Looking for the perfect family-friendly restaurant in Wales? We’ve created a list of top recommendations to find the perfect spot for your family.
From fish and chips at the seaside to cosy country pubs to metropolitan eateries, Wales is packed with tasty places to eat out with the kids. Whether you have a newborn, a fussy threenager or an older child, we’re here to help with our top family-friendly recommendations around Wales.
Avoid sitting in traffic and hearing “Are we there yet?” Leave the car at home and go on a train adventure. Every restaurant and cafe on our list is just a short walk from the nearest train station. Let us deal with the journey so you can deal with the fun.
Eating out with the family in Wales
Wales is steadily becoming one of the most exciting food destinations in the UK. And it has some perfect spots for families to get a tasty meal, in a warm, relaxed environment.
There are some great family locations to eat out, like Cardiff’s buzzing food scene to Tenby’s seaside haven.
With our Family train ticket, up to two children under 16 can travel for free with a fare-paying adult, perfect for saving you money. Buy your train ticket today directly with us to avoid paying booking fees.
Top family-friendly restaurants
Here are some of our favourite restaurants around Wales for families.
Cardiff family restaurants
Wales's vibrant capital is overflowing with family-friendly eating options. The city centre and nearby Cardiff Bay both offer something for every taste and budget.
- Fat Hippo - A delicious independent restaurant serving an incredible collection of burgers with a dedicated kids’ menu.
- The Stable - if your family are pizza fans, look no further than The Stable for some delicious food in a great atmosphere.
Key stations: Cardiff Central, Cardiff Queen Street, and Cardiff Bay.
Swansea family restaurants
Swansea has an exciting local food scene, particularly its legendary covered market and waterfront.
- Swansea Market Café - with a dozen spots to choose from, there’s something for every member of the family in the Swansea Market Café.
- The Secret Beach Bar & Kitchen - For a seaside view while you eat, you’ll find some tasty meals in The Secret Beach Bar & Kitchen.
Key stations: Swansea
North Wales family restaurants
From the Victorian splendour of Llandudno to the spectacular Conwy Valley, North Wales offers filling, unpretentious family food with a dramatic backdrop.
- Teddy’s Bar, Bistro and Restaurant - serving fresh, high-quality food, Teddy’s is a family-friendly spot that shouldn’t be missed.
- Hickory's Smokehouse Wrexham - if you love barbecue, Hickory’s should definitely be on your list of family spots to try.
Best stations: Bangor, Rhyl, and Wrexham General.
South Wales family restaurants
Home to the likes of Pembrokeshire and Barry, South Wales has something for every family.
- Simply Seafood, Tenby - serving up fresh seafood, this unpretentious spot combines beautiful views with top-notch food.
- Fratelli, Newport - if Italian is your thing, Fratelli is going to be hard to beat with some of Wales’ best traditional Italian meals.
Best stations: Tenby and Newport.
Mid-Wales family restaurants
The Mid-Wales countryside specialises in the kind of warming, generous food that is perfect for families after a day of adventures.
- Caffi Cledrau, Aberystwyth - for a laid-back cafe experience in the station, try Caffi Cledrau for a selection of hot and cold meals
- Dragon Inn, Crickhowell - whether you just fancy a hearty meal or want to stay over, the Dragon Inn is a perfect spot for families.
Best stations: Machynlleth, Aberystwyth, Welshpool, and Newtown.
Tips for eating out as a family in Wales
Book ahead
The best family restaurants can fill up pretty quickly, especially on weekends and school holidays. We recommend you ring ahead or book online to secure a table.
Look out for deals
Some restaurants and cafes offer lunch and early dinner meals. You can also find some kids eat for free deals, especially during school holidays, perfect for saving you money.
Check the menu
If you have a picky eater, make sure you check the menu before booking. This could help save a wasted meal.
Take some entertainment
You know your child best. Take something with you to keep them occupied. A hungry child can be pretty impatient so keeping them occupied is a must.
Plan for a wait
The average wait time at a restaurant is 20 to 45 minutes. Make sure you plan for this when arriving at the restaurant to avoid a hangry child.
