London is a city packed with iconic views around every corner, from Big Ben to the Tower of London, the Shard to the sweeping Thames. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to choose between a spectacular view and a meal the whole family will actually enjoy!
London’s dining scene has come a long way, and some of the city’s most breathtaking restaurants are genuinely brilliant for families. We’re talking kids menus, high chairs, relaxed atmospheres, and floor-to-ceiling windows that’ll have even the fussiest little ones staring in awe. Whether you’re planning a special occasion, a birthday treat, or just want to make a London day out extra memorable, these are our top picks for London’s best family-friendly restaurants with a view.
Quick tip: Heading to London for the day? Don’t forget to check out City Cruises for a brilliant way to see the city from the Thames, with up to 50% off tickets for VIP Pass members!
Roe, Canary Wharf
View: Canary Wharf waterfront and docklands Family credentials: Dedicated “Mini Roe’s” children’s menu, spacious restaurant, outdoor lawns for kids to run around
From the team behind the acclaimed Fallow restaurant in St James’s comes Roe, a standout dining spot in Canary Wharf that’s fast becoming one of London’s best family restaurants. The huge, bright, beautifully designed space is ideal for families, and outside there are manicured lawns right by the water where kids can burn off energy before or after their meal.
The dedicated children’s menu, Mini Roe’s, is genuinely impressive. Forget the usual suspects; here kids can choose from a child-friendly cheeseburger, venison sausage with gravy, and of course, ice cream for pudding. It’s the kind of menu that shows the kitchen actually thought about what children want to eat.
London’s Best Family-Friendly Restaurants with a View
Aqua Shard
Perched on the 31st floor of The Shard, Aqua Shard is one of those restaurants where the wow factor hits before you’ve even looked at the menu. The floor-to-ceiling windows deliver jaw-dropping 360-degree views across London, and the good news for families is that it’s far more welcoming to little ones than you might expect!
There’s a dedicated kids menu featuring mini portions of some of Aqua’s top dishes, and high chairs are available throughout. We love the idea of taking kids here for breakfast or Sunday lunch, where the price point is more accessible and the atmosphere is slightly more relaxed than an evening sitting. The Peter Pan afternoon tea is a magical treat if you’re visiting with younger children!
For the grown-ups, think slow-cooked Blythburgh pork belly, crispy fried coral mushrooms, and an impressive selection of wines from across the globe. The Sunday roast is legendary, and the views at that time of day are absolutely stunning.
Best for: Special occasions and birthdays, Sunday lunch, families with children aged 5+
Location: Level 31, The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY | Get directions
Opening Times: Monday to Sunday, 12pm to 12am (breakfast service also available)
Find out more about Aqua Shard
Duck & Waffle
If you want the highest views AND a genuinely relaxed vibe for families, Duck & Waffle is the one! Located on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower near Liverpool Street, the glass lift ride up alone is worth the trip for kids. The atmosphere is vibrant and a little noisy, which means little ones can be themselves without you worrying about disturbing other diners.
The all-day menu leans towards comfort food and brunch, with loads of sharing plates and small dishes that work brilliantly for families. High chairs are available, and the menu includes everything from waffles and banana French toast to spicy ox cheek doughnuts (trust us, they’re incredible!) and a surprisingly lengthy vegan menu.
The signature duck and waffle dish is an absolute must-order. Crispy confit duck leg, fried duck egg, and waffle, served with mustard maple syrup. The kids will love it just as much as you do!
- Open 24 hours Thursday to Monday
- Glass lift to the 40th floor is an experience in itself
- Vegan menu available
- High chairs provided
Best for: Brunch, all-day dining, families with children of all ages
Location: Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY | Get directions
Opening Times: Thursday to Monday open 24 hours; Tuesday 7am to 1:30am; Wednesday 7am to 12am
Find out more about Duck & Waffle
Darwin Brasserie at Sky Garden
Here’s one that’s genuinely brilliant value for families! Sky Garden at the top of the iconic Walkie Talkie building offers free entry to its stunning garden and viewing areas, and the Darwin Brasserie on the 36th floor has a dedicated children’s menu. It’s a popular destination for a reason!
The Darwin Brasserie serves food all day, making it flexible for families who don’t want to be locked into a specific lunch or dinner slot. The menu is built around classic British seasonal dishes, and the kids menu is straightforward and well-priced. You can also wander through the Sky Garden’s lush indoor garden space before or after your meal, which the little ones absolutely love!
Pro tip: Book your free Sky Garden entry tickets in advance on the Sky Garden website, as they go quickly. Restaurant reservations are separate.
Best for: Budget-conscious families, all-day visits, combining dining with a free viewpoint
Location: 1 Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF | Get directions
Opening Times: Sunday to Thursday 8am to 12am; Friday and Saturday 8am to 1am
Find out more about Sky Garden
Coppa Club Tower Bridge
Ever eaten in a cosy igloo beside the Thames? The Coppa Club Tower Bridge is one of London’s most Instagrammable dining experiences, and the fantastic news is that it’s genuinely family-friendly too! The riverside location offers sweeping views of Tower Bridge and The Shard, and the all-day menu means you can pop in for breakfast, lunch, or a late-night snack.
The igloos are the big draw here, each one a cosy, flower-filled bubble right on the Thames. Kids absolutely love the novelty of it! There’s a dedicated kids menu alongside British classics for grown-ups, and the atmosphere is relaxed enough that families feel completely at home.
Don’t miss: The king prawn linguini, flat iron steak, and truffle pecorino fries. For the kids, the menu features familiar favourites served in generous portions.
After your meal, you’re perfectly placed to explore more of London’s best attractions. The Tower of London is right on your doorstep, and you can hop on a City Cruises boat for an unforgettable trip along the Thames!
Best for: All-day dining, families with young children, special occasions with a wow factor
Location: One Tower Bridge, Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 2AA | Get directions
Opening Times: Monday to Thursday 9am to 11pm; Friday and Saturday 9am to 11:30pm; Sunday 9am to 10pm
Find out more about Coppa Club Tower Bridge
The Swan at The Globe
If you want a view that feels truly London and a menu that champions the best of British produce, The Swan at The Globe is a brilliant choice for families. Perched on the South Bank of the Thames, it offers stunning views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the iconic river, and the atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and genuinely relaxed.
The menu changes with the seasons and leans heavily on UK-sourced ingredients: seafood from British waters, meat from a family farm in the Lake District, and cheeses from Neal’s Yard Dairy in Borough Market. There’s a dedicated kids menu, and the Sunday roast is one of the best in the area!
Why families love it: The South Bank location means you’re perfectly positioned for a full day out. Explore Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, walk along the Thames, and then settle in for a proper family meal with one of the most iconic views in London.
Best for: Sunday roasts, families who love British food, South Bank sightseeing days
Location: 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT | Get directions
Opening Times: Monday to Saturday 10:30am to 1am; Sunday 10:30am to 11pm
Find out more about The Swan at The Globe
Le Pont de la Tour
Fancy a front-row seat to one of the world’s most famous bridges? Le Pont de la Tour sits right on the riverbank near Tower Bridge, and its terrace views are genuinely spectacular. The restaurant has long been a London favourite, and it’s a brilliant choice for families who want to combine a special meal with some serious sightseeing.
The children’s menu has a lovely French feel to it, featuring dishes like goujonettes of sole with French fries and tartare sauce. It’s a great way to introduce little ones to new flavours without it feeling intimidating! For the adults, the menu is classic French fine dining: 28-day aged beef, beautifully prepared fish dishes, and an impressive wine list.
The riverside terrace is particularly magical in summer, with boats passing on the Thames providing endless entertainment for children. Nearby: The Tower of London is just a short walk away, making this a perfect spot to round off a day of historical sightseeing.
Best for: Families with adventurous young eaters, special occasions, summer dining
Location: 36D Shad Thames, London SE1 2YE | Get directions
Opening Times: Monday to Sunday, lunch from 12pm, dinner from 6pm (check website for latest times)
Find out more about Le Pont de la Tour
OXO Tower Brasserie
The OXO Tower on the South Bank is a London institution, and while the main restaurant leans towards fine dining, the Brasserie section is a much more relaxed option that works brilliantly for families. The 8th-floor views of the Thames and St Paul’s Cathedral are absolutely stunning, and the outdoor terrace is one of the best spots in London on a sunny day!
The Brasserie menu is lighter and more accessible than the tasting menu upstairs, with a good range of dishes to suit different tastes. The atmosphere is lively and informal, and the South Bank location means you’re surrounded by brilliant family activities before and after your meal.
Bear with us here! The OXO Tower doesn’t have a traditional kids menu, but the Brasserie dishes are varied enough that there will absolutely be something for every child, and the staff are very accommodating with smaller portions.
Don’t miss the view from the terrace on a clear day. The stretch of Thames you can see from up here, with St Paul’s dome rising above the cityscape, is genuinely one of the most beautiful sights in London.
Best for: Families with older children, South Bank day trips, al fresco summer dining
Location: Barge House Street, South Bank, London SE1 9PH | Get directions
Opening Times: Open every day 12pm to 9:30pm
The Orangery at Kensington Palace
Not every London view has to be a skyline! The Orangery at Kensington Palace offers something altogether different: a serene garden setting within the grounds of the Royal Palace, with beautiful views across the manicured palace gardens. It’s a stunning spot for a family afternoon tea, and the whole experience feels wonderfully special without being stuffy.
The Orangery is famous for its afternoon tea, which is a real treat for families. Children absolutely love the tiered cake stands, finger sandwiches, and scones with clotted cream, and the elegant surroundings make it feel like a proper occasion. There’s also a lovely outdoor terrace for sunny days!
Eat like royalty! The Orangery is located within Kensington Palace itself, so you can combine your visit with a tour of the palace and its fascinating royal history. It’s one of the best ways to spend a London afternoon with the family!
Best for: Afternoon tea, families with children who love a royal experience, combining with a Kensington Palace visit
Location: Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX | Get directions
Opening Times: Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm
Find out more about The Orangery
Plan Your London Family Day Out
We hope you’ve found the perfect London restaurant with a view for your next family trip! Whether you’re after a sky-high brunch at Duck & Waffle, a royal afternoon tea at Kensington Palace, or a cosy igloo dinner by Tower Bridge, there’s something here for every family and every budget.
Looking for more inspiration for your London day out? Head over to our things to do in London page for the best family attractions, and don’t miss our guide to fun restaurants for kids in London for even more brilliant dining ideas. And remember, City Cruises is the perfect way to see the whole city from the water before or after your meal, with up to 50% off for VIP Pass members!