It's no secret that this city's culinary scene is diverse: it boasts its own Chinatown, is packed with street food vendors and has plenty of Michelin star options. But what about when you're looking for somewhere to go with the family? Well, it's got that on lock too.
From Piccadilly to Deansgate and beyond, you'll find eateries slinging out Italian delights for your little ones to slurp up, and Thai spots offering chicken satay with skin on fries (followed by ice cream, of course) for under a tenner. Check them out in our guide to the best kid-friendly Manchester restaurants and thank us later.
Taking the kids out? The Cosy Club is your go-to for a family feast that ticks every box. Its quirky, colourful interiors keep little eyes entertained while the menu is packed with crowd-pleasers (yes, even for picky eaters).
Parents can tuck into a Full English or pancakes stacked high with blueberries, while the little ones enjoy their own mini portions, all in a relaxed, fuss-free setting.
Browns Brasserie & Bar Manchester can be found slap bang in the heart of the city, offering beautiful decor in the form of tall ceilings, plush velvet seating and warm golden lights. Not only does it deliver in the brunch and afternoon tea department, but it also prides itself in affordable options for kids so they don't feel left out. Bring them along to this elegant space so they can delight in two courses for £10.95 or three for £12.95 and pick from the likes of vegetable dippers to start, followed by battered haddock and peas, sausage and mash or green vegetable curry.
With its dedicated kids menu, Mowgli is perfect for eating out with the kids. There's plenty here for the little ones, from gunpowder chicken served with fries to temple dahl and paneer curry - all washed down with a refreshing lassi.
Bigger ones can tuck into spicy chaats and street food favourites, plus house specials like Aunty Geeta's prawn curry.
Piccolino Caffe Grande is a stunning place to eat, complete with duck egg blue furnishings and dazzling golden decor. It's also one of the top child-friendly restaurants in Manchester city centre thanks to its droolworthy bambini menus, catered just for little ones. Kids can slurp up fresh strands of pasta bolognese and jump at the chance to design their own pizza. The more adventurous can order off the adult menu as the team will happily whip them up a kid-sized portion of delights like chicken parmigiana or crab-filled ravioli.
Gusto Italian is a multifaceted restaurant slinging out fresh eats to up to 200 diners every day. It can be found in Deansgate's Elliot House, decorated with 1920s glamour and olive green, leather seats. There's a lot to get excited about here, particularly two kids' courses for under a tenner, or three for just £11.95. Let them pick from five different types of pasta, burgers, and fish and chips with peas, or even let them make their own pizzas. To top it all off, there's a warm chocolate brownie or salted caramel gelato. Mmmm.
When it comes to the best child-friendly restaurants, Manchester is knocking it out of the park with Gino D'Acampo, located on First Street. It fronts floor-to-ceiling windows that light up the dining room, and rich furnishings, with blue, green and gold accents running throughout. The menu is filled with international favourites, with a dedicated bambino menu that includes bucatini carbonara made with egg yolk and pecorino Romano, and juicy meatballs in a tomato sauce.
If you're on the hunt for child-friendly places to eat in Manchester city centre then look no further than Albert's Schloss. While the Bavarian beer hall is famed for its steins and non-stop events roster, it also doubles up as a great place to take kids for some Alpine fare. Its kinder menu features the classic Schloss breakfast with Cumberland sausages and smoked back bacon, as well as hearty mains like chicken schnitzel, mini bratwurst sausages and fish frites.
As far as quirky family-friendly restaurants in Manchester go, Thaikhun is a little gem that can be found sporting an array of traditional trinkets, industrial-style ceilings and a multi-coloured tuk-tuk parked outside. Its menu features the best of Thai food, ranging from iconic classics like green curry to contemporary takes on the cuisine. For kids, the Little Explorer menu offers a main, drink and ice cream for just £7.50 each: choose between pad Thai, BBQ pork, sweetcorn cakes and more.
If you're ravenous for risotto, then head on over to this Manchester spot, adorned with blue and gold furnishings, for Southern Italian vibes and great grub for the kids. Riva Blu knows how to treat the little bambinos with its delicious kids' menu packing tempting starters like garlic dough bites or tomato bruschetta from only £3.25. Mains include cheesy carbonara, lasagne, plus fish cakes and chips, and to round it all off? A super sundae topped with chocolate and vanilla ice cream, hazelnut biscotti and cherries.
Hunker down in cosy surroundings at The Black Friar in Salfrod, a pretty pub boasting a modern restaurant out back. The historical building dates back to its construction in 1886 and was resurrected in 2021 to provide a homely dining destination for hungry visitors. You'll find a mix of classics and contemporary British plates on the menu thanks to chef Ben Chaplin and his team (who make everything in-house). The kids' menu, AKA Little Tuckers, features garlic bread with cheese to begin, then the likes of meatballs, homemade pizza or crispy chicken bao buns, followed by an ice cream sandwich or banana split to finish.
One of the most delicious kid-friendly restaurants Manchester city centre has to offer is Rudy's on Peter Street; the dough connoisseurs know how to make a mean, gooey slice that satisfies everyone's hunger pangs. The relaxed dining spot has topped many of the world's best lists and there's a reason why - delicious margheritas come bubbling from a custom-built centrepiece oven, featuring the best San Marzano tomatoes and Grana Padano. And for dessert? Think chocolate brownies and ice cream.
