tween, or dealing with a teenager who would rather be anywhere else (but is secretly loving it), these restaurants strike that perfect balance between kid-friendly and adult-approved.
Aniar
53 Lower Dominick St, Galway city; 091 535 947; aniarrestaurant.ie
A Michelin-starred restaurant for families? Stay with us. Aniar may be known for its elegant, terroir-driven tasting menus, but it’s also quietly brilliant for children with curious palates. Chef JP McMahon and his team are refreshingly accommodating, and have actively tried to encourage younger diners with a specific tasting menu. The calm, refined atmosphere in Aniar makes it a great choice for special occasions with older kids or teens who appreciate a bit of theatre on a plate. A delicious lesson in local Irish ingredients, minus the pretension.
Saba
South William Street, Dublin 2, 01 5631999; Baggot Street, Dublin 2, 01 6792000; and Kildare Village, 045 574 445; sabadublin.com
Vibrant and forever consistent, Saba is the kind of place that understands that a child’s love for noodles is eternal. Its kids’ menu is a mini celebration of Thai and Vietnamese flavours – mild curries, chicken skewers, noodle dishes, and there’s plenty for grown-ups too, from green papaya salads to lemon grass-scented cocktails. The staff are genuinely friendly and great with children.
Freddy’s
15 Quay St, Galway; 091 567 279; freddys.ie
This long-standing Italian gem in Galway’s Latin Quarter does crowd-pleasers with flair: wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta and desserts that draw cheers from both kids and adults. Freddy’s strikes that sweet spot between buzzy and family-friendly, with warm staff, relaxed interiors and a kids’ menu that’s anything but an afterthought. Pro tip: get the tiramisu and two spoons.
RM Block
Big Fan
16 Aungier St, Dublin 2; 01 538 8886; bigfan.ie
A must for dumpling devotees of all ages. This cool, contemporary Chinese spot in Aungier Street is known for its hand-folded bao and crispy fried chicken, and while there’s no formal kids’ menu, the small-plate concept means fussy and curious eaters alike can find something to love. Expect a hip vibe and a loud, cheerful diningroom where noisy kids blend right in. It’s a multisensory experience for all the family.
Market Lane
5/6 Oliver Plunkett St, Cork; 021 4274710; marketlane.ie
A Cork classic that delivers time and again, Market Lane offers grown-up dining with a comforting, inclusive vibe. The kids’ menu is packed with dishes such as shepherd’s pie and proper pasta, with many of the full-size mains available in half portions. Everything is home-made, and the colouring sheets and friendly staff sweeten the deal.
Old Street
Old Street, Malahide, Co Dublin; 01 845 5614; oldstreet.ie
This stylish spot in Malahide offers modern Irish cooking at its finest – elevated but never fussy. The kids’ menu includes comfort food favourites such as home-made burgers, fish and chips and creamy pastas. Bonus: it’s a short stroll from the beach and playground, so you can bribe them with a post-lunch play.
Beach House
Turkey Rd, Tramore, Co Waterford; 051 338270; beachhousetramore.ie
Fish and chips by the sea, but make it chic. Beach House in Tramore does beautiful seafood in an airy, elegant setting. Kids are more than welcome here, with a dedicated menu offering crispy fish and chips (€9.95), and desserts such as sticky toffee pudding, apple crumble tart and creme caramel. Alternatively, skip dessert and hit the seafront for a 99 and a stroll, sure to wear everyone out.
Sole Seafood & Grill
18-19 South William Street, Dublin 2; 01 544 2300; sole.ie
Don’t be fooled by the luxe interiors, Sole is surprisingly family-friendly. The kids’ menu offers scaled-down versions of adult dishes, with half portions of top-quality seafood, chicken or pasta. If the troops agree, splash out on the seafood tower for a culinary experience they are unlikely to forget. There’s linen on the tables and gleaming silverware, but the service is relaxed and attentive, so you never feel like your child is out of place.
Fratelli
Unit 1, 60 Great Victoria Street, Belfast, BT2 7BB; 028 90 310862; fratellibelfast.com
At Fratelli, dining out becomes a proper experience for kids. With its Little Boars menu, children get to build their own pizzas while wearing chef hats and aprons. It’s playful, hands-on, and a good time is practically guaranteed. The experience finishes with a tub of ice cream and a bambinoccino, while adults can enjoy Italian comfort food classics and a well-earned glass of Nero d’Avola in peace. A great place for family get-togethers.
Nightmarket
120 Ranelagh, Dublin 6; 01 538 5200; nightmarket.ie
An authentic Thai restaurant nestled in Ranelagh, Nightmarket manages to deliver big flavours in a family-friendly setting. While the spice levels can be dialled up or down, the staff are brilliant at guiding you through what’s child-appropriate. Grilled chicken skewers, rice and mango, mild noodle dishes, they’ve got you covered. Parents can indulge in spicy larb and cocktails, while little ones crunch on prawn crackers.
Momo Restaurant
47 Patrick St, Waterford; 051 581 509; momorestaurant.ie
Award-winning Momo champions fresh, local produce and seasonal cooking in a welcoming, contemporary space. Their kids’ menu is refreshingly health-conscious (but still tasty), featuring roast chicken, home-made burgers and veggie-packed pastas. It’s a fantastic option if you’re trying to balance family fun with wholesome, satisfying, colourful food.
Doolally
Ground Floor, The Lennox Building, 47-51 South Richmond Street, Dublin 2; 01 533 7562; doolally.ie
For an Indian feast with flair, Doolally is a revelation. The diningroom is colourful and buzzing, and the kids’ menu is a thing of beauty with mild curries, grilled meats and naan bread aplenty. Children get their own welcome activity packs, and the staff manage to make everyone feel like a VIP. Bonus points for the mango lassi and the irresistible gulab jamun.
Cava Bodega
Unit 1 Middle St Mews, Middle St, Galway; 091 539 884; cavarestaurant.ie
Tapas are basically built for families – ots of dishes, lots of choice, and no pressure to commit. Cava Bodega nails the concept with a Spanish-inspired menu that even picky eaters can get behind. You’ll get patatas bravas, crispy calamari, cheese croquettes and more. Plus, the lively, informal vibe means no one will notice your toddler trying to eat the butter straight off the plate.
Little Acorn
Market Square, Baltinglass East, Baltinglass, Co Wicklow; 059 645 1805; littleacorn.ie
Set in the lush Wicklow countryside, Little Acorn is all about warmth and comfort. Its seasonal, locally sourced menu is ever-changing but always approachable, with plenty of choices for children and a wholesome, community feel. There is free fruit for all children dining, and a relaxed, rustic vibe that puts everyone at ease. And remember, organic eggs with soldiers are not just for kids.
Wrights Anglers Rest
Knockmaroon Hill, Strawberry Beds, Chapelizod, Dublin 20; 01 820 4351; theanglersrest.ie
Located on the edge of Phoenix Park, Wrights Anglers Rest is a charming gastropub with serious family appeal. The children’s menu ticks all the boxes, with fish and chips, pasta, the requisite chicken goujons and most importantly, banana splits for dessert. Children will be so entranced by the huge fish tank on display that getting their attention for long enough to order might be your biggest challenge. After your meal, let them run off steam along the nearby river Liffey walk or head into the park for a proper post-lunch ramble.
