Bar & grill · Edinburgh
Right on the doorstep of the Playhouse, so it's a natural stop before or after a show, and the upstairs bar runs lively and cheerful while the dining side downstairs is calmer for younger children. There's a kids' menu, high chairs and vegan options, and the staff are consistently the strongest thing here — patient, chatty, quick with suggestions. Fajitas, the loaded burger with thick, crisp onion rings, and the haggis, neeps and tatties all get real affection from regulars. Be warned on two counts: portions can land smaller than the price suggests, and drinks are steep even by Edinburgh standards at over £7 a pint. Live music takes over Friday and Saturday nights, so bring earlier-in-the-day expectations if your children need quiet. One parent sums it up as "a bit of a tourist trap but the decor gives the place a nice vibe".
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.
Hidden first-floor Chinese near St James Quarter with huge sharing portions, high chairs, a kids' menu and unusually patient, family-minded staff.
Lively Edinburgh brunch spot with generous portions, patient staff, window tables and a legendary sticky toffee pudding — expect a wait at weekends.
A striking, lift-up-high brunch spot where the duck and waffle lives up to the hype — kids' menu, high chairs, book ahead.