Italian · Nottingham
Booking ahead is the sensible move here, though walk-ins on busy Saturdays have been squeezed in and looked after rather than turned away. The staff explain dishes, keep drinks topped up and are warm with families, and food tends to arrive hot and quickly — useful when a small person has run out of patience. Portions are generous (the ravioli and garlic bread being the exceptions), so children can happily share a plate alongside the kids' menu. The carbonara comes up again and again, along with the seafood pasta, meatballs, sea bass and crab ravioli; the lemon torte and tiramisu are worth saving room for. There are high chairs, buggy access, vegan options and outdoor seating. It's a little pricier than the average Italian, and the atmospheric, busy dining room means it isn't a quiet one — but one regular calls it "one of the most underrated spots in the whole city".
A little something creative for your next meal out. Filled with colouring, simple drawing prompts for cute animals, origami and conversation starters designed to bring more play, laughter and connection to the table. 3 free printable packs for toddlers, preschoolers and primary-aged children.
A mid-priced Nottingham grill restaurant with a kids' menu, handy for an easygoing family meal out.
Warm, family-run Greek café in Nottingham with generous gyros, famous baklava, a kids' menu, high chairs and outdoor tables.
Calm, traditional Thai spot where the staff happily adapt dishes for small eaters — but order mild, the spice is the real thing.