8 of the best family friendly restaurants in Edinburgh
From pizza parlours to pancake places, here are the best food spots for the whole family
Duck & Waffle
St James Quarter
It’s big, it’s shiny and there are faux oil paintings of regal-looking ducks on the walls. The menu has everything. And we mean everything: fresh oysters, full Scottish breakfasts, burgers, tacos and (of course) pulled duck atop signature waffles. Perfect for families with too many tastes to please.
Gio’s
39–41 Slateford Road
The vibe is fun and unfussy with a hint of sophistication. Kids are welcomed with crayons and colouring pencils, and a dedicated menu for the littlest diners. Homemade pasta elevates Italian classics like carbonara and fettuccine porcini and the vast selection of oven-baked pizza should please kids of all ages.
Herringbone
2 South Trinity Road
Originally from North Berwick, Herringbone has expanded across three Edinburgh locations: in Trinity, Barnton and Abbeyhill. Each branch has a welcoming atmosphere for families. Given its seaside roots, fish dishes are done particularly well. The kids’ menu doesn’t insult wee ones’ tastebuds and they dine for big discount during term time.
The Scran & Scallie
1 Comely Bank Road
It might feel like a grown-up dining room but the special menu for under 12s features smart pub classics like fish and chips and sausage and mash so no one feels left out. Plus, there’s a kids’ corner with plenty of toys and a colouring-in station.
Stack & Still
83 Hanover Street
Kids love pancakes and the build-your-own stack lets them take charge of their order completely. Buttermilk or buckwheat? Bacon or blueberries? There are even gluten-free options. Little diners are given activity sheets and crayons and Stack & Still can host pancake parties for birthdays.
Vittoria On The Bridge
19 George IV Bridge
Pizza, pasta and bruschetta: Italian is often a sure bet for family-friendly dining and Vittoria’s Old Town venue is particularly welcoming to junior foodies. A discounted three-course kids menu lets them try out a selection of Italian classics like meatballs and creamy salmon pasta, and there’s gelato for afters.
Also try… Down the Hatch for burgers, poutine and a family-friendly pub atmosphere or Di Giorgio for Italian lunches with a little library of kids’ books
This TipList is taken from Eat & Drink 365, our sister mag recommending the best in restaurants, bars, cafés and more across Edinburgh. Want a copy? It’s available online or across all good stockists in Scotland’s capital.