Family friendly restaurant in Central London?

[barfotoliv]

Would anybody have any ideas for a restaurant that fits the above criteria? We want to avoid chain restaurants if possible. We don't want anything to formal or fancy as we will be in our sight-seeing clothes. We like informal restaurants, preferably where we can order lots of things to share. We like tapas, mezze, any kind of Asian, seafood etc. Trying to Google but becoming overwhelmed with the options! It's for an early dinner around 5pm,with two adults and two kids aged 7 and 5. Thanks in advance!

Definitely Inamo!

Ping pong for dim sum

Santo Remedio at London Bridge - proper Mexican food. Not a chain !

Which part of 'central' london will you be in? This can make a big difference to the options.

You say no chains but when in London I really love Comptoir Libanais. It is a chain but it’s really small (and only really in London). Really love eating there with our small kids

Actually, they’ve really branched out now and probably are a proper chain, but they used to be small. Still love it there though!

Ooh! Comptoir Libanais is one the things I miss about living in London.

Din Tai Fung, Flesh and Buns both open at 5pm, good food and not too posh for children

Glad it’s not just me @furry

Thanks all. I'm going to check all of these out - Menu browsing is one of my favourite hobbies! We can go anywhere in Central London really, as we would plan our day around the right restaurant.

My kids enjoyed Bubba Gump Shrimp by Leicester Square (it’s not smart but the food was decent). Bonus for little kids is that it’s right by the M&M store and the LEGO shop...

@Montsti- I'm glad you enjoyed the experience at Bubba Gump London, but that isnt the common experience if you read their reviews! I thought it overpriced, bland prawns, commercial and not friendly in the slightest! Obviously everyone has their own opinion, but the OP isn't looking for a USA chain restaurant- as per her original post!

Inamo was awful when we went. There are much better restaurants in London.

Wahacas is really nice for Mexican food.

Yes my children love Wahaca and Wagamama! I know you said no chains...

And also comptoir libanais is a favourite of ours (there's one near the science museums, one near Carnaby St and one in John Lewis, so we often go if we're in town).

Someone recommended Brasserie Zedel on here once too. I have been without children and it's pretty impressive.

Oh and they love china town too.

Was in London at the weekend and found this lovely little Portuguese restaurant near Covent Garden. We loved it and will definitely be back - reasonable too. www.voltadomar.co.uk/

Din tai fung definitely. It’s light years better than ping pong. Food is excellent; picture menus lets the kids get involved and they have little kid friendly bowls and plates too. And you can watch them make the dumplings. Do book in advance - we were unlucky for lunch on Saturday!