Finding a family- friendly restaurant anywhere can be difficult, especially in a new city. Trying to cater to everyone’s needs whilst finding top quality food is part of the challenge. However, there are some places that have a friendly and welcoming environment alongside great food all over the UK. Join CrossCountry as we highlight the best family restaurants in Leeds, part of our child friendly restaurants series.
Farmhouse Leeds
With tasty dishes from all over the world in a sleek but wholesome atmosphere, Farmhouse Leeds has got everything you need for the perfect family-friendly restaurant. Jordan, who is the brains behind Farmhouse Leeds, had a dream of starting their own restaurant that would combine great food and a welcoming environment and has manifested that into a culinary hotspot in the centre of Leeds. With a dedicated kid’s menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that also includes puzzles and wordsearches to keep them busy while they’re waiting for their delicious meal, there is no reason the kids can’t have a great experience too. The breakfasts are served until 4PM, meaning there is never a bad time to order their famous pancakes. If you get there in time for dinner, their junior chicken katsu curry is a firm favourite.
Situated in the heart of the city centre, with another restaurant located in Harrogate too, you will quickly see why this restaurant is a hit not just with families, but foodies of all kinds. It is also just over a ten-minute walk from Leeds station, making it a perfect pit-stop either to or from the station.
Banyan
In what has become a staple of the city centre with their wide-ranging events, great food, and energetic environment, Banyan has established itself as a must-visit eatery for anyone in Leeds. As they are a ‘Bar & Kitchen’, you might be mistaken for overlooking Banyan as not having the typical family-friendly atmosphere of other restaurants, but they make sure that children are just as well catered for as the adults. Their extensive kid’s menu covers all bases as well as catering to kids of all ages, with the option of making the portions a little bigger. The menu is full of options to get your kids to have their 5-a-day too, with their famous mac ‘n’ cheese with hidden butternut squash. There is also a number of healthy options for sides like sweetcorn wheels to round off a healthy meal.
Situated within a five-minute walk of the train station, Banyan Bar & Kitchen provides a perfect option for a relaxed brunch or dinner which you could take outside in their garden area, weather permitting!
Indian Tiffin Room
The Indian Tiffin Room has grown in popularity since it started serving up delicious Indian street food in its first restaurant in Cheadle. Skip ahead a few years and they now have establishments in Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds. The co-owners, Srini and Suresh have described their restaurant as a family, and what anyone who walks through their doors to be part of that. This wholesome environment is felt straight away by customers, which keeps them coming back for more.
An extensive menu isn’t just for the adults, with plenty of the chefs’ favourites making its way to the children’s menu too. From puri masala to butter chicken, there is plenty of choice for every pallet and with a dessert menu too if there is room; you’re guaranteed to be full but will leave wanting more. The walk just over five minutes back to the train station will give you plenty of time to walk off your meal before your journey back.
The Botanist
A different dining experience for kids is in store at The Botanist. With the children’s menu incorporating a gardening theme, the food doesn’t just taste great, it’s a lot of fun to eat too. Their famous fish bites get served with a side of peas in a plant pot and a mini wheelbarrow of ketchup, giving kids a fun way to eat some of their favourite meals.
On top of the fun food, there is also live music throughout the weekend, which hosts a number of talented local performers playing their music all throughout the day. From folk to jazz to smooth soul, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy alongside fantastic food. The Botanist is also ideally located, being less than a ten-minute walk from the train station, a perfect spot for brunch or an evening meal before catching the train.
The Hidden Village
The Hidden Village offers something a little different for younger families. This charming café provides younger children with the chance to join in on a ‘play’ session, which runs for 90-minutes twice a day. This gives kids the chance to be a vet, work in the ‘little village shop’, as well as grow their own vegetables in the veg patch.
Alongside this, there are plenty of tasty treats for all the family. There are plenty of hot food and drink options including toasties and luxury hot chocolates. There is also a boutique toy shop where you can choose from cuddly animals to fire engines. The café is just over a ten-minute walk from the train station, perfect as a first pit stop for little legs.
If you’re planning to travel to Leeds, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Written by Abby