Wondering where to eat in York with kids? From traditional tea rooms to the latest street food, there’s something for every appetite in York and lots of fun places to eat that you won’t find anywhere else. Yes, you’ll find all the usual chains, but why not give an independent business a try? York’s brimming with amazing family-run places to eat that also happen to be family-friendly and fun, and these are some of our favourites. There’s something for even the pickiest of eaters, we promise.

Here’s our guide to the best family-friendly cafes, restaurants, street food and more in York

Tuck into tapas at Ambiente

Eating out with kids doesn’t have to mean pizza! For a delicious family meal in York with a relaxed holiday vibe, we’d wholeheartedly recommend Ambiente Tapas. There are two restaurants, in Goodramgate and Fossgate (our favourite if we’re with the kids), and they’re both relaxed and welcoming. The food’s so good, and there are plenty of options for vegans and vegetarians. Read our review of Ambiente here.

Ambiente, 31 Fossgate, York YO1 9TA

Eat while you swing at Plush Cafe

Plush Cafe is York’s most instagrammable cafe where you can sit on a swing while tucking into teddy toast! A pun-packed menu is just one of the quirky aspects of this family-run venture, nestled in a cosy, higgledly-piggledy building in the heart of York. There are different themed rooms, with something for every mood, and there’s a children’s menu too. Plush Cafe, 6 Stonegate, York, YO1 8AS

Tuck into street food at Spark:York

Spark:York is a place that looks and feels like no other venue in York. 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! Spark:York, 17 – 21 Piccadilly, York, YO1 9PB

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! Bettys, 6-8 St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QP

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 & Brownie, 5 Museum St, York YO1 7DT

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

Cracking crepes 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. Shambles Food Court, York, YO1 7LX

Sicilian treats 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

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

Relax and read at Hungate Reading Cafe

Explore Hungate is another brilliant reading room (cafe/library) from Explore York. 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

Worth the wait at Robinsons Cafe

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

Award-winning lunches at The Balloon Tree

The Balloon Tree 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. A166, Gate Helmsley, York, YO41 1NB

Donuts galore at Doe York

Doe Bakehouse does tasty donuts, good coffee and more from their colourful cafe on York’s Church Street. As well as the popular city-centre shop, there’s a branch in Layerthorpe with free parking and plenty of seating too. Doe, 12a Church Street, York, YO1 8BE.