Where to eat with kids in Paris – 5 family-friendly spots

Paris isn’t known for its family-friendly chains – but that’s no bad thing if you’re looking for somewhere to eat with the kids. Instead if you’re wondering where to eat with kids in Paris you’ll find brasseries, bistros and cafes where children are just as welcome as their parents.

And with classic dishes like croque monsieur on menus not to mention creperies galore, there’s plenty for them to eat as well even if garlic gets the thumbs down.

If you are struggling with fussy little ones, there are boulangeries on (practically) every corner and parks galore to eat your baguettes in. But here are a few other options to try which you’ll only find in Paris.

CafeZoide

On the Quai de la Loire in La Villette, CafeZoide is not far from the canal and the Cite des Enfants and aimed entirely at children. You’ll find children serving in the café, and there’s games, activities and music upstairs for all ages.

The downside? On our Sunday afternoon visit, it was packed and more than a bit chaotic, so I quickly abandoned the idea of actually having anything to eat or drink.

If you do, you may pay a small supplement if it’s a one-off visit – if you’re spending a while in Paris, you can register for a year for 6 euros and get lower costs.

Les 400 Coups

EDIT: Now closed Near Buttes Chaumont park, this is a restaurant with play areas as well as special menus to suit adults and children – think teatime options including cake and drinks (with coffee for grown-ups) as well as weekday lunches such as veal meatballs.

It’s also open on a Monday, which is rare for many child-friendly places.

Cremerie-Restaurant Polidor

With plenty of history and cuisine familiale drawing plenty of locals as well as tourists, Restaurant Polidor is also a good place to introduce older kids to traditional French bistro food – think steak frites as well as snails on the menu.

Brasserie Flo

Set near the Gare de l’Est, Brasserie Flo is another venerable French brasserie straight out of the Belle Epoque era – but with children’s menus as well. Better for kids old enough not to need a high chair though.

L’Etoile de Montmartre

On the northern side of Montmartre, L’Etoile de Montmartre is slightly further than most tourists venture and is not only more authentic and less crowded, it’s also known for being hugely child-friendly – there’s even a children’s toilet, as well as colouring books and high chairs.

For my guide to Paris with kids, including tips for visiting with a toddler, click here

Image courtesy of Depositphotos