The Art of Eating Out in Paris with Young Kids

Let’s be honest: the phrase “dining out in Paris with children” strikes fear into the hearts of even the most intrepid parents. Visions of chic Parisians arching their eyebrows as your toddler launches a crayon into a mille-feuille are enough to make anyone consider a week of room service and baguettes in the hotel bathtub. But fear not, fellow family travelers. Paris, contrary to legend, is not a city exclusively for lovers, philosophers, and people with ironclad digestive systems. It can, in fact, be navigated with young children—provided you arm yourself with a little strategy, a dash of humility, and perhaps a croque monsieur or two.

1. Know Thy Enemy: The Parisian Restaurant Hierarchy

The Parisian dining scene is a labyrinth, and not all eateries are created equal for families. If you’re hoping to avoid a three-hour tasting menu with a side of existential dread (and a meltdown), steer clear of formal restaurants unless your child is a culinary prodigy or has the patience of a saint. Instead, seek out cafés, brasseries, and bistros—those casual, bustling establishments where the din of conversation will drown out the occasional shriek, and the menu features crowd-pleasers li

ke steak frites, roast chicken, and the ever-reliable croque monsieur.

Insider tip: Arrive early for lunch, ideally before 12:30, to snag a table and avoid the peak-hour chaos that makes musical chairs look like a Zen retreat.

2. The Myth of the Kids’ Menu

Unlike in the U.S., where a kids’ menu is as ubiquitous as ketchup, Parisian restaurants tend to expect children to eat like small, slightly messier adults. Don’t be alarmed if you’re handed a single menu for the entire table. Many places are happy to whip up a child-friendly plate - think chicken nuggets and fries, or a simple pasta - if you ask nicely (and preferably in your best apologetic French accent). For the grilled cheese aficionado in your party, the croque monsieur is your new best friend, and “steak haché” (a hamburger patty, minus the bun) is a safe bet for picky eaters.

3. Seek Out the Kid-Friendly Havens

Paris has seen a quiet revolution in recent years: the rise of the kid-friendly café. These are not the sticky, plastic-chaired play zones of your nightmares, but stylish, welcoming spaces where children are not just tolerated, but positively encouraged to exist. Many offer play areas, high chairs, changing tables, and menus designed with young palates in mind. Some favorites:

• Space 12 (15th arr.): Gated play area, stroller parking, and coffee for the grown-ups. Civilization at last.

• Bambin (20th arr.): Play corner, stroller cupboard, and a menu that pleases both toddlers and their sleep-deprived parents.

• Ernestine Café (18th arr.): Children’s menu, glassed-in playroom, and regular workshops—Montmartre never looked so approachable.

• Petite Forêt (8th arr.): Yoga room, play area, and healthy homemade fare for the whole family.

  
  

4. Snacks: Your Secret Weapon

No matter how charming the setting, Parisian service is an unhurried affair. Bring snacks—lots of snacks. A well-timed granola bar can be the difference between a leisurely meal and a full-scale mutiny.

5. Embrace the Ritual

In Paris, even toddlers are expected to partake in the ritual of a well-prepared meal. This isn’t just about sustenance - it’s about raising tiny food lovers, one bite of sole meunière at a time3. Don’t be afraid to let your kids try something new. You might be surprised when your four-year-old develops a taste for tagliatelle or sea bass tempura (or, more likely, just eats the fries and declares victory).

6. Lower Your Expectations (and Your Volume)

Despite the city’s reputation for culinary perfection, remember: nobody expects your child to debate the merits of Camembert versus Comté. If all else fails, there’s always the crêpe stand on the corner. And if your little one does end up rolling on the floor mid-meal, take solace in the knowledge that even Parisian parents have been there (and probably have the wine stains to prove it).