Looking for child friendly restaurants in Northern Ireland? In no particular order, here’s our pick of some of the best places to eat out with the family, from busy Belfast eateries to cosy countryside tea rooms.
In our experience, buggies are rarely welcome everywhere you go. Some places will happily take your buggy at the door, while others simply won’t have the space. So if you’re dining out with a young baby, it’s worth bringing the car seat instead of the buggy, and with an older baby or toddler you’ll usually find highchairs or booster seats available in any genuinely child-friendly eatery. Here’s what we think makes a restaurant child-friendly.
The Crown Liquor Saloon, Belfast
Classic British dishes are on offer at The Crown Liquor Saloon in Belfast. Whether you’re after a quick snack or a three-course meal, you shouldn’t be disappointed here.
Pizza Express, Belfast
Housed in a former grain store, Pizza Express in Belfast serves up a hearty Italian meal with gluten-free options as well as a varied menu. It’s a lovely spot to relax in a listed building steeped in the history of the Harland and Wolff shipyard, after a day’s shopping at Victoria Square.
Avoca Café, Belfast
Located in the heart of the city on Arthur Street, Avoca Café offers everything from light snacks to hearty meals and some tempting treats too.
Wagamama, Belfast
A Japanese-inspired restaurant, Wagamama offers lunch, dinner and children’s menus as well as a take-out option. The chocolate wasabi cake is a personal favourite!
Café Conor, Belfast
Tasty home-made snacks and hearty meals, including comfort food classics, help explain Café Conor’s popularity among locals and visitors alike. The staff are friendly and welcoming to families.
Café Vaudeville, Belfast
Over-the-top décor makes this a distracting “wow factor” for little legs tired after a day’s shopping. Open all day from early morning, the coffee dock serves coffee, tea and lovely baked treats, with menus running from midday daily and focusing on modern cuisine using locally produced food. Music has always been at the heart of Café Vaudeville, with DJs and cabaret at weekends.
Red Door Tea Room, Ballintoy, Antrim
The Red Door Tea Room is a traditional Irish cottage complete with a real turf fire. Set in the rolling hills of the Antrim countryside, it offers breathtaking views whether you’re sitting by the fire or enjoying your meal in the garden. Full lunch and dinner menus feature traditional Irish fare alongside a wide range of other dishes.
Fitzroy’s Bistro, Derry
Fitzroys Bistro is a lovely child friendly restaurant just outside the historic walls of the City of Derry, serving good quality, reasonably priced food in a relaxed setting.
Franco’s Restaurant, Enniskillen, Fermanagh
One of Enniskillen’s first contemporary eating places, Franco’s Restaurant is atmospheric, stylish and informal, with an emphasis on local produce. Dishes such as chicken, pasta, pizza and seafood mean there’s something to delight everyone’s palate.
The Old Post Office Tea Rooms, Down
From afternoon tea to a three-course meal, The Old Post Office Tea Rooms offer great food in even greater surroundings — the hot cinnamon scones come highly recommended. It’s worth checking ahead if you’d like the option of bringing your own alcohol.
Friar Tucks, Down
Renowned for its chicken burger and chips, Friar Tucks has built a reputation for quality and friendly service across its family-run chain of restaurants. Wherever you visit, you can expect a warm welcome, good family value, and kids’ meals for the little ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a restaurant genuinely child-friendly?
Look for highchairs or booster seats, a children’s menu, quick service, and staff who don’t mind a bit of noise or mess. Space to park a buggy (or somewhere to leave it) is a bonus, though not every venue can offer this.
Should I bring a buggy or a car seat when eating out with a baby in Northern Ireland?
Many restaurants and cafés have limited space for buggies, so it’s often easier to bring the car seat instead, especially somewhere busy. If you’re planning to bring the buggy, it’s worth calling ahead to check.
Do these restaurants have highchairs and children’s menus?
Most of the places on this list are used to families and offer highchairs and dedicated children’s menus, but details can change, so it’s always worth checking directly with the venue before you visit.
Are these spots suitable for toddlers as well as babies?
Yes — the mix here includes relaxed cafés, tea rooms and family-run restaurants that welcome all ages, from babies in highchairs to toddlers and older children.
More Ideas for Eating Out With Kids
If you enjoyed this list, you might also like:
- 100 Kid Friendly Restaurants in Ireland
- 13 Fun Games to Play at a Restaurant
- How to Survive Eating Out With Kids
Have a favourite child-friendly restaurant in Northern Ireland that didn’t make our list? We’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments below.
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