Kid Friendly cafes/restaurants in town

[bridgeandbow]

I'm back in Edinburgh after a 15 year gap and trying to build up my repertoir or eateries in town! But I have 2 kids in tow now..

So far have been to:

Elephant House on George 4th bridge - dire
The Hub - terrible, slow and very overpriced.
Pizza Express - fine and you know what to expect.
Mama's - ok but kids menu pretty limited
Peters Yard on middle meadow walk - good, ok price but a few tutting adults!
Earthly Whole foods on causwayside - nice a bit expensive

I don't actually eat out that often, but when I do, it is nice to have some good places up your sleeve.

Can I recommend Itri on Gilmore Place (near junction with Viewforth). It is an Italian restaurant with delicious food and they are super with kids - treated our two very well at lunch time with crayons, bringing their food first etc...

Coming to this late but have you tried Joseph Pearce, corner of Elm Row (I think) and Montgomery St - nice Swedishy pub with microwave at the back for heating baby food and plastic cutlery, toy box. Kids allowed before 5pm. Lucas in Morningside and the Chocolate Tree in Bruntsfield are great though no toys. Easter a couple of years ago, the Choc Tree had mini easter eggs hidden around the cafe much to DDs delight!

Great thread! I usually never know where to go and end up always going to the same places... I like Grande Cafe (or is it Cafe Grande?) in Bruntsfield- staff are always really nice.
I'm going to try Itri based on this thread- it looks nice from outside but now I know it's child friendly will try the inside!

I like the Filmhouse Cafe, although my wee one is only 9weeks, so not difficult to keep occupied! Cafe Camino behind John Lewis is nice, and cheap too.

Cafe Montagu in Goldenacre (bottom of Inverleith Row) is very family friendly, has a reasonably priced menu and a kids' play area in the back room. And amazing coffee. Good option if you've been to the Botanics but don't fancy the cafes in the gardens themselves (which I find busy, slow and expensive).

I love going to MumBie's on Thursday with my 16 month old - what a nice, relaxed day out! The food is prepared by a real-life Chilean chef and served with warm smiles by both the lovely ladies who run MumBie's (the chef being one of them!) There are enough toys and other children to keep my little one well occupied so I can enjoy my latte and the food made specifically for her (tiny, wholesome sandwiches cut into shapes and animals) is so good sometimes I sneak a nibble. I recommend this wonderful cafe to anyone with time on her hands on a Thursday.

Hi ladies, my husband and I don't go out for dinner very often mostly because of the crisis and secondly because DD (very active) but I normally go on Thursday to Mumbie's Cafe near Slateford road, they have nice home made food at affordable price, (main meal about £3.50 this include the food plus a side salad) they also offer food for toddlers so I don't have to think what I should bring for my DD. Plenty of space to let my DD play and some free time for me to have have lunch with my friends.
Big hug and good luck with your search

Yo sushi on 4th floor at Harvey Nichols goes down well and our kids love the chicken rice. Ours love the kids chopsticks and helping self to water.

Time 4 Thai on North Castle Street is amazing. The staff there all descended on my toddler, taking him off to the kitchen, walking round with him and tickling him and singing songs. He was delighted, and it made a big family celebration (a 3 hour dinner) really relaxing for me! Very smart place and the food is fantastic.

we're about to open one in Stockbridge on Hamilton Place next to Whistling Tortoise. It will be small but perfectly formed. Opening sometime in next few weeks. Lots of kids things planned. I'll be doing singing sessions for babies and toddlers up to 5 every weekday morning for a start. Will have books, toys and drwaing materials to keep the wee ones occupied while you have one of the best coffees you'll ever taste. Hope you'll give it a try.

constantsinger, what will your place be called?

Oh Constant, that sounds fab, our dd dances round the corner and we're always looking for somewhere to spend the hour.

Re the question "Has anyone been to chop chop with kids" - yes, I think it's fantastic, we order the bottomless banquet plus a plate of the kids dumplings. DD will chow down on her dumplings and try bits from all the other plates. They've just sent me an email saying they are getting a table to table magician in for Easter - at Leith on Sunday and Haymarket on Monday (I think!)

I love the posh cafe at the Botanics. It is expensive, I think, but very spacious and the staff are very helpful.

I've only been to the Botanics' posh West Gate Restraunt once; it did NOT seem like the sort of place where chasing a slightly wild child was acceptable. my friend's perfectly behaved child fit right in, however We get on much better with the older cafe in the middle of the botanics; more downmarket food, yes, but they have a nice play area that entertains the children so thier mummies can natter instead of telling them off every 2 min for trying to escape

I've just come back from lunch at Bar Kohl. It was heaving with babies, toddlers and kids!

Bar Kohl?! I don't think I've been there since my days of downing flavoured vodka!

Yes, that Bar Kohl - the vodka bar Bar Kohl. Still with flavoured vodka, but now also child friendly lunch options. To be honest, I didn't actually see any high chairs in operation. But tots a-plenty.

Bit of an old thread, but thought I would add a couple of other options.
Italian restaurants seem very accommodating to children. Giulianos on the Shore is great for children. They take children to make their own pizza, which is a big hit. I went with a three and six year old and they both thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Zizzi in Ocean Terminal is another Italian where the staff are lovely to children and the food is nice.

Yes most of the Italian restaurants in Edinburgh are great with kids!

I would add the cafe at the rear of Tiso in Leith. The food (soup, sandwiches, cake etc) is fantastic and there's a good kiddy menu. There is always a table free, plenty high-chairs, the staff are always lovely to my ds, and there's a little play area.

I agree with the other recommendations for the Water of Leith Bistro. It's fab.

Also Malvarosa (tapas restaurant) on Portobello High St.

Slightly out of the toon (45mins) is Whitmuir Farm (cafe, gallery, organic farm shop). Very child-friendly, a great play area and space to run around outside.

Wannaburger! Nice food presented fast-food style. I like it, and it's quick.