Take a break from cooking and get the kids out of the house with one of these child-friendly options …
It feels like five minutes since the back to school madness was in full swing, but as is always the case, blink and all of a sudden it’s the Halloween break with all the mayhem that school holidays entail. If an outing to break up the week beckons, these restaurants will not only welcome little ones, but feed them well in the process. Grown ups will also be sated and happy too so all in all, it’s a win win.
Aniar and Cava Bodega, Galway
In Galway, chef proprietor JP McMahon is a true advocate of Irish food and children are encouraged at his restaurants rather than simply tolerated, as can often be the case. At the one Michelin star Aniar, the children’s tasting menu consists of five courses and is priced at €65 making it the perfect foray into the world of fine dining for junior gourmands. The tapas menu at Cava Bodega with its selection of fritters, croquettes, meatballs and skewers is also perfect for little fingers to navigate. www.cavarestaurant.ie / www.aniarrestaurant.ie
Sprezzatura, various locations, Dublin
Children love pasta, of that I am sure and Dublin’s Sprezzatura does pasta as it should be. With locations on Camden Street and in Rathmines, the menu is concise but includes all the heavy hitters in the pasta realm. Bucatini with tomato and basil is inoffensive enough to please the pickiest of eaters while meatballs and cacio e pepe are also solid choices. Junior umami aficionados will enjoy the tagliatelle with mushroom and Cashel blue cheese. www.sprezzatura.ie
Overends Kitchen, Dundrum, Dublin 16
If the children, or indeed the child in you, is partial to a Jersey milk ice-cream sundae (and let’s be honest, who isn’t) then Overends Kitchen at Airfield Estate is where you need to go. A family first restaurant, brunch at Overends is idyllic for parents and children alike with plenty of activities for all the family. The kids menu has a few options to keep little ones happy while the main menu ensures adults are well catered for too. The menu is centred on the weekly harvest and produce from the garden and farm teams in Airfield Estate and over Halloween, check out the Nocturnal Habitat Trail, a self-guided exploration of the many night time residents on the estate. www.airfield.ie
Pala Pizza, Foxrock, Dublin 18
One of the most talked about pivots of 2022 was the closure of Bistro One in Foxrock and the opening of Pala Pizza in its place. A more casual affair, the menu at Pala Pizza is a dream with a selection of antipasti, filled focaccias, pizza by the slice (bianco or rosso), suppli, pasta and grills. Wine is available by the glass, carafe or bottle, something I love to see and for dessert, there is classic tiramisu or the deep fried apple calzone which is reminiscent of a McDonald’s apple pie, in the best possible way. www.palapizza18.com
Samhain Food Festival, Kells, Co Meath
Running from November 3 – 6, the family friendly Samhain Food Festival in Kells, Co Meath celebrates the coming together of 5,000 years of Irish food and culture. Expect helpful cookery demos from the Gastro Gays and Darina Allen to name but a few, live podcasts, a long table seasonal supper, kids’ cookery classes, cheese and beer pairings from Sheridans Cheesemongers, farm tours, a ‘turkey walk and talk’, farmers markets and lots more. If this event doesn’t induce an early night, and a sound sleep, all hope might well be lost. www.boynevalleyflavours.ie
And finally …
The Press Up Group are famously hospitable to young diners with children’s menus, helpful staff and venues that are overtly buggy friendly; www.pressup.ie.