Restaurant · York
Right in the middle of York, this is a warm, low-lit independent with an old-York feel that manages to be relaxed rather than precious — good news if your children are the wriggly sort. There are high chairs, a kids' menu, outdoor seating and proper vegan cooking (the vegan roast gets rapturous write-ups, sprouts and all), plus generous breakfasts, fish and chips with mushy peas, rump steak, salmon and puddings big enough to defeat most people. Staff are friendly and attentive, drinks land quickly, and mains generally arrive around twenty minutes in. Two honest notes: it gets a bit loud at busy times, though you can still hold a conversation, and some tables have chunky metal legs that make shuffling a child in and out fiddly. Booking ahead is wise, especially at weekends. One visitor simply calls it "a must visit".
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.
Smash burgers, hand-cut chips and famously flexible staff, with kids' menu and high chairs — book ahead, and avoid the cramped upstairs with a pram.
Family-friendly French brasserie in York with steak frites, high chairs and a kids' menu — noisy when busy, and service can be slow.
Generous Italian cooking in a handsome city-centre building, with conservatory tables overlooking a garden and unhurried, attentive service.