Planning a family day out in Manchester and wondering where to eat? You’re in the right place! Whether you’ve been exploring things to do in Manchester all morning or you’re building your day around a brilliant lunch, finding a restaurant that keeps the kids happy AND gives the grown-ups something to enjoy is the dream.
The good news? Manchester absolutely delivers. From make-your-own pizza to swinging seats, Caribbean vibes to free food hall kids’ meals, this city has some genuinely brilliant options for families in 2026.
We’ve rounded up the best fun restaurants for kids in Manchester right now, so you can spend less time googling and more time actually enjoying your day out!
TL;DR
Our top picks for fun family restaurants in Manchester include Mowgli Street Food (Corn Exchange), New Century food hall, Gusto, Turtle Bay, Kargo MKT (Salford Quays), Bill’s, and Yard and Coop. Each one has a dedicated kids’ menu, a brilliant atmosphere, and something a little bit special to make the meal memorable.
The Best Fun Restaurants for Kids in Manchester
Manchester’s dining scene is packed with brilliant spots for families, but we’ve focused on the ones that go beyond just tolerating children. These are restaurants where the kids will actually be excited to go!
Mowgli Street Food, Corn Exchange
If you want to ditch the standard chicken nuggets and chips, Mowgli is the answer. This gorgeous Indian street food restaurant at the Corn Exchange has a ‘mini’ menu for kids that mirrors the adult dishes, just scaled down. Think mother butter chicken and rice, house chicken curry, and temple dahl. It’s proper food, not a watered-down afterthought!
The setting is half the fun too. The Manchester site is beautifully decorated with twinkling fairy lights and, best of all, swinging bench seats that the kids will absolutely love (and the parents will either love or nervously watch). It’s one of the most visually exciting restaurants in the city centre.
Where: 37 Corn Exchange, M4 3TR | Nearby: National Football Museum, Manchester Cathedral
New Century Food Hall, Northern Quarter
New Century is one of the most exciting family dining spots to open in Manchester in recent years. This epic food hall combines communal-style seating with six resident kitchens, four of which offer dedicated kids’ menus. The choice is brilliant, from pizza and mac and cheese to Vietnamese banh mi and cheesy parmos.
The headline deal for families: Visit on a Sunday or during school holidays and kids eat FREE with every paying adult when you order from the same vendor. That’s a serious saving if you’ve got a hungry crew!
Where: 34 Hanover Street, M4 4AH | Nearby: Manchester Cathedral, Arndale Centre
Gusto, Lloyd Street
Gusto is a firm favourite for families in Manchester, and the reason is simple: the interactive make-your-own pizza option for kids. Little ones are given a fresh pizza base to decorate with up to three toppings, then hand it back to the chef to cook. There are also puzzles on the menu to keep everyone entertained while you wait!
The grown-up menu is genuinely lovely too, spanning Italian classics done really well. It’s not the cheapest option, but for a special occasion or a treat meal out, Gusto absolutely delivers.
Where: 4 Lloyd Street, M2 5AB | Nearby: Manchester Town Hall, Albert Square
Turtle Bay, Oxford Street
Turtle Bay brings the Caribbean sunshine to Manchester with a lively, colourful atmosphere that kids absolutely love. The Little Turtles menu is generous, with child-sized burgers five ways (including beef, fried chicken, vegan chicken, and more), mac and cheese, and coconut rice and peas. Every kids’ meal comes with a free soft drink too!
Kids are welcome up until 9pm, so there’s no rush. The vibrant decor and reggae soundtrack make this one of the most fun atmospheres for a family meal in the city.
Where: 33-35 Oxford Street, M1 4WB (also at Oldham Street and The Quays, Salford)
Kargo MKT, Salford Quays
If you’re heading to SEA LIFE Manchester or MediaCity, Kargo MKT at Salford Quays is an absolute must for lunch or dinner. This street food market has 19 traders to choose from. You’ll find everything from burgers and pizza to sushi and colourful dumplings, so even the fussiest eaters will find something they love!
The family perks are exceptional:
- Kids eat FREE during school holidays
- There’s a sandpit for younger children
- Regular family activities including mini discos and craft workshops
It’s not just a meal out, it’s a proper family experience.
Where: Salford Quays, M50 3SQ | Nearby: SEA LIFE Manchester, MediaCity
Bill’s, Hardman Square
Bill’s is one of those restaurants that just gets families. It covers every meal of the day brilliantly, and the kids’ menu is genuinely good. For breakfast, little ones can tuck into buttermilk pancakes or a Little Bill’s Breakfast (a full English for tiny tummies). The all-day menu for children includes classics like mac and cheese and fish and chips.
The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with a homely, market-inspired feel that makes everyone feel comfortable. It’s the perfect pit stop if you need a fuss-free meal in the city centre.
Where: 3 Hardman Square, M3 3EB | Nearby: Spinningfields, People’s History Museum
Yard and Coop, Northern Quarter
Yard and Coop has earned its reputation as one of Manchester’s most kid-friendly restaurants, and it’s easy to see why. The Northern Quarter spot specialises in proper buttermilk fried chicken, and the children’s menu of chicken nugz, amaizeballs (the veggie option), and ice cream is a total hit with little ones.
The fun interiors, friendly staff, and laid-back vibe make this a brilliant spot after a morning exploring the Northern Quarter. Kids’ meals start from around £5, making it great value too.
Where: 37 Edge Street, M4 1HW | Nearby: Northern Quarter, Manchester Arndale
Quick Comparison: Which Restaurant is Right for Your Family?
Not sure which one to pick? Here’s a quick cheat sheet!
| Restaurant | Best For | Kids’ Menu |
|---|---|---|
| Mowgli Street Food | Adventurous young eaters, fun interiors | Yes, mini versions of adult dishes |
| New Century | Variety seekers, school holiday visits | Yes (4 of 6 kitchens), free kids’ meals on Sundays |
| Gusto | Special occasions, pizza lovers | Yes, including make-your-own pizza |
| Turtle Bay | Atmosphere and vibes, all ages | Yes, Little Turtles menu with free soft drink |
| Kargo MKT | Post-Salford Quays visits, fussy eaters | Yes, free during school holidays |
| Bill’s | Breakfast through to dinner, easy-going | Yes, all-day menu |
| Yard and Coop | Budget-friendly, Northern Quarter days | Yes, from around £5 |
Tips for Eating Out with Kids in Manchester
A few things worth knowing before you head out:
- Book ahead at weekends. Mowgli, Gusto, and Turtle Bay in particular get very busy on Saturdays and Sundays. A quick reservation will save you a lot of waiting around with hungry children!
- Check school holiday deals. New Century and Kargo MKT both offer free kids’ meals during the holidays, which can make a real difference to the family budget.
- Think about location. The Corn Exchange has several brilliant family-friendly options in one place (including Mowgli), so if you’re near the National Football Museum it’s a very convenient spot for lunch.
- Salford Quays is worth the trip. Kargo MKT pairs brilliantly with a visit to SEA LIFE Manchester, making for a really full and brilliant family day out.
- Highchairs and baby-changing. All the restaurants on this list are set up for families, but it’s always worth calling ahead if you have very young children to confirm facilities.
More Manchester Family Fun
A great meal is just the start! Manchester is packed with incredible things to do with kids, from the National Football Museum and SEA LIFE to the Crystal Maze Experience and Museum of Illusions. Check out our full guide to things to do in Manchester for the best family attractions, days out, and activities across the city.
Looking to keep costs down? We’ve also got a brilliant roundup of the 10 best free days out in Manchester, covering everything from the Manchester Museum to Heaton Park. Pair a free morning with one of the restaurants above and you’ve got a brilliant day out sorted!