In Paris, dining out with children isn’t just accommodated—it’s embraced. Unlike in some cultures where kid-friendly dining means crayons and a separate menu, in France, little ones are welcomed at the same table as adults, expected to partake in the ritual of a well-prepared meal. Even in MICHELIN-Starred establishments, it’s not uncommon to spot a toddler savoring a bite of sole meunière or a young gourmand carefully twirling tagliatelle. Although some restaurants do offer kids' menus, family-friendly doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality; rather, it’s about finding spots where good food and a relaxed atmosphere go hand in hand.
Many beloved bistros, from airy brasseries with bustling terraces to cozy hideaways tucked in quiet corners of the city, naturally cater to multi-generational tables. Sundays and Mondays, when chefs take a well-earned break, it’s not unusual to see them dining out with their own children, tucking into classic dishes at their neighborhood favorites. For traveling families, that’s a welcome reassurance: no need to forgo a bucket-list meal—just pull up another chair.
1. Les Enfants Rouges, the Marais
Why it's good for kids: Flavors hailing from France to Japan (and a kids' menu, just in case). Price: €€€
There’s a love affair between French and Japanese cuisine, or at least a mutual affection for precision, presentation, and impeccable-quality ingredients. At Les Enfants Rouges, parents can introduce their kids to the beauty of melding influences from two revered culinary traditions, with dishes like St-Jean-de-Luz sea bass tempura with a dill “dashi” broth, seaweed oil, and roasted radicchio. For picky eaters, the kitchen is happy to whip up a special plate for children: chicken nuggets with fries, a dish that sounds infinitely chicer in French: Nuggets de volaille avec des frites. 9 rue de Beauce, Paris, 75003
2. Lao Siam, Belleville
Why it's good for kids: Laid-back and fuss-free. Price: €€Lao Siam is always a vibe. Come dinner time, you’ll regularly see restaurant industry folks queuing for the Thai Laotian house specials that haven’t changed for four decades, like keng khiao wan (green curry with Thai eggplants and a choice of protein) or their famed Auvergne pork ribs with minced garlic and green pepper. At this MICHELIN-vetted spot, you won’t hear silverware scratching the plates. Bustling and spacious, it’s the perfect ambiance for kids. And the neighborhood has plenty to offer—to see, do, and taste—when the meal is over. 49 rue de Belleville, Paris, 75019
3. Kodawari Ramen (Yokochō), Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Why it's good for kids: A fun, immersive glimpse of Tokyo. Price: €€ Kodawari is a must-visit for umami (one of the five basic tastes in Japan, alongside sweet, sour, salty, and bitter; a savory, meaty, or brothy taste) lovers and their kids, ladling out sophisticated takes on the classic Japanese noodle soup. The petite, lively ramen joint evokes the energy of historic Tokyo, with suspended paper lanterns and house-made ramen served in aromatic broths. The specialty is kurugoma ramen, featuring a secret black sesame seed sauce and pata negra pork. It’s a popular spot, often with long lines, but you can join the virtual queue through their website and explore the 6th arrondissement while you wait. 29 rue Mazarine, Paris, 75006
4. Liza, Jardin du Palais Royal
Why it's good for kids: Handy mezze portions for little (and big) appetites. Price: €€Liza was a pioneer of Lebanese cuisine in Paris, and it remains as vibrant and popular as ever. With its colorful, maximalist decor, the restaurant transports diners to Beirut. Loc ated in the 2nd arrondissement, it's close to key tourist attractions like the Palais Royal Gardens, the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, and the Bourse de Commerce — Pinault Collection. For kids, Liza offers mezze dishes like velvety hummus with tahini and crispy falafel with pickles, plus plenty of easy finger foods such as chicken and beef brochettes or tacos filled with shawarma-style marinated Angus beef. 14 rue de la Banque, Paris, 75002
5. Ritz Paris Afternoon Tea, Place Vendôme
Why it's good for kids: A chic, sweet spread of finger bites. Price: €€€Le goûter à la française (loosely, French tea time) at the Salon Proust is a true Eloise in Paris experience—Eloise, the mischievous six-year-old who famously calls a Paris hotel home in the well-known childrens' story. In the elegant Belle Époque space, pastry chef François Perret’s tea time menu includes decadent “Babas”—little cakes traditionally soaked in syrup or rum. Chocolate lovers will love the Baba Choco, steeped in Panamanian dark chocolate and served with vanilla cream hand-whipped to ethereal lightness. The spread also includes artful tarts and cakes, a flute of non-alcoholic sparkling wine, and, of course, a selection of loose-leaf teas. Tea time at the Ritz is an unforgettable special-occasion splurge (though if you’re looking for Chef Perret’s delicious delicacies without the pomp, head to the Ritz Paris Le Comptoir pastry counter, open all day). 15 place Vendôme, Paris, 75001
6. Brasserie Lutetia, Left Bank
Why it's good for kids: Relaxed and welcoming with cozy banquettes to slide around on. Price: €€€
A Left-Bank institution, Brasserie Lutetia caters to the fashion set and families alike. Basking in the glamor of its namesake hotel, the brasserie serves refined French staples (think Sole Meunière, steak tartare, French onion soup, and sides of fries) crafted by Chef Patrick Charvet, who honed his skills alongside culinary legends like Daniel Boulud in New York, Michel Troisgros in Tokyo, and Pierre Gagnaire in Hong Kong. The plush banquette seating makes it easy to settle in with little ones. The bustling brasserie atmosphere ensures you’ll feel relaxed dining with kids in tow—and maybe spot a celeb while you’re at it. 45 boulevard Raspail, Paris, 75006
7. Loulou, Tuileries Gardens
Why it's good for kids: Gardens to run around in with Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum vistas. Price: €€€ Loulou’s summer setup, a terrace in the courtyard of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, is a Parisian dream. Kids have space to stretch their legs while taking in the vistas—the lush Tuileries, the Louvre Museum, and more. It’s chic but relaxed, with a Mediterranean-inspired menu to satisfy both little and big appetites—dishes like spaghetti al pomodoro, pizza with mortadella and stracciatella, and fried calamari. 107 rue Rivoli, Paris, 75001
8. Cucina Mutualité, Latin Quarter
Why it's good for kids: Easy picky bits and pasta. Price: €€The decor at Cucina Mutualité is fun, bold, and Italian—from the monumental Catherine de Medici portrait to knitted cured meats and sausages by Yuki & Daughters, dangling above the bar. The menu is from Alain Ducasse. Need we say more? This easy-going 5th arrondissement Italian spot is perfect for a fuss-free meal with kids. Pasta dishes and pizzas are simple and satisfying, and the cozy banquettes make it easy to gather around la table. 20 rue Saint-Victor, Paris, 75005
9. Brasserie l'Emil, Opera
Why it's good for kids: Fashionably early opening times. Price: €€
This brasserie, within the chic boutique hotel Château Voltaire, from French highstreet retailer Zadig & Voltaire co-founder Thierry Gillier, is a stylish and practical option for families. In the heart of the 1st arrondissement, Emil serves brasserie classics, from frog legs and Burgundy snails to beef stew and roasted chicken with veggies. In case of emergency (that is, picky eaters), sides are always a safe choice: buttery mashed potatoes, ratatouille, and Château Voltaire’s signature crispy French fries. With continuous service from 12 pm to 10:30 pm (Monday to Saturday), families can pop in for an early dinner and beat the evening rush. 55-57 rue Saint-Roch, Paris, 75001
Hero Image: ©Cucina Mutualité
