If you’re visiting Covent Garden, whether it’s to see a West End show or enjoy the piazza and shops, you’ll want somewhere to get a bite to eat.
Luckily, there’s a great choice of restaurants in Covent Garden. But if you’re taking kids with you for a meal, you’ll want a restaurant that’s not only good but also family-friendly.
To help, we’ve curated a list of Covent Garden’s best family restaurants, which are loved by kids as well as adults.
These restaurants have kids’ menus and dishes, a relaxed, informal environment, and are well-reviewed by families.
All of these restaurants are within walking distance of leading theatres, and many offer pre-theatre menus for a quick meal before a show.
We hope that you find a restaurant where you and your family can enjoy quality time together with good food.
Discover shows for kids in Covent Garden
Covent Garden is at the heart of the West End, with over 35 theatres with innovative productions and long-running classics. Seeing one of these shows can be not only a memorable experience but also something truly inspiring for all ages. (1)
Some of the most popular shows for kids in Covent Garden include The Lion King, which has become a much-loved classic, and Matilda the Musical, another long-running production of the Roald Dahl story. Disney’s Hercules the Musical is a new show coming in 2025 that is suitable for the whole family.
Older kids might enjoy solving the mystery of the longest-running show in the world, The Mousetrap.
There’s also a lot of fun with shows such as Back to the Future, perfect for long-time fans and newcomers.
And SIX, exploring history with contemporary pop. Meanwhile, toddlers and younger kids will find lots of shows, including The Smeds and the Smoos.
Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea
Strand, WC2
Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea can make for a special treat for kids. It’s an afternoon tea inspired by the Roald Dahl book, so it has creatively designed treats as part of its menu. The dining area on the mezzanine level is also themed, making it a great spot for photos.
Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea nearest theatres
The Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea’s nearest theatre is the Lyceum Theatre with the long-running The Lion King. Also, the Novello Theatre is showing Mamma Mia! There’s also Disney’s Hercules showing at Theatre Royal Drury Lane and the Savoy Theatre showing Mean Girls.
Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea cuisine
Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea is a classic British experience. It features exciting additions such as fizzy lifting drinks and snozzberry jam. There’s also a chocolate sludge milkshake mixed by waterfall. It also includes savoury sandwiches and quiche.
Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea reviews
Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea has 4.4 out of 5 stars from 287 Google reviews.
The reviews showed that guests enjoyed the themed food and loved the sweet treats. They did say that it was all very sweet, so great for those with a sweet tooth! It was also commented that it made the book come alive. Although it was on the expensive side for afternoon tea, there was unlimited tea, sandwiches, and desserts.
Maxwell’s
Covent Garden, WC2
Maxwell’s has been serving hungry theatre-goers since 1972. It is one of Covent Garden’s most established restaurants. It caters well to families with a kids’ menu with activities on the back, like a dot-to-dot and word search. They also have a Feed the Family deal for 2 adults and 2 kids for £80. Maxwell’s is famous for its freakshakes dessert, which usually goes down well with kids, too.
Maxwell’s nearest theatres
Theatres near Maxwell’s include the Arts Theatre and the London Coliseum. The latter is the home of English National Opera and English National Ballet. There is also St. Martins Theatre, which has been showing The Mousetrap since 1974. Adelphi Theatre, which is showing Back to the Future, is also close.
Maxwell’s cuisine
Maxwell’s serves American-style food, including burgers, salads, ribs, and grills. They also have pre-theatre specials for a quick bite to eat.
Maxwell’s reviews
Maxwell’s has 4.2 out of 5 stars from 1,991 Google reviews.
The reviewers found Maxwell’s to have a good atmosphere and service and enjoyable American food. They also said that it was easy to get a seat without booking. The freakshakes got a number of mentions and were said to be popular with kids.
There are many brilliant shows to see around Maxwell’s. Discover shows for all the family and lots more things to do in Covent Garden on Loopla.
Hawksmoor Seven Dials
Seven Dials, WC2
Hawksmoor has built up a reputation as one of London’s top steakhouses. Its Seven Dials location offers an opportunity for a hearty meal before a show, especially with its pre-theatre express menu, which ensures you don’t miss your show. Among Hawksmoor’s classic dishes, you will surely find plenty the kids will enjoy.
Hawksmoor Seven Dials nearest theatres
Hawksmoor Seven Dials is just around the corner from the Cambridge Theatre, which is showing Matilda the Musical. It is also near the Donmar Warehouse and St Martin’s Theatre, which has been showing The Mousetrap since 1974. It is also just a five-minute walk from the Palace Theatre, where you can see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
Hawksmoor Seven Dials cuisine
Hawksmoor Seven Dials serves British cuisine with beef steaks, seafood, and other British classics.
Hawksmoor Seven Dials reviews
Hawksmoor Seven Dials has 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,841 Google reviews.
The Sunday Roast and the pre-theatre menu received much praise in reviews. Many said the food and service were good. Some did note an error or two with the service, though.
Brother Marcus
Covent Garden, WC2
Brother Marcus is a restaurant created by three friends who aspire to a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Its light, gentle interiors make it perfect for families. The restaurant also offers a pre-show set menu for a meal before heading to the theatre.
Brother Marcus nearest theatres
Brother Marcus is near St Martin’s Theatre, which shows the longest-running show, The Mousetrap. The Cambridge Theatre shows Matilda the Musical, and the Ambassadors Theatre shows The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. The Palace Theatre is nearby, too, making Brother Marcus a great spot for some food between Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts 1 and 2.
Brother Marcus cuisine
Brother Marcus serves Modern Eastern Mediterranean food. It’s a popular spot for all-day dining, including brunch and coffee. The menu has dips, mezze, and desserts with the crispy aubergine skewer, beetroot hummus, and kofta all tasty dishes.
Brother Marcus reviews
Brother Marcus has 4.9 out of 5 stars from 706 Google reviews.
Many of the reviews recommended Brother Marcus for brunch, with the food getting lots of good reviews. The majority of the reviews focused on the service, which was said to be welcoming, helpful, and appreciated by many.
The Ivy Market Grill
Covent Garden, WC2
The Ivy has been part of London’s dining scene since 1917. The Ivy Market Grill is one of Covent Garden’s locations situated by the piazza. It has a sophisticated art deco interior and offers pre-theatre and kids’ menus.
The Ivy nearest theatres
The nearest theatres to the Ivy Market Grill are the Adelphi Theatre, which shows Back to the Future, and the Vaudeville Theatre, which shows SIX. The Royal Opera House, which has a programme of opera and ballet, is also nearby.
The Ivy cuisine
The Ivy Market Grill serves British and European cuisine, including grill dishes, seafood, and classics like fish and chips and shepherd’s pie. On Sundays, The Ivy serves a full roast dinner.
The Ivy reviews
The Ivy Market Grill has 4.3 out of 5 stars from 4,504 Google reviews.
Reviews said that it was an excellent spot for a pre-theatre dinner, and this location met the expectations that come with The Ivy. The shepherd’s pie and steak tartar delighted many. Those visiting with kids said the staff were excellent with them, entertaining them and fussing over them.
Among all these brilliant restaurants, Covent Garden offers lots for kids and families. Discover fun activities and theatre shows for kids on Loopla.
Dishoom
Covent Garden, WC2
Dishoom Covent Garden is a popular restaurant with Londoners and visitors alike. The decor is creative and vintage at this location in the heart of Theatreland. Dishoom is great for large groups and has a kids’ menu. This offers smaller portions of popular dishes with less spice.
Dishoom nearest theatres
Dishoom Covent Garden is near The Ambassadors Theatre, where you can see The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. St Martin’s Theatre, which has shown The Mousetrap since 1971, is also nearby, as is the Arts Theatre.
Dishoom cuisine
Dishoom serves Indian cuisine. Its food pays homage to Bombay, with dishes inspired by cafes, grills, and the home. It is famous for its House Black Dahl, breakfast naans, and bottomless chai. It also caters well to special dietary requirements.
Dishoom reviews
Dishoom Covent Garden has 4.6 out of 5 stars from 14,396 Google reviews.
Reviewers enjoyed the food, with the chicken ruby, black dahl, and gunpowder potatoes getting many mentions. They said that it was good value for money and in an excellent location. It came across as a family-favourite restaurant for lots of people.
Inamo
Covent Garden WC2
Inamo brings technological innovation to your dining experience with its interactive tables. The light projections are touch-sensitive, meaning you can order your meal on the table and play games. There are 20+ games to help entertain the kids, including air hockey and space invaders. There’s also a kids’ menu.
Inamo nearest theatres
Inamo is located near the Royal Opera House and the Gillian Lynne Theatre, where you can see My Neighbour Totoro. The Fortune Theatre, which shows Operation Mincemeat, is also nearby, as is the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, which shows Disney’s Hercules.
Inamo cuisine
Inamo serves Pan-Asian cuisine. Its menu features a good selection of sushi, Asian tapas, dim sum, soups, and sharing plates. Its signature dish is the Dragon Roll sushi, which has a fun presentation. The bang-bang cauliflower is also popular.
Inamo reviews
Inamo has 4.2 out of 5 stars from 8,044 Google reviews.
Reviewers love the interactive tables, finding them fun and great entertainment, especially the shared games. Some found the tables more of a challenge once food arrived, not being able to use them with food there and a bit bright. However, they still proved popular with kids. The service was said to be good and helpful.
Honest Burgers Leicester Square
Leicester Square, WC2
Honest Burgers Leicester Square is a family-friendly restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere. It serves simple but good food. The restaurant has a kids’ menu as well as local and monthly specials. Honest Burgers also uses regenerative farming methods for its beef.
Honest Burgers nearest theatres
Honest Burgers Leicester Square is near the Wyndham’s Theatre, which shows contemporary plays, and the Arts Theatre. It is also near the Noël Coward Theatre and The Duke of York’s Theatre, both of which often feature big-name stars in contemporary plays. It’s also close to the Palace Theatre, which shows Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
Honest Burgers cuisine
Honest Burgers serves classic British-American cuisine. It’s known for its rosemary-salted fries and bacon gravy. The menu lets you choose between beef, chicken, or plant-based burgers. There are also gluten-free options.
Honest Burgers reviews
Honest Burgers Leicester Square has 4.5 out of 5 stars from 787 Google reviews.
Visitors to Honest Burgers loved the rosemary friends and the range of vegan options. Those who are gluten-free also enjoyed the restaurant with gluten-free buns available, and all the sides are also gluten-free. Reviews said that as a popular pre-theatre spot, it can get busy before and after shows. Kids’ menu was also much appreciated.
What’s on in Covent Garden
These restaurants are all excellent places for a pre- or post-theatre meal. Among Covent Garden’s many theatres, there are many brilliant shows for the whole family. You can keep up to date with musicals and plays for kids by searching on Loopla.
Bill’s
Covent Garden, WC2
Bill’s is a relaxed restaurant with nicely decorated interiors. The Covent Garden location is tucked away from roads in St Martin’s Courtyard. They have a kids’ menu and baby changing facilities, a gluten-free menu, and terrace seating. It’s dog-friendly, too!
Look out for their Kids Eat Free offer, which allows two kids to eat free with one paying adult. The offer usually runs during school holidays.
Bill’s nearest theatres
The nearest theatre to Bill’s is St Martin’s Theatre, which shows The Mousetrap. There is also the Ambassadors Theatre, which shows The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. The Cambridge Theatre, which shows Matilda the Musical, is also nearby.
Bill’s cuisine
Bill’s serves Modern European cuisine, including a selection of steaks, pies, and burgers. Its brunch menu includes bottomless pancakes and a kid’s pancake parlour.
Bill’s reviews
Bill’s has 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3,621 Google reviews.
The reviews for Bill’s said that it was an excellent place for kids with a good kids’ menu. Reviewers said that the staff were great at entertaining and interacting with the kids. They said that it was perfect for a pre-theatre meal.
Wahaca
Covent Garden, WC2
Wahaca in Covent Garden is the chain’s very first location. It has a fun, colourful interior welcoming families. They have a kids’ menu that features the popular build-your-own tacos. Facilities have baby changing, too.
Wahaca nearest theatres
Theatres near Wahaca Covent Garden are the Adelphi Theatre with Back to the Future and the Vaudeville Theatre showing SIX. The London Coliseum is nearby with productions from the English National Ballet. The Savoy Theatre is near showing Mean Girls.
Wahaca cuisine
Wahaca serves Mexican cuisine. The menu has a good selection of small plates, tacos, quesadillas, and burritos.
Wahaca reviews
Wahaca has 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,989 Google reviews.
Several reviewers found Wahaca to be good for pre-theatre eating and a great place to take the kids. The customer service was well-reviewed and said to be excellent.
Seven Dials Market
Seven Dials, WC2
The Seven Dials Market features street food from a variety of vendors. This means you and your group can all choose different dishes and cuisines. It’s a covered market, so you can visit whatever the weather. The Market also provides a kids’ menu with suggestions for kid-friendly dishes at each stool. Check out STAKEhaus for the Market’s pre-theatre menu if you need something quick and easy.
Seven Dials Market’s nearest theatres
Seven Dials Market is located on the same street as the Cambridge Theatre, which shows Matilda the Musical, and the Donmar Warehouse. It is also close to St Martin’s Theatre, where you can see The Mousetrap, and the Palace Theatre for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
Seven Dials Market cuisine
Seven Dials Market serves street food of a variety of cuisines. Vendors include Yum Bun, Chai Guys, Bad Boys Pizza Society, and Mezzo Pasta.
Seven Dials Market reviews
Seven Dials Market has 4.5 out of 5 stars from 5,910 Google reviews.
Visitors to Seven Dials Market appreciated the variety of vendors. They said that it was an excellent place to satisfy different tastes and share food. Some found that it could have been better at catering to allergies. It was said to be a good location to get food before a theatre show in the Covent Garden area.
If you’re in Covent Garden for a show and dinner, why not make a day of it? Throw in some sightseeing and fun activities for a day out together, making precious memories.
Upper Deck Cafe at the London Transport Museum
Covent Garden, WC2
The Upper Deck Cafe is found at the London Transport Museum. You can visit without admission to the museum for a bite to eat.
The cafe is inspired by the 1940s/50s London Transport workers’ canteens. It has a fun interior with light fittings originally designed for Embankment Station and luggage racks from 1960s trains. There are also reclaimed Underground signs, posters, maps, and tiles. Seats are also vintage, along with benches and stools upholstered in the fabric used on the trains.
The cafe has views over the Covent Garden Piazza and has a Kids in Museums Family Café Standard accreditation. A kids’ menu, high chairs, baby changing, and a bottle warmer are available.
Theatres near the Upper Deck Cafe
The nearest theatres to the London Transport Museum are the Lyceum Theatre and Novello Theatre. These show musicals like The Lion King and Mamma Mia!
The Theatre Royal Drury Lane, which shows Disney’s Hercules, and the Royal Opera House, home of the Royal Opera & Ballet, are also nearby.
Upper Deck Cafe Cuisine
Upper Deck Cafe at the London Transport Museum serves British/European food. It offers hot meals, tasty sandwiches and soups, homemade cakes, and hot and cold drinks. The kids’ menu features British classics, including fish and chips and Cumberland sausage. There is also English homemade gelato.
Upper Deck Cafe reviews
Upper Deck Cafe at the London Transport Museum has 3.6 out of 5 stars from 94 Google reviews.
Reviewers enjoyed the design elements reflecting transport history. They found it to be of good value for money with simple, straightforward food.
At times, some found it a bit loud as it is located within the museum, above the shop. Reviews were mixed on customer service, acknowledging that it was busy but expecting better service.
Where to eat with kids in Covent Garden?
There are lots of areas to eat with kids in Covent Garden, such as the car-free piazza. It is a beautiful spot with the Royal Opera House and street performers. Here, you’ll find established restaurants such as Maxwell’s and The Ivy Market Grill.
Or you could explore the restaurants around Seven Dials, where you’ll find more theatres, independent shops, and cafes. Family-friendly restaurants here include Hawksmoor and Seven Dials Market.
The Covent Garden area reaches the edge of Leicester Square, where it has restaurants with kids’ menus, like Honest Burgers and Dishoom.
Covent Garden has long been a hub for entertainment and socialising, so it’s no surprise that it is home to established restaurants alongside exciting new offerings. Many of these welcome families and work well for a pre-theatre dinner.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to family-favourite chains, Covent Garden has various options for a meal out with the kids. You’ll find cuisine from across the world, whether you’re looking for familiar favourites or exploring new flavours.
Here are some of the best.
Which is the best family-friendly restaurant in Covent Garden?
The best family restaurant in Covent Garden is Dishoom or Honest Burgers. Both offer kids’ menus and a relaxed space for families. They are very well-reviewed and in excellent locations near a number of leading theatres. These restaurants are also reasonably priced for a meal out in London.
Brother Marcus is the best-reviewed restaurant on our list, with a Google rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. It has excellent food and a useful pre-theatre set menu. However, if you’re looking for great food along with a sense of luxury and elegance, The Ivy Market Grill has a reputation for that.
Seven Dials Market is excellent for its variety of vendors. It’s a great choice for those indecisive about cuisine or for catering to different tastes. It’s also super close to the Cambridge Theatre, where you can see Matilda the Musical.
Do you love dessert and sweet things? Maxwell’s freakshakes or the Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea are great options. The interactive tables at Inamo provide fun and easy entertainment.
FAQs
What shows are on in Covent Garden?
There are many brilliant shows around Covent Garden, including classics like The Lion King. There are family favourites like Matilda the Musical. You can see Disney’s new Hercules the Musical in Covent Garden and the world’s longest-running play, The Mousetrap. Covent Garden is where you can see SIX the Musical, Back to the Future the Musical, and the improvised musical Showstopper!
Is Covent Garden worth a visit?
Yes, Covent Garden is worth visiting as the centre of entertainment in London. It’s at the heart of the West End, boasting more than 35 theatres. The famous piazza in Covent Garden is worth a visit for its beautiful architecture, shops, street performers, and the Royal Opera House. The London Transport Museum is another attraction to visit in Covent Garden. You could also see the art collection at the Courtauld Gallery. Among all this, Covent Garden has excellent places to eat, with some of London’s best restaurants and cafes. (1)
What is a family-friendly restaurant?
A family-friendly restaurant is a restaurant or cafe serving food that caters well to families. This means that it could have a relaxed, casual, informal atmosphere and casual environment. Additional facilities, such as baby changing and children’s entertainment, help make families feel welcome. Most importantly, a family-friendly restaurant will have food kids will enjoy and a kids’ menu to better cater to them.
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