Eating out with kids can sometimes be something of a challenge (understatement of the year!) There are plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants in the York area which really do welcome children and families so I’ve compiled a list of them here.
These places are not all ‘exclusively’ for families or children but they have all shown thoughtful touches or great facilities (things like pushchair access, changing facilities, highchairs and so on)
At York Mumbler we are always looking to ‘spread the word’ if we find out about any little gems, so if you know of a pub, restaurant or café that should be included in this listing then please contact us here.
Ambiente boasts two alternative takes on the tapas restaurant theme, both within the city walls and each with its own identity.
Ambiente Fossgate is located on Yorks’ destination street for indie dining. You’ll find a theatre kitchen and stylish modern urban décor, all in a spacious groundfloor area with ample room for the whole family as well as push chairs. Whilst Ambiente Goodramgate is housed in a characterful listed Georgian building and is ideal for more intimate family meals.
With a streamlined menu featuring the city’s favourite mouthwatering tapas dishes, think paella, patatas bravas & calamares, there’s more than enough to inspire your children’s tastebuds without having to compromise on your dining experience. As it’s all made for sharing, your kids can discover their adventurous eating side as they can try a little of everything. We’ll also help you keep them entertained with our kids’ packs. Ambiente is also Breastfeeding Friendly and our Fossgate restaurant has a ground floor baby changing facility, whilst our Goodramgate baby changing facility is accessible by a few steps on the ground floor, ensuring mums can dine out with their baby in confidence.
Our menu is inspired by tapas served in traditional Spanish ‘tabancos’ and in true Spanish style, for the adults out there, our drinks list contains so much sherry we guarantee you’ll be back for more. For more info visit their website here or follow them on facebook via the links below.
14 Goodramgate,York,YO1 7LQ and 31 Fossgate, York, YO1 9TA
Download our Ambiente Tapas App & receive a £20 Joining Gift when you enter Mumbler19 in the Joining Code*
*Download our app & enter Mumbler19 in the joining code to receive a £20 joining gift. Code is case sensitive. Valid in any Ambiente Tapas restaurant with a minimum of three people dining, including one child (restaurants also in Hull and Leeds). Joining gift is valid for one month from registration date & will be applied to your account 24 hours after registering.
Come and visit our Cupcakery where we hold cupcake decorating tea parties, make birthday cakes to order, and serve afternoon tea (booking required).
We are super child friendly and offer mini hot chocolates, pink milk and mini cupcakes for the little people! We also have a changing table, high chairs and are breast-feeding friendly too.
We’re open 10am-5pm from Monday to Saturday and 11am-5pm on Sundays.
Afternoon tea is just £12.50 per person
10 College St, York YO1 7JF
This café is a welcoming open place for you to come and enjoy a good cup of tea or fair trade coffee, as well as offering a fantastic range of sandwiches and homemade cakes to cater for all tastes. You can sit and read the daily paper, choose a book and have free use of our wi-fi whilst enjoying the vibrant ambiance of the building. We offer a friendly and relaxing environment that is suitable for all ages.
Opening times Monday to Thursday 9am- 4pm . Friday 10am – 4pm. Saturday 9am- 4pm. Sunday 11am- 3.30pm (Closed on Bank Holidays)
Please note that the cafe finishes serving hot food half an hour before these closing times.
Library Square, York YO1 7DS
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100% Gluten Free Cafe with a baby coffee morning on a Friday
‘I couldn’t recommended it more highly for people who are gluten free or people who would just like a tasty meal.’
KK Aug 2018
‘It’s a completely gluten free cafe. Great food!’
SC Aug 2018
Open 10am-4pm Tues, Wed, Thurs & Sun. 10am-6pm on Fri & Sat. Closed on Mondays
14 Gillygate, YO31 7EQ
T: 01904 656661
ASK Italian has vegan menu and normal one
JMM, April 18
Ask Italian is lovely x
JH, Oct 18
Ask Italian, Grand Assembly Rooms, Blake Street, York
T: 01904637254
Independent restaurant serving traditional polish Cuisine
“Barbakan is lovely for breakfast and kids go free”
NM, Sept 18
“Barbakan the polish restaurant it’s amazing!!!! Great portions and good price“
APG, Oct 18
Barbakan, 58 Walmgate, York, Y01 9TL
T: 01904 672474
Serving pizza, pasta and Italian classics.
‘Bella Italia is my girls’ favourite … love the fact there are two different sizes of kids’ meals and that they can order any pasta from the adult menu in a smaller size gives them a huge choice.’
RI Jan 19
‘Bella Italia are fab with my grandson especially at Clifton moor. Also had great Gluten free menu for coeliac hubby too!’
CM Jan 19
Whether looking for a cosy table for two, or celebrating with friends and family, Bill’s has something for everyone. Open all day and into the night, we’re well-known for our legendary breakfasts, veg-centric lunches, and a la carte dinners. Families are warmly welcomed with plenty of space for pushchairs.
‘Bills are great with kids and food is yummy.’
MJ, Nov 2018
‘Bills is very child friendly x’
JS, Feb 2018
12 Coney St, Yorkshire YO1 9NA
T: 01904 623548
Bistro, Cafe, Garden…Bring the whole family….We have a baby changing area, children’s play kitchen in the garden and high chairs.
Join us for craft beers and sourdough pizzas every Friday & Saturday night 6pm until late.
Sunday from 12pm – offers a woodfire pizza and a pint of craft guest beer or glass of Pimms for £10
To book, visit our website or Open Table.
40 Gillygate, York, YO31 7EQ
“Bistro Guy is a really nice place for lunch or coffee. They are very accommodating, the back garden is lovely and they have a play kitchen for the little ones.”
MFV, May 18
Bistro Guy on Gillygate – enclosed garden; kids can round around!
AS, Sept 18
Mention Mumbler for 10% off breakfast and lunch
T: 01904 652500
Cafe serving both breakfast and brunch with a variety of coffee, loose leaf teas and cakes.
Brew and brownie had a delicious vegan chocolate cake in a few weeks ago
CL June 18
Brew and brownie do amazing breakfast pancakes
BDK Jan 2018
5 Museum St, York YO1 7DT
T: 01904 647420
Offers a variety of sandwiches, paninis and jacket potatoes as well as serving breakfast and cakes.
Can’t recommend Bruks cafe enough in York the staff food and service was fabulous and great with the kids
SC, April 18
One of our favourites and I always forget to recommend on Mumbler! Some toys, board games and books for the kiddies, lovely staff and yummy food.
SW, April 18
1 Peter Lane, York, York, YO1 8SW
T: 01904 863822
Byron burgers mac n cheese is awesome!!
CH, March 18
I recommend Byron In town
LP, July 18
Byron Burger, High Ousegate, York
T: 01904 634488
Nestled in the heart of the vibrant, world-class destination York – almost in the shadows of York Minster – we are a fun and friendly gathering place for locals and tourists. You will savour the rich flavours of authentic, perfectly prepared cuisine from Italy.
Caesar’s is nice
JT, Feb 2018
Caesar’s is child friendly and bright
SR, Jan 2018
27-29 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LS
T: 01904 670914
Café 74 is all about providing a relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy our sumptuous range of made to order food and drinks. Our light meals and decadent, award-winning cakes are accompanied by a range of artisan coffees and speciality teas. Our signature home-made soups and savoury pastries are constantly changing to tempt you back inside each time you visit York.
We’ve been here a year or so ago and was lovely x Cafe 74 The Lawrence on micklegate
HS Jan 18
Café 74 is open daily from 8.30 so you can grab a quick coffee or stay for an all-day breakfast, light lunch or afternoon tea.
Mention Mumbler to get coffee and cake for £3.55
Cafe 74 – The Lawrence, 74 Micklegate, York, YO1 6LF
T: 01904 239988
Located in Low Petergate, this bistro is kids friendly with stunning views of York Minster. There is a kids menu for anytime of the day.
Cafe rouge on low Petergate is fab highly recommend they couldn’t do enough for us it’s very family friendly x
TAB, Jan 2018
Cafe rouge has a lovely upstairs area or a separate dining room downstairs. Good kids menu too.
GH, Jan 2018
The Adams House, 52 Low Petergate, York, North East, YO1 7HZ
T: 01904 673 293
The ideal place to enjoy anything from a cup of tea to a full meal.
‘City Screen Cafe! Loads of space.’
SBN, Aug 2018
‘City Screen cafe is nice on an evening. Had our 1st date there.’
NS, Oct 2018
13-17 Coney St, York YO1 9QL
T: 0871 902 5747
Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as having dedicated kids, vegan and gluten free menus.
The Cosy Club gets my vote too, they have menus for all dietary requirements, cocktails are really nice, price is great, staff are great and its a really lovely venue in town
LT, June 2018
I love Cosy Club. Spent loads of time here with mum friends in the first 6-7 months as the soft seating area is so feeding friendly and there’s a decent baby change. Pretty spacious too so suitable for groups of 5 or 6 with prams. As the babies are getting bigger it’s a lovely place to eat as a family, the staff are so helpful with the little ones. The food is good too and it feels more “grown up” if you want to feel like an adult for an hour! There’s colouring stuff provided for older kids too
FB, Sept 2018
19-22 Fossgate, York YO1 9TA
T: 01904 395056
Our food is simple, fresh and local.
We are family friendly with toys to play with and space for prams.
We bake everything in-house and often have gluten free and vegan cakes on offer. We also have soya/oat milk. We can’t guarantee nut free due to the size of our kitchen.
We discovered Daughter Cafe on Clifford st last week. It was great, toys, books and extremely child friendly staff. It’s lovely, would highly recommend it.
GC Oct 18
Recommended by Mumbler for being breast-feeding friendly
AR Sept 18
10 Clifford Street, York, YO1 9RD
T: 0781 716 2705
The Dutch pancake place in town (Double Dutch Pancakes) has a lovely upstairs and the pancakes are amazing! My nearly 3 year old loves it and so do we x
LH, July 2018
Recommend Double dutch in town for pancakes x
TN, Nov 2018
Opening Hours: 10am – 5pm Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm Saturday, 10am – 4pm Sunday
Dogs allowed in the front window area
7 Church Street, York, YO1 8BG
T: 01904 658728
Fresh food that is locally sourced. The menus change seasonally and monthly specials.
Eagle and child on petergate. Good baby changing facilities and nice food for kids with kids cutlery. Games/toys/colouring stuff for kids. Also not judgy if you want a glass of wine with your lunch (which occasionally my friends and I enjoy!)
RS, Sept 2018
Our go to for good quality beer and wine and our little boy is always looked after. A absolutely child friendly pub that is still a pub. Great Sunday lunch too
SB, Sept 2018
Opening Hours: 11 to 11 Sunday to Wed, Closed Midnight Thursday to Saturday.
9 High Petergate, York, YO1 7EN
T: 01904631536
Vegan and vegetarian. Serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and coffee. Walk-ins welcome and great for groups or parties and excellent food for children. Takeaway available.
Goji always have vegan chocolate cake! It is delicious
CJ June 18
Goji – their cakes taste delicious and I couldn’t even tell they were dairy free
KJ Feb 18
36 Goodramgate, York
T: 01904622614
Kennedys is child friendly
KM, July 18
I’ve never had an issue or any funny looks for breastfeeding in Kennedys & I’ve found staff & members of the public have always been very supportive. Don’t be afraid at all!
LH, May 18
Kennedys, Little Stonegate, York Yo1
T: 01904 620222
Located on Walmgate in the heart of the historic city of York, Khao San Road is a warm and inviting Thai Bistro which serves authentic Thai cuisine.
‘Khao San road recommended.’
JH, Sept 2018
‘Recommend khao San road.’
EM, Sept 2018
50-52 Walmgate, York, YO1 9TJ
T: 01904 635599
Just had a lovely light meal, cake and coffee at La Bottega on goodramgate. Whole room to ourselves upstairs and yummy food. Crayons and books for children too. Very friendly.
RT Jan 2019
We’ve just had a fab meal there too. Yummy choc brownie 😍
DS Jan 2019
Dogs welcome in the courtyard
Opening Hours: From 8.30am – 4.30pm, Monday to Saturday and 9.30 – 3.30 Sunday
La Bottega, 23 Goodramgate, York
T: 07856 149509
South American restaurant.
‘Las iguanas have a vegan menu and will find space for a buggy or a car seat!’
MCS Jun 18
‘Las iguanas has a veggie and vegan menu x’RT, April 18
21 Back Swinegate, York, YO1 8AD
T: 01904 521100
A great selection on display and 200 recipes, it’s a hit with children whatever the weather!
We went to licc yesterday in town was gorgeous xx
AC, July 18
I second this, LICC behind browns in the city centre is amazing!
CE, July 18
20 Back Swinegate, York, YO1 8AD
T: 01904 637373
Little Italy is one of York’s finest family run Italian restaurants.
Nestled between York Minster and Monk Bar “Little Italy” was established by owners Andrea & Mandy Gaias in January 1992, and as a result of endless dedication have built up an enviable reputation as one of York’s finest Italian restaurants offering gourmet cuisine to satisfy the most discerning tastes.
‘Little Italy is nice … and child friendly.’
KT, Sept 2018
‘Little Italy -very family friendly.’
RM, Jan 2018
12 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LQ
T: 01904 623539
Join us at Lucia York for delicious Italian, Mediterranean and tapas food by day and mind blowing cocktails by night.
Lucia is a good all rounder, Mediterranean style food. You can’t book there but you don’t usually need to wait long for a table and the cocktails are sooo good!! X
RW, Nov 2018
Lucia’s has a kids menu, they get a drink, main meal & icecream for about £7, the kids pizza is as big as the adults one xx
DM, Aug 2018
13 Swinegate East court, York, YO1 8AJ
T: 01904 731599
Established in 1987, Mamma Mia has a long-standing reputation for excellent and authentic Italian food, freshly prepared in our kitchens.
Mama Mia‘s on Gillygate really family friendly
VS, Jan 2018
Mamma Mia‘s on Gillygate! Beautiful food, we go here quite often!
EC, Nov 2018
20 Gillygate, York YO31 7EQ
T: 01904 622020
Nandos at vanguard. Always so friendly with my daughter and accommodating to us having two kids, needing pram space. They offer colouring, books to read and not to mention the children’s menu and meals are lovely xxx
JLB Jan 19
We love it here
CS Jan 19
Vangarde Shopping Park, Vangarde Way, Huntington, North Yorkshire, YO32 9AE
T: 01904 621563
12 High Ousegate, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 8RZ
T: 01904 679 103
Vegan Kitchen – Street Food including curries, cakes & lots more.
Do the most yummy cakes, brownies, biscuits, etc and even vegan hotdogs.
JB Mar 18
Went today and got the mac and cheese and peanut butter flapjack. Both were delicious. Also bought some ‘bacon’ which I’m looking forward to trying tomorrow morning for breakfast.
JFC Mar 18
Once Across the Garden, 10 Church Street, York
11.30am – 7pm every day except Tuesday
T: 07881364798
Breakfast & Brunch Restaurant
Osborne’s @68 on Gillygate – lovely people, great coffee, and the cakes are delicious and enormous!!
SF Sept 18
Osbornes at cafe 68 down gillygate is fab!!
HM Sept 18
Open 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday & 11am-4pm Sunday
68 Gillygate, YO31 7EQ
T: 01904 627939
Panda Mami buffet restaurant chain has landed in York. Our chefs prepare over 150 authentic dishes from around the world every day and the Live Cooking Stations provide fabulous taste and entertainment. We provide a casual dining experience like no other, offering a balanced choice of delicious food, giving our guests added value at a fixed price, all within luxurious surroundings.
‘Love panda mami and our kiddies do too. We have always paid half the price for our 7 and 5 years old them just a few pound for the 2year old x’
VR, Oct 2018
‘Went last week! Was lovley! Didn’t pay my my 2yr old either as in a high chair’
MR, Aug 18
19 Bridge St, York YO1 6DA
T: 01904 633800
All our food is made from scratch so we can accommodate to most dietary requirements. Our vegan gluten free and vegetarian options are big and delicious using only best organic when possible ingredients. Our vegan cakes are not longer made with soya. We are a cafe/ restaurant.
We love the partisan on micklegate, breakfast was amazing, lots of choice and fabulous tea!!
Mumbler KMB, Jan 18
Partisan on Micklegate do a really good range of vegan cakes
Mumbler NM, Feb 18
Monday to Sunday 9am-5pm. Thursday – Saturday 6:30am to 10pm
112 Micklegate, York YO1 6JX
T: 01904 629866
Italy’s diverse cooking is the heart and soul of Piccolino. We visit the regions, meet the producers and are committed to sourcing the best quality ingredients.
‘Piccolino’s. … Used for family meals and have been fab.’
SL, Jan 2018
Piccolino 18 Bridge St, York, YO1 6DA
T: 01904 521155
Our Pizza Express Italian restaurants serve delicious, freshly made pizza, plus there’s a takeaway service so you can have our tasty pizza to go.
‘Pizza express the menus is great for kids.’
SF, July 2018
‘Pizza express!!! My daughter and her friends loved this when she turn 7!! They made their own pizzas to eat, including throwing the dough as high as they could, tried and tested ingredients and toppings & played party games. I dont think it was extortionate either to be honest!! Xx’
JD, Sept 2018
17 Museum St, York YO1 7DJ
T:01904 672904
10 St Sampsons Square, York YO1 8RN
T: 01904 630930
Famous for its Italian classics, from bubbling pizzas and scrumptious pasta to traditional bruschetta and classic Tiramisu, Prezzo bring you a touch of Italy to the UK!
Buon appetito!
I always found Prezzo great when Poppy was little (and now too!)
I took her there on my own one time and she was creating so much I couldn’t eat my lunch so one of the waiters came over and played with her so I could eat, safe to say they got a hefty tip from me that day xx
EP, Sept 2018
Relaxed and very welcoming. My kids love Italian. Always check their website for offers – you can often get 40% off!!!
VB Jan 19
1-3 Clifford St, York
T: 01904 624474
Vangarde Shopping Park, R4, Vangarde Retail Park
T: 01904 620041
Quality dining is no small matter. In fact, a meal with us is cause for celebration. For massive smiles and heaps of enjoyment. For making memories that are worth keeping forever. Take a seat, and get ready to celebrate. It all starts with incredible food that’s big on flavour.
‘Revolution is lovely loads of space for prams and buggy’s and what not nice changing room/disabled toilet downstairs family friendly too I always fed my daughter happily in there.’
ACH, Jan 2018
‘Revolution, great with accommodating allergies, really friendly, have colouring in stuff for the kids ect but doesn’t feel like another boring kids place with little monkeys running riot screaming.’
JR, Sept 2018
Coney Street, York YO19 9NA
T: 01904 676054
Established in 2004 in the former Francois Restaurant Bistro on Castlegate in York. It specialises in rustic French cooking in a busy, vibrant upbeat Bistro atmosphere, offering a large and varied selection of meat and fish dishes cooked traditionally, using local products.
‘Rustique is a fav and not expensive at all.’
KW, Feb 2018
‘Rustique do two courses for £15 and the meals are lovely.’
LP, Feb 2018
28 Castlegate, YO1 9RP York
T: 01904 612744
Spurriergate is open for refreshments and meet-ups Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 am to 2.30pm. We have free Friendly WiFi, a soft play area and a warm welcome. Come and meet your friends and make some new ones!
The Spurriergate Centre, St Michael’s Church, Spurriergate, York, YO1 9QR
T: 01904 629393
An independent 42 seat casual dining restaurant housed in a restored listed building on Micklegate.
Fantastic for a date night but also children are more than welcome at The Rattle Owl, producing locally soured good food for the little ones, drawn from the fresh ingredients off our a’l carte menu, and they eat for £4.50!
‘The rattle owl have a private room you can hire now and very child friendly.’
BS, Feb 2018
‘The rattle owl on Micklegate has private rooms and is lovely.’
SD, Jan 2018
104 Micklegate, York, YO1 6JX
T:01904 658658
Using the best food produce in Yorkshire with real ales, lagers, spirits and wines from around Great Britain. Adults only dining.
The whippet inn has been nice before and it’s a child free restaurant!
AO, Feb 2018
The Whippet Inn has a private dining room
AK, July 2018
15 North Street, York, YO1 6JD
T: 01904 500660
Independent Vegan Cafe
Also we love True Story (used to be and Mrs fisher) exclusively vegan now
AG June 2018
Second this, been in a couple of times with the buggy and always made welcome. On Lord mayors walk where the bile beans sign is.
ST June 2018
Afternoon tea pre-booking only
Opening Hours: 10am-5pm Tuesday to Saturday
18 Lord Mayors Walk, York,YO31 7HA
T:01904 656566
Vaqueiros Brazilian Rodizio, where you can enjoy an authentic taste of Brazil in the centre of York with an unlimited menu of the finest cuts of meats and Brazilian side dishes for one inclusive price.
‘Valquerios I think that’s how u spell it! Lovely Brazilian restaurant bring all different meats on skewers to your table & it’s cheaper through week and usually good price on cocktails 🙂 it’s on micklegate x’
BP, Feb 2018
‘Recommend Vaqueiros’
LL, May 2018
1 Micklegate, York YO1 6JG
T: 01904 622737
Japanese inspired restaurant
‘Wagamamas have a great separate vegan menu.’
RM June 18
‘Make a real effort to cater for allergies, preparing food in a separate area etc.’
JB Mar 18
77-81 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LS
T: 01904 610888
Designer Outlet, st nicholas avenue, fulford, york, YO19 4TA
T: 01904 623869
Our Italian restaurant serves tasty, authentic dishes from pizza, pasta and risotto to salads and indulgent desserts – all in a uniquely designed restaurant. Our Italian menu also includes Vegan and Vegetarian options.
Zizzi’s has a gluten free menu, lovely food and very reasonably priced!
IC, May 18
2 Lendal, York YO1 8AA
T: 01904 801717
