The Kids Menu: Family-Friendly Restaurants in Paris

Paris, the City of Light, is not only celebrated for its rich history and breathtaking architecture but also revered for its world-class culinary scene. With young children, however, you may feel that 95% of that culinary scene will be off limits to you.  But fear not, there are restaurants that are a) great and b) welcome children.  This post covers a few gems that will please everyone in your family.  But first, here are some ground rules:

• The restaurants must be good - no sacrificing quality for convenience 
• No tourist traps allowed - if they have pictures of the food out front, they will not be on this list!
• The restaurants must have either kids menus or food that is palatable to children

And now, the restaurants…

1. Traditional French Fare: Chez Andre

Location: 12 Rue Marbeuf (8th Arr.)

Website: https://www.chez-andre.com/
What to Expect: A traditional French restaurant with truly terrific food that also caters to the young diners in your party.

Do They Take Reservations?: Yes, on the website. This is a very popular restaurant so reservations are strongly encouraged!
For the Parents: Amazing French food, wine by the bottle, and great people watching.  You’ll definitely ‘feel’ like you are in Paris!
What the Kids Can Eat: The ‘Petites Gastronomes’ menu for children 12 and under has salmon or steak with fries.  The steak is really more like a hamburger without the bun. The meal comes with ice cream or creme brulee for dessert and a drink.

2. Sushi on the Champs-Elysees: Miss Ko

Location: 49/51 Avenue George V (8th Arr.)(Champs-Elysees)

Website: https://www.miss-ko.com/en

What to Expect: A funky and fun dining experience with good sushi and friendly service. We walked the Champs-Elysees after dinner and grabbed some macarons.

Do They Take Reservations?: Yes, on their website
For the Parents: Delicious sushi, ceviche, and bao buns.  Good cocktail menu.
What the Kids Can Eat: While Miss Ko does not have a kids menu, they have offerings that kids will like.  My picky eater loved the chicken skewers and rice. My adventurous eater loved the crunchy rice with tuna and edamame.

3. Homemade Pasta Near Trendy Canal St. Martin: Ober Mamma

Location: 107 Bd Richard-Lenoir (11th Arr.) (Canal St. Martin). There are also other restaurants with similar menus from the same restaurant group in Paris, including Pink Mamma and Mamma Primi.

Website: https://menu.bigmammagroup.com/ober
What to Expect: Homemade pasta and other Italian food in a trendy but kid-friendly restaurant.  Reservations are a must as it’s a popular place.
Do They Take Reservations: Yes, and they are strongly recommended as this place gets poppin!

For the Parents: Upscale (but reasonable) Italian food, including pasta, pizza, and meat/vegetarian dishes.
What the Kids Can Eat: The Plat Bambini is “a little portion of pasta only for the cool kids”.  The pasta can be served with butter or tomato sauce.

4. French Bistro Near the Eiffel Tower: Cafe Carmine

Location: 73 Av. de Suffren (7th Arr)

Website: https://carmine-cafe.fr/en
What to Expect: A casual French bistro steps from Champ-de-Mars (the long lawn in front of the Eiffel Tower).  There is plenty of outdoor seating which is perfect for people-watching. The servers were good with the kids. 

Do They Take Reservations?: Yes, you can make a reservation online
For the Parents: Traditional bistro fare such as escargot and duck confit, as well as pizza and salads
What the Kids Can Eat: The ‘Menu Bambino’ for children under 12 offers hamburger and fries or crispy chicken and fries.  The hamburger is actually ground beef formed into a patty, but my picky eater enjoyed it.  Each kids meal comes with ice cream or a brownie for dessert.

5. Brunch Near the Luxembourg Gardens: Treize au Jardin

Location: 5 Rue de Médicis (6th Arr.)(Across from Luxembourg Gardens)

Website: https://treizeaujardin.com/en

What to Expect: A cozy “tea house” offering up solid “southern style” brunch options (think fried chicken and smoked sausage).  We hit this place up before heading across the street to Luxembourg gardens to sail some boats!

Do They Take Reservations?: Yes, on their website
For the Parents: Seasonal quiches, salads, and ‘southern plates’
What the Kids Can Eat: The menu has pancakes and scrambled eggs

Conclusion

Paris's culinary landscape can be intimidating, but there are good options for families. Please let us know if you have visited these restaurants or if you have any others we should consider adding.  Bon appétit!