The best family-friendly restaurants in Brighton

Italians know everything about family-friendly dining, and this family-run mainstay has been feeding Brighton for generations. Pastas and pizzas are always a big hit with kids, who get their own dedicated menu, and the food is affordable enough that even bigger families won't feel the sting. Between the cosy interiors, pavement tables, and hidden rooftop terrace, it's an easy choice for any kind of meal.

Pearly Cow is a polished, contemporary eatery with a dedication to championing the region's finest, from Sussex-reared beef and Whitstable oysters to just-landed seafood. You might not think it a particularly family-friendly Brighton restaurant from that description alone, but it actually goes out of its way to cater to children. There's a special Pearly Calves set menu for 7–14-year-olds, featuring all-time favourites like homemade fish goujons, while under-7s eat free.

Riddle & Finns pairs a laidback atmosphere with a serious commitment to responsibly sourced seafood. The menu celebrates the catch of the day, from multiple oyster varieties and perfectly seared scallops to plump Scottish mussels and plenty more besides. It's a somewhat small snug venue, so you might be asked to stow your pram, but apart from that, the family-friendly Brighton restaurant will go out of its way to make everyone feel welcome.

At Kindling, prime British beef is cooked over natural charcoal, infusing each cut with a deep, smoky character. The menu is refreshingly straightforward, focusing on expertly grilled steaks, juicy burgers, and hearty beef sandwiches, all built around quality produce and careful cooking. Children get their own menu section at this family-friendly steakhouse, featuring choices like grilled halloumi, mac and cheese, or a burger.

Al Duomo has been a fixture of family-friendly dining in Brighton for over four decades, delivering traditional Italian cooking beside the Royal Pavilion. The menu covers all the classics, from pizzas and pastas to hearty meat and fish mains. There's a dedicated children's menu featuring favourites such as chicken Milanese or pizza margherita, and the contemporary dining room overlooking India Gate can accommodate groups of all sizes.

The Brighton branch of Pizza Pilgrims doesn't just serve the group's signature Neapolitan pies – it comes with its own indoor football pitch in the basement. The pitch is available both for casual use, when it works wonders for keeping the kids entertained while you wait for the food, and for private bookings, including kids' birthdays, making this one of the best restaurants for families in Brighton.

Ohso Social is a buzzy beachside hangout set right on the seafront, a stone's throw from Brighton Palace Pier. With most of its tables outside, it's made for soaking up sea air. The menu leans into easy crowd-pleasers, spanning global small plates, sharable bites, stacked burgers, and fresh seafood. Kids menus and highchairs help mealtime go smoothly.

One of the oldest Italian restaurants in Brighton is also one of its most accommodating when it comes to families with children. The Bambini menu ensures there's something for even the fussiest of eaters, while the charmingly old-school space with red-and-white chequered tablecloths has a warm, homely feel to it, so everyone can feel relaxed and at ease. The menu features all the favourites, from pastas and pizzas to proper Italian desserts.

The Bill's restaurant group is a staple of family-friendly dining across the UK – it's relaxed and uncomplicated, serving a varied range of food throughout the day, so it's always good to keep it in your back pocket for when the hanger starts creeping in. The Brighton branch offers all the Bill's favourites, including generous brunch dishes and comfort food favourites like loaded fries. There's a special menu for kids, featuring playful choices like the build-your-own-stack Pancake Parlour.

As indicated by the name, The Breakfast Club is all about the most important meal of the day. You'll find a range of breakfast and brunch favourites from around the world on the menu here, including full English breakfasts, egg dishes, breakfast burritos, and more. The lively spot is a good choice for breakfast or brunch with children, as it's very casual and features a dedicated kids' menu with smaller, more affordable portions.