Fun family friendly restaurants central London

[Eminybob]

Going to London with 6 and 2 year old and want a really fun place to have dinner one night.

I was looking at Planet Hollywood and Jungle Cafe, both of which sound great on paper, I like the idea of a theme, and I think it’ll be really exciting for the kids. But neither of those places have great reviews, the menu doesn’t look great for jungle cafe, and planet Hollywood isn’t open I don’t think (although we’re not going until July).

So that’s the kind of thing I’m looking for, does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!

Any nice burger places, Byron, Shake Shack etc could work well

Do NOT go to the Rainforest Cafe!! We went on Monday after a trip to Natural History Museum - thinking the kids would love it.

Awful service, disgusting cheap drinks at ridiculous prices and food gross. The kids “steamed vegetables” was from a frozen mixed veg bag.

Have a great time somewhere, love the sound of some of the others!

Thank you, some great suggestions, I’ll checks them all out.

Happy looks good at first glance, something for everyone by the looks of it.

I wish we were going for longer so I could try a couple out but we are only going to get the chance to have one proper meal out.

Beware the Rainforest Cafe. To leave, you have to go through the gift shop!

I should have said the food was lovely in Happy too - and they do nice cocktails. Dh hates places like that but even he enjoyed it.

I’ve booked Happy. It looks perfect.
(But open to more suggestions if any are coming!)

Thanks to everyone for your help. I’m a bit gutted about the rainforest cafe as the ds’s would have loved the theme, but at then mend of the day we are going for food so that’s more important!

Pret A Manger at Stratford station. My 2 love it there as they always something kicking off and they get to see someone get arrested. *

I absolutely love this*

Just to give other side: we always take friends with kids to Rainforest Cafe and we've never had a bad meal. Haven't been since Covid though, to be fair.

Bookmarking all the other suggestions to try!

Do you know if it’s possible to just have drinks in Rainforest cafe? Might be a nice compromise if we can stop for a quick drink on our travels to have a look at the scenery.

So many misery guts here.

We've been to Rainforest Cafe. If your kids are under 10 they'll love it. Yes, the food isn't great (it's fine though) but it's a really fun atmosphere. Does it matter if the food is just average if your kids are having fun?

We also went to a teddy bears picnic afternoon tea at the Hilton Park Lane recently which was absolutely superb. Excellent food and beautifully presented.

Just seen they're 6 and 2. Go to Rainforest Cafe. They'll love it.

My two love Bubba Gump, Benihana also great although I find it can get very smoky, there are lots of kids themed afternoon teas around the place, Mad Hatter and a Science based one (but we’ve struggled to get bookings for those recently) If you wanted something a bit more swanky we love Oxo Tower Brasserie too - not a kids restaurant but great views over the river (we spent quite a bit of time spotting boats passing by) and food has always been amazing there. Not been there yet but you could also try Eataly that has just opened in Bishopsgate. We’ve been to their restaurants in Italy loads and they have been amazing - pizza and pasta so kid friendly.

Benihana.
Giraffe on the southbank.
Strada at Tower Bridge (incredible views and everyone loves pizza and pasta).
Second floor at Fortnums for sandwiches and fabulous ice creams.
Gaucho if you like steaks and burgers.
Afternoon tea at the Chesterfield hotel in Mayfair (v kid friendly)
Shake shack at Covent Garden, great outdoor seating and crinkly fries!