Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Paris: Myths and Must-Trys

Looking for the best family-friendly restaurants in Paris? You’re in the right place!

As a Parisian mom of two, I’ve spent plenty of time exploring the city’s dining scene with kids. I know what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to enjoying meals out as a family.

In this post, I’ll share my top picks for family-friendly spots, along with practical tips to make dining with little ones a smooth and fun experience.

Let’s dive into some great options for your family trip to Paris, so you know where and what to eat with kids in Paris, and debunk a few myths along the way.

Parisian Kids and Dining: Myth vs Reality

Paris might have a reputation for its well-behaved, adventurous-eating kids, but let’s be real. Many of us deal with picky eaters who’d rather have nuggets and fries than escargot.

So, if you’re stressing about your child’s eating habits when visiting, let’s bust some way too spread myths.

Myth #1 Parisian Kids Eat Everything

There’s this idea that French kids will happily munch on anything from oysters to roasted vegetables. While they might have a slightly broader palate, it doesn’t mean they all love it.

Through school meals, kids get introduced to all sorts of foods early on and many of them easily eat strong cheeses, pâte, and raw veggies. In fact, schools here often serve salads, veggies, or lentils as starters, when the kids are starving.

So they’ll eat whatever is in front of them. Do they enjoy it? Absolutely not.

My kids eat the weirdest things at school—but they wouldn’t touch any of it at home. And I think school pushes it a bit far sometimes. When they served mussels, they landed almost 100% in the trash.

Myth #2: French Kids Are Always Well-Behaved in Restaurants

Yes, French kids don’t typically run around or scream in restaurants. But does that mean they’re calmly sitting through a 3-hour meal at a Michelin-star restaurant? Nope. You’ll rarely find families with young kids in upscale restaurants.

If you do, the kids are often kept occupied with a tablet or phone.

Most families in Paris prefer more casual spots—think brasseries, crêperies, pizzerias, and sushi places. These spots offer kids’ menus, the atmosphere is more relaxed, and no one expects perfect table manners.

So, if you’re dreaming of Michelin-star dining, maybe plan to come back another time without the kids. While some fine dining spots have kid menus, the experience is long, and the other guests won’t be too patient if you’re kids are fed up on one point.

Our favorite Family-Friendly Restaurants in Paris

That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy good food as a family in Paris. There are plenty of places where both you and your kids will be happy.

And I am not talking about the popular fast food joints that you find of course in Paris as well: McDonald’s, Burger King, Five Guys, and Subways.

However, they can always be a valid option when your family needs a bit of comfort food. I know mine does and when we travel, we usually have a McDonald’s or Subway at one point.

Anyway, here’s a mix of our favorite family-friendly restaurants in Paris, that don’t compromise on an authentic French experience.

#1 Crêperies: A French Classic the Kids Will Love

Crêperies are serving not only crêpes, but also galettes. Galettes are a savory version of crêpes, made from buckwheat flour rather than the white wheat flour used for sweet crêpes.

Typically, they’re filled with classic ingredients like ham, cheese, and eggs, but you’ll also find more adventurous options with smoked salmon, mushrooms, or even sausages.

Originating from Brittany, a region in northwest France, galettes are considered one of its most iconic dishes.

Crêperies are laid-back, affordable, and perfect for families. Some of our go-to crêperies are:

• La Crêperie de Josselin: Old-school and cozy, near Montparnasse (our favorite)
• Le Breizh Café: Super tasty and with quality ingredients. Many locations all over Paris
• Crêperie Parisienne Paris: right by the Louvre

#2 Brasseries: Traditional French Dining

Brasseries are the typical family-friendly restaurants in Paris and lunch spots for many Families. Known for their casual and bustling atmosphere, brasseries serve a variety of classic French dishes like Boeuf Bourguignon, Magret de Canard, or Steak Tartare.

Some brasseries have an upscale vibe, with a large choice of fresh seafood and extensive wine cards. But nevertheless, they always have a lively, busy vibe. This makes them perfect for families—if your kids get a little restless, no one will notice amid the constant come-and-go of other diners.

A few we love:

• La Coupole: very traditional and quite upscale, with lots of fresh seafood
• Au Pied de Cochon: traditional brasserie at Les Halles
• Brasserie Dubillot: classic brasserie, easygoing, accessible menu

And if your little one is still small? No need to order a full dish. Just ask for an extra plate and share.

#3 Bouillon Restaurants: Classic French Food on a Budget

For a taste of traditional French cuisine without breaking the bank, try a bouillon restaurant. Here you can sample escargots, onion soup, or beef bourguignon, while your kids stick to something simpler like chicken and fries.

Bouillon Chartier is a famous one, and it’s noisy enough that no one will notice if the children are a tad restless.

Our favorite: Bouillon Pigalle in Montmartre. We liked the food a bit better than at Chartier, and as a big plus, you can reserve a table instead of just queuing.

#4 Pizza Places: Because Sometimes, Everyone Just Wants Pizza

Even though Paris isn’t Italy, the city boasts some excellent pizzerias serving up Italian-style pizza with delicious, stone-baked dough. And sometimes, it’s just easiest to include a crowd-pleaser for comfort.

The most popular chain is the Big Mamma Group with several locations all over Paris. They are our favorites and our go-to family Pizzeria belongs to then. And seeing how hard it can be on shorter notice to get a table on the weekend, we are not alone.

For a more intimate setting, Giorgio offers a cozy vibe with authentic pizzas straight from the stone oven.

Dalmatà is another standout, known for its Neapolitan-style pizza, featuring soft, airy dough and flavorful toppings.

Our Favorites are:

• Felicitá
• Mama Shelter West
• Pizzeria Popolare
• Giorgio
• Tripletta

#5 Steak Houses: A French Family Favorite

For families looking for a relaxed meal in Paris, steak houses are a great option. One of the most popular chains is Hippopotamus. They have several locations across the city and are open all day.

They pride themselves on being child-friendly, and from my experience, they truly are. It’s also a good place to try some French classics like steak tartare or andouillette, while your kids enjoy a burger.

You can also mix and match different sauces and sides, making it easy to accommodate picky eaters. While Hippopotamus might not serve high-end French cuisine, we’ve always enjoyed the food and the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Otherwise, these ones are very popular:

• Melt
• Sacrée Fleur
• Santa Carne

#6 Food Courts: A Little Something for Everyone

Food courts are becoming a favorite for families in Paris. They’re flexible, casual, and give kids a bit more freedom, which means us parents can actually relax.

The spaces are large, with plenty of seating and a buzzing atmosphere where no one cares if your kids get a little restless. It’s a win-win: the kids can explore, and you can enjoy your meal without the usual stress of dining out.

We particularly love Ground Control. It has a great outside area, perfect for kids to roam around, plus cool indoor spaces with things like retro video games that keep them entertained.

Other good spots include:

• Felicità: Fun, lively, with tons of Italian options.
• Food Society: Busy and not cozy, but great for a quick, family-friendly meal. closed in 2026

#7 Bakeries: A French Lunchtime Staple

In Paris, bakeries (or boulangeries) are the best spot for a quick, easy lunch. The most popular choice is a simple jambon-beurre—just ham and butter on a fresh, crusty baguette. It’s delicious, no fuss, and you’ll find it in every bakery across the city.

The great thing about Paris is that there are 1360 bakeries in town, often just around the corner, so you don’t need to plan ahead. Grab your sandwich, sit in a park, and continue with your day of sightseeing—no restaurant reservations needed.

Bakeries are also lifesavers for “Maman, j’ai faim” – situations (Mom, I am hungry). Pick up a croissant, quiche, or pain au chocolat, and you’re good to go.

#8 Fun & Non-Traditional Restaurants in Paris

➲ Here’s my list of 14 Trendy & Fun Restaurants in Paris

Beyond the classic French eateries, Paris has plenty of fun, themed restaurants that offer a different spin on dining. These spots bring a playful vibe to your meal, making the experience just as entertaining as the food.

One of our family favorites is the Dernier Bar Avant la Fin du Monde. We’re a bit geeky, and this place is perfect for that. You can play board games, take a seat on the Iron Throne, enjoy a music quiz in the restroom, or sip on Star Wars-themed cocktails. It’s quirky, relaxed, and fun.

Another unique spot is the Le Café des Chats. The name says it all—while dining, you’ll be surrounded by around 10 resident cats, making it a cozy and fun experience if you like cats.

#9 Ice Cream Parlors

A few years ago, finding good ice cream in Paris was a bit of a challenge. But now, especially in the city center, there are plenty of amazing ice cream shops serving up real gelato—none of that watered-down stuff.

We particularly love Pozzetto, Café Isaka, and Glaces Moustache. Each offers rich, authentic flavors that make for the perfect treat on a warm day.

If you’re looking for something more familiar, you can’t go wrong with Amorino. This popular chain has dozens of locations around Paris and is always a reliable choice for us.

However, the most famous Parisian ice cream brand is undoubtedly Berthillon. Known for its intense flavors, you’ll find Berthillon mainly on Île Saint-Louis.

#10 Extra Tip: Picard!

Okay, this isn’t a restaurant, but it’s a tip every family visiting Paris should know.

When you’re traveling with kids, finding a lunch spot is usually easy. But convincing them to sit through a dinner in a restaurant after a long day? That’s tricky.

That’s where Picard comes in handy. If your accommodation has a microwave or small kitchen, you can grab a prepared, healthy dish from Picard and enjoy it at home.

Picard is the go-to frozen food store for most Parisians (seriously, almost everyone shops there). The meals are high-quality, with plenty of organic options, and they offer everything from healthy dishes to pizzas, international cuisine, and even French classics.

Just pick up what you need while you’re out, heat it up, and enjoy a stress-free meal back at your place.

Wrapping Up: Dining Out with Kids in Paris

Paris is a fantastic destination for a family trip, offering plenty of delicious experiences for all ages.

Whether you’re enjoying classic French food at a Bouillon, pizza at family-friendly spots or just stopping by a cozy bakery for fresh pastries, there’s something for everyone. The city’s food scene extends beyond French classics and caters easily as well for picky eaters.

Whether you’re strolling through charming streets or enjoying a meal together, Paris is a family-friendly city where simple moments turn into lasting memories.

Just skip the fine dining for now, and you’ll have a blast.