The Riverside Restaurant
Canal-view hotel dining room in Manchester with fast, genuinely warm service, a kids' menu, high chairs and a much-loved sticky toffee pudding.

Restaurant · Manchester
A riverside spot in Spinningfields with enough space that a weekday afternoon feels genuinely calm — one visitor describes it as a quiet place to sit with family, and the outdoor seating with a view over the water is the real draw. Staff get consistent praise for being attentive and checking in often, which matters when you're juggling a toddler and a plate. High chairs, buggy access and a kids' menu are all sorted. Food-wise, the curry and the Cajun chicken popcorn get the loudest cheers, and the sticky toffee pudding has genuine fans. Two honest snags: it's on the pricey side (£16 for a lunch salad, £7 a pint), and despite the plant-forward billing the vegan main options are thin — worth checking the current menu first. Look out for their promotions, which regularly cut the bill considerably.

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.
Canal-view hotel dining room in Manchester with fast, genuinely warm service, a kids' menu, high chairs and a much-loved sticky toffee pudding.
Kids' menu, high chairs and step-free buggy access in Salford, with gluten-free options and a moderate noise level.
Restaurant in Manchester with highchairs — 4.7★ (3,429 Google reviews).