Wondering where to eat in York with kids? Good news – you’re in the right city. From brilliant brunch spots to incredible independents serving dishes you won’t find anywhere else, York has plenty of places that make eating out with kids a pleasure rather than a chore. Whether you’re grabbing something on the go, or holding out hope for a relaxed brunch, there’s something for everyone (even the pickiest of eaters!).
Although you’ll find all the usual chains across the city, we always encourage families to try York’s fantastic independents. They’re full of character, serve great food and help keep York’s vibrant indie scene thriving (check out Indie York for more recommendations). Every place on this list is family-friendly, tried and tested by us and our own children, and all offer something lovely.
Here are our top recommendations for fun places to eat in York with kids.
RECOMMENDED
Fun family-friendly cafes & places to eat in York with kids – Our pick of the best
1. Tapas for all at Ambiente Tapas, Fossgate
Atmospheric, friendly and a favourite of local families, Ambiente serves up brilliant tapas in the heart of Fossgate. There’s a great children’s menu as well as plenty of dishes that are ideal for sharing, making it easy for kids to try something new without committing to a whole plate. It’s a relaxed option that feels special, with warm service and lots of choice (including plenty for veggies and vegans). It does get busy, so booking ahead is wise if you’re visiting with little ones. Read our review of Ambiente here.
📍 Ambiente, 31 Fossgate, York YO1 9TA
🌐 ambientetapas.co.uk
2. Independent street-food fun at Spark:York
Spark:York is a place that looks and feels like no other venue in York. Colourful, creative and packed with indie food vendors, it’s brilliant for families. It’s a vibrant, relaxed place to eat and drink where children are welcome. Order delicious food from around the world, served by small businesses that are passionate about what they do. Can’t all agree on what to eat? You can order from a variety of places at the same time, so everyone’s happy. We usually end up with a mixture of Greek, Asian and pizza! It’s perfect if you’re after something quick, casual and fun.
📍 Spark:York, 17–21 Piccadilly, York YO1 9PB
🌐 sparkyork.org
3. A classic York experience at Bettys
Bettys is a jewel in the city’s crown. It’s the ultimate destination for afternoon tea in York, but it’s also a lovely place for a meal. It’s surprisingly family-friendly, with a children’s menu, space to store your buggy and lovely staff who’ll make sure that everyone’s happy. It’s smart but not stuffy, so don’t let the breakable china and silver teapots put you off visiting with your children. Don’t miss the cinnamon toast and fat rascals! If there’s a queue (and there often is), it tends to move quickly, and it’s worth the wait.
📍Bettys, 6 St Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QP
🌐 bettys.co.uk
4. Pancake stacks at Brew & Brownie
Brew & Brownie offers a great brew and a really good brownie, but it’s famous for its pancakes. Later on in the day, lovely cakes and sandwiches are the order of the day. If it’s busy (it’s popular, so prepare to wait/queue), try their sister cafe – the Bakehouse – just a few doors down. It’s a good option for takeaway too – get something to go and enjoy it in the Museum Gardens, just across the road.
📍 Brew and Brownie, 5 Museum Street, York YO1 7DT
🌐 brewandbrownie.co.uk
5. Brilliant brunches at Partisan
Partisan is a beautiful, independent family-run cafe on Micklegate serving delicious locally-sourced food and good coffee. The interiors are warm, inviting and homely, and the staff are friendly too. It’s housed in a quirky building so it can be a bit of an obstacle course with a buggy, but it’s worth the effort.
📍 Partisan, 112 Micklegate, York YO1 6JX
🌐 partisanuk.com
6. Crepes on the go at Krep Truck
Krep is one of our go-to places to eat with kids in York. Forget the formality (and associated stresses) of a sit-down meal: these authentic crepes and galettes are served from a charming hut in the vibrant Shambles Market using the best local ingredients. Children love watching their crêpes being cooked, and there are loads of fillings to choose from. It’s quick, delicious and perfect for a relaxed bite to eat while you’re exploring the Shambles.
📍 Shambles Food Court, York YO1 7LX
🌐 krep.co.uk
7. Family-friendly Sicilian food at Trinacria
For traditional Sicilian food in York, look no further than Trinacria. Situated just outside the city on the ever-popular Bishopthorpe Road, Trinacria has become a local institution since it opened. It’s easy to see why: the food is fantastic, the ice creams are out of this world and the service is incredibly friendly. Locals flock here so it can be hard to get a table at peak times, but if you decide to stay and queue, it’ll be worth the wait. There’s no kids’ menu but they’ll happily do small portions of adult meals. It’s less than five minutes from here to Rowntree Park and the river, so it’s a useful place to know.
Trinacria, 27 Bishopthorpe Rd, York YO23 1NA
8. The best breakfasts at The Pig & Pastry
Expect amazing eggs, epic waffles, fab pastries, homemade granola and great coffee in this lovely neighbourhood café on award-winning Bishy Road. There’s a focus on local produce, and you’ll find plenty of vegan and veggie options too. Friendly staff, a warm atmosphere and delicious, comforting food whatever time of day make this a popular choice, so expect to queue at peak times (it’s well worth the wait).
The Pig & Pastry, 35 Bishopthorpe Rd, York YO23 1NA
9. Relax and read at Hungate Reading Cafe
Explore Hungate is another brilliant reading room (cafe/library) from Explore York if you’re looking for something simple and unfussy. It’s spacious with easy access for buggies and wheelchairs, and plenty of indoor space. There’s an outdoor seating area too, if the weather’s good or you just fancy sitting outside. Children will love the lovely little children’s area with books and comfy, colourful places to sit. No promises, but you might just get to enjoy a hot cup of tea or coffee in peace…If you’d like something to eat, there are cakes and tasty breakfast and lunch options too. Just a stone’s throw from York city centre, it’s a great place to escape the crowds or meet friends.
Hungate Reading Cafe, Bellerby Court, Hungate, York YO1 7AF
10. Worth the wait at Robinsons
Robinsons is a popular neighbourhood cafe on Bishopthorpe Road where you can expect delicious locally sourced food, beautifully cooked. There’s a relaxed and warm atmosphere where children are very welcome. Toddlers tuck into croissants and scrambled eggs, while older children are often found piling into the pancake stacks. No bookings, so expect to queue at peak periods.
Robinsons, 7 Bishopthorpe Rd, York YO23 1NA
11. Award-winning lunches at The Balloon Tree
The Balloon Tree, just outside Stamford Bridge, is an award-winning farm shop and cafe just outside York that warmly welcomes families. The café serves home-cooked breakfasts and lunches as well as a tempting array of cakes, but children love it most for the play area and pick-your-own. We’ve been many times, and love it.
The Balloon Tree, A166, Gate Helmsley, York, YO41 1NB
Last updated November 2025
Please always check opening hours, prices and other details before you travel, and always pre-book where necessary.
This guide was written by the Little Vikings editorial team. Little Vikings is an award-winning, independent guide to family-friendly activities in and around York, run by a local family with an in-depth knowledge of the best things to do and places to go.
About Little Vikings – York for Kids
Little Vikings is York’s award-winning family guide, run by a local family who know the city inside out. We explore, review and recommend the best things to do, see, eat and experience with kids in York and beyond.
