It’s a question you’ve probably asked and been asked many times: Where is a good place to eat out with the kids?
Our dedicated section should tell you all you need to know, from baby changing facilities to kids’ menus.
The great thing is, many have been reviewed by other parents, so you can find out just how welcome your exuberant toddlers will be! Here are some snippets, but please head to the eating out section for a second helping:
The Beijing Restaurant, Guildford
Penster says: “With only one proper Chinese in Guildford these days, I was pleased to discover this new restaurant.
”The staff were friendly and we went for the Sunday buffet where you ordered as much as you liked from the menu for a set price, but you had to eat it all!
”They even charged us half the child's price for our two-year-old, who didn't eat so much.”
Mgcmum says: “Formulaic, of course, but we ate here and I thought it was excellent. The service was some of the best I've experienced in a long time - four kids in tow and the waiter didn't once look perplexed by the spilt drinks/demands for teaspoons/changes of ice cream flavour! We will definitely be going back.”
Cectai says: “This is a family run restaurant, which does small portions instead of a kids’ menu.
”The owner has children herself, so she is very good with children.
”They have got bottles of the different pasta choices, and my daughter loves picking which one she will have each visit.”
Maria says: “My boys love eating in Giraffe, in fact we often use it as a reward for exceptionally good behaviour. Due to the fact that it is child friendly, it is also enjoyable for us. The staff are understanding of children and the menus healthy and tasty.
“The food arrives promptly and all the children’s mats have activities to do on them.”
Lilypad adds: “My seven-year-old loves eating here. He has quite a collection of different coloured plastic giraffes from each visit. Staff there are very good with the kids. If you register with them online, you get emailed some very good offers which saves money on your bill.”
Sheila says: “We go here mostly on Sundays for breakfast with our two little ones aged six and nine. The girls love the sunny side up eggs with chunky bread.
“The staff are happy to cater for your little ones. My husband and I always have the omelette. They used to do great kids milkshakes too. Somehow they stopped doing them. A shame as the girls loved them.”
Oisi Japanese Restaurant, West Byfleet
Cectai: says: “We have visited Oisi both lunch and evening with the little one. The food is excellent, and they are good with kids.
“For lunch, they have got a special lunch menu thus probably more economical. My daughter's favourite is tempura prawns and noodles.”
Sheila says: “The children's menu offers a selection of foods that most children enjoy. Garlic bread with cheese or without, pizzas and at least three pasta dishes plus chicken wings, so even the fussiest of eaters should find something to their taste.
"The adult menu is lovely too. It now offers meals with lower calories too. The food is still seasoned well and tastes great. If you register with them, they will send out fantastic offers all the time.”
Shahanaz Indian Cuisine, Haslemere
Adele says: “We've been going here for a few years and have often gone in a large family group with grandparents in tow.
"The staff are very friendly and attentive. The menu is broad and it accommodates most tastes. I feel very happy to take children here as the staff make them so welcome.
"It opens early, so you can sit down at about 6pm and get the children out and home in time for bed.”
Cafes
Maria says: “The staff are brilliant and very helpful. There are plenty of clean high chairs and a good selection of kid friendly food including beans on toast, which is always a winner in our house!
Cectai adds: “I used to visit there weekly with other mums of my postnatal group. The big undercover area is great if you need to fit 8+ buggies.
The staff seem to be very used to mums with babies, and always help to carry trays.”
Jess says: “This is such a lovely cafe and a real welcome addition to Guildford's cafe society; yummy food and amazing cupcakes on offer. Quite a diddy cafe though so might be more suited to a visit with older children due to lack of buggy space or (even better!) no children at all! Perfect for some peace and quite, we all need that sometimes!”
GuestyGirl says: “Such a lovely place to chill out with your child/children - bright, spacious and clean with fantastic facilities. So much on offer for the mums and the children alike with a fabulous treatment room as well as various workshops and playtime choices.”
Aplummer says: “A really happy place with friendly staff and a proper chef. Home cooked food in massive quantities. I had six different sorts of fresh veg with my Sunday roast. Nice big car park and garden where kids can play. Even our dog was welcomed here. What a find! Highly recommended.”
Brownbears says: “We cycled form Cranleigh to Bramley along the old railway line and stopped off for lunch and coffee here after reading about it on Surrey Mummy! Would not have known about this otherwise!
”They have a very extensive menu, kiddies’ lunch boxes and kids’ hot menu and everything is made fresh to order.
"Bikes can be safely stored in the garden, ask for the key at the front desk. We spent a relaxing hour enjoying lunch in the sunshine in the garden and resting before setting back down the cycle path for Cranleigh.”
Purely Hopeful says: “I have been to the Dabbling Duck a couple of times and it is charming. Right in the centre of the village, it is situated next to a little stream which is full of ducks a-dabbling. The cakes are delicious and the service is family orientated and very friendly.
“Shabby chic interior and lots of interesting accessories for sale as well as artisan food to take home and enjoy. The menu is reasonably priced and with lots of choice - cakes, breakfasts, lunches and so much more. Highly recommend.”
Sjr42 says: “This is one of the best cafes around. We've been there every week since it opened and despite it getting busier (as the word spreads) the service and food remains great. The choice and quality of food for kids is fantastic. They always provide a very personal welcome and you feel at home as soon as you walk in.
We always combine a visit here with a trip to Gomshall playground, which our kids love.”
Pubs with gardens
Joannemcgowan says: “We really like the Percy Arms. It has a great kids’ menu and carvery on a Sunday. Lovely garden with kids’ playground too and convenient for a walk in the Gunpowder woods and St Martha's.”
The Three Horseshoes Pub, Thursley
Penster says: “This pub is a lovely country pub with a good sized garden and play structure.
”The food is absolutely delicious, but the prices are quite steep, this is the only reason I haven't given it five stars.
Ruth says: “Beautiful decor and lovely relaxed atmosphere. Lots of families. Yummy children's menu. Lovely walled garden/outside seating, which the children loved exploring.
“I happened to notice their baby changing room - it has to be the nicest public changing room I have ever seen in my life!!
“There is a good playground opposite and the National Trust properties of Clandon and Hatchlands are a stone’s throw away. It also looks like a lovely place to visit in the evening sans les enfants!”
Bon Appétit!
Please note that we have featured those eateries who have reviews on the website. We would LOVE to have more reviews on the website so please do join in with your views. We would also like to know about other child-friendly eateries in other areas of Surrey and will happily add them to our listings. Please do get in touch.