Where to eat in Edinburgh with kids, reliable choices
Find family friendly restaurants in Edinburgh that suit every mood and budget. This Edinburgh dining guide points you to easygoing pubs, lively pizza joints, cosy cafés, and a bustling street food hall. Head out for casual favourites near Haymarket and Fountainbridge, or choose calmer spots in Bruntsfield and along George Street. Menus cater to children, with generous portions and quick service. Use this guide to pick the best places to eat in Edinburgh for family meals, whether you want relaxed dining, sweet treats, or something quick between sights. Each suggestion focuses on location, value, and simple comforts, so you can plan feeding times with less fuss, and more time to explore the city together.
Fountainbridge Fox
Image / CAMRA
A friendly sports bar for daytime drinks and match viewing.
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What to expect
Expect a casual interior with a few TV screens showing sport. Seating includes high tables and bench-style spots, so it works for quick stops or a relaxed catch-up. Staff are approachable and service is informal, with food options that match the drinking crowd rather than a full restaurant menu.
Plan your visit
Drop in for an afternoon pint or to watch a match with friends. If you’re going with a group, arrive slightly earlier to secure a cluster of seats. Order at the bar and plan for casual food that pairs with drinks. If you’re visiting with children in daytime, choose a quieter weekday slot.
Coro the Chocolate Cafe
Image / Web
A cosy chocolate haven in central Edinburgh, perfect for indulgence and camera-ready treats.
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What to expect
A chocolate-first menu with plenty of shareable options and indulgent drinks, served in a snug, aesthetically pleasing setting. Presentation is Instagram-friendly, and staff are welcoming and helpful. The cafe can get lively at peak times, so service may slow when busy, but the atmosphere remains warm and sociable.
Plan your visit
Aim for weekday mornings or mid-afternoons to avoid the busiest periods, or pop in early evening for atmosphere. Consider checking the cafe's website or Instagram before visiting, expect potential short waits at peak times, and bring a camera for the photogenic presentations.
Butta Burger Edinburgh
Image / www.pointahotels.com
Central comfort, bold flavours and quick, friendly service for city diners.
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What to expect
A bustling, friendly neighbourhood eatery with focused, flavour-forward menu choices and a relaxed, cosy interior. Staff move fast and service is generally prompt, though food timing can vary a little during the busiest stretches. Seating is informal, turnover is steady, and the atmosphere leans social and upbeat. Ideal for grabbing a satisfying, uncomplicated meal before heading back out to explore the city.
Plan your visit
Drop in after a day of sightseeing or head out from a nearby meeting for a relaxed meal. Dress casually, expect quick service, and allow a little extra time at peak moments. Perfect for solo stops, small groups and easy catch-ups with friends.
Pizza Geeks
Image / Forever Edinburgh
Pop culture and proper pizza collide in a buzzing Haymarket spot.
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What to expect
Expect a lively, characterful room filled with film and comic references, board games to borrow, and bold visual details that make every visit feel a little like stepping into a favourite franchise. Staff are approachable and helpful, with clear vegan-friendly choices and takeaway options. Drinks arrive chilled, the pace feels informal, and the vibe suits groups, families, or a relaxed solo stop for anyone who likes food with personality.
Plan your visit
Head there in the afternoon or early evening for shorter waits, or expect more of a buzz at weekend dinnertimes. Drop in for casual dining, or reserve a table for larger groups. Takeaway and delivery options are handy for nights in.
Edinburgh Street Food
Image / The Edinburgh Reporter
Global flavours, neon energy and open-plan fun, street food with a city twist.
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What to expect
A bustling, visual feast of colourful stalls and neon artwork, with plenty of seating and a sociable, canteen-style layout. Orders are placed digitally and delivered to the table, which keeps queues minimal but does not eliminate occasional waits during busy periods. Staff are helpful and efficient, the scene is lively and sensory, and the venue welcomes dogs and family groups. Seating can feel close at peak times, which adds to the communal buzz.
Plan your visit
Bring company and a fully charged phone for ordering, plan for a short hunt for seating at peak times, and consider visiting mid-afternoon to avoid the busiest moments. The digital ordering system makes sampling from multiple traders easy, and the layout works well for relaxed hangouts or casual group meals.
The Neighbourhood
Image / Tripadvisor
Cosy Bruntsfield bar with a lively buzz, friendly service and a warm neighbourhood welcome.
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What to expect
Expect an informal, welcoming space split between a bustling bar and a relaxed dining area, with comfy seating and a genuine neighbourhood feel. Staff are approachable and attentive, service can be brisk at peak times, and the mood shifts from calm daytime catch-ups to a lively, buzzy atmosphere later on.
Plan your visit
Book ahead for busier evenings, or arrive earlier to secure a quieter table by the window. Staff can help with menu choices and accessibility questions. Combine a visit with a stroll around nearby green spaces, and allow time to soak up the easygoing vibe and friendly chatter.
Piccolino Edinburgh
Image / Rightmove
Cosy trattoria charm, vibrant Italian flavours, and service that greets like an old friend.
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What to expect
Step inside to find a cosy, Mediterranean-inflected dining room filled with friendly chatter and attentive service. The kitchen focuses on carefully sourced ingredients and confident, traditional cooking, presented with thoughtful flair. Suitable for solo diners, couples and small groups, the mood ranges from relaxed daytime lunches to a buzzy evening atmosphere, all delivered with consistent hospitality that keeps guests coming back.
Plan your visit
Book ahead to avoid disappointment, especially on weekends and during peak evenings. Arrive a little early to enjoy a drink at the bar if a table isn’t ready, and tell the team about any dietary needs when reserving so the kitchen can accommodate. Solo diners will find a welcoming counter and a friendly atmosphere for lingering over a relaxed meal.
The Dome
Image / www.thedomeedinburgh.com
Grandeur beneath the dome, where Edinburgh’s elegant interiors meet refined tea and cocktails.
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What to expect
Enter a theatrical dining room of high ceilings, chandeliers and ornate plasterwork, the kind of space that invites a pause for photos and conversation. Service is professional and warm, making this a favourite for anniversaries, celebrations and festival visits. Menus focus on refined comfort and expertly mixed drinks, while the bar buzzes in the evening. Expect a welcoming, slightly formal atmosphere that suits couples, families and groups seeking a memorable experience.
Plan your visit
Book ahead on busy days and during festival season to secure a preferred area. Leave time to admire the architecture and dome, bring a camera for the ornate interiors, and opt for smart casual attire for the best fit with the elegant surroundings. Perfect for anniversaries, catch‑ups and business lunches.
Bonnie & Wild
Image / Web
Pizza, pints and a seat with a view.
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What to expect
You’ll find a casual, come-as-you-are setup with plenty of choice under one roof. The standouts mentioned by visitors include the stone-base pizza oven, house-brewed beer flights and a terrace that can look towards the castle area. It suits a quick drink, a slow meal, or a stop with friends when everyone wants something different.
Plan your visit
Go here when you want choice without the faff of splitting up. It’s a good spot for groups because everyone can order from the options that suit them, then meet back at the same table. If you want a terrace seat, arrive early enough to catch one before the evening rush. For a fuller visit, pair drinks with pizza or share a few plates so you can try more than one kitchen. Midweek visits are usually easier if you prefer a slower pace.