Top 10 Child Friendly Restaurants in Newcastle City Centre

This post was first published in 2016 and last updated in April 2022. It actually includes more than 10 restaurants now as I can't narrow them down and we are spoilt for choice in Newcastle.

All of the places on this list have been tried and tested by ourselves and there is something for all tastes and budgets from all you can eat steak to make your own pizzas and child-friendly sunday lunches. 

Let me know your favourite spots as we're always looking for new places to try. Scroll to the bottom of this post for some FAQs and top tips for where to choose. 

• Panis - A brilliant option for dining with kids near the Theatre Royal. This family-friendly restaurant offers child portions of their famous pasta dishes. Find out more here. 
  
  
  
  
• Gino D'Acampo - We love this place! Located on the Quayside with fantastic views, the kids menu and staff are brilliant. Find out more and read our Gino D'Acampo review here. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• All Bar One - This stylish city centre bar on Grey Street welcomes children before 7pm. Check theire current menus here. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  
  
  
• Banyan - U18s are welcome in Banyan before 9pm. This stylish restaurant will be a hit with teens and younger kids and the children's menu is excellent with vegetarian & vegan options as standard, an option to supersize some kids meals for £1 (ideal for older kids) plus lots of veggies on the menu.
  
  Located next to Monument, Banyan is an ideal loctation for pre-theatre dining or shopping.  Find out more and book here. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Gingerinos - Located on Stepney Bank in Ouseburn, Gingerinos is ideal for a cheap but tasty lunch. They run some fab deals including a pizza slice, piece of cake and drink for £6. Find out more here. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Rio Steakhouse - Rio Steakhouse on the Quayside is such good value for kids who love steak. Kids under 5 dine free. It's a lovely place for a treat and you can enjoy unlimited steak. You can read our Rio Steakhouse Review here. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Fujiyama  - Fujiyama is fab for something a little different and will entertain the kids as well as feed them. Kids can even join in with some of the chef challenges. There's no kids menu as such but they can adapt / you can order from a la carte. Find out more here. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• City Tavern - City Tavern is perfect for a post-shop lunch. Conveniently located just off Northumberland Street.
  
  The kids menu is excellent with two vegetarian options, GF options, a vegan option and their chicken nuggets are made with free range chicken breast. I love the humour here too and there is a little disclaimer that all unattended children will receive an espresso and kitten! haha. Find out more here. 
  
  
  
  
• The Alchemist - The Alchemist serves kids' bento boxes and elaborate mocktails they'll love. Brilliant for a birthday treat. 

• Fat Hippo Underground - Fat Hippo Underground is next door to the Theatre Royal and they run a Happy Hour menu early evening so it's ideal for pre-theatre dining (check out their lunch deals too). 
  
  The kids menu allows kids to build their own burger so is perfect for those who don't like sauce etc..... There are two vegan and dairy free options in the kids menu too. Find out more here. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• The Botanist - You can't beat the Botanist for location. Overlooking Grey's Monument it is right in the heart of Newcastle.  The ambience is lovely and dining under the glittery dome sure does feel special. 
  
  Kids meals include a main, salad and dessert and are presented in a fun way which will raise a smile (think baked beans in mini plant pots - that kind of thing). Seaside jelly and sandcastle ice cream is a popular dessert option. Find out more here. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Las Iguanas - Las Iguanas on Grey Street is another ideal option for pre-theatre dining. I've always been a fan of the kids menu here as they tend to offer something a little different. 
  
  Options include build your own wacky tacos, crazy quesadillas and kids can enjoy churros for pud. A kids meal deal is £6.50 for a main, 2 sides and dessert and there are pictures of the food on the menu which may help some kids decide what they'd like. Find out more here. 
  
  
  
  

  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  
• Turtle Bay - You will find Turtle Bay next to the Gate and it's ideal for visiting after a trip to the cinema. The Newcastle venue has real Caribbean vibes and kids options include Mini Kingston Grill Down for brunch and fried chicken.
  
  The menu isn't as diverse as it once was but my kids still enjoy a trip here (and there are 2for1 cocktails for adults at selected times).  Find out more here. 
  
  
  
  

  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  
• Pizza Punks - We absolutely love Pizza Punks! With Neon lighting, a fab playlist and the option to enjoy a pizza with unlimited toppings for a set price (smaller options are available). It's brilliant for hungry tweens/teens who love pizzas and want to get creative with their toppings. 
  
  Ideally located on Grey Street, you can read our Pizza Punks Newcastle Review here. 
  
  
  
  

  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  
• Gusto - Gusto is located on the Quayside near the Millennium Bridge and ideal to visit if you'd like a sit-down lunch after the Quayside Market or visiting Baltic.
  
  Kids can enjoy a range of pastas or make their own pizza alongside a few other options. You can choose a 2 or 3 course meal deal and mocktails are available. Find out more here. 
  
  

3 FREE Things to do on Newcastle Quayside with Kids 

1. Walk along the Quayside and count/name the bridges 
2. Visit the BALTIC
   
3. Enjoy the weekend Quayside Market 

• Babucho - Again, located on the Quayside but this time closer to the Tyne Bridge, Babucho is a lovely bar/restaurant which welcomes children. 
  
  Children can make their pizzas where they also get to meet the pizza chef alongside a few other options. Sunday lunch is popular here and kids portions are available. Find out more here. 
  
  
  

  

  
  

  
  

  
  

• Wagamama - Always a popular choice with families, you will find Wagamama in Eldon Square so ideal to break up a shopping trip. 
  
  There are currently 15 main course options on the kids menu so lots to choose from. Expect noodle and rice dishes including mini ramen and chicken katsu. Find out more here. 
  
  
  
  

  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  
• Mantra Thai - Mantra Thai is super close to the arena and perfect for dining before catching a show there. Kids options include noodles, chicken fried rice and thai style omelettes. Smaller portions are also available from the main menu. Find out more here. 
  
  
  
  

  

  
  

  
  
  

  
  

• Blackfriars - Blackfriars is one of my favourite restaurants in Newcastl. They serve modern British food in a unique setting. Find out more here. 
  
  

  
  

  
  

  

  
  

  
  

  
  

• Bella Italia - Some people can be snobby about the likes or Bella Italia / Pizza Express but I am guessing these people don't dine out with kids on a budget. Bella Italia offers brilliant value if you're on a budget and they regularly offer kids eat for £1 deals in school holidays. 
  
  Located in Eldon Square, kids can choose three courses with juice for just £6.49 which I reckon is the cheapest option for a larger meal in Newcastle. There are several GF, V and Ve options and the 'create your own gelato' is always a winner for dessert. Find out more here. 
  
  
  
  

  

  
  

  
  

  
  

• Cote Brasserie - Another one of my go-to restaurants in town. Cote Brasserie offers a 'Petit Menu' for £8..95 for three courses or £6.95 for two courses. There are V, Ve and GF options for kids. 
  
  Starters include calamari or french onion soup and mains include pasta, burgers or my personal favourite Croque Monsieur. We always receive excellent service at Cote and it's somewhere I return to with or without kids time and time again. Find out more here. 
  
  
  
  

  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  
• Yo Sushi - Located on Grainger Street, Yo Sushi is a fun restaurant to visit with kids and they do have options other then raw fish too. Food is delivered via a conveyor belt and you can watch the chefs in action in the open kitchen which adds a bit of interest. 
  
  Kids can order sushi from the main menu or a kids meal for £6.95 which includes a main, side and drink. Yo! is great for adventurous kids. Find out more here. 
  
  
  
  

  

  
  

  
  

  
  

• Kafeneon - There isn't a dedicated kids menu at Kafeneon but the staff are lush and will provide smaller portions of most dishes if you ask or they can just bring out an extra plate and little ones can share mezze with the grown ups.
  
  Located in the Bigg Market, you can expect to feel as if you've been whisked away to the Med when dining here. 
  
  Lunch and Happy Hour menus are a bargain and their happy hour deals are a canny option when dining with hungry teens on a budget. Find out more here. 
  
  
  
  

  

  
  

  
  

• Urban Green Cafe, Exhibition Park - Overlooking a lovely playground in Newcastle City Centre, Urban Green Cafe in Exhibition Park offers indoor dining or you can sit in the covered outdoor terrace which overlooks the playground. It's dog-friendly here too. 
  
  Expect toasties, sourdough sandwiches and warm bowls of soup. Find out more here. 

5 FREE things to do at Exhibition Park 

1. Enjoy the playgrounds
2. Take a FREE ride on the mini railway (selected dates)
3. Walk around the boating lake
4. Practice tricks in the skate park
5. Bring a ball and play in the sports courts

• WonderBar  - The WonderBar in the Gate can get lively on an evening or match day but if you visit during the day, it's a great option for older kids as you can book a table with an interactive dart board booth (great fun). Kids meals are just £3.99 and include a free fruit shoot. Expect the usual fish fingers / chicken nuggets / pizzas etc..... 
  
  For adults there are a range of daily offers available too. Find out more here. 
  
  
  
  

  

  
  

  
  
• 5 Quarter at The Common Room - Located next to Central Station, 5 Quarter is a bit of hidden gem and a perfect stop off before catching a train/Metro home from Central Station. 
  
  Kids meals are £5/£5.50 or they offer tray bakes, soups, salads, brunch and loaded potato tots too. You will spot little nods to the venue's mining heritage as you dine. Find out more here. 
  
  
  
  

  

  
  
  

  
  
• The Cluny - Located in Ouseburn, the Cluny is a good option when looking for a pub lunch near Seven Stories / Ouseburn Farm / Victoria Tunnel. 
  
  Kids meals are £5.95 and include free range chicken strips and fries which my youngest claims are the best he's ever had! The Cluny also run fab seasonal specials. Find out more here. 
  
  
  
  

  

  
  

  
  

  
  
  
• Leila Lilys - A stylish bar / restaurant on Grey Street, Leila Lilys might not be the first place you'd think of when dining out with kids. It is a beautiful venue. 
  
  Leila Lily's offer a 2 course kids meal for £6, smaller portions of a roast dinner on Sundays and a fun sounding children's afternoon tea option for £10. Find out more here. 
  
  
  
  

  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

FAQs - The Best Child-Friendly Restaurants in Newcastle 

1. Where are your favourite child-friendly restaurants in Newcastle? 
   
   We have a few go-tos. I reckon Fat Hippo Underground is the restaurant we visit most often in Newcastle. Our boys love it, prices are reasonable, it's pretty laid back, we always receive excellent service, the food is lush and we always leave feeling stuffed. 
   
   
   
2. Where should we dine with kids close to the Theatre Royal? 
   
   Fat Hippo Underground, the Botanist, Panis, Cote Brasserie, Pizza Punks, Las Iguanas, All Bar One and DAT Bar are all in very close vicinity and we've had good experiences dining at all of these venues with kids. 
   
   
3. Where does kids eat free? 
   
   I am finding that kids eat free deals are becoming less and less available. Yo Sushi, Las Iguanas and Bella Italia often run kids eat for £1 deals, especially during school holidays but check their website for info.
   
   Kids sometimes eat free in M&S cafe during half term. Under 5s eat free at Rio Steakhouse. You can read my guide to where kids eat free across North East England here. I update this post just before every school holiday. 
   
   
4. Where should I take my kids for a cheap meal in Newcastle? 
   
   Personally, I would go to the Grainger Market and let the kids pick something like a giant pizza from Slice. There are lots of cheap options in the Grainger Market. 
   
   Other options include WonderBar in the Gate where kids meals are just £3.99 and include a free fruit shoot or for something more substantial, Bella Italia offer three courses and a drink for £6.49. 
   
   
5. Where is good for dining with kids before visiting Newcastle Arena? 
   
   Mantra Thai is surprisingly good for kids and just along the road. If you are catching the train into the city, you could try Chicken Coop or Central Oven and Shaker for pizza. 
   
   
6. Where is your favourite restaurant to visit with teens? 
   
   We love Fat Hippo for burgers, Pizza Punks for pizza, Cote Brasserie for a special occasion and the Botanist for atmosphere / location. Rio Steakhouse on the Quayside is also brilliant for a treat and Leila Lilys is good for Instagram if that's what your teen is into. 
   
   
7. Is there anywhere we should avoid? 
   
   Hmmmm, there are some bars which allow children in and I would probably avoid this kind of place on a Friday or Saturday night. I can't remember the last time I had a bad meal in town to be honest. A few places only allowe children to dine before 7pm but if this is the case, it is usually clearly communicated on booking. 
   
   
8. Where is best for vegetarian children? 
   
   Dee loves pizza from Pizza Punks and there are lots of good veggie options from Wagamama. City Tavern is also brill for veggie options and Fat Hippo offers veggie burgers for kids which are decent. 
   
   
9.  Where can we book for Sunday lunch with kids in Newcastle? 
   
   I would go with The Botanist which usually has live music on too or City Tavern which is delicious and very well located just off Northumberland Street. Dobson and Parnell or Blackfriars are also fantastic options and St James Park often host family Sunday lunches with a stadium tour. 
   
   
10. Do any restaurants in Newcastle have a play area? 
    
    Not really. I would go with Urban Green in Exhibition Park which has a covered outdoor terrace overlooking a playground (and serves yummy pizzas) or if you are really desperate for a soft play, you could try Jungle Jack's Soft Play in Eldon Square which also has a small cafe.
    
    Another option would be to pop along to Ouseburn and visit the farm / Seven Stories (both are free, next door to each other and have their own cafes).  
    
    
11. Where can I eat a picnic/packed lunch in Newcastle? 
    
    Indoor picnic areas which are free to use can be found inside the Baltic and Discovery Museum. The Great North Museum also has an indoor picnic area available during school holidays. 
    
    Outdoor options include the benches around Old Eldon Square (there is an outdoor cinema here in Summer), the green in front of Great North Museum, seating areas along the Quayside and Exhibition/Leazes Park. 
    
    

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