The best family-friendly Italian restaurants in London

There are branches of Café Murano around the capital and they are ideal destinations for an Italian family meal. Younger diners can try chicken Milanese or choose their favourite pasta shape and sauce for a custom meal. The adults can sample traditional dishes made with seasonal produce. The setting is smart and sophisticated.

Pizza is often a favourite with families so try out Pizza East. This Shoreditch restaurant is owned by Gordon Ramsay and serves pizza and other Italian recipes. Kids eat for free here and have a simple menu to choose from. The main menu features plenty of pizza, pasta, and rotisserie chicken. The venue is bright, bustling, and modern.

Hackney restaurant Lardo is a popular destination for pizza, cooked in its unique disco ball oven. Choose from a simple and seasonal menu of inventive pizzas, including veggie options. There's a kids' menu but the team can also modify dishes from the main menu to suit little ones. The space is stylish with industrial touches and outdoor tables.

Bustling restaurant Trattoria Raffaele is a popular choice for Italian cuisine in South London. This welcoming restaurant is also a hit with families. The menu features classics like antipasti, pasta, and pizza, and you can get a kid's pizza made into a shape or a face to keep things fun. Italian wine and beers are also available here.

Pastaio in Soho is a modern restaurant specialising in fresh and tasty pasta dishes. This buzzy spot has a colourful mural on the wall and has indoor and outdoor tables. The menu changes regularly but focuses on pasta with a range of sauces and ingredients. A half-portion of any dish is available if you're dining with kids.

Family-run Italian restaurant Eco serves pizza and other favourite recipes in Clapham. The space has a cool weathered look with pendant lighting and specially commissioned drawings on the walls. There's a varied menu for children and there are also after-school pizza-making masterclasses for them. The main menu includes antipasti, pasta, and breakfast and brunch at weekends.

One of London's most sought-after pasta spots, Padella is a modern venue and its small portions are ideal for small diners. Expect hand-rolled pasta with a selection of sauces and fillings, with the menu changing frequently. There's often a queue so put your name down and take the kids for a wander to work off some energy.

Friendly family-run restaurant Rossella serves authentic Italian cuisine in North London. The dining room is contemporary and atmospheric, plus there's a deli for Italian treats to take home. A range of starters are available, as well as pizza and pasta. Kids won't miss out with a simple menu that includes pizza and pasta with a choice of sauces.

Lamezia is a popular choice for Italian meals in Holloway Road. Authentic dishes are served at this charming local restaurant, with the bread, pizza dough, and pasta made in-house each day. The menu is all about Italian classics and children can enjoy a three-course meal that includes a drink.

The unique seating arrangements at The Jam make it lots of fun for visiting kids. The distinctive tiered seating means some of the tables are only accessible via ladder. There's no dedicated children's menu but many dishes come in two sizes so you can get a kid-friendly portion. The simple menu features pizza, pasta, and small plates.

Elegant Italian restaurant Fiume is located at Battersea Power Station. This stylish venue serves traditional Italian dishes and has a terrace. There's a monthly set menu plus an à la carte offering with pasta, pinsa, and dishes like lamb cutlets or stuffed aubergine. A simple two-course menu that includes a soft drink is on offer for the kids.

Diners in Crouch End can have a family meal at Nonnos Pizza. This spacious restaurant features a rustic interior as well as covered pavement tables. Traditional pizza, pasta, and main dishes like grilled salmon are available. There's a small selection of simple dishes for kids, plus they can finish off with a milkshake as a treat.

With a few locations around the city, Homeslice is ideal for families who want a pizza meal. The massive 20-inch pies are ideal for sharing, and you can get half-and-half if everyone has different tastes. A couple of simple pizzas are served by the slice – great for picky eaters. The restaurants have a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

Terra Rossa serves authentic food from Puglia. Traditional home cooking is on the menu at these friendly venues, with options like bruschetta, pasta, and pizza. The food here is inclusive, with gluten-free and vegan menus available, as well as a choice of dishes for kids. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere.

It can be hard to enjoy a nice meal while having to keep an eye out on what the kids are doing. That's why the Soho branch of Bocconcino hosts Sunday family lunches where parents can tuck in in peace while the restaurant's animation team keeps the children entertained with games, a mini disco, magic shows, and more – at no additional cost.

Vibrant contemporary restaurant Sicily serves authentic Italian dishes in a lively environment. Live jazz is on on Friday nights and there's a changing display of the owner's art collection. All are welcome, including children. Kids can have a traditional two or three-course meal whilst the adults savour pasta, pizza, or meat and fish dishes.

Neighbourhood Sicilian restaurant Don Ciccio has been open in Highgate since 2019. It's a cosy and rustic destination that makes diners feel welcome. Menus change with the seasons and include pizza, pasta, fresh salads, and meat and fish. A straightforward choice of children's meals is also on offer here, like pizza, pasta bolognese, and meatballs.

Casual Italian restaurant Spaghetti House has a presence all over London. These places have been serving simple and traditional food for decades and have a relaxed feel. Classic recipes are served and there's also a seasonal set menu. A simple and affordable two-course menu is available for children at these family-friendly eateries.