Birmingham: recommended restaurants friendly to the whole family
June 11, 2025
Birmingham, the UK's second largest city, is a true paradise for families seeking a unique culinary experience. With a variety of kid-friendly restaurants, any family outing can turn into a fascinating journey through the flavors of the world. From Caribbean rhythms and flavors to authentic Indian cuisine to traditional British breakfasts, Birmingham offers countless options to satisfy even the pickiest palates of the youngest family members. Discover places where special children's menus, a friendly atmosphere and additional attractions make a family meal an unforgettable experience.
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Caribbean rhythms and Asian flavors for the whole family
A family outing to a restaurant is not just a meal - it's an adventure that can introduce the little ones to a fascinating world of diverse flavors. In Birmingham, two restaurants in particular stand out in terms of their offerings for families with children, combining exotic flavors with a friendly atmosphere.
Turtle Bay Birmingham is a true gem on the city's culinary map, transporting guests straight to the sunny Caribbean. This colorful restaurant located on John Bright Street delights not only with its decor, but above all with a menu that will appeal to both adults and children. The history of this place is fascinating - the Turtle Bay concept was born out of a passion for Caribbean culture and cuisine, and the first location opened in 2010. Today the chain has more than 40 restaurants across the UK, and the Birmingham branch is particularly popular with families.
What sets Turtle Bay apart? First of all, a special children's menu, which offers smaller portions of popular Caribbean dishes at an affordable price. Little gourmands can try milder versions of jerk chicken or Caribbean curries, while classics like chicken nuggets and pasta are also available for more conservative palates. Another unique feature is the ability to compose their own meals, which gives children a sense of control and encourages them to experiment with new flavors.
The atmosphere at Turtle Bay is another highlight - vibrant colors, reggae playing in the background and friendly staff create a space where children feel at ease. The restaurant also offers crayons and coloring books, so the little ones can engage in creative play while waiting for their meal. Interestingly, on weekends the restaurant organizes special 'Caribbean Mornings' with animation for children, during which the little ones can learn the basics of Caribbean dancing.
MyLahore Birmingham, on the other hand, is a place that takes families on a culinary journey through Pakistan and northern India. This restaurant has an unusual history - it was founded by a family who came to the UK from Lahore and decided to share the rich flavors of their homeland. Today, MyLahore is a chain of restaurants, and the Birmingham branch, opening in 2019 on Bradford Street, has quickly won the hearts of families.
What makes MyLahore the perfect place for a family meal? First of all, a special children's menu that introduces the little ones to Oriental flavors in a gentle way. Little guests can try mild curries, grilled tandoori dishes or the popular naan with various toppings. Portions are adapted to children's abilities and prices are affordable. Also unique is the 'Kids Dessert Lab' - a place where children can create their own dessert by adding various sprinkles and sauces to ice cream or cakes.
The interior of MyLahore is spacious and colorful, with comfortable booths ideal for families. The restaurant also offers chairs for the youngest children and changing tables in the bathrooms. The staff is extremely patient and helpful, which parents appreciate. An interesting fact is that MyLahore regularly holds 'Family Sundays', during which children eat for free when parents order dishes from the main menu.
Breakfast and brunches perfect for a family morning
Morning is a special time for families - a moment when everyone has energy and an appetite for new adventures. Birmingham offers two excellent places where family breakfast or brunch becomes a real pleasure, combining delicious food with a friendly atmosphere.
Grand Central Kitchen is a true Birmingham institution, located in the heart of the city on Stephenson Street, right next to New Street Station. This family-run breakfast restaurant has a fascinating history - it was established in 2015, with the opening of the renovated Grand Central shopping center, and has since become a favorite of locals and tourists. The founders, the Smith family, have focused on simplicity and quality, using local products to create traditional British breakfasts.
What makes Grand Central Kitchen the perfect place for a family morning? First of all, a special children's menu that offers smaller portions of classic breakfasts at affordable prices. Little gourmands can choose from mini versions of a full English breakfast, pancakes with various toppings or French toast. Particularly popular are 'Breakfast Smiles' - pancakes with fruit arranged in funny faces, which always bring a smile to the little ones' faces.
The interior of the restaurant is bright and airy, with large windows that let in natural light. High chairs for toddlers are available, and there are changing tables in the bathrooms. The staff is extremely family-friendly, often offering extra napkins or cutlery for children without asking. Interestingly, Grand Central Kitchen runs a 'Little Chef' program, where on select Saturdays children can participate in a simple cooking workshop, learning how to make their own breakfast.
Boston Tea Party Birmingham is another place that delights families with its breakfast and brunch offerings. This café, located on Corporation Street, is part of a chain that was founded in 1996 with a mission to create spaces that combine good coffee, delicious food and a friendly atmosphere. The name refers to a famous historical event - the Boston Tea Party of 1773 - symbolizing the rebellion against convention and the pursuit of quality.
What sets Boston Tea Party apart from other places? First of all, the approach to families with children. The café offers a special menu for the little ones, which includes classic items like scrambled eggs and toast, as well as more creative offerings, such as the 'Rainbow Breakfast' - a colorful plate with fruit, yogurt and granola. All dishes are prepared with organic and local ingredients, which is appreciated by conscious parents.
The interior of Boston Tea Party is decorated in vintage style, with comfortable couches and large tables perfect for families. In a corner of the cafe is a play area with books and toys where children can hang out while waiting for their meal. In summer, the garden is an added bonus, where families can enjoy a meal outdoors. The staff is extremely patient with children, and the menu includes special 'babyccinos' - decaffeinated drinks for the little ones to make them feel like adults.
It's interesting to note that Boston Tea Party was the first cafe chain in the UK to completely eliminate disposable cups, introducing a reusable or takeaway cup system. This is a great opportunity to show children the importance of caring for the environment. The café also holds regular 'Family Sundays', which feature art workshops for children, allowing parents to enjoy brunch in peace.
Indian flavors and British tradition for families
The family meal is a great opportunity to introduce children to new flavors and cultures. Birmingham is home to a unique restaurant that combines authentic Indian cuisine with a friendly approach to the youngest guests, creating the perfect place for a culinary adventure for the whole family.
Dishoom Birmingham is a true gem on the city's culinary map, located in a prestigious location at One Chamberlain Square. This restaurant has a fascinating history - it is inspired by the traditional Iranian cafes that once filled the streets of Mumbai. The first Dishoom opened in London in 2010, and the Birmingham branch, opening in 2020, is one of the newest in the chain. The restaurant's interior transports guests to 1940s colonial India, with distinctive ceiling fans, wooden furniture and vintage posters.
What makes Dishoom the perfect place for a family meal? First of all, the special 'Young Dishoom' children's menu, which introduces the youngest to the world of Indian flavors in an accessible way. The menu includes milder versions of classic dishes such as chicken tikka, masala and biryani, as well as more familiar options for less adventurous little eaters. Each dish on the children's menu is served with naan, rice and side dishes, creating a complete, balanced meal.
A unique element of Dishoom's offerings is the 'Family Feast' - a special tasting menu for the whole family to try a variety of dishes in split portion form. This is a great way to encourage children to experiment with new flavors without having to order full portions. Staff are happy to advise which dishes will be suitable for children and which might be too spicy.
The atmosphere at Dishoom is bustling and lively, ensuring that parents don't have to worry if their children are a bit louder than usual. The restaurant offers high chairs for toddlers, and there are changing tables in the bathrooms. Interestingly, Dishoom runs a 'Meal for a Meal' program - for every meal eaten at the restaurant, the company donates a meal to a child in need. This is a great opportunity to talk to children about values such as sharing and helping others.
Worth mentioning is Dishoom's unique approach to breakfast - the restaurant serves a fascinating combination of British and Indian breakfast traditions. Children can try naan filled with egg and bacon or a sweet omelet with cardamom. It's a great alternative to traditional breakfast places.
Comparing all the restaurants described in terms of accommodating families, each has its own unique strengths. Turtle Bay impresses with its lively Caribbean atmosphere and colorful dishes that appeal to children. MyLahore offers a gentle introduction to the world of Pakistani and Indian cuisine, with a unique 'Kids Dessert Lab'. Grand Central Kitchen and Boston Tea Party are great options for a family breakfast, with menus specifically tailored for the little ones. Dishoom, meanwhile, combines authentic Indian cuisine with a family-friendly approach.
In terms of price, Grand Central Kitchen and Boston Tea Party are the most affordable, offering breakfasts in the mid-price range. MyLahore and Turtle Bay are in the mid-price range, while Dishoom is slightly more expensive, but offers a unique culinary and cultural experience.
In terms of location, Grand Central Kitchen (by the train station) and Boston Tea Party and Dishoom (downtown) are the most central, making them easily accessible for family trips around Birmingham. Turtle Bay and MyLahore require a slightly longer walk, but are well connected to downtown.
Regardless of the restaurant you choose, Birmingham offers a wealth of culinary experiences that can become an unforgettable adventure for the whole family. Each of these places combines delicious food with a friendly atmosphere, creating a space where parents can enjoy a meal and children feel welcome and engaged.
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