11 Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Islington
If you're looking for the best family-friendly restaurants in Islington, you're spoiled for choice.
Whether you’re looking for an easy post-park lunch, a pizza spot that welcomes toddlers with open arms, or somewhere spacious enough for buggies and babies, Islington is packed with brilliant family-friendly restaurants and cafes.
From relaxed pubs with gardens to cosy pizza restaurants and fuss-free chains on Upper Street, there’s something for every family - including picky eaters, babies, toddlers and hungry parents in desperate need of a good coffee.
Here are some of the best family restaurants in Islington to try with kids…
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Take a look at our Islington nursery - a warm, nurturing setting designed to help little ones grow in confidence, curiosity and independence through play, learning and exploration.
6 Best Family Restaurants in Islington
1. Zia Lucia
Address: 157 Holloway Road, London, N7 8LX
Price: ££
Good for: Family pizza nights, toddlers, relaxed lunches
Kids’ Menu: Yes – pizzas and simple Italian favourites
Zia Lucia is one of the best family-friendly restaurants in Islington if pizza is on the agenda. Spacious, welcoming and always buzzing, this much-loved local spot is famous for its incredible pizzas and four different dough options - including charcoal and gluten-free.
The relaxed atmosphere makes it ideal for families with younger children, while the quick service and crowd-pleasing menu keep everyone happy. It’s a great option for an easy dinner after a busy day exploring Islington.
2. Sweet Thursday
Address: 95 Southgate Road, London N1 3JS
Price: ££
Good for: Toddlers, casual lunches, pizza-loving families
Kids’ Menu: Yes – including fun bunny-shaped pizzas
Sweet Thursday is a hidden gem for families in Islington. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, the staff are fantastic with children and there are toys at the back to keep little ones entertained while parents enjoy a moment of peace.
The pizzas are genuinely excellent, and the lunchtime deals during the week make it a great-value option for families. Parents regularly visit in large groups with babies and toddlers, which tells you everything you need to know about how child-friendly it is.
3. The Canonbury Tavern
Address: 21 Canonbury Place, London, N1 2NS
Price: ££
Good for: Sunday lunches, outdoor dining, toddlers needing space to run around
Kids’ Menu: Yes
The Canonbury Tavern is one of the best gastropubs in Islington for families. Spacious inside and out, it has a huge garden that’s perfect for little ones who don’t like sitting still for long.
The menu is packed with comforting pub classics, pizzas and sharing plates, while the relaxed atmosphere makes it feel genuinely family-friendly rather than “children tolerated.” It’s especially lovely during the warmer months.
4. Pizza Express Islington
Address: 377 Upper Street, London, N1 0QA
Price: ££
Good for: Fuss-free family meals, babies, picky eaters
Kids’ Menu: Yes
Sometimes you just need somewhere easy - and Pizza Express is always a reliable option for families. The Upper Street branch is spacious, buggy-friendly and ideal for younger children.
The kids’ menu is consistently good value, with dough balls, pizza, pasta and desserts all guaranteed to go down well. It’s a great backup option when everyone’s hungry and you need somewhere stress-free.
5. Arepa & Co
Address: 58A De Beauvoir Crescent, London, N1 5SB
Price: ££
Good for: Brunch, adventurous eaters, canal-side dining
Kids’ Menu: No dedicated menu, but plenty of child-friendly options
Technically just outside Islington in nearby Haggerston, Arepa & Co is absolutely worth mentioning. Sitting right beside Regent’s Canal, this Venezuelan restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere and brilliant food that works surprisingly well for families.
The arepas and tequeños are perfect for sharing, and the laid-back setting makes dining with little ones feel easy. Grab a window seat if you can.
6. Wagamama
Address: N1 Centre, Parkfield Street, London, N1 0PS
Price: ££
Good for: Quick meals, babies, healthy family dinners
Kids’ Menu: Yes
Wagamama remains a go-to for parents thanks to its fast service, spacious seating and genuinely family-friendly atmosphere. The N1 Centre location is particularly convenient for shopping trips or rainy-day lunches.
The kids’ menu includes smaller noodle bowls, chicken katsu and fresh juices, while highchairs and colouring sheets help make meals easier for younger children.
5 Best Family-Friendly Cafes in Islington
Need somewhere buggy-friendly for coffee and cake? Or perhaps a relaxed café where toddlers are welcomed with open arms? Thankfully, Islington is packed with brilliant family-friendly cafés - from cosy bakeries and brunch spots to coffee shops perfect for meeting other parents.
Whether you’re after pastries, pancakes, hot chocolate or simply somewhere to sit down with a baby in tow, these are some of the best cafés in Islington for families.
1. Tolpuddle Café
Address: Caledonian Park, Market Road, N7 9HF
Price: ££
Good for: Relaxed brunches, parents with babies, local community feel
Tolpuddle Café is one of Islington’s best-loved independent cafés, known for its warm atmosphere, fantastic brunches and genuinely welcoming vibe for families. It’s the kind of place where parents can relax with good coffee while little ones enjoy pastries, toast or snacks.
The laid-back environment makes it especially popular with local mums and dads looking for somewhere comfortable and unfussy.
2. Euphorium Bakery
Address: 202 Upper St, London N1 1RQ
Price: ££
Good for: Coffee and cake stops, breastfeeding mums, pastries
Euphorium Bakery first launched in Islington and quickly became a favourite with local families and foodies alike. Parents especially love the cosy inner room on Upper Street, which feels like a quiet haven for feeding babies and taking a break from busy London life.
Their pastries, artisan breads and cupcakes are hard to resist, while the welcoming atmosphere makes it ideal for meeting friends with little ones.
3. Ottolenghi Islington
Address: 287 Upper Street, London, N1 2TZ
Price: £££
Good for: Brunch, hot chocolate, foodie families
Ottolenghi is known for its beautiful salads, pastries and incredible cakes, but parents in Islington also rave about the hot chocolate. Rich, indulgent and perfect on colder days, it’s easily one of the best hot chocolate spots in the area.
The café works especially well for relaxed brunches or coffee stops after exploring Upper Street with little ones.
4. Gail’s Bakery
Address: 305-307 Upper Street, Islington, London, N1 2TU
Price: ££
Good for: Breakfasts, takeaway pastries, coffee with toddlers
Gail’s is always a reliable option for families thanks to its relaxed atmosphere, fantastic pastries and spacious seating. As both a bakery and café, it’s perfect for grabbing breakfast or settling in for coffee while little ones snack on pastries and cakes.
Many Islington locations are also part of the NHS Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme, helping parents feel comfortable and supported.
5. The Blue Legume
Address: 177 Upper Street, Islington, N1 1RG
Price: ££
Good for: Healthy lunches, toddlers, relaxed café lunches
The Blue Legume has built a reputation as one of the most welcoming cafés for parents in North London. Serving homemade meals, cakes, snacks and fresh juices, it’s particularly popular with families thanks to its relaxed atmosphere and child-friendly attitude.
The café is also part of the NHS Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme, making it a lovely option for parents with babies.
Looking for Childcare in Islington?
If you're a local parent searching for high-quality childcare, we'd love to welcome you to City House, our My Ohana nursery in the heart of Islington.
Our nurturing environment, experienced team and play-based approach help children feel happy, confident and ready to thrive.
Book a tour today and discover why so many Islington families choose City House for their child's early years.
Map of Restaurants and Cafes in Islington
Whether you’re planning a family lunch after visiting one of Islington’s parks or simply searching for somewhere relaxed enough for toddlers and buggies, these family-friendly restaurants in Islington offer something for every age and appetite. If you’re exploring the area with little ones, you might also enjoy reading our guide to the best things to do in Islington with kids.
If you're a local family starting to think about your child’s early years journey, we’d love to welcome you to City House - our trusted nursery in Islington.
Book a tour today and come and see how your child could thrive with us.
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