Going out to dinner with young children can often be tricky, and especially so whilst traveling in a different country and culture. Dining, and meals in general, are considered sacred to the French. Some foreign visitors to Paris, especially Anglo-saxons, may find traditional French cafes and restaurants the polar opposite of kid-friendly. Unfortunately many restaurants in Paris do not have high chairs and do not propose menus for children, so it is always a good idea important to do some research and extra planning before going out to eat as a family in the city. Luckily there are several family friendly cafes and special spots in Paris which will make a meal time with kids much more enjoyable! Children deserve to enjoy their visit to Paris and taste excellent French cuisine just as much as their parents do, so here are ten of our favorite places to eat in Paris for families:
1 – Petit Foret
Located just a short walk from the lovely Parc Monceau in the 8th arrondissement (where kids will love the playground and carrousel) is the Petit Foret, a kid friendly cafe created by Moms for Moms. This concept cafe has a play area for kids, a space for yoga classes, stroller parking and baby/toddler friendly bathrooms. Their organic menu is healthy and they offer juices, cakes and cookies.
> 10 Rue Laure Diebold, Paris 8
2 – Ground Control
Behind the Gare de Lyon train station you will find a former railway station hall which has been transformed into a community space that is perfect for families. Outside at Ground Control you’ll find several different food trucks, or even food buses, and plenty of space to eat on its large terrasses. Inside you will find many restaurant stands. Aside from boutiques, Ground Control also has concerts, yoga classes, kids art workshops and they even have a pinball room!
> Gare de Lyon, 81 Rue du Charolais Paris 12
3 – Maison Fika
A very short train ride from Paris St. Lazare train station, you’ll find Maison Fika in the suburb of Asnieres-sur-Seine. This Swedish concept store has a great cafe designed for parents and kids. There’s plenty of room for high chairs and strollers. Kids will love the little playhouse filled with toys for them to discover while you can enjoy one of their signature Swedish pastries. Maison Fika also offers baking workshops for kids including madeleines, cake pops, unicorn cupcakes and eclairs!
> 55bis Grand Rue Charles de Gaulle, Asnières-sur-Seine
4 – Angelina
A classic Parisian tea salon, Angelina is famous for its pastries, but perhaps most of all, Angelina is known for its hot chocolate which is sure to please kids. In Paris, you’ll find the original Angelina tea salon on the Rue de Rivoli, right across from the Tuileries Gardens. There is also a smaller Angelina cafe located adjacent to the Luxembourg Gardens. If you are visiting the Louvre with your family, there is an Angelina in the museum’s Richelieu Wing. This is a great option for a break during your museum visit. You’ll also find two Angelina cafes within the Domaine of Versailles (one of which is located in Marie Antoinette’s Petit Trianon).
> 226 Rue du Rivoli, Paris 1
>19 Rue du Vaugirard, Paris 6
5 – Breizh Cafe
With nine locations in Paris, including Le Marais and Saint-Germain-des Pres neighborhoods, Breizh Cafe offers a taste of Brittany with its amazing crepes. Simple yet delicious, you can enjoy a savory crepe for your lunch or dinner followed by one of Breizh’s sweet crepes for dessert. Crepes are always a hit among children, and parents alike.
>1 Rue de l’Odeon, Paris 6
>109 Rue Vieille du Temple, Paris 3
6 – La REcyclerie
Located in a former train station, La REcylcerie is dedicated to being environmentally responsible. With plenty of space , this unique industrial style cafe has its own an urban farm, henhouse and beehive where kids will be able to learn about sustainability and the environment.
> 83 Bd Ornano, Paris 18
7 – Le Train Bleu
An iconic Parisian restaurant located within the Gare de Lyon train station, Le Train Bleu has been around since 1900 when it was inaugurated for the 1900 Exposition Universelle. Kids (and parents) will be amazed by the majestic Belle Epoque decoration of the restaurant. And unlike many traditional Parisian restaurants, Le Train Bleu has a children’s menu!
> Gare de Lyon, Place Louis-Armand, Paris 12
8 – Ernestine Café
The Ernestine Coffee shop is located in the 18th arrondissement, just behind Montmartre. Here you’ll find a kid-friendly coffee shop that has homemade cookies and great tartines (toast with spreads), sure to be a hit with children.
>72 Rue Joseph de Maistre, Paris 18
9 – La Felicita
La Felicita is an enormous food market/restaurant located within Station F (a former railroad depot) in the 13th arrondissement. Their cafeteria is open all day and they have several bars and kitchens serving a variety of Italian food. Kids will love their pizza!
> 5 parvis Alan Turing, Paris 13
10 – French Coco
This kid friendly restaurant is located in Paris’ 15th arrondissement. Inspired by travel, French Coco’s menu has plates from all over the world. With a great outdoor terrasse and a kid’s area filled with toys, French Coco is fun for the whole family. Their kids’ menu is even called “The Unicorn and Superhero Menu”.
> 56 Rue Balard, Paris 15
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Article written by Sarah
