Cafe Atlas
Calm, warm Moroccan stall in St Nicholas Market with big portions, low prices, mint tea and proper seating — just avoid the lunch rush.

Pie shop · Bristol
Tucked into the food market inside the Corn Exchange, this is a pie counter with proper seating — knives and forks, tables to park a buggy beside, and a view of the market crowd going by, which buys you a few minutes of distraction with a restless toddler. The pies come fast, which matters when someone's melting down: steak and kidney, chicken with ham and leek, goat's cheese for veggies, plus vegan options and reliable gluten-free choices the team genuinely knows about. Add mash, mushy peas, gravy and crispy onions. There's a kids' menu and high chairs. Two snags worth knowing: seating is limited and the market gets busy, so arrive off-peak; and at roughly £8 a plate it isn't cheap for market food, with the semi-outdoor spot chilly on a cold day. One parent sums it up simply — "worth the wait".

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.
Calm, warm Moroccan stall in St Nicholas Market with big portions, low prices, mint tea and proper seating — just avoid the lunch rush.
A friendly old-style stall in St Nicholas Market doing generous rolls, big breakfasts and plenty of vegan choices at fair prices.
A tiny, cheap Portuguese counter in St Nicholas Market — fast homemade meatballs, piri piri chicken and famous pastéis de nata.