10 family friendly restaurants in and around Liverpool that are perfect for the kids

From fussy teenagers to troublesome toddlers; eating out with the kids can sometimes be a bit of an ordeal.

Keeping the kids entertained with plenty of tasty options to choose from is the key to giving the grown-ups some chill time (and eating your meal while it’s still hot!)

We have checked out some of the best family friendly foodie destinations across the region to help make sure your next meal is more marvellous and less melt-down!

Hickory’s Smokehouse – West Kirby / Southport & Chester

The undisputed king of family friendly dining, Hickory’s has geared its offering towards the little ones (or VIK’s as they call them – Very Important Kids!). From mini movie theatres and milkshake making to their regular family events and table top entertainment, there is plenty to keep the little darlings occupied whilst you tuck into some Southern style comfort food and a cocktail or two. Check out their incredible Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich above!

Restaurant facilities vary so do check out the website for what’s on offer at your nearest smokehouse – and don’t miss the Texan style frozen custard, the kids get to add their own toppings which they love!

For more info head to the Hickory’s website here.

Gusto Albert Dock

Round off a day at the dock with some family time, Italian style, at Gusto. Along with the fabulous dockside setting, which is handy for a range of amazing attractions, the kids are really well catered for. They can get busy building their own pizzas and burgers while you tuck into some Italian classics washed down with a glass of vino (or two – we know, its been a long day!)

Check out the Gusto menu and book your table here.

The Game Bird – Eccleston, St Helens

Super-handy for both Knowsley Safari and the Acorn Farm attraction, this family friendly pub has a great value menu and plenty on offer for the little ones. Perched on the edge of the East Lancs road, they also have the added bonus of a large indoor play area – perfect if they still need to burn off a bit of excess energy before bedtime!

Menus and more on the website here.

The Tavern Company – Smithdown Road

A Liverpool family institution, ‘The Tav’ has been saving parents for years! If you managed to get a sitter at the weekend, their legendary brunch menu is the perfect hangover cure and the team are all really cool and lovely with the kids. Their younger diners menu is suitably quirky and there is plenty of choice for fussy eaters.

Get more information on The Tavern here.

The Viking – West Kirby

Part of Chef Simon Rimmers’ ever expanding empire, The Viking has got it bang on for families. There’s a gorgeous garden, complete with a mini-Viking climbing ship, a little cinema room, photo booth and well thought out menu. A favourite with West Wirral’s ‘yummy-mummies’ it’s perfect for a mid-week catch up or weekend brunch and great for a big family get-together.

Head to the website for more info here.

The Interesting Eating Company – Allerton Road

One of the best new independents on the scene, this place really is, well, interesting! The kis menu options are epic and they offer fab kids pancake parties too if you are looking for a birthday treat with a difference. Grown-ups won’t be disappointed either; the brunch here is immense and the whole place is uber-relaxed and has a great family vibe.

More info here. 

Mr Chows – Parkgate

Bit of a swerve ball here but if you want to introduce the kids to the delights of oriental cuisine, this is the place. Family owned and run for generations, the team are so welcoming and great with the little ones. The beautiful restaurant boasts stunning views over the Dee estuary and it’s the perfect spot to round off a nice day out or family walk down the Wirral Way.

Head to Mr Chows website here.

The Cookhouse – Woolton

Newly refurbished and ideal for a family feed, the pub now features a beautifully landscaped beer garden and children’s play area plus an ice cream parlour and ‘Morning Room’ serving up all-you-can-eat breakfasts daily. With kid’s breakfasts starting at just £2.50 – what’s not to love!

Here’s where to book your table and check out the menu here.

The Quarter – Faulkener Street

A fave with the buggy-brigade, this quirky independent offers ideal outdoor seating opportunities and a delicious selection of little eats. It’s the perfect spot to grab a flat white and enjoy some city centre gossip with your mummy mates – and the grown-up menu is pretty impressive too. Packed full of delicious, locally sourced treats this place takes on a different vibe by night and is the ideal date-night location when you do get some down time.

Visit the website here.

Vikings Landing – Croxteth

The perfect refuelling point after a day at Croxteth Country Park, this place has a varied menu of pub favourites alongside a pretty decent carvery.

Youngsters can wear themselves out in the indoor toddler activity area and outdoor children’s play area, while the rest of the family relax and have a drink or have a bite to eat.

The Viking website is this way for you to make your booking.

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