Eating out with a young family in Sheffield
Parents know the struggle all too well - finding somewhere everyone can eat without worrying about a bit of food on the floor, a place that caters to different tastes, comes recommended by other families, and won’t blow the budget.
Sheffield is famously family‑friendly, but parents of young children know there are certain things that make eating out so much easier.
Whether that's proper high chairs, doors wide enough for buggies, colouring or activities to keep little ones entertained, decent changing facilities, and menus with enough variety to satisfy both grown‑ups and kids.
It also helps when a venue is run by people who have young families themselves and truly understand what parents need.
So, here's a lowdown of a few tried and trusted local places in Sheffield to head for if you're visiting the city with your little rascals.
Best family friendly food spots
Cambridge Street Collective
Europe’s largest purpose-built food hall, Cambridge Street Collective is a ‘one of a kind’ foodie destination to meet, eat, and share in Sheffield. Showcasing the very best in up-and-coming food and drink talent, they house over 20 different food vendors offering exciting cuisine from around the globe.
Builder's Brew Café
Imagine a café where you get to play with LEGO® while you enjoy a drink and a bite to eat…that’s Builder's Brew Café in Sheffield.
The Broadfield
The Broadfield are passionate about food & drink and strive to bring you the best offerings in both, plus a great atmosphere to enjoy them in.
Ambulo - Millennium Gallery
An all day café for all the family, inspired by travel, culture and the best produce from near and far. We know that food and drink shouldn’t intimidate and it shouldn’t be over-complicated. It should be straight forward and enjoyed by everyone from all generations and all backgrounds.
Cutlery Works
The largest food hall in the North of England, Cutlery Works is over two floors featuring a mixture of permanent and semi-permanent unique and independent restaurants, communal dining spaces, bars and coffee roasters.
The Rhubarb Shed Café
You'll find the Rhubarb Shed on the Manor Green site where the remains of Manor Castle still (built in 1516) - a part of the city with a long history, which currently operates as a very successful social enterprise. Housed in a converted barn, this charming and incredibly friendly cafe delivers a range of delicious food from ciabattas and salads to gourmet burgers and a whole host of specials. There's vegan and gluten free options and a selection of tempting cakes to try.
The Steel Cauldron
A wizard themed cafe, full of magic, fun and frolics for all the family. Activities, games, events and parties are all a constant, and it's often full of budding magicians so book yourself a place before you go!
Sheffield Plate
Sheffield Plate is a foodhall specialising in hosting street food vendors with cuisine from around the world. It's slap bang in the middle of Orchard Square, in the centre of the city, and has a lively atmosphere across the 2 bars and 6 vendor spaces.
Ying Bakery
Ying Bakery offers authentic Chinese baked goods, including Honk Kong style home made buns, fresh cream cakes, along with a wide selection of savoury food items.
Domo
Specialising in Sardinian soul food in the heart of Little Kelham, this family run gem delivers an authentic and vast variety of dishes. A beautiful outside seating area is perfect for aperitivos in the sun.
Forge Dam Cafe
Just ten minutes’ drive from Sheffield City Centre, Forge Dam Cafe nestles in heart of the beautiful Forge Dam Park. Whether you’re looking for a flat white or a pot of tea, a salad or a bacon sandwich, a slice of cake or a burger with chips, they have something for you and your family.
Kia's Pastaria
A popular authentic Italian restaurant regularly packed with families, couples, groups and foodies coming to fill up on delicious home-cooked dishes.
The Rising Sun
This community pub is run by Abbeydale Brewery, one of the best craft and experimental breweries in the country, so you're guaranteed some excellent beer, a really warm (and dog friendly) welcome, and some top-notch grub from their kitchen too.
Dough Truck Pizza
Dough Truck Pizza are an independent, family-run Neapolitan Pizzeria. Whether you want to dine-in or takeaway, it’ll be delicious.
Dukes in the Park
With impressive views of the city skyline, Duke's is the perfect spot to grab a cosy coffee or a bite to eat while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Sheffield's Norfolk Heritage Park.
The Street Food Chef - The Canteen
With freshly prepared and great tasting burritos, tacos, quesadillas and more, this is a family run Mexican street food outlet passionate about providing a healthy fast food alternative.
The Treehouse Board Game Cafe
Sheffield's first board game cafe offers a friendly, welcoming place to eat, drink and play! With over 800 games you'll be spoilt for choice, but don't worry because their expert staff are on hand to make recommendations and help with the rules.
Molly's Café & Deli
An award winning deli serving up an Anglo-Polish fusion menu, Molly's house blend coffee, cakes & event catering.
The Cross Scythes, Totley
Your local pub and dining venue at the gateway to the Peaks. The Cross Scythes opened as a pub in 1818 by Samuel Hopkinson, a local farmer and scythe maker. Today the pub continues to support local farmers, brewers and fresh produce suppliers.
The Norfolk Arms
The Norfolk Arms sits right at the edge of the city with great views, making it a popular place for walkers and bikers in and around the Peak District (and runners, as it's the turning point at the top of the half marathon route!).
Endcliffe Park Cafe
With a full traditional menu including hearty breakfasts, daily specials and a variety of vegetarian options, this is a lovely place for friends and family to meet, and is popular with walkers on their way around the surrounding parkland.
