Where to Eat in Edinburgh with Kids: 2026 Edition
- Laura Vida, Feature Writer
- Jan 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 23
By Laura Vida
What makes eating out with kids a success?
For me, a buzzy, chilled atmosphere, a menu which includes plain, familiar and affordable food. Also, tolerant folk, and colouring opportunities. Here are the spots I’d recommend:
Central Edinburgh
Howies - Waterloo Place
The super spacious branch at Waterloo Place (by Waverley Station) has a Kid's Menu, available at lunchtime or for dinner. Just £7.50 for 2 courses that even my preschooler would eat. (Think chicken/fish and chips, peas and ice cream). Plus homemade soup (£1.50) for the more adventurous. Worth booking online at busy times.
Address: 29 Waterloo Place, EH1 3BQ
Website: www.howies.uk.com
Chop House
Recommended by a friend. The current kid’s menu looks enviably good. It boasts a choice of fish, burger, chicken and fries, and the all-important brownie.
Website: chophousesteak.co.uk
Civerinos
Good pizza by the slice! There is a branch on Forrest Road (by the Meadows) but if you want to book a table, you’ll need to head to the branch on Hunter Square.
Address: 5 Hunter Square, Edinburgh EH1 1QW
Website: civerinos.com
Pizza Express
Our favourite is the branch on North Bridge. Staff are always friendly, and the menu and colouring activities are perfect for young kids.
Address: 23 North Bridge, Edinburgh, GB EH1 1SB
Loudons New Waverley
If out for coffee, brunch or lunch with kids, this is a great option. There’s masses of room for buggies, toys and a kids menu. NB: You’ll find another branch at Fountainbridge.
Address: 2 Sibbald Walk, Edinburgh EH8 8FT
Website: loudons.co.uk/newwaverley
Bruntsfield
Pantry
This all-day brunch spot has plenty on the adult menu that a small child would eat. You’ll also find sausages, beans, toast and waffles on the kid’s menu. Definitely book ahead.
Address: 1 Merchiston Pl, Edinburgh EH10 4NP. * Also 1-2 North West Circus Place, Stockbridge.
Website: thepantryedinburgh.co.uk
Montpelliers
This Bruntsfield institution is open through to the evening. There’s a varied brunch & lunch menu for kids with options for everyone. Booking advised.
Address: 159-161 Bruntsfield Pl, Edinburgh EH10 4DG.
Website: montpeliersedinburgh.co.uk
Top Tip: Head to Margot (by Bruntsfield Links playground) for the very best homemade cake and coffee to take away.
Morningside
Pizza Express
This is a spacious and accessible branch in a beautiful converted church. As always, the pizzas, dough balls snd brownies always go down quickly. And there are plenty of paper chef hats to decorate alongside activities for the over 4s.
Address: 1 Nile Grove, Hermitage Terrace, Morningside, Morningside, Edinburgh, GB EH10 4RE
Stockbridge
Civerinos
One of the least pricey (but tasty) slices of pizza you’re likely to find in a child-friendly eatery. Booking advised.
Address: 48 Raeburn Place, Edinburgh, EH4 1HL
Website:www.civerinos.com
Franca Manca
Besides a solid kid’s menu, your kid will get crayons and something to do. Like Pizza Express, this is a safe bet for pizza, in a scenic location. Ask for seats overlooking the river. Book during busy times only.
Address: 1 Deanhaugh Street, Edinburgh, GB EH4 1LU
Pantry
This all-day brunch spot has plenty on the adult menu that a small child would eat. You’ll also find sausages, beans, toast and waffles on the kid’s menu. Definitely book ahead.
Address: 1-2 North West Circus Place, Stockbridge.
Website: thepantryedinburgh.co.uk
The Scran & Scallie
Unusually for Edinburgh, there’s a small kid’s play area. Perfect for preschoolers or primary-age kids who’d rather not sit and wait for food. There’s a kid’s menu for under 12s with safe options (sausages or fish & chips etc.) and popular puddings. Book if possible.
Address: 1 Comely Bank Rd, Edinburgh EH4 1DR
Website: scranandscallie.com
West End
Pizza Express
The one place where my 4-year-old will reliably wolf down the entire kid’s menu. There are always plenty of colouring pencils and paper-based activities too. Booking only a must during busy times.
Address: 32 Queensferry Street, Edinburgh, GB EH2 4QS
Leith
Pizza Express, Ocean Terminal
Make sure you sit near the window. My 4-year-old daughter loves to watch the cruise ships and colour (great Staedler crayons provided). This branch is usually super quiet, so you don't need to worry about shoddy behaviour. Top tip: Visit the Wee Museum of Memory. There are masses of retro toys and machines, plus musical instruments to occupy a young child.
Relish, 6 Commercial Street
Handy if looking for a light lunch in central Leith. Good, fresh sandwiches and soup to order. Plenty of seats and a small playground next door. This is a friendly Leith institution, beloved by locals.
