Dining Out With Toddlers: What Actually Helps

There’s no way to sugarcoat it, dining out with a toddler isn’t easy. And dining out with two toddlers? Also not easy.

Our nuggets are 18 months apart, so those early years of eating out were less about long, leisurely meals and more about finding places that were quick, convenient, and forgiving.

But over time, we found a few small things that made a big difference - the kind that can turn a stressful outing into something (almost) enjoyable for everyone.

Here’s what worked for us.

Start (or End) With a Playground

Toddlers have energy. A lot of it.

Having a playground nearby, either before you sit down or after you eat, can make everything feel easier. It gives kids a chance to burn energy, reset, and enjoy the outing in their own way.

We often planned our meals around playgrounds, whether that meant a quick stop before lunch or a reward after.

One of our go-tos was Brags and Brams on Hackney Road, the kids loved the food, and there are several playgrounds nearby. You can even pair it with a visit to Hackney City Farm for a little extra excitement.

👉 Nugget tip: Use the “Playground Nearby” filter to find restaurants within a short walk of a play space.

Order Early (Really Early)

This one we learned the hard way, more than once!

With toddlers, timing is everything. The sooner food arrives, the smoother the experience tends to be.

We got into the habit of:

Checking the menu ahead of time
Ordering as soon as we sat down
Asking for the kids’ food to come out first

If the kids finished before us (which they usually did), a small treat like ice cream could buy us a few extra minutes, or it was time to head to that nearby playground.

👉 Nugget tip: Use the “Kids Menu” filter to find places with dedicated options (we often include photos so you know what to expect).

Bring a “Restaurant Go Bag”

Even when restaurants offer colouring or activities, having your own small kit can make all the difference.

Ours lived in the stroller and evolved over time, but during the toddler years it included:

Chunky crayons
Small colouring books
Little toys or figurines

Nothing fancy, often just small bits collected from parties or events, but enough to hold attention while waiting for food.

👉 Nugget tip: Use the “Kids Coloring” filter to find restaurants that offer activities too.

Embrace the Play Space (When You Need It)

Let’s be honest, restaurants with play spaces aren’t always known for the best food.

But sometimes, you just want to sit down, eat a meal, and take a breath while your kids are happily occupied. And that’s okay.

When you find a place that offers both? It’s a win.

Toconoco in East London is one of those rare finds, a lovely Japanese café with a small but thoughtful play corner. It’s relaxed, welcoming, and works just as well for a casual lunch as it does for a family outing.

👉 Nugget tip: Use the “Kids Play Space” filter to find spots like this near you.

One Thing to Remember

Dining out with toddlers won’t always be smooth, and it definitely won’t always be calm.

But with the right setup (and a little flexibility), it can still be enjoyable.

Sometimes it’s about the food.
Sometimes it’s about the playground.
And sometimes it’s just about getting out of the house.