Finding somewhere to eat out that actually works for the whole family can be tricky — you want good food, a relaxed atmosphere, and ideally somewhere that won’t mind if your toddler needs to wander between courses. Waterford has plenty of options that tick all those boxes.
We asked Waterford parents to share their favourite spots to bring the kids, and here’s our round-up of the best child-friendly restaurants in Waterford, plus a few food events and local treats worth knowing about.
Best Child-Friendly Restaurants in Waterford
Bellissimo
Bellissimo on Dunmore Road offers a solid kids’ menu with pizza, pasta and other family favourites — a reliable choice if you’ve got fussy eaters in tow.
Jack Meade’s Pub
Jack Meade’s Pub on Cheekpoint Road is an award-winning gastropub with both indoor and outdoor seating, plus a playground for the kids to burn off energy before or after your meal.
You might also enjoy: How to Survive Eating Out with Kids and 13 Fun Games to Play at a Restaurant
The Bodega
The Bodega on John Street serves up Irish, seafood, steak and international dishes in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere — a nice option if the adults fancy something a bit more grown-up while the kids have plenty to choose from too.
Moes Cafe
Right on the beach in Tramore, Moes Cafe is both child-friendly and dog-friendly, making it a lovely spot for coffee or a casual lunch after a walk on the sand.
Brooklyn Restaurant
With locations in both Tramore and Ardkeen, Brooklyn Restaurant is a family favourite, offering pizzas, pastas, burgers and other crowd-pleasers.
Loko
Located at Ardkeen Shopping Centre on Dunmore Road, Loko offers a varied menu and is a good, easy option for meals with children.
You might also enjoy: What Makes a Restaurant Child-Friendly
Azzurro
Azzurro in Dunmore East serves Italian and Mediterranean dishes and has a children’s menu, making it a nice option if you’re spending the day out that way.
A Waterford Food Tradition Worth Trying
While you’re in Waterford, it’s well worth trying a “blaa” — a soft bread roll with roots going back to the French Huguenots who settled in the area in the 17th century. It’s a proper local specialty and a fun bit of food history to share with the kids.
Farmers Markets and Food Events in Waterford
Waterford has a great local food scene, with several markets running throughout the county:
- Dungarvan Farmers Market — Thursdays, Grattan Square, Dungarvan
- Lismore Farmers Market — Sundays, on the avenue of Lismore Castle
- Ardmore Farmers Market — summer Sundays, next to Ardmore Beach
- Waterford Farmers Market — Saturdays, John Robert’s Square, Waterford City
Waterford also hosts food festivals that are worth building a family day out around, including events with children’s programmes, foraging trails, cooking demonstrations and casual dining experiences suitable for all ages. Check local listings closer to the time for exact dates and this year’s programme, as details can change year to year.
You might also enjoy: Fun Food Festivals You Can Take the Kids To This Summer
FAQs: Eating Out with Kids in Waterford
What should I look for in a child-friendly restaurant?
Look for a relaxed atmosphere, a dedicated kids’ menu, high chairs, and enough space that a bit of wriggling or noise won’t feel out of place. Outdoor seating or a play area is a bonus for burning off energy before or after the meal.
Are there restaurants in Waterford with playgrounds?
Yes — Jack Meade’s Pub on Cheekpoint Road has outdoor seating and a playground, making it a popular choice for families.
Is Tramore a good area for family-friendly food options?
Tramore has several family-friendly options, including Moes Cafe right on the beach and a branch of Brooklyn Restaurant, both popular with parents looking for a relaxed meal near the seafront.
What is a “blaa”?
A blaa is a soft, floury bread roll unique to Waterford, with origins linked to French Huguenot settlers in the 17th century. It’s a local specialty worth trying while you’re in the area.
Related Articles
- How to Survive Eating Out with Kids
- 13 Fun Games to Play at a Restaurant
- What Makes a Restaurant Child-Friendly
- Fun Food Festivals You Can Take the Kids To This Summer
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Have a favourite child-friendly restaurant in Waterford that we’ve missed? Let us know in the comments below!
